Tourism Authority Kiribati

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NEW INTEGRATED LAND USE PLAN FOR KIRITIMATI

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The Ministry of Line & Phoenix Islands hosted a launching ceremony on Friday 1st May 2020, to mark the official completion of the New Integrated Land Use Plan for Kiritimati Island. Minister for the Line & Phoenix Hon. Mikarite Temari officiate this launching ceremony declaring the completion of this very important plan on behalf of the Government.

The Honourable Minister stressed the importance of this plan as a guideline for land use management to control, prevent and legislate such developments to refrain Kiritimati Island from confronting issues that is now currently been experienced by South Tarawa due to overpopulation and unplanned developments.

He added that the implementation of the plan would also help in achieving the Government vision for 20 years (KV20) on tourism developments.

With the plan confirming potential tourism sites, TAK Kiritimati will work with the Lands Division, Wildlife and Conservation Division, Fisheries and MLPID to regulate and manage these sites.

The event was also attended by the Mayor to Kiritimati Urban Council, Church leaders and communities on the island, Parliament representatives from Kiritimati and Teraina Islands and government officials. The program ended with a tour of the ILUP maps displayed on the notice board. END

KIRITIMATI CLEANING AND GARDENING CAMPAIGN

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26th May 2020: The Kiritimati Cleaning and Gardening Campaign is a new program developed by Senior officials of the Ministry of Line & Phoenix Islands Development, Government Agency Office’s (GAOs) and State Own Enterprises (SOEs) on Kiritimati island.

Supported by the Hon. Minister, this initiative encourages employees and the people of Kiritimati to learn and understand the purpose and significance of cleaning and gardening in the society.

The Kiritimati Cleaning and Gardening Campaign is led by 8 offices from different sectors in Kiritimati and SOEs. These include Tourism Authority of Kiribati, Immigration Office, Kiribati Insurance Corporation, Education Office, Kiribati Post Office, Tax Office, Customs Office and ANZ Bank of Kiribati at MLPID building complex block.

The program was established with the objective to help each other to maintain the front and back yard of the building complex block to be clean and green.

TAK Kiritimati also used this opportunity to clean and maintain visitor sites in London.

The program was implemented in early 2020 and is scheduled every Friday.

TOURISM INCLUDED IN 2020 CENSUS

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26th May 2020:  For the first time, the population of Kiribati will be asked for their views on tourism through the national census to be carried out later this year. This was made possible through the support of the National Statistics Office (NSO).

The tourism component of the 2020 Census questionnaire is aimed at obtaining people’s perception on tourism and their understanding on the current and possible benefits of tourism in their respective households and community.

The Research and Statistics division of TAK used the NSO 2020 Census Workshop at Antebuka on 11 May 2020 to update the population census enumerators with the tourism section of the survey and attended to questions raised by the enumerators.

TAK hopes that the census responses will provide greater insight into the communities’ perceptions of tourism. Such information will allow TAK to target awareness, training, and development projects to those communities that require them, particularly where greater understanding of tourism is minimal.

The 2020 National Census will commence on 7th November 2020.

Boat Safety, First Aid, Pastry and Tour Guiding training in Maiana

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Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) in collaboration with the Marine Division and the Kiribati Red Cross Society undertook tourism operator training in Maiana, from 20 – 24th April 2020

The Training was part of the TAK capacity building development program to support the game fishing initiatives, to establish an ecotourism venture on the island.

Maiana island is one of the pilot islands, under the LDCF-I project, aimed to develop a game fishing market for the island.  Ultimately the project aims to help generate income from the coastal zone resources sustainably, and also motivate the locals to practice coastal fisheries conservation.

The specific areas of training included  boat safety, first aid, pastry/baking and tour guiding. This activity should guarantee that: the people of Maiana are well prepared when the whole island is eventually opened up to international markets for fly-fishing games; as communities organize their tour activities and programs.

In addition, the training had also encouraged the community members in Maiana to actively engage in reviving any food conservation methods, as well as valuing their culture, land and marine environments, as means to build resilience under climate change conditions and improve visitor experiences.

The boat safety and first aid training were particularly relevant to the game fishing market as there were focused on equipping participants with any immediate and required services to anglers should they encounter any problem at sea.

68 participants attended the four training sessions which were all run at the same time and 57 % of the attendees were women and 43% were men.

The week concluded with a closing ceremony and the awarding of certificates to all participants and the handing over of the speed boat to the Maiana Island Council from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development.

Mayor and the Leader of the Elders Association (Te Bau Ni Maiana) on the island, applauded the successful completion of the training. with

GoK launches COVID-19 response website

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The Government of Kiribati (GoK) has launched a website dedicated to centralising the dissemination of COVID-19 information. www.covid19.gov.ki

The aim of the website is to provide a COVID-19 information hub with up to date, accurate and official information about the pandemic as approved by the Ministry Health and Medical Services (MHMS).

In addition to the general situation brief, the page also includes other government advisories on Coronavirus including civil servants, education, commodities and safety and enforcement.

I-Kiribati nationals currently stranded overseas due to flight restrictions can also refer to the website for official advise on GoK funding assistance.

TAK recommends that the website be used as the only source of COVID-19 information for residents and travellers to reduce the likelihood of rumours that may cause unnecessary panic amongst the people.

ANZ Kiribati loan deferrals

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ANZ Kiribati is offering loan repayment deferrals for up to six months for ANZ customers financially affected by Covid-19.

Loan repayment deferrals mean that qualifying customers will not make principal and interest payments on their loans for up to six months, although interest will continue to be charged to the loan.

They are part of a range of other measures designed to support ANZ customers in hardship and are in addition to fee removal and interest rate reductions already implemented by ANZ.

ANZ Kiribati Country Head Gregory Edwards said the economic downturn is becoming more acute for Kiribati and other Pacific countries due to Covid-19.

“Covid-19 restrictions are financially impacting thousands of homeowners, personal borrowers and businesses in the Pacific, and for many the ability to maintain their home loan is a major concern,” said Mr Edwards.    “This is going to significantly help Kiribati people and the broader economy to manage over the long term through the pandemic.”

ANZ Regional Executive for the Pacific Tessa Price cautioned customers to look at the range of relief options available, as a deferral might not be the right solution for everyone.

 

“Loan repayment deferrals are designed to help our customers reduce their outgoings by temporarily stopping their loan repayments.”

“Loan deferrals will extend the life of the loan and add to the overall cost, so we’ll be talking to customers to ensure a loan deferral is the best option for them, and that other options might better meet their needs.”

“We ask that our customers be patient with us as we work through the high number of calls and applications coming through.”

Hardship options for ANZ Kiribati customers include*:

  • Loan restructures to extend the maturity date of a term loan and reduce payments;
  • Interest only loans for up to six months;
  • Temporary working capital facilities;
  • Term loan repayment deferrals for six months upon application, with interest accumulating.

*Note: the measures applied depend on the individual circumstances

  • Fee removals and interest rate reductions for ANZ Kiribati customers already offered by ANZ*: A reduction of 0.50% per annum on all local currency overdrafts for commercial customers (effective 6 April);
  • A reduction of 0.50% per annum on all local currency variable term loans for commercial customers (effective 1 May);
  • A reduction of 0.50% per annum on all local currency variable home loans and personal loans (effective 1 May);
  • Removal of monthly loan administration charges for term loans for both retail and commercial customers (effective 1 May);
  • A waiver on loan restructuring fees for commercial customers on a case-by-case basis;

A reduction in repayment amounts for commercial customers in line with the reduced interest rates

First Virtual Tourism Digital Workshop for Kiribati

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) in partnership with the Pacific Trade and Invest (PTI) Australia and World Hotel Link (WHL) hosted the country’s first ever Virtual Digital Tourism Workshop on the 28 April 2020.  The half day webinar was attended by tourism operators from Tarawa, Abaiang and Kiritimati and was hosted at the Vodafone boardroom in Bairiki.

The webinar is part of the TAK’s capacity building initiative for industry partners and stakeholders during this COVID-19 pandemic.

The aim of the webinar was to offer training on effective website management and how such a tool can be better used to improve sales and profitability.  Topics of this online session included the importance of knowing the online buying cycle, critical functionality/features of a website to boost sales and revenue and booking engine management.

Attendees appreciated the relevance of the webinar and acknowledged that it will add value to their respective organisations.

Through the webinar, PTI also reconfirmed its COVID-19 digital marketing relief package which includes the complimentary development of new business websites for tourism operators currently without one and a discounted monthly website maintenance fees for operators whose websites were developed by WHL.

TAK will roll out other capacity building programs to help upskill industry partners during this current global pandemic.

TAK welcomes new Marine Protected Area plan

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) participated in the Southern Line Islands Marine Protected Area (SLIMPA) workshop to review the Draft SLIMPA Management Plan 2020 – 2024 on Thursday 16 April 2020.

The objective of the workshop was to review the SLIMPA Management Plan 2020 – 2024 developed by the PIPA Implementing Office (PIO).

Following the Government of Kiribati’s (GoK) approval, SLIMPA, which consist of Flint, Volstok, Starbuck, Malden and Millennium islands north of French Polynesia, will be a no-take Marine Protected Area (MPA) like the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA).

TAK was invited to review the tourism plan in the SLIMPA Management plan. Through the workshop, TAK outlined its recommendations for sustainable tourism in SLIMPA which focuses on maintaining a balance between revenue generation and marine line conservation.

The location of the islands between Kiritimati and Papeete makes SLIMPA a suitable stop over destination for cruise vessels travelling to Papeete from North America. In addition, the islands boast a collection of rare bird species and abundant sea life, suitable for birdwatchers and diving enthusiasts.

The workshop was also attended by representatives from various government departments  and organizations including the Attorney General’s Office, Kiribati Police Service, Kiribati Oil Company, Kiribati Tourism Authority, Kiribati Airport Authority, Public Utilities Board, Kiribati Solar Energy, Kiribati National Shipping Co. Ltd, Kiribati Chamber of Commerce and Air Kiribati.

Tourism included in Year 9 KCS Syllabus

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Tourism topics have for the first time become part of the school syllabus in Kiribati. This was confirmed by the Curriculum Development Office (CDO) who have stated that the tourism topic is now part of the Year 9 Kiribati Community Studies (KCS).

The inclusion of tourism topics in the year 9 syllabus is a result of extensive consultation and discussions between the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) and the CDO in 2019.

This milestone achievement signifies the commitment of both TAK and the CDO to help students understand the dynamics of how the tourism industry functions, its value and contribution to communities and the economy.  TAK hopes that by understanding tourism better, students will consider careers in hospitality and will also be engaged in practices that help improve Kiribati’s position as an ideal tourism destination.

TAK will continue to collaborate with the CDO to encourage increased tourism coverage in school curriculum across different grades. END

COVID-19 Impacts Kiribati Tourism

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The global tourism industry has been one of the most affected by the global COVID-19 pandemic and Kiribati is no exception.

Kiribati’s tourism industry, by regional comparison is small and very niche market driven where fly and bone fishing dominate the market. Annually, the island nation hosts a little over 5,000 international visitors, 21% of whom are from U.S.A, 17% Australia, 9% New Zealand and 22% from other countries including UK and Europe. Tarawa in the Gilbert group and Kiritimati in the Line islands are Kiribati’s main international ports of entry and are serviced Fiji Airways, Our Airline (Tarawa only) and Solomon Airlines (Tarawa only).

Amendments and cancellations to bookings into Kiritimati and Tarawa surfaced when the Kiribati Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) began issuing travel advisories in line with the country’s COVID-19 precautionary measures. By mid-March 2020, total room nights cancellations across Kiribati exceeded 3,500.

The confirmation of Fiji’s first novel coronavirus case on Thursday 19 March 2020 sparked several control measures by the Fijian government including the immediate suspension of services to Tarawa and Kiritimati by Fiji Airways from Nadi effective the very next day. These cancellations coupled with the earlier suspension of the Our Airline service from Nauru and Majuro and Solomon Airlines service a week later means that Kiribati is now literally isolated.

Consultations between the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) and tourism stakeholders in Tarawa and Kiritimati revealed that accommodation providers are operating on shortened staff hours and/or layoffs, limited hotel services and other cost control measures.

Betio Lodge I and Utirerei, two of the larger accommodation providers on Tarawa were the first to succumb to the impact of COVID-19, with both announcing complete closures withing days of each other.

Ms. Agnes Tiaoti, receptionist of Betio Lodge 2 said that the closure of its sister hotel (Betio Lodge 1) meant that staffs will now be absorbed into Betio Lodge 2 on reduced working hours.

Owner and Director of Utirerei Hotel, Taam Kaiteie says that “the safety and wellbeing of our staffs is our priority and with the current situation on coronavirus, precautionary measures should be taken seriously and that is why we see the need to close down for two weeks or until further notice.”

Fema Lodge also recorded drop in bookings and have laid off some of their staff for two weeks and this will be reviewed as situations dictate. Lodge Manager Boaa Fatali added that “the only people we employ now is one receptionist, a housekeeper, a cook, handyman and a watchman. With no customer around we take this as an opportunity to renovate some our rooms.”

The cessation of international flights means that TAK will need to adjust its marketing program and assist operators develop and promote local weekend/retreat packages. The Marketing, Promotions and Communications team of the Authority have begun discussions with interested partners to develop their packages and compliment the local e-marketing campaigns that it will be rolling out.

TAK will use this time to undertake capacity building and training programs beginning with a Digital Tourism Online Workshop facilitated by the Pacific Trade & Invest office, Australia and Fly-Fishing product assessment on the Gilbert group.

The shock that COVID-19 has created on tourism and the global economy is severe. However, TAK believes that like any other outbreaks in history, this pandemic will phase out by the end of 2020.  The Authority will therefore use this unusually quiet period to re-assess and re-valuate its priorities to ensure that the current needs of its stakeholders are highlighted and to also prepare the industry for when Kiribati tourism will be back in business.