Tourism Authority Kiribati

Kaongora Newsletter

Kiribati Commemorates 79th Anniversary of the Battle of Tarawa

Kiribati commemorated the 79th anniversary of the Battle of Tarawa in a solemn dawn ceremony at the U.S. World War 2 memorial monument in Betio, South Tarawa on Tuesday 22 November 2022.

The Battle of Tarawa was one of the first battles in the Pacific War during World War 2 and lasted between 20 – 23 November 1943. By the end of this campaign, nearly 6,400 Japanese, Koreans and Americans died on the tiny island of Betio in the 76 hours of fighting. This earned its name as the bloodiest battles during World War 2.

The commemoration ceremony began with a traditional welcome from the elders of Betio, followed by a moving memorial remembrance service led by the Kiribati Uniting Church Deputy Moderator Reverend Tioti Timon.

In his address, President of the Republic of Kiribati, His Excellency Taneti Maamau said “my wife and I have the great pleasure in joining you today to pay tribute to the US Servicemen and women, that have bravely fought for peace and harmony. While history cannot be changed, the bravery, courage and selfless determination of the fallen and of the survivors must forever be recognized and honoured”.

President Maamau shared that “by remembering, by telling our stories, we hope that their legacy becomes a source of inspiration for nations to forge peace with one another”.

In attendance was a delegation from the U.S Embassy in Suva Fiji led by Army Attaché Lt. Colonel John Paul A Smock, the High Commissioner of New Zealand to Kiribati, H.E. Andre Van Der Walt, Deputy High Commissioner of Australia, Timothy Gill, Deputy Mayor of Betio, Government officials and community elders.

Lt. Colonel John Paul A Smock whilst acknowledging the commemoration said that “today, the United States is enhancing its commitment to Kiribati and the Blue Pacific, and I thank God that I am privileged enough to be part of that effort. Our shared past unites us, and our shared future will only make us stronger.” He thanked everyone present for their time today and for the opportunity to remember those who gave so much in the cause of freedom.

The event concluded with refreshments served by staffs and management of the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK).

Kiribati presents at 2022 Global Sustainable Tourism Forum

Tourism Authority of Kiribati CEO, Petero Manufolau presented Kiribati’s aspirations for sustainable tourism development at the 2022 Global Sustainable Tourism Forum in Seoul, Republic of Korea on Thursday 10 November 2022.

In addressing the forum on climate action in tourism destinations, Manufolau shared the steps that TAK has undertaken towards sustainable tourism, beginning with the development of the Kiribati Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework that was launched in 2021.

As a destination most vulnerable to the impacts of global warming, the Kiribati tourism sector plays an important role in mitigating the impacts of climate change through responsible and regenerative tourism practices.

He added that “the Kiribati tourism sector is at a very unique stage of industry development and that TAK is working to develop sustainability indicators and a Kiribati Sustainability Policy that will set the guidelines the industry’s development”. He added that “we only have one chance to get this right and government, development partners, civil society and community support will be vital if Kiribati is to realise its full sustainable tourism development potential”.

CEO Manufolau also called out to international sustainable tourism best practice specialists and sustainable tourism development agencies to support the Kiribati tourism sector’s initiative for effective climate action in tourism.

Following his presentation, Manufolau participated in a panel discussion on accelerating the transition to green tourism. Panelists included representatives from the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), Greenview Hospitality, Singapore, Jaya House, Cambodia and Rogers Hospitality, Mauritius.

The keynote address for the event was delivered by Ms. Sofia Raquel Gutierres Laza, Deputy Director, United National World Tourism Organisation (UNTWO) with special remarks from Mr. Jorge Laguna-Cells, Head of the One Planet Secretariat, UNEP.

The event was jointly hosted by the Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO) and the Ministry of Culture, Sports & Tourism, Republic of Korea.

Connectivity vital for tourism in Pacific Small Island States

Republic of Kiribati’s Minister for Tourism, Commerce, Industry, and Cooperative (MTCIC), Honourable Michael Bootii Nauan, highlighted the concerns of Small Island States and Territories regarding air connectivity to SISTs in the region.

He made these comments as a panelist presenting on Improving Air Connectivity for Small Island States at the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Leadership Summit, organised by the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) at the Edgewater Resort and Spa in Cook Islands.

Hon Nauan was part of the Ministerial Panel 2 on Enhancing Pacific resilience and competitiveness through sustainable tourism alongside French Polynesia Vice President Honourable Jean-Christophe Bouissou, Cook Islands Associate Minister for Tourism Honourable Tingika Elikana and New Caledonia Tourism Director General Ms. Julie Laronde.

In highlighting his recommendations to the question of ‘How air connectivity to SISTs could be improved, Hon Nauan shared that continued Development partner support to connect SIST with source markets, where the Nauru Airlines Island Hopper Program, supported by DFAT, effectively connects Nauru, Kiribati, RMI, and FSM with Australia on a fortnightly basis.

He added that there is also an opportunity for PRC-aligned countries to attract the Asia market through seasonal or charter services supported by our Chinese counterparts. Development partner support through destination marketing to help support SIST promotional initiatives in the source market will also help improve loading for supporting schedules.

On airline support, Hon Nauan expressed that current Pacific air carriers play an important role in enabling SIST destinations to grow through reduced fare consideration where possible and more flexibility on SIST sector fares to allow for last-minute changes dues to industry conditions in SIST’s.

“If we are talking about sustainable tourism- connectivity on the region, what comes to mind, how we can connect those dots and how to maintain this. Flights to these SISTs are very high, and many tourism refrains from traveling across,” Hon Nauan mentioned.

The Pacific Sustainable Tourism Leadership Summit was held on Wednesday 02 November, ahead of the Pacific Council of Tourism Ministers meeting on Thursday 03 November 2022.

Inaugural survey visit by TAK to Tamana island

The distant island of Tamana also known as “My small paradise” was visited by the Research and Statistics Division to carry out its annual workplan activities. These activities include the Outer Island Perception Surveys (OIPS), the Tourism Business Inventory Survey (TBIS) and island mapping.

The OIPS is a survey seeking the views and perceptions of the locals on the value of tourism to their communities and island. Some of the information collected relates to income from tourism; the perceived environmental, economic and sociocultural impacts of tourism to name a few.

The TBIS was the second survey conducted and it collects information such as staff numbers, room and bed inventory, and facilities and services offered from the accommodation providers on the island. This is part of TAK’s annual workplan to update the national accommodation database for the Gilbert, Line and Phoenix islands.

There are 2 accommodation providers on the island, namely the Tamana Island Council Guesthouse and the Kiribati Protestant Church (KPC) Guesthouse located in Bakaaka village.

The team also plotted tourism attraction sites on the island using a GPS device for mapping purposes. The completed visitor map will serve as a guide for those who wish to explore the island.

TAK was part of the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives (MTCIC) team that visited Tamana to celebrate the National Coconut and Cooperative Day for the first time on the 22nd of October.

Accompanying the Honourable Minister for Tourism, Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Mr Booti Nauan along with his wife Dr Tabuaka Nauan, were diplomatic representatives from the Chinese Embassy, Australian High Commission, New Zealand High Commission and the owner of OceanLink.

This was the first the time for the Research & Statistics Division to conduct its activities on the island.

Kiribati signs Pacific Leader’s Sustainable Tourism Commitment

Kiribati’s Minister for Tourism, Commerce, Industry and Cooperative (MTCIC), Honourable Bootii Nauan affirmed his country’s obligation to sustainable tourism development when he signed the Pacific Leaders Sustainable Tourism Commitment in Tarawa this morning.

This regional commitment by the Pacific Council of Tourism Ministers commits to elevate sustainable tourism as a regional priority for environmental, socio-cultural and economic development. The Council further commits to make tourism in the Pacific a force for good by adopting the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework to put the tourism sector and communities on a path to sustainable recovery by 2030.

In signing this commitment, Hon. Nauan said that “this is a step forward in the right direction for us as we meticulously work to map Kiribati’s tourism development journey based on the core values of resilience and sustainability”. He added that Kiribati is a pristine destination that is deeply rooted in rich cultural values and must ensure that these are preserved through tourism.

Kiribati’s commitment to sustainable tourism development is framed in the country’s Sustainable Tourism Development Policy Framework developed in 2021. The framework provides the platform for the development of sustainability indicators for the destination in 2022 and its National Sustainable Tourism Policy scheduled for early 2023.

Hon, Nauan will lead his delegation later this month to formally submit its commitment at the Council of Tourism Ministers meeting and Pacific Sustainable Tourism Leadership Summit in Rarotonga, Cook Islands.

TAK conducts Onotoa island survey

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) through its Research and Statistics Division visited Onotoa Island to conduct Tourism Outer Island Perception Survey (OIPS) and Tourism Business Inventory Surveys (TBIS). The team from TAK also plotted current and potential tourist attractions on the island and will use these GPS plots produce Onotoa island visitor maps. This is the first time TAK has such activities  on the island.

The OIPS is a survey which measures the local’s perceptions on tourism such as; tourism impacts on their communities, tourism contribution to local economy; and environmental, social and economic impacts of tourism on their island.

The TBIS survey on the other hand is part of the Research and Statistics Division’s annual workplan and this survey aims to update TAK’s national accommodation database to ensure that collected data and information are accurate.

The development of maps that clearly identity tourism attractions on the outer islands will be helpful to travellers who visit the island. This initiative is part of TAK’s activity to develop visitor maps for all islands in the Line and Gilbert group. The TAK team also visited shrines and other historical areas to ensure they are included on the map of Onotoa.

Kiribati welcomes first commercial flight since border lockdown

Tarawa, Kiribati was in celebration mode as the island converged at Bonriki International Airport on Thursday 04 August 2022 to welcome the country’s first commercial flight, 2 ½ years since COVID-19 border lockdown.

Fiji Airways’ FJ231 landed at Bonriki International Airport with more than one hundred passengers at 11am and were welcomed by the Ngaon Nareau choir whose chants and singing echoed welcoming sounds of the islands throughout the terminal building.

Also present to celebrate the occasion was Minister of Tourism, Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives (MTCIC), Honourable Booti Nauan. In an interview, Honourable Nauan said that he hoped visitors will enjoy their Kiribati experience. He also extended an invitation to them saying “take the time to learn about who we are as a people and the values that we hold dear to our hearts. Immerse yourself in our tropical islands and turquoise lagoons and most importantly, remember to make the most of your time here in Kiribati”.

At the arrival’s concourse, passengers were greeted by reigning Miss Kiribati, Paepae Kilei and staff of the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) who garlanded travellers and returning resident’s with katokabau, the traditional Kiribati floral head piece presented to special guests.

Entertainment by the Tekeang ni Marawa dance group at the arrivals area filled the terminal building with more excitement as some passengers could not resist the invitation to join the dancers as they made their way to their eagerly awaiting hosts and families. For many of these travellers, its was a happy and emotional reunion after having being separated from their families for a very long time.

The first commercial flight to Tarawa yesterday is a significant milestone achievement and represents the Government of Kiribati’s efforts to manage COVID-19 and to bring back some normalcy to its tourism industry.

Discussions on the resumption of flights into Kiribati’s second international airport and fly-fishing mecca, Kiritimati (Christmas Island) this year is continuing and the TAK will share reopening details once information is available.

TAK commemorates World Oceans Day 2022

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) team joined the rest of the world to celebrate World Oceans Day on 08th June 2022 through a beach clean-up activity at the Betio Takoronga point WW2 Japanese Défense Vicker guns.

This year’s theme is ’Revitalization: collective action for the ocean’ and it was an opportune time to to raise awareness among people about the impact of human actions on the ocean and to call citizens for their sustainable management.

The TAK recognizes the significance the ocean plays to Kiribati economic growth as it accounts for 99% of our national boundary.  Most of our life source comes from the ocean and its preservation is consistent with the aims of the Kiribati Sustainable Tourism Development Policy Framework.

The ocean produces at least 50% of the planet’s oxygen and is the main source of protein for more than a billion people. This is part of the reason why TAK has committed to celebrating this global event annually as an attempt raise awareness on a resource that is vital to the sustainable growth of tourism in Kiribati.

Kiribati prepares to participate in the 5th China International Import Expo (CIIE) 2022

Kiribati has been invited an opportunity by China to participate in the 5th China International Import Expo (CIIE) that will be scheduled to take place in Shanghai China from November 5th to 10th 2022.

In line with the participation, the GOK Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives (MTCIC) held its first meeting with key stakeholders on the 27th May 2022 to discuss preparations for Kiribati’s participation in CIIE.  Kiribati Fish Ltd (KFL), Kiribati Coconut Development Ltd (KCDL) and Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK), were among the key trade stakeholders present during the first prep meeting.

The CIIE Expo is held annually in China with this year’s theme, “New Era, Shared Future.”  China has also been kind enough to offer Kiribati 2 free booths (each 9 square meters) that will facilitate multiple stakeholder participation from Kiribati.  This also includes the provision of a digital pavilion platform where Kiribati will be able to display videos, imagery and information to promote trade, Investment promotion, tourism, cultural exchange and open cooperation between China and Kiribati

The participation of Kiribati in CIIE is expected to further boost sustainable, healthy, stable economic trade relations between China and Kiribati, and also offer a potential opportunity for more visitors worldwide to get a unique, charming impression and cultural experience of Kiribati.

Abemama trials Community Tourism Product

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) conducted a final preparatory trial and familiarization of the Abemama Community & Island Tourism package from 19 March to 06 April 2022.

The development of niche tourism products on the island includes a combination of community-based tourism, cultural tourism, marine tourism and agritourism experiences across 4 island communities and supported by local accommodation providers and the Abemama Island Council. This project aims to use tourism as a means for island communities to address food security challenges caused by global warming and climate change.

The 5 days itinerary trial based on a sustainable tourism model on traditional and cultural practices including a traditional culinary experience focused on a farm to table and reef to fork experience concept, Marine Protected Areas tours and community and island guided tours with storytelling.

This familiarization trial will assist communities recognise the need for the whole of island approach toward tourism and other service providers that play an important role to visitor experiences. Mr Willie Itaaka from Reina village stated how the familiarization have given them confident to perform and deliver expected standard community tour experiences.

Active ecotourism communities of Reina, Baretoa, and Ainen Wiikin Abemama were also trained on revenue management areas, tourism business fundamentals, and Covid-19 tourism and hospitality protocols for health safety measurement before the opening of the boarders.

It is with anticipation that this one-week training would guide these communities in improving their business initiatives and services in maximizing and managing their revenue, compliance to the Mauri Mark standards, human resource development initiatives, customer service, market analysis, and marketing and promotions of their tourism products and services.

The training concluded with the installation of a traveller information kiosk at the airstrip terminal on the islands.

The trip was supported by the Food Security Project, commonly known as the LDCF-1 which is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the UNDP and managed by the Environment and Conservation Division (ECD) under the MELAD.