Kiribati Tourism – Kaongora Newsletter

Kiribati participates in China International Travel Mart 2023.

November 29, 2023 by Taare Rikiai

Kiribati The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) made its presence for the first time at one of the largest China’s International Travel Mart (CITM) held in Kunming, Yunan Province from 17-19, November 2023.

Kiribati was represented by TAK Deputy CEO, Ms. Reeti Onorio. She was amongst the Heads of National Tourism Offices (NTO) from 7 other Pacific Island countries led by the Pacific Tourism Organization, (SPTO). Collectively, they showed the commitment of Pacific nations to work together in strengthening ties with the Chinese travel market.

Through the Pacific pavilion, Ms. Onorio had the opportunity to discuss Kiribati’s unique niche tourism assets and unique cultures with Chinese tour operators and consumers.

CITM is help annually and is the largest travel Mart in China. The event attracts tourism institutions, travel agencies, hotels, airlines, cultural institutions, museums and other culture & tourism-related businesses from China and around the globe. This year’s CITM attracts more than 3,000 companies and more than 1,000 international buyers.

Ms. Onorio shared that this year’s CITM was a learning experience for TAK to understand the Chinese outbound market post COVID-19. She also held discussions with tour operators on Kiribati’s Approved Destination Status for China and the progress TAK making as a destination through its MOU with the China Tourism Academy.

High on the agenda for Kiribati’s approach to the Chinese market was sustainable tourism and the destination’s intent to offer low impact, high value holiday experiences. These include cultural experiences, marine-based tourism and the off the beaten track laid-back lifestyle in the islands and its people.

DCEO Onorio expressed her gratitude to the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO), and China’s Ministry of Culture of Tourism its annual commitment to support Kiribati’s participation at CITM.

CITM 2024 will be held in Shanghai, China. Leading up to that, TAK looks forward to further exploring opportunities for travel and tourism investment into our niche tourism sectors.

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.

Kiribati Tourism Industry Review 2022

May 1, 2023May 1, 2023 by Taare Rikiai

Kiribati’s international border reopening in August 2022 has had a positive impact on employment in the sector, including a 4% increase in recruitment compared to 2021. This is highlighted in the Kiribati Tourism Industry Review 2022 report compiled by the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK). This report brings together data from various sources and partner organisations to present a status of the Kiribati’s tourism sector.

The report also captures the gradual increase in international visitor arrivals since border reopening from 01 August 2022. Whilst year on year (YOY) growth has been slow compared to 2019 pre COVID-19 travel statistics, the report indicates the narrowing of YOY international visitor arrivals from Quarter 4 at 23% less than the 2019 Quarter 4 arrivals. The average length of stay (ALOS) for travellers to Kiribati in 2022 was 12.8 nights.

Domestic travel by air increased by 10% whilst maritime passenger numbers dropped by 18%. The report also provides a breakdown of the travel between Tarawa and Kiritimati although Kiritimati was still closed to international arrivals in 2022.

The report also provides a breakdown of tourism employment by gender, most visited outer islands, and yachting statistics for Kiribati.

TAK wishes to acknowledge the contributions of Air Kiribati Limited; the Marine Guard; Immigration department, Kiribati National Statistics Office, Kiribati Customs Office and the tourism operators and accommodations that supplied data for the purpose of this report.

TAK Releases Kiribati Tourism Review Report 2021

March 15, 2022 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) has released the Kiribati Tourism Review Report 2021.

The report is an annual analysis of the Kiribati tourism sector and aims to equip readers with latest developments in Kiribati tourism over the past 12 months. This is the third report of its kind following the Kiribati Tourism Review 2020 and 2019 reports.

The Kiribati Tourism Review Report 2021 brings together data from various sources of information and TAK wishes to acknowledge the contributions of the Ministry of Health & Medical Services; Air Kiribati Limited; Marine Guard; Immigration department; Kiribati Customs and the tourism operators and accommodations that supplied data for the purpose of this report.

The report noted that without international tourism, domestic travel grew in 2021 with inter island travel registering a 43% increase. Domestic air travel however dropped by 35%, mostly due to the fleet limitations with the nation’s domestic carrier, Air Kiribati.

2021 also recorded 43% growth in the number of rooms and a 47% increase in beds available across Kiribati .

Tourism employment however registered 23% drop for the year.

CLICK HERE to download a copy of the report.

TAK Welcomes Queen’s Baton

March 10, 2022 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) yesterday welcomed the 2022 Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton at the Takoronga World War ll gun site in Betio, South Tarawa.

As a build up to the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, the games organisers have staged the 16th official Queen’s Baton Relay which will see the Queen’s Baton on an epic journey across all 72 nations of the Commonwealth, including Kiribati. The relay began on 07 October 2021 with Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth ll placing her message to the Commonwealth in the Baton which will be read out at the Birmingham 2022 opening ceremony.

TAK is privileged to have been part of this global event and joins the rest of Kiribati and the Pacific in celebrating the hope, solidarity and collaboration fostered by the Queen’s Baton Relay. TAK hopes that such an event will help connect communities across the Pacific as we embrace our unique cultures and share our inspirational stories in what has been a challenging year in travel and tourism.

Receiving the Baton at the Battle of Tarawa WWll site in Betio is also significant for TAK as it is an important part of Kiribati’s history and the Kiribati visitor experience.

TAK acknowledges the Kiribati National Olympic Committee (KNOC) for including tourism in Kiribati leg of the Queen’s Baton Relay and wishes all athletes and officials the very best at the Birmingham games.

TAK Awards Hotel Mauri Mark Certification

February 28, 2022 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) began the Mauri Mark Standards assessment of South Tarawa accommodation providers in January 2022.

The Mauri Mark is part of TAK’s Tourism Restart Program and involves the assessment of licensed accommodation providers. The assessment criteria for Kiribati hotels and lodges include business operations, fire safety procedures, health & safety hygiene standards, facilities including in-room facilities, environmental sustainability practices and guest support services.

In its first set of assessment, TAK assessed The George Hotel, Mary’s Motel and Utirerei Hotel in January prior to the COVID-19 lockdown. With the easing of domestic restrictions, TAK has now continued the process by awarding these properties with their Mauri Mark Coconut rating certificates on Friday 25 February and Monday 28 February 2022.

In presenting the certificates, TAK Manager Product Development, Mr. Iataake King says that “this Mauri Mark certification program is an improvement from the original hotel rating system and will serve as a service and sustainability guide for travellers booking accommodation in Kiribati”.

King further stated that hotel operators can display their certificates on site and use the accreditation as a marketing tool. Most importantly, visitors to Kiribati can now have an idea of the quality of services they can expect from hotels when booking accommodation.

TAK will continue accommodation assessment as domestic travel restrictions begin to ease and aims to complete and issue Mauri Mark rating certificates by the end of the first quarter of the year.

Kiribati Tourism Optimistic of a Safe Restart

February 28, 2022February 28, 2022 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) is optimistic of a safe restart to tourism for the destination following a continued high daily recovery rate from COVID-19 since 09 February 2022, 20 days after the first cases were recorded in Kiribati. .

As of 27 February 2022, Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) updates through the Office of Te Beretitenti (OB) indicated a 70% recovery rate with an average daily total of 13 cases per day over the last 7 days.

TAK believes that Kiribati’s 98% first dose and 60% second dose vaccination rate, Government’s COVID-19 safety protocols and public control measures such as the current mandatory lockdown from 7pm to 6am daily have all helped bring daily infection rates down and recoveries high.

TAK further acknowledges frontline medical officials, support staff, national security personnel and development partners in their tireless efforts to manage and contain the COVID-19 cases to its current levels.

As the world begins to open their borders and destinations to international tourism, TAK is optimistic that given the encouraging statistics from national health authorities, Kiribati will be ready for a safe restart to tourism once Government agrees to reopen its borders.

To prepare for a safe, smart, and sustainable restart to tourism, TAK had conducted COVID-19 safety protocols training for all tourism accommodation operators in 2021 and initiated the Mauri Mark Accommodation Accreditation program form January 2022.

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 Tourism Industry Review Q4 2021 Report

February 21, 2022 by Taare Rikiai

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) has released the Kiribati Tourism Industry Review for the fourth quarter of 2021.

The report brings together data from various sources of information and TAK wishes to acknowledge the contributions of Air Kiribati Limited; the Marine Guard; Immigration Department and the tourism operators and accommodation providers that supplied data for the purpose of this report.

Domestic travel increased in Q4, 2021 with marine travel registering a 75% increase and air travel increasing by 38%. This was attributed to the school holidays and festive season travel.

Employment in the tourism industry grew by 5% compared to the previous quarter whilst room and bed numbers increased by 9% and 7% respectively compared to Q3 2021.

Other tourism related data are also presented in the report including tourism employment by gender, most visited outer islands, and international repatriation for Q3 2021.

Please CLICK HERE for a copy of the report.

Tourism Authority Kiribati