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.
