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The Australian Government launched its $4.5million funding assistance in 2019 on the E-commerce Aid for Trade through its Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for Pacific Island Countries.  Kiribati through the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives (MCIC) received AUD $483,980.00 of financial support from the Government of Australia to implement the project of “Strengthening stakeholder engagement in E-Commerce in Kiribati”

The project has three components which are: promotion of digital business operations; website redesign of the Kiribati Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and the Establishment of National Online Marketplace/App.

The project’s duration is for a one-year period, starting from September 2020 and ending in September 2021.  The project is being implemented by the MCIC in close collaboration with important stakeholders like the KCCI and others, with guidance from DT Global, the Technical Working Group and the national Trade Advisory Committee (NTAC) as the Project Steering Committee.

The project’s outputs will create more jobs, reduce inequality by generating income for Outer Island Communities, increasing economic opportunities for the Private Sector or the Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to participate in the Digital Economy and overcome market barriers and to connect businesses with consumers and vise-versa.  The project is also expected to change the perception of Internet use to a more profitable venture not only for the business community but the public at large.

On behalf of the Government of Kiribati, Minister for Commerce, Industries and Cooperatives, Honorable Minister Bootii Nauan conveyed his sincerest gratitude to the Government and the People of Australia for supporting the ‘steppingstone’ for Kiribati in transitioning towards digital business operations.

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) participated in the UNWTO hybrid Workshop on Sustainable Tourism Product Development in the Pacific Islands as a key virtual presenter for Pacific Small Island States on Wednesday 31^st March 2021.

The event was hosted at Holiday Inn Suva, Fiji, and participants included government and national tourism office officials, development partners, academics, and tourism private sector representatives from around the Pacific and Asia.

The workshop was designed to support and advance the development of sustainable tourism products in the Pacific Islands. It also encouraged the exchange of good practices in sustainable tourism development between Pacific Islands and pioneer countries and promoted and disseminated the findings of the UNWTO/APTEC Publication on Sustainable Tourism Product Development Opportunities in the Pacific Islands.

In TAK’s presentation, CEO Petero Manufolau shared measures taken by Kiribati to incentivize the development of sustainable tourism products and strategies and progress undertaken to accelerate the development of a sustainable tourism development strategy. He also shared Kiribati’s success story on the Kiribati Plastic Tourism Waste initiative, a program which earned the destination a Creative Tourism Award in January 2021.

Staffs of TAK used the virtual workshop to familiarise themselves with post covid sustainable tourism development initiatives and best practices from the region.

TAK’s participation in the workshop is an important pathway in the development of Kiribati’s Sustainable Tourism Policy which is scheduled to commence soon.

Kiritimati (Christmas) Island in the Line Group on the Eastern part of Kiribati is better known for world class game and bone fishing with spectacular fishing flats that continue to attract fishing enthusiasts from around the world. It is also where every new day begins and leads the world in welcoming new year on every 01^st of January.

As the first to welcome each new sunrise, Kiritimati has taken that status to the new level with the construction of the islands first environmentally responsible building complex that will harness the full potential of the sun with renewable solar energy. The building was officially handed over to its owners, the Kiribati Provident Fund (KPF) on Friday 26 March 2021.

Constructed by local builder, Betty’s Construction Services, this first of a kind complex for Kiribati features 24 rental rooms, a board room, 200 pax capacity conference room, lounge bar, accommodation with an open courtyard in the center.

The 360-degree design complex features large glass wall panels that will allow for sufficient light inside the building at any time of the day thus reducing the need for extra lighting.

The building complex will primarily be solar powered with supplementary diesel power available as backup. Such a power source will mean that all the KPF offices, boardroom, conference room and lounge bar will be 100% solar powered while the rented office spaces will be 90% solar powered.

Hon Mikarite Temari, Minister for Line & Phoenix Islands Development (MLPID) received the building from Betty’s Constriction on behalf of the Minister for Finance and Economic Development (MFED), Hon Dr. Teuea Toatu, who is also minister responsible for KPF.

In the handover ceremony, Hon Temari expressed that government was very impressed with the project which was carried out during the Covid-19 border closure and provided employment opportunities for many people in Kiritimati.

The project cost AUS$7million and was funded by the Kiribati Government.

Ecotourism packages featured prominently at the recent Cultural Trade Fair held on the island of Abemama from 12 – 13 March 2021.

An initiative by the Cultural and Museum Division of Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) and in collaboration with government stakeholders, the Cultural Trade Fair showcased how the Cultural Trade Fair showcased how maintaining our traditional knowledge and skills can address food security challenges in response to the adverse impacts of climate change on the island.

Consistent with the aim of the event, the Reina village ecotourism venture showcased it’s agritourism package, including a delightful food presentation of local produce when it catered for morning tea and lunch on Day 1 of the event.

Baretoa village, well known for their unique cultural entertainment provided guests with a unique flavour of Abemama through traditional songs and dance.

Mrs. Teitirua, the Island Development Officer (IDO), stated that “the two villages are very fortunate to have this opportunity as it enables them to showcase and promote what they have learnt, particularly food security initiatives that enhance visitor experience.”

Other activities at the Trade Fair included the sale of local food produce and handicraft, school competitions, Mauri wear fashion show, coconut games, and cooking competition.

TAK’s participation at this event was supported by the Kiribati LDCF (Least Developed Countries Fund) – Food Security Project, funded by the Global Environment Facility under the United Nations Development Program. A project initiated under the Environment and Conservation Division of the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agricultural Developments.

The event was held at Uee n Abemama Maneaba, on Kariatebike Village and was hailed a success by the organisers and people of Abemama.

The Kiritimati (Christmas) Island Quantum Leap celebration organized by the Ministry of Line & Phoenix Islands Development (MLPID) and extension ministries and companies on the island was held on Thursday 11 March 2021 with the theme “Our collective future is our shares responsibilities”.

The event was officially opened by Minister for MLPID, Honourable Mikarite Temari on behalf of His Excellency Te Beretitenti Taneti Maamau and the Kiribati Government.

In his address, Hon Temari stressed the importance of improving customer services to the public and that Government cannot achieve its development vision if employees are not doing their work well for the future development of the nation.

The Honourable Minister added that all employees are very important to the government, where no one is left behind and that they are all important for the development of Kiribati. To emphasize his message on the need to persevere and work diligently, Hon. Temari drew comparison from the story in the Holy Bible of the Israelite’s struggle in the dessert before they reached Canaan the promised land. He stressed that employees should be sincere in their work to help accelerate developments and improvements so that Kiribati achieves its development vision as intended in the KV20.

The official opening was attended by His lordship Mayor for Kiritimati Urban Council Natua Teiti, Head of Divisions, Government employees and students.

The event also included an expo where government ministries and private organisations had the opportunity to promote their services and sell their products to the general public.

Mary’s Motel, the popular family-owned accommodation in the heart of Kiribati’s capital Bairiki has completed the renovation of 4 rooms in its old wing rooms and 1 standard room.

Hotel Manager Mr George Teanako says “the partial renovation is a touch to improve its looks and ambiance.” He added that ‘given that we do not have international visitors and that revenue has been low, any plans for major renovations will need to be delayed for a while longer and this is what we can do during this quiet time”.

In his brief, Teanako also noted that the Mary’s Motel’s aim is to offer the best value for money to both the international and domestic market and they will continue to focus on maintaining high standards in their services.

Mary’s Motel is a family-run operation and has been in business since 1990. What started as a 4 rooms and small restaurant establishment has now expanded to 15 units, fully operational restaurant, and meeting facilities for up to 15 people. Average reviews for Mary’s Motel on TripAdvisor rates the property at a 3.5 with location and service at 4 out of 5.

For more information, visit: www.marysmoteltarawa.com

The Ministry of Information Communication Transport and Tourism Development (MICTTD) hosted its 1^st National Showcase with theme ‘Sustainable Connectivity Enhances Productivity and Wealth’ on Friday, 05 March 2021 at the Bairiki Square, South Tarawa.

In his opening address, the MICTTD Minister, Honourable Tekeeua Tarati said that the main purpose of the MICTTD Day is to showcase the different services provided by his ministry and associated state-owned enterprises (SOE’s). Hon Tarati added that he hoped that through the showcase, the public will understand the important roles of the ministry plays and to utilise their services accordingly.

The event was officially opened by the President of the Republic of Kiribati, HE Taneti Maamau and was attended by a delegation of government ministers, diplomatic missions, business operators and students.

Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) used the even to raise awareness of the work it does in training and capacity building, marketing and promotion and product development. The presence of high school students at the event also gave TAK the opportunity to speak to them on career opportunities available in tourism and tertiary courses available for tourism both locally and regionally.

Reigning Miss Kiribati and Mauri Experience brand ambassador, Miss Baniti Ekeieta Semilota was also at the event to promote special deals and packages offered by accommodation providers for the domestic market.

Other exhibitors at the event included Air Kiribati, Kiribati National Shipping Line, Vodafone, and Kiribati Land Transport Authority. End

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) conducted tourism package development consultations with South Tarawa and Abatao accommodation providers on 17 & 18 February 2020.

Through its Mauri Experience promotion campaign, TAK learnt that while most South Tarawa properties offer attractive room only rates, not much is available through package and value-added offerings.

The main purpose of the consultation therefore was to discuss how TAK can assist in the development and promotion of packages that includes food & beverage and activity components. The consultations opened an opportunity for discussions on how properties can capitalise on events such as Valentine’s Day, Easter, and National Day celebrations to offer packages that included more than just a room rate.

TAK believes that inclusive packages will offer accommodation providers secured food and beverage and activities revenue and will also make their offers more appealing to its customers.

6 accommodation providers on South Tarawa were consulted including the George Hotel, Dreamers, Utirerei Motel, Eniita Lodge, Tads Guesthouse and Tabontekeeke in Abatao, North Tarawa.

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) conducted its first Mauri Mark industry consultation with selected tourism business operators in North Tarawa from 22 – 27 January 2021.

Mauri Mark is Kiribati’s National Tourism Standards Programme originally developed for accommodation providers only. This has since evolved to now include other tourism business operations including restaurants and bars, tourism leisure crafts, dive operators and an industry wide customer service program called the Mauri Way.

The program will be based on the compliance standards developed in partnership with Kiribati’s Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), Ministry of Fisheries and Marines Resources Development (MFMRD) and the Ministry of Information, Communication, Transport and Tourism Development (MICTTD) and TAK is mandated under the Tourism Act 2018 to manage this program.

The North Tarawa consultations provided the opportunity for tourism operators in North Tarawa to understand the program and begin preparing to adopt the improved standards requirements once formalized.

TAK will continue its consultations in other parts of Kiribati in the coming months.

North Tarawa’s newest tourism destination, Nemat Resort located along one of the most captivating stretches of brilliant white sandy beach on Buariki offers a unique barter program that promotes community engagement in tourism.

Since opening in December 2020, Nemat Resort has become very popular among locals and the South Tarawa expatriate community.

To encourage local community involvement, Nemat Resort developed a barter program where they offer quality imported second-hand clothes in exchange for local materials that they use to beautify the resort.  The children of Buariki community have been the most enthusiastic in this program, exchanging 5 coral flat stones for a shirt or a pair of pants depending on their preference.

The resort resourcefully uses these coral flat stones to create cobblestone-like paths and walkways throughout the premises which give Nemat Resort a tropical elegant feel.

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) agrees that this is an excellent example of how businesses can assist communities during these extraordinary times.

Nemat Resort features a selection of traditional buia and hotel room accommodation with 24 hours restaurant and bar services, conference space, and a range of non-motorized water activities.