kiribati – Kaongora Newsletter

Kiribati’s Kiritimati (Christmas) Island to reopen after 3 years in lockdown.

May 1, 2023 by Taare Rikiai

Kiribati’s Kiritimati (Christmas) Island will welcome its first international travellers in 3 years, 1 month and 13 days when Fiji Airways resumes its weekly scheduled service to this world-class fly-fishing destination on Tuesday 02 May 2023.

Following months of rigorous airport facility and airline compliance checks and clearance by the Civil Aviation Authority of Kiribati and Fiji Airways, Kiritimati will welcome travellers through Fiji Airways’ services from Nadi, Fiji and Honolulu, Hawaii.

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) welcomes this development in international access into Kiritimati. Tourism operators on the island have endured hardships for over 3 years since COVID-19 forced the closure of the island’s international border and the reopening is envisaged to be a welcome relief for the mainly privately and community-owned tourism business operators.

Fly fishing enthusiasts who have been patient and have supported Kiritimati Island throughout its 3 years of closure can expect world class experiences when they return to the island’s well preserved fishing flats this week.

Fiji Airways will operate weekly services from Nadi, Fiji and Honolulu, Hawaii and travellers are required to present their vaccination certificate (double vax) upon check in. COVID-19 checks are no longer required upon arrival however persons displaying COVID-19 or flu like symptoms upon arrival are required to visit the local health centre for medical check.

Kiribati’s Nonouti Island ready to welcome travellers.

February 26, 2023 by Taare Rikiai

The island of Nonouti in Kiribati’s southern Gilbert group confirmed its readiness to welcome international travellers when it showcased its Community-Based Tourism (CBT) products to senior government officials and industry stakeholders.

Over the last 12 months, Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) Tourism Officer – Product Development, Ms Kiarake Karuaki made numerous trips to Nonouti to introduce the concept of Sustainable CBT to communities and local organisations on the island. These trips included scoping for potential CBT sites, soliciting community interest to participate in the initiative and the provision of tourism support and training for these remote island communities.

Nonouti island is a popular fly-fishing destination in the Gilbert group. Through this initiative, visitors can now also enjoy a number of cultural and traditional culinary experiences including the islands famous te ibunroro – a local delicacy made from fresh sea shell meat cooked in an intricately carved out young coconut shell over an open fire. The result is a creamy blend of ocean goodness and coconut milk freshness with a distinct burnt aroma that is pleasing to the taste bud.

Nonouti island is where the Roman Catholic Church was first established in Kiribati in 1888 and is also home to the largest and oldest Maneaba in all of Kiribati. Called “te Aake” (the ark). It was built as a symbol of the first arrival of Christianity to Kiribati through Roman Catholic church

Supported by the LDCF -1 Food Security Project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the UNDP and managed by the Environment and Conservation Division (ECD) under the MELAD, this CBT initiative attracted the interest of 3 communities, local fishing guides and supported by the Nonouti Island Council.

Abemama trials Community Tourism Product

April 21, 2022April 19, 2022 by Taare Rikiai

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.

TAK conduct Tourism Restart training in Teraina Island

February 28, 2022 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) conducted its Tourism Restart Training and Awareness Program on Teraina (Washington) Island in the Line Group in February 2022.

To prepare hotel operators for the new normal in tourism, TAK conducted the Tourism & Hospitality Protocols for the new normal/ COVID-19 Safety Protocols for accommodation providers on 14 -15 February at the island Council Maneaba in Teraina.

TAK also collaborated with Teraina accommodation providers and conducted a Mauri Mark assessment of their facilities based on fire safety procedure, health hygiene standards, safety & maintenance, facilities and in room amenities, environmental sustainability practices and guest support service.

The assessments highlighted areas in which the accommodation providers will need to improve their basics service offering and TAK will guide them through that improvement process.

Whilst in Teraina, TAK also conducted a Tourism Business Inventory Survey (TBIS). Through this activity, TAK collects and updates database on the number of accommodations available, number of beds, staff training needs, services, facilities, and contact information. The survey also included the updating of TAK images of the various properties for promotional purposes.

Kiribati in PATA & BBC News Micronesia Destination Insight Series

January 31, 2022 by Taare Rikiai

In 2020, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) in partnership with BBC Global News launched the Destination Insight Series in response to the outbreak of COVID-19. The webinar series takes a close look at various destinations around the Asia Pacific region and examines how they have been dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and preparing towards recovery. The panel discussion will provide a 360° perspective of each destinations’ on-ground activities and preparations from operations to marketing and communications.

On Thursday 27 January 2022, the series explored the warmth of Micronesia specifically focused on Kiribati, Palau & Guam. Participants to this session included travel trade and tour operators from around the world.

In their introduction to the session, PATA highlighted that Micronesia is a spellbinding world abounding with warm caressing breezes, captivatingly rich culture and exotic adventure all dancing around in unison under the thick golden rays of an arching tropical sun. The mysterious, the magical and the modern sides of life all lie within easy reach for the welcomed visitor, just like a swollen ripe mango dropping from a mango tree into a waiting hand.

Together with Guam, Micronesia comprises of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Kiribati and Palau, with each different island chain offering a unique and unforgettable experience.

Through this session, Hon. Ngirai Tmetuchl Minister of Human Resource, Culture & Tourism Development, Palau and Mr. Gerald Perez of Guam Visitors Bureau and TAK CEO, Petero Manufolau agreed on the need for a unified regional approach to marketing Micronesia as a destination in itself.’

The recorded version of the session is available on YouTube

Butaritari Island commemorates WW2 Anniversary

November 20, 2021 by Taare Rikiai

The village of Ukiangang on the Island of Butaritari hosted Te Kaukinangananga, the 78^th anniversary commemoration of the Battle of Makin (Butaritari) on Saturday 20 November 2021. The Battle of Makin was an engagement of the Pacific campaign of World War II, fought from 20 to 24 November 1943, on Butaritari.

Led by the Mayor of Butaritari, Burantemwanoku Timon, the event began with a parade of students of Teinaura Primary School and members of Ukiangang community.

The lone survivor from the 1943, Mr. Aroua Kauriri gave an account of his recollections of those few days as a young boy. Mr. Kauriri added that “Ukiangang village had 5 bunkers during World War 2. At the height of the American attack on the Japanese in 1943, 1 of the bunkers housing Ikiribati nationals was blown up killing them all. This is why the villagers have put up a memorial shrine at the site to remember and honour the lives of the I-Kiribati lost on the day”. He added that the celebration is also a reminder of a part of Kiribati’s history that must never be forgotten.

Mayor Burantemwanoku added that Te Kaukinangananga is one of two annual World War 2 memorial events hosted on the island. The Butaritari Island Council is also working on its plan for a bigger commemoration event for the 80^th anniversary in 2023.

As cultural customary practices would require, the celebration also included traditional entertainment, a re-enactment of the World War 2 events and conclude with an island feast made up of a selection of fresh seafood, and fruits and vegetables which Butaritari is well regarded for.

The event was attended by representatives from the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK), Culture & Museum Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) and an Outer Island Integrated Energy Roadmap Project team from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy (MISE).

TAK Supports Circular Economy Initiative

October 29, 2021 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) this week participated at the Bazaar, a circular economy initiative by the Environment Conservation Division (ECD) of the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agricultural Development (MELAD).

Based on the theme of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Recover’, the Bazaar showcased how plastic, organic and other waste materials can be repurposed into valuable items such as jewelries, flower vase, door mats, and other decorative items. The Bazaar also promoted how natural waste such as tree branches. leaves and seaweed should be reused for domestic purposes such organic fertilizers.

TAK partnered with renown local artist Nei Tekarawa Kilifi who showcased repurposed plastic items that she crafted following her participation at the Kiribati Pacific Tourism Plastic Repurposing Training that was conducted on Tarawa in December 2020.

In January 2021, the Creative Tourism Network awarded TAK with the Best Strategy in Creative Tourism Development during the Creative Tourism Awards for its Pacific Tourism Plastic Repurposing Program. TAK is committed to continue its work in this aspect of the circular economy as it progresses towards strengthening sustainable tourism development across Kiribati.

Tourism Kiribati unveils new Mauri Mark Program

October 6, 2021September 29, 2021 by Taare Rikiai

Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) unveiled the new Mauri Mark Program during their World Tourism Day celebration on Monday 27 September 2021.

The Mauri Mark program is Kiribati’s new rating system for tourism accommodation, restaurant & bars, small leisure crafts and activity/ tour operators. The program will involve the annual assessment of tourism businesses based on a set of pre-determined criteria and the subsequent allocation of rates based on scores achieved.

Under the accommodation rating, hotels and lodges will be assessed based on business operations, fire safety procedures, health and hygiene standards, safety & maintenance, facilities and in-room amenities, environmental sustainability practices and guest support service.

In presenting the program, TAK CEO, Petero Manufolau invited accommodation providers to use the program as an opportunity to improve quality and service delivery, particularly as the country prepares for international border reopening in January 2022. He acknowledged that change will not happen overnight but emphasized that programs such as the Mauri Mark will positively contribute to their vision for a sustainable tourism destination by 2036.

Once assessed, accommodation providers will be rated from 1 to 3plus coconuts. Properties will be awarded rating certificates and Mauri Mark badges which they can display on site or use in their marketing collaterals as an indicator of service and quality guests can expect.

TAK will undertake awareness training and will guide tourism operators on Mauri Mark standards compliance between October and December 2021 with assessments scheduled to begin in January 2022. Visitors to Kiribati from January 2022 should therefore be able to book hotels and lodges based on these new Mari Mark coconut ratings.

Click HERE for more information of the Mauri Mark Program

DOWNLOAD MAURI MARK – ACCOMMODATION

Tourism Restart Training in Tabiteuea North

September 22, 2021 by Taare Rikiai

The island of Tabiteuea is an interesting place to visit not only for its natural beauty but also for its history. Bones and skull of a well-known warrior of Tabiteuea island, named Kourabi, is well kept and looked after by villagers of Buota until today. The story of Ten Nnabakana (stone warriors) erected between Teabuaeroa and Biken-te-Inai Islet, are still standing today.

From 01 – 10 September 2021, The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) visited Tabiteuea North to conduct trainings for Tabiteuea North and South tourism operators as part of its tourism restart program.

The 2 weeks training program included the Kiribati Tourism and Hospitality Protocols for the New Normal. This is compliance training designed to assist accommodation providers understand and deliver on the health and hygiene requirements of post COVID-19 travel. The protocol training concluded with the provision of hand sanitiser and face masks to all participating accommodation providers.

TAK also conducted an awareness session on the Mauri Mark Accommodation accreditation program which will be implemented from January 2022. In the session, accommodation providers were briefed on the Mauri Mark assessment guidelines and how ratings can help elevate the profile of their business and complement their marketing activities.

To help with preparations for international border reopening in January 2022, TAK also conducted tour guiding, service excellence, housekeeping and baking training. Participation to these sessions were extended to members of the island’s tourism potential communities.

The team from TAK also conducted consultations on the Kiribati Sustainable Tourism Development Policy Framework whilst in Tabiteuea North.

Tourism Authority Kiribati