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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) acknowledges and welcome’s the People’s Republic of China’s announcement to declare Kiribati as a tourism destination for Chinese citizens.

This announcement comes following the historic state visit to China by Kiribati President, Hon Taneti Maamau.

The Approved Destination Status (ADS) is the arrangement between the Chinese Government and the Government of Kiribati to let Chinese holiday travelers visit Kiribati in a tour group. The ADS, therefore, give the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) the permission to promote Kiribati as a holiday destination in China and presents Kiribati with the opportunity to grow tourism accordingly.

The China Outbound Tourism market continues to enjoy year on year growth recording 63.1 million international outbound trips in 2019. Such growth is fueled by the increase in disposable personal income, waiving of visa requirements into selected countries and the growing desire by Chinese nationals to travel the world. The Chinese outbound market also spends generously, and forecasts indicate global Chinese tourism spending to exceed US$163 Billion by 2024.

As a small Pacific island destination, TAK is optimistic that with adequate tourism infrastructure development, the Chinese visitor market can drive tourism revenue growth and create new employment opportunities for Kiribati.

Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) Chief Executive Officer, Petero Manufolau says that “growth from China market will be based on a sustainable low volume, high-value holiday experience promoting the unique cultures, diverse marine life, the laid-back lifestyle in the islands and its people”.

Manufolau adds that Air Kiribati’s new Embraer E190 jets which are scheduled to commence international services from March 2020 will also play an important role in helping facilitate the growth of its China international visitor market.

To prepare the destination for the Chinese market, TAK has commenced discussions and work on the adoption of a national China-Ready training program, tourism investment opportunities portfolio, Chinese tour operator product training and destination marketing initiatives to raise awareness of Kiribati in China.

Passenger experiences at Tarawa International Airport has been enhanced with the opening of 2 new outlets in the terminal building.

Departing passengers can now enjoy freshly brewed coffee and other refreshments with their families before they proceed to immigration and security clearance.

In the departure lounge, a wider beverage selection with freshly baked muffins and cookies is available at Colorz Air for passengers who wish to enjoy a light meal before boarding their flight.

The village of Reina on the island of Abemama, located South East of Tarawa has set a target to enhance their livelihoods through tourism by developing cultural products and experiences for international visitors.

In collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Kiribati, they have developed a 5 and 3 days cultural holiday package that promotes the use of cultural skills to demonstrate how to preserve the local food, touring of the bwabwai (pronounced “papai”) pit known as the “giant swamp taro” – agritourism, cutting of toddy, mantis shrimp fishing and performing the Kiribati traditional dance. 

A sample of this product was showcased to TAK Product Development Officer, Ms. Kiarake Karuaki and visiting government officials who were part of the LDCF-I project team that visited Abemama from 25 October – 04 November 2019.

TAK also facilitated the production of a video documentary on the Reina cultural package and will share this with other pilot islands and other island communities who wish to learn how to create value using their cultural way of living.

The package includes return domestic flights from Tarawa with Air Kiribati and accommodation at the Abemama Eco Green Hotel with all meals included.

TAK was also part of the team that assisted the community in developing their bylaw for a sustainable community-based tourism. The bylaw is now in draft and will be endorsed after consultation with the island council in mid-December.

Mr Martin Tekeewaa – the President of Reina village mentioned that the bylaw will guide the village work accordingly to the set of guidelines and rules agreed to ensure the sustainability of their small-scale tourism business (cultural tour program).

This initiative was supported by the LDCF-I project, the Global Environment Facility and UNDP and the Environment and Conservation Division MELAD.