Tourism Authority Kiribati

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TAK Participates in the Integrated Vulnerability Assessment of Butaritari Island

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) was part of the World Health Organisation (WHO) funded Integrated Vulnerability Assessment (IVA) in Butaritari from 22-29 March 2020. The team visited all the villages to discuss and assess the vulnerability issues experienced by people and the main objective of the survey was to identify climate change challenges experienced by the local people of Butaritari.

The IVA team consisted of officers from different sectors of government including the Fisheries Division, the Agricultural Division, the Tourism Authority, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Environment and Conservation Division, Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Cooperation and the Kiribati Island Local Government Association (KILGA).

The team complete the IVA survey and also conducted their individual sector activities which will be incorporated into the final report of the IVA of Butaritari.

TAK conducted the Tourism Business Inventory Survey (TBIS) at the four accommodations collecting data and information on the services and facilities provided by these properties. The accommodations were The Santa Theresa Guesthouse (at the Vatican), the Island Council Guesthouse, Nei Tebon Guesthouse and the Sunset Lodge.

The TBIS was followed by the GPS mapping and plotting of these properties and other tourism-related sites (eg, shrines, historical monuments, churches, clinics). This will allow for the development of a detailed map which will serve as a travel guide to both locals and international visitors.

Buatritari island is very fertile and has an abundant fruits (especially bananas), vegetables and crops which are difficult to grow on other islands. Its people have a unique accent which is easily recognizable by all locals and most of the Butaritari guesthouses are made of traditional material with a few made of concrete.

The IVA concluded with a council meeting where the mayor, Te Kinati (Unimwaane or elderly men), clerk, island councilors and the IVA team discussed the outcomes of the assessment. TAK also had the opportunity to provide updates and recommendations on the preparations for the cruise ship arrival scheduled for the 05 November at Notururu islet previously known as Bikaati islet.

TAK participates in the Regional Tourism Statistic workshop

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Kiribati was represented by TAK at the workshop held in Nadi Fiji, from 10th-13th March with the goal of developing a regional tourism statistics strategy as well as a regional sustainable tourism framework for the Pacific.

The first 2 days of the workshop aimed at validating the findings from a regional assessment of tourism statistical systems and getting feedback from the countries on the recommendations and actions to improve tourism statistical systems at regional and national level.

The assessment was carried out by PARIS21 – a global partnership of statistics experts and policy makers seeking to improve evidence-based decision making in developing countries in collaboration with the Pacific Tourism Organisation. The assessment was carried out in October and November of 2019 and the draft report was presented for validation at the workshop.

The last 2 days of the workshop aimed at obtaining stakeholder feedback on the long-term vision and priorities that will underpin the development of a regional sustainable tourism framework for the Pacific.

The outcomes from the workshops will be endorsed at the SPTO Board of Directors meeting later in the year.

Representatives from 11 SPTO-member National Tourism Organizations and selected National Statistics Offices were present at the workshop along with 6 partners which include PARIS21, the Asian Development Bank, The Pacific Community, the United Nations Development Programme (Pacific Office, Suva), the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific and the Australia Pacific Training Coalition.

The workshop was jointly funded by PARIS21, SPTO, the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and APTC.

Nikunau Integrated Vulnerability Assessment (IVA) and Tourism Business Inventory Survey (TBIS)

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) participated in the whole island approach-Integrated Vulnerability Assessment of Nikunau from 24 February – 04 Match 2020. The objective of the mission was to assess the vulnerabilities of the island and to collect IVA data of the impacts of climate change on the island of Nikunau. The program was coordinated by the Climate Change Office under the Office of the President and funded by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

A total of 6 villages were visited and as well as 2 communities in Nikumanu and 3 communities in Rungata.

The survey questions focused on the ecosystem, infrastructure, finance, human resources and institution or governance; forest health, coastal health, water security, security of place, energy security, income security, community health and food security. All responses were recorded in the fulcrum-based app on tablets supplied by the Office of te Beretitenti.

Whilst in the island, TAK staff officer undertook a Tourism Business Inventory Survey (TBIS) conducted on the island which involved the database update of accommodation providers on Nikunau and  GPS (Global Positioning System) of accommodation, historical sites, churches and other points of interest in the island. The two accommodation providers in the island are the Catholic Parish Guesthouse and the KUC Tabutoa Guesthouse.

All information gathered will be used by TAK to help promote tourism development on the island.

Tourism Awareness Campaign in South Tarawa schools

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Two officers from the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) conducted a tourism awareness program to all Primary Schools on South Tarawa and Betio from 16 March 2020.

This is an annual program conducted from TAK’s Training and Development Division and the aim of the program is to educate students about the Tourism Industry and its contribution to the Kiribati economy and the people’s livelihood.

Tourism Awareness Campaign targets class six students only and the program includes a presentation which TAK ensures relates to the context of the children’s syllabus extracted from the Curriculum Development Unit (Ministry of Education).

Eight (s) schools have been visited so far and these include, Aratokotoko Primary School, Bareaumai, Sunrise, Bikenibeu West, War Memorial, Tebwanimwaneka, Abaunamaou, and Taaken Bairiki.

TAK will continue with this program once school resumes in the second term.

Tourism Business Inventory Survey in North Tarawa

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Tourism Survey at North Tarawa

Tourism Authority of Kiribati conducted the annual Tourism Business Inventory Survey (TBIS) of accommodations in North Tarawa on Thursday 19 March 2020.

The purpose of the survey was to collect and update information and data on facilities and services available in North Tarawa. The collected data is used to update TAK’s accommodation database which is a key source of accommodation information managed by the Research and Statistics Division.

Information and data collected from TBIS includes number of rooms, beds, staff count, facilities, amenities and activities provided by each property.

Nine (9) properties were surveyed on the day and they included the Ocean View Hotel, Moturerei Legend, Taborio Guesthouse, Eutan Buariki Guesthouse, Tarabuka Hideaway Guesthouse, Uaai Island Getaway, Tabuki Retreat, Santa Faustina Homestay and Tabon Te Keeke.

Surveyed properties range from locally built huts with open Kiakia (local raised house), meeting house (Maneaba) and concrete with local thatched roof.

The survey results showed that some properties had undertaken improvement works by providing more guest activities and upgraded/ renovated their rooms and Kiakia over the last 12 months.

North Tarawa properties are spread across the lagoon side of the atoll and have the comparative advantage of the beautiful lagoon views and its turquoise color and proximity to local communities.

17/03/20 UPDATE – KIRIBATI HEALTH TRAVEL ADVISORY & RESTRICTIONS IN RELATION TO THE 2019 NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID -2019)

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All travellers FROM and TO KIRIBATI (Tarawa and Kiritimati) are advised to take note of the following:

  1. Citizens and residents of Kiribati who are planning to travel to areas and territories in countries with sustained transmission are recommended to avoid non-essential travel.
  2. In the event that travel cannot be postponed; preventive measures should be adhered to at all times.
  3. In case of symptoms suggestive of acute respiratory illness before travel, travelers are encouraged to seek medical attention and advise about travel restrictions.
  4. In case of symptoms suggestive of acute respiratory illness during and after travel, travelers are encouraged to seek medical attention and share travel history with health care providers.
  5. A Health Arrival Form is to be filled out by all incoming travelers upon arrival to Kiribati through Tarawa and Kiritimati.
  6. All incoming international travelers will be subjected to temperature check upon arrival to the international airports and seaports in Kiribati.
  7. All Travelers from areas and territories in countries with local transmission11 of novel coronavirus must spend 14 days2 in a country free of the COVID-2019, and to provide a medical clearance after the 14 days to confirm and/or prove this coronavirus free status. Exemptions for medical clearance can be considered for transit passengers and those who come from the Countries NOT listed in this travel health advisory (THA).
  8. In the event that travelers arrive earlier than the required 14-day-period, health quarantine measures may be applied and deportation to the country of travel origin would be considered depending on the health status of the individual.
  9. Such travel advisory applies to all travelers including returning residents as the country has highly vulnerable group (high incidence of NCDs) of COVID-19 and also the absence or limited capacity of clinical management and ability to contain the virus if introduce.
  10. The 14 days quarantine implies that traveling can only be on the 15th day onwards
  11. Exemptions for medical clearance can be considered for transit passengers that are coming from the Countries NOT listed in this health travel advisory (HTA).
  12. In the event that travelers arrive earlier than the required 14-day period, health quarantine measures may be applied and deportation to the country of travel origin would be considered, depending on the health status of the individual.
  13. Such travel advisory applies to all travelers including returning residents as the country has highly vulnerable group (high incidence of NCDs) of COVID-19 and also the absence or limited capacity of clinical management and ability to contain the virus if introduced.

THESE REQUIREMENTS WILL COME INTO FORCE EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY.
All travelers are required to comply with the required preventive measures.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

At all times:

  • Avoid close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections
  • People with symptoms of acute respiratory infection should practice cough etiquette (maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing and wash hands)
  • Avoid contact with animals (alive or dead), visiting animal markets, and purchasing products thatcome from animals (such as uncooked meat).
  • Wash hands often with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol- based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
  • Older travelers and those with underlying health issues may be at risk for more severe disease and should discuss travel to affect areas and territories with their health care provider.
  • In order to minimize the risk of transmission, people travelling to the affected area should maintain good hand and personal hygiene.
  • Travelers should seek medical attention if they develop respiratory symptoms within 14 days if visiting any other affected countries or countries with local transmissions, informing their health
    service prior to their attendance about their recent travel to the affected country.
  • Self-Quarantine at home to minimize spread of infection

These measures are being undertaken to protect Kiribati from the introduction of this infection into our communities.

For more information contact Mrs Kaaro Neeti (Secretary, MHMS) on (686) 74028100 extension 202; or (686) 73072357 or Director of Public Health 73058772, or Deputy Director of Public Health 73007258

In updates on Confirmed Countries with COVID 19:

  • According to WHO there are 159 countries, areas or territories with confirmed cases.  From the 159 countries, territories and areas, 82 countries have been confirmed for local transmission cases of the COVID19:

You can also click on WHO (COVID-19) Situation map link below for world updates: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/685d0ace521648f8a5beeeee1b9125cd

TAK Participates in KDP SOE Consultation Workshop

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11 March 2020

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) participated in a 2 days Kiribati Development Plan (KDP) 2020-2023 State Owned Entities (SOE) consultation workshop that was organized by the National Economic Planning Office of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development on 10 – 11 March 2020.

TAK used the workshop to present its mandate and discussed the key challenges it faces and opportunities that the Organisation can use to deliver its services efficiently.

The workshop also highlighted the need for SOEs to collaborate and TAK has taken the lead to engage in further discussions with selected SOEs whose services can help improve productivity for Tourism SMEs and operators.

In his presentation, TAK CEO, Petero Manufolau emphasized value of collaboration across State Owned Entities and as well as government sectors, particularly in areas where cross overs and similar goals can be identified.

The workshop concluded with SOE sector discussions to highlight common challenges and opportunities that exist in different sectors and identify ways to mitigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities.

TAK participates in Blue Economy Policy Dialogue

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) CEO participated at the Regional Conference and Policy Dialogue on Blue Economy, Ocean Tourism and Sustainable Blue Financing in Nadi, Fiji from 25 – 27 February 2020.

The two-day regional conference and  one-day policy dialogue provided an opportunity for officials from the coastal/ ocean countries in the Asia Pacific region the opportunity to gain knowledge on sustainable development in the context of ocean economy as well as exchanging views on how to promote economic growth from ocean tourism and develop blue financing in the face of habitually climate change.

The conference included presentations of academic and policy papers in related fields whilst the policy dialogues addressed ocean-economy related themes.

Kiribati used this platform to raise awareness of its national tourism development program in the wake of a global shift towards minimal carbon footprint and its links to blue economy and sustainable blue financing.

The event was jointly organised by the Asia Pacific Applied Economics Association (APAEA), Ocean Policy Research Institute (OPRI-SPF), International Cooperation and Development Fund, Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) and the Fiji National University (FNU).

Hospitality Training for Ronton and Tabwakea Village in Kiritimati Island

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Two villages in Kiritimati Island, Ronton and Tabwakea received training on Hospitality Services from the Tourism Authority of Kiribati on the 29th to 31st of January and 19th to 21st of February 2020.

Ronton was the first village to receive the training which was conducted on the 29th to 31st of January with 13 participants attending the training while 29 participants from Tabwakea Village attended the training that was conducted on the 19th to 21st of February 2020.

The main purpose of the training was to provide basic skills and knowledge on hospitality services to those who are interested to work at any tourism and hospitality sectors in the future. Three areas of hospitality services that were carried out during the training which were; customer service, basic front office skills and basic housekeeping skills.

Community Tourism Promotion Training in Japan

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The Community Tourism Promotion training was held on the 28th January 2020 and ended on the 12th February 2020, and was funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the short-term training was under the JICA knowledge Co-Creation Program for Young Leaders. This short training targeted different participants from different Pacific Island Countries (Fiji, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu).

The training was attended by different participants from different Pacific Island Countries mentioned earlier and was also attended by one of the staff at the Tourism Authority of Kiribati. The main purpose of the training is to train Pacific Island Countries Young Leaders on the basic knowledge and skills on Ecotourism, tourism promotion and community involvement in tourism at different regions in Japan. The three visited sites in Japan are Obihiro, Kushiro and Akan region. The training contents contains a very informative information concerning tourism promotion involving local communities, it also covers basic knowledge and skills and other important scenarios concerning Ecotourism and Community Tourism Promotion which can be adopted in the Pacific which can therefore help boost tourism promotion in the Pacific.

The training was conducted first at the JICA center in Obihiro on the 28th January till 1st February 2020, then the training group transferred from Obihiro JICA Center to Kushiro region on the 1st February 2020 till 12th February 2020. On the 5th February the group then visited Akan Lake Resorts for learning more about the Community Tourism Promotion and also to experience the Ice Lake activities.

On the 12th February 2020, a formal completion ceremony was held at the Kushiro City Central Library Hall where participants awarded with the certification of completion. The Completion Ceremony marks the end of the short-term training on the Community Tourism Promotion.