Uncategorized – Page 2 – Kaongora Newsletter

Kiribati participates in 2023 Pacific Sustainable Tourism Leadership Summit

October 19, 2023 by Taare Rikiai

Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives (MTCIC) Secretary, Mr. Ruui Tabutoa and Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) CEO, Petero Manufolau joined industry experts, scholars, partners, and friends in Papeete, French Polynesia on 16 & 17 October 2023 for the 2nd Pacific Sustainable Tourism Leadership Summit.

The Pacific Sustainable Tourism Leadership Summit 2023 brought together changemakers, sustainable tourism leaders, and advocates for community, cultural, and environmental well-being. Participants at the summit engaged in discussions and collaborations aimed at putting sustainability into action.

French Polynesia President and Minister responsible for tourism, His Excellency Moetai Brotherson in his official address highlighted that tourism was a crucial driver of economic growth and job creation in the Pacific nations. He added that “to ensure its effectiveness, sustainability is paramount, especially in the face of pandemics, global shocks and climate change.”

In officiating the event, TAK CEO and Pacific Tourism Organisation Chairman Petero Manufolau stated that the summit theme of “Co-creating Resilient Destinations,” represented a resounding call to action, signifying an unwavering commitment to strengthening the approach to sustainable tourism in the Pacific region.

He stated that the SPTO, along with contributions from Pacific nations and various stakeholders, had set the wheels in motion with the development of the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework.

18 Pacific Island nations have publicly declared their commitment to sustainable tourism at the national level, demonstrating unity and foresight in pursuing a shared vision for sustainable tourism. Manufolau said that “this collective achievement recognizes the individual commitments made by all participants towards this vital cause.”

The 2-day event concluded with the launch of the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Standards (PTSS). These standards will lead the way for innovative national sustainability standards, setting the bar for the tourism industry. It will provide guidance to destinations like Kiribati to work towards improved sustainability in their tourism sector.

Kiribati National Tourism Office plans for Sustainable Tourism Growth

October 7, 2023 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) office in Tarawa conducted a 2-day validation workshop of their draft 2023-2026 Strategic Plan at Tabon te Keekee Eco Lodge Abatao, North Tarawa from 06-08 October 2023.

Management and staff of the organization were joined by members of the TAK Board of Directors to review and validate its updated strategic plan and priorities. The workshop focused on ensuring that the TAK strategic plan facilitates the development a sustainable tourism industry that benefits the people of Kiribati, while also protecting the nation’s natural and cultural resources.

During the validation workshop, participants discussed the proposed strategic plan priorities and provided feedback on how to ensure that they are aligned with the needs of the tourism industry and the people of Kiribati. The workshop also provided an opportunity to confirm key stakeholders and partners who will be critical to the success of the strategic plan.

TAK CEO, Petero Manufolau said that TAK is committed to developing a sustainable tourism industry that benefits every I-Kiribati and the 2023-2026 strategic plan will provide the organisation with a roadmap to achieving such a goal.

The draft strategic plan validation workshop is part of the final round of review of the organisation’s new strategic plan. The next validation workshop will be conducted with TAK’s Kiribati Island staff in mid-October
The development of TAK’s strategic plan is supported by the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative (PSDI). TAK envisages that its plan be launched in November 2023 with implementation to begin from January 2024.

Tourism Authority of Kiribati Officially Welcomes Reigning Miss Kiribati as Destination Ambassador

September 28, 2023 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) officially welcomed the reigning Miss Kiribati, Miss Moarube Teibaa as a Destination Ambassador. In this new role, Miss Kiribati will collaborate with TAK on tourism awareness, development, and promotional activities. A key focus of this partnership will be outreach to youths and encouraging their participation in all facets of tourism in Kiribati.

“We are thrilled to welcome Miss Kiribati as our new Destination Ambassador,” said Petero Manufolau, CEO of TAK. “She is a role model for young women in Kiribati, and we are confident that she will be a valuable contributor to our work to promote Kiribati as a sustainable and desirable tourism destination.”

As Destination Ambassador, Miss Kiribati will work with TAK in its tourism awareness, development, and destination promotion activities.

“I am honored to be appointed as the Tourism Authority of Kiribati’s Destination Ambassador,” said Miss Kiribati. “I am excited and look forward to working with TAK to promote our beautiful country and to encourage young people to get involved in the tourism industry.”

TAK believes that this partnership with Miss Kiribati will help to raise awareness of Kiribati as a tourism destination and to encourage more young people to participate in the industry. The organization is committed to working with Miss Kiribati to make Kiribati a more sustainable and inclusive tourism destination for all.

Tourism Authority of Kiribati Celebrates World Tourism Day 2023 with Environmentally Sustainable Commitments

September 27, 2023 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) today celebrated World Tourism Day 2023 by confirming three environmentally sustainable commitments that the organization will adopt. The commitments, which focus on solid waste management, energy conservation, and small-scale organic farming practices, are aligned with the 2023 World Tourism Day theme of “Tourism and Green Investment” and as well as the organisation’s commitment to the Glasgow Declaration.

In making these commitments, TAK aims to take action on sustainability ahead of the launch of the Kiribati Sustainable Tourism Policy and Action Plan in November. The organization believes that it is important to lead by example and demonstrate its commitment to environmental protection.

“We are excited to celebrate World Tourism Day 2023 by announcing these three environmentally sustainable commitments,” said Petero Manufolau, CEO of TAK. “We believe that tourism can be a powerful force for good, and we are committed to ensuring that our industry develops in a way that is sustainable and benefits both our people and our planet.”

TAK will implement a comprehensive organisation solid waste management plan to reduce and properly dispose of waste it generates. This will include measures to reduce waste production, increase recycling and composting rates, and improve waste collection and disposal practices.

The organisation will also implement energy efficiency measures in its Tarawa and Kiritimati Island offices. The organization will also work with its tourism partners to promote energy conservation practices.

To promote small-scale organic farming practices amongst tourism operators, TAK launched its own backyard gardening program using composting food cubes . Whilst it may be small scale, TAK believes that such initiatives, when adopted across the tourism sector has the potential to enhance visitor experiences and improve profitability for Kiribati tourism business operators.

TAK is confident that these commitments will help to make Kiribati a more sustainable tourism destination. The organization understand that it needs to lead by example and is committed to working with its partners to ensure that Kiribati becomes the future for sustainable tourism and green investment.

Bridging the Digital Divide: Kiribati Digital Marketing Training Workshop

August 31, 2023 by Taare Rikiai

Kiribati Tourism operators, government agencies, and stakeholders in Tarawa and nearby outer islands have committed to digital transformation by participating in the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) Pacific Digital Champions training program under the Digital Transformation Project (Phase 2) on 29-30 August 2023.

Workshop participants commended the 2-day digital training, recognizing its relevance to industry demands. The training was led by digital consultant Tasneem Hussain, who helped participants learn the basics of digital marketing, how to use digital tools to create and manage their online presence, including social media marketing, and content marketing.

Land & Marine Transport Agency Benaata Webb commended the two-day workshop as it highlighted the vital role of diverse social media platforms in propelling business development and encouraging more client engagement. “It’s interesting to know about the many social media platforms and the different audiences they cater to. This will definitely boost our business and help us engage with clients.”

Karianako James Media Officer from the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resource Development (MFMRD) mentioned that his key takeaway from the workshop was on search engine optimisation. “Embracing SEO is like embracing visibility, accessibility, and relevance in the digital realm. If you can grasp the dynamics of SEO you are able to unlock a space of possibilities in the interconnected web of information.”

Kiribati Institute of Technology (KIT) trainer Rosie King Kumkee stated that the workshop was an eye-opener for her, especially using digital marketing tools like artificial intelligence that could assist in writing out social media posts or other documents, however, there was a need to tread carefully on the information produced by these AI. “I learned a lot from the workshop, especially about the potential of artificial intelligence to assist with digital marketing tasks. However, I think it’s important to be aware of the limitations of AI, and to always double-check the information that it produces.”

Aligned with the SPTO Digital Strategy, the Pacific Digital Champions training program aims to empower individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the digital landscape successfully.
In acknowledging the positive feedback from participants, Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) CEO Petero Manufolau commended SPTO in facilitating the workshop across its member countries and the New Zealand Government in providing funding to host these workshops.

“We are committed to digital transformation in the tourism sector, and this training program is an important step in that journey. Participants are all eager to learn how to use digital technologies to promote their business and Kiribati as a tourism destination. This training program will help us to develop the skills and knowledge we need to use digital technologies to sustainably grow tourism in Kiribati”.

He added that “In this day and age of digital connectivity, it is important for tourism businesses, government agencies, and tertiary institutions to understand the various platforms and tools available to them. This is especially true for small island states like Kiribati. We look forward to seeing the positive impact it has on tourism and other related sectors in Kiribati.”

The activity was funded by the New Zealand Government through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (NZMFAT) and Kiribati now joins other Pacific Island destinations that have completed this training. Wave Two training will continue virtually until December 31, 2023.

TAK Welcomes New Kiritimati Island Direct Domestic Connection

August 9, 2023 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) applauds Air Kiribati and Nauru Airlines on their partnership initiative that will enhance travel connectivity within Kiribati. This collaboration will see the introduction of a weekly direct service between Tarawa and Kiritimati Island beginning on Saturday 12 August 2023.

Kiritimati Island and Tarawa serve as the primary international ports of entry in Kiribati, and are situated 3,288 km apart with an approximate flight time of 4 hours and 30 minutes. Travelling between these islands currently requires an additional international flight with a 1-night layover in Fiji. This partnership between Air Kiribati and Nauru Airlines means travellers can now easily expand their exploration across Kiribati without the need to take an additional international flight.

“We are particularly excited of the potential that this new service will offer our visitors, in particular Kiribati fishing loyalists and adventure seekers” said Petero Manufolau, CEO, Tourism Authority of Kiribati. “Fly fishing enthusiasts can now book multiple destination fishing adventures across different islands in the Line and Gilbert Islands through this new service without having to break their travel”.

The new direct domestic service will also offer travellers from North America a direct connection to Tarawa via Kiritimati Island and a similarly convenient direct connection from Australia to Kiritimati Island via Tarawa.

TAK commends Air Kiribati and Nauru Airlines for their visionary approach in establishing this direct service between Tarawa and Kiritimati and recognises that this initiative will open new avenues for travelers to experience more of Kiribati’s islands.

Renowned U.S Pro-Surfer Acknowledges Kiritimati Island’s Surfing Potential

July 31, 2023July 31, 2023 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) successfully completed a collaboration with the U.S. Department of State’s East West Center’s Outbound Exchange program, through which it received valuable assistance from Mr. Keone Downing, a renowned pro-surfer and tourism expert from Downing, Hawaii. This partnership aims to foster the growth of surfing as a niche market for Kiritimati Island.

Mr. Keone Downing, who is the son of big-wave pioneer, George Downing is a distinguished surfer with numerous national and international accolades to his name. He has wealth of experience and expertise, having won various competitions throughout his career, including victories in the Makaha International and the Quicksilver in memory of Eddie Akau big-wave contest.

During his one-week visit, Mr. Downing engaged in meetings with several hotel and tour operators who expressed keen interest in surf tourism. Together with TAK, he scouted potential surf sites around the island, charting them for further observation and assessment during the upcoming winter season (September/October and March/April).

Beyond his crucial role in identifying promising surf spots on Kiritimati Island, Mr. Downing also undertook an essential mission to impart surfing skills to the local youth. His training sessions proved immensely valuable as he coached young boys and girls on the fundamentals of surfing. Furthermore, the young surfers were left elated by the generous donation of five surfboards and three bodyboards, a generous contribution made possible by the U.S. Department of State through the East West Center’s Exchange program.

The East West Center’s Outbound Exchange program represents the final component of the U.S. funded East West Center administered Pacific Islands Tourism Professional Fellows Program. Designed as a professional development exchange, the program promotes knowledge exchange and cultural understanding between tourism professionals in the Pacific Islands and the United States, while also nurturing long-lasting people-to-people bonds.

TAK expresses gratitude to the U.S. Department of State, the East West Center, and Mr. Keone Downing for their invaluable support and commitment to promoting surf tourism on Kiritimati Island.

TAK contributes to Kiribati Digital Strategy Consultation

July 27, 2023 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) recently participated in the Consultation Workshop on the development of the Kiribati Digital Strategy. Organized by the Digital Transformation Office (DTO) of the Ministry of Information, Communications, and Transport (MICT) in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), this two-day workshop focused on crucial policy aspects and included representatives from various government and private sector organizations.

The Kiribati Digital Strategy is set to become a cornerstone of the Government of Kiribati’s (GoK) efforts in driving digital transformation across multiple sectors, including tourism. TAK recognizes the significance of this strategy in fostering technological advancements, enhanced communication and promoting economic growth through a whole of government and whole of society approach.

As the agency responsible for sustainable tourism development in Kiribati, TAK shared its vision for the future of tourism in a digitally integrated world. TAK firmly believes that embracing digital technologies and solutions will be instrumental in elevating Kiribati’s tourism offerings, attracting a diverse range of visitors, and providing an enriched traveler experience.

Petero Manufolau, CEO of the Tourism Authority of Kiribati, expressed his enthusiasm for the Kiribati Digital Strategy, stating, “We are genuinely excited about the potential of the Kiribati Digital Strategy in shaping the future of tourism in Kiribati. Embracing digital technologies will enable us to showcase the breathtaking beauty and unique cultural heritage of Kiribati to a global audience, while also streamlining our operations and enhancing the overall travel experience.”

As the Kiribati Digital Strategy continues to take shape, TAK looks forward to contributing actively to its implementation and exploring innovative ways to harness the potential of digitalization to further develop Kiribati’s tourism landscape.

TAK releases Kiribati Q1 2023 Tourism Industry Review

July 28, 2023July 27, 2023 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) is pleased to present the Kiribati Quarter 1 (Q1), 2023 Tourism Industry Review. This report aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the tourism sector in Kiribati during the first quarter of 2023, focusing on international visitor arrivals and other relevant tourism data. The report compares the Q1 2023 international visitor arrivals with Q1 2019, providing valuable insights into the sector’s recovery and progress following the COVID-19 pandemic.

During Quarter 1 of 2023, Kiribati experienced a decrease of 8.2% in the number of international visitor arrivals when compared with the pre-COVID figures of Q1 2019. While this decline indicates the ongoing impact of the pandemic on global travel, it is essential to note that there has been a positive development on a quarterly basis. Comparing Q1 2023 with Quarter 4 of 2022, there was an encouraging increase of 3.8% in international visitor arrivals.

Australia emerged as the leading source market for Kiribati in Q1 2023. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Australian visitors continued to show their interest in exploring the unique attractions and experiences that Kiribati has to offer.

The Quarter 1 report includes additional research and data that provides valuable insights into the state of tourism in Kiribati. This data covers tourism operator sentiments and tourism intensity, which further enhances our understanding of the sector’s current situation. TAK recognizes the importance of capturing and presenting comprehensive tourism-related data to support effective decision-making and strategic planning.

An exciting development in Quarter 1, 2023, was the return of inbound tourists by cruise ship. After border reopening in August 2022, Kiribati successfully welcomed inbound travellers via cruise ships in February and March, with visits to Tarawa and Fanning Island. This milestone signifies a step towards normalcy and a positive outlook for the cruise tourism segment in the country.

TAK would like to express its appreciation Air Kiribati Limited, Marine Guard, Immigration Department, Te Umwanibong, Kiribati Customs Office, Shipping Agencies of Kiribati (SAOK), Kiribati National Statistics Office (KNSO) and Tourism operators. Their collaboration and support have been instrumental in gathering relevant data and insights, making this report a comprehensive and robust assessment of the tourism sector in Kiribati.

CLICK HERE to download a copy.

Tourism Authority of Kiribati participates in SPTO regional consultations.

June 16, 2023 by Taare Rikiai

The CEO of the Tourism Authority of Kiribati, and Chairman of the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), Petero Manufolau participated in the SPTO Regional Consultations on the Research Cooperation Framework, Climate Resilience Needs, Sustainable Tourism Standards, Digital Training for Research and Sustainable Tourism Planning from 13th to 16th June 2023 in Nadi, Fiji.

The workshop provided tourism practitioners and policy makers from the National Tourism Organi-sations, private sector, and development partners the opportunity to contribute to the above-mentioned regional tourism initiatives. Participants exchanged valuable insights, experiences, and best practices to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities in the ever-evolving tourism landscape.

As the CEO of the Tourism Authority of Kiribati, Petero Manufolau shared Kiribati’s experiences and initiatives in promoting sustainable tourism and preserving the country’s unique natural and cul-tural heritage. He emphasized the importance of responsible tourism practices and highlighted Kiri-bati’s commitment to preserving its pristine environment.

In his role as the Chairman of the Pacific Tourism Organisation, Petero Manufolau also led discus-sions on regional collaboration and cooperation among Pacific Island nations. He stressed the signif-icance of working together to promote tourism as a means of socio-economic development in the re-gion while ensuring the preservation of Pacific cultures and environments.

Petero Manufolau expressed his gratitude to the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade (NZMFA) for its funding support to the weeklong workshop and the SPTO Secretariat for an engag-ing program, stating, ” that through a strong regional approach, tourism in the Pacific can better serve the needs of the Pacific Islands, visitors, industry, and the environment. Improved coordination at a regional level is fundamental in shaping global actions and change.”

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati extends its appreciation to the organizers and hosts of the workshop for their efforts in facilitating this significant.

Tourism Authority Kiribati