Tourism Authority Kiribati

Kaongora Newsletter

Kiritimati Island hosts Cleaning, Beautification, Gardening, & Sanitation Competition

Kiritimati Island, also known as Christmas Island, witnessed a spectacular showcase of community spirit and environmental stewardship as it hosted the inaugural Cleaning, Beautification, Gardening, and Sanitation Competition. This event was organized by the Ministry of Environment, Lands & Agriculture Development (MELAD) through the Agriculture & Livestock Division, and the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) played a pivotal role as part of the organizing committee. The competition took place in conjunction with the grand celebrations of the 44th National Day, signifying the island’s commitment to becoming the “New Paradise.”

The primary objective of the competition was to foster a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Kiritimati Island while advancing its aspiration of becoming a true “New Paradise” for its residents and visitors alike. The organizing committee, comprised of the Wildlife Conservation Unit, the Ministry of Line & Phoenix Islands Development, and the EU-funded Water & Sanitation project, worked tirelessly to ensure the success of this community-driven initiative.

Participants from 19 households across three villages – Banana, Tabakeauea, and Ronton – participated in the competition, demonstrating their dedication to making a positive impact on their local environment. The competition witnessed the participation of various individuals and groups, each showcasing their innovative approaches to cleanliness, beautification, gardening, and sanitation.

The competition was supported by generous donations from the government-owned petroleum company, Kiribati Oil Limited (KOIL), and four privately-owned hotels in Kiritimati, namely Little Flower Guesthouse, Sunset Horizon Fishing Lodge, Lagoon View Resort, and Tekabaia Lodge. The gracious contributions of Mum’s Kitchen and the 44th National Day mother-committee also played a significant role in making the event a success.

The Cleaning, Beautification, Gardening, and Sanitation Competition served as a testament to the unity and dedication of the Kiritimati Island community in preserving its natural beauty and promoting a clean and healthy environment. TAK extends its appreciation to all the participants, donors, and organizing committee members for their unwavering support and commitment to the cause.

As the island continues to progress towards its environmental and developmental goals, TAK is dedicated to supporting and promoting similar initiatives that contribute to the well-being of the local community and the preservation of Kiritimati Island’s charm.

Renowned U.S Pro-Surfer Acknowledges Kiritimati Island’s Surfing Potential

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) successfully completed a collaboration with the U.S. Department of State’s East West Center’s Outbound Exchange program, through which it received valuable assistance from Mr. Keone Downing, a renowned pro-surfer and tourism expert from Downing, Hawaii. This partnership aims to foster the growth of surfing as a niche market for Kiritimati Island.

Mr. Keone Downing, who is the son of big-wave pioneer, George Downing is a distinguished surfer with numerous national and international accolades to his name. He has wealth of experience and expertise, having won various competitions throughout his career, including victories in the Makaha International and the Quicksilver in memory of Eddie Akau big-wave contest.

During his one-week visit, Mr. Downing engaged in meetings with several hotel and tour operators who expressed keen interest in surf tourism. Together with TAK, he scouted potential surf sites around the island, charting them for further observation and assessment during the upcoming winter season (September/October and March/April).

Beyond his crucial role in identifying promising surf spots on Kiritimati Island, Mr. Downing also undertook an essential mission to impart surfing skills to the local youth. His training sessions proved immensely valuable as he coached young boys and girls on the fundamentals of surfing. Furthermore, the young surfers were left elated by the generous donation of five surfboards and three bodyboards, a generous contribution made possible by the U.S. Department of State through the East West Center’s Exchange program.

The East West Center’s Outbound Exchange program represents the final component of the U.S. funded East West Center administered Pacific Islands Tourism Professional Fellows Program. Designed as a professional development exchange, the program promotes knowledge exchange and cultural understanding between tourism professionals in the Pacific Islands and the United States, while also nurturing long-lasting people-to-people bonds.

TAK expresses gratitude to the U.S. Department of State, the East West Center, and Mr. Keone Downing for their invaluable support and commitment to promoting surf tourism on Kiritimati Island.

Clean Oceans and Beaches Essential for World Class Surfing

The pristine white sandy beaches of Kiritimati Island will hold a special place in the hearts of surfers as their cherished playground if they are care for. This was emphasized by Mr. Keone Downing, Pro-Surfer and Outbound Exchange Fellow from the East West Center when delivering training for the Island’s youths his one-week stay in Kiritimati Islands.

In addition to imparting surfing skills to the young surf enthusiasts, Mr. Downing encouraged them to adopt a noble habit – beach cleaning. His inspiring words, “Pick one trash before you surf and pick another one when you’re done surfing,” resonated deeply with the young surfers. The message was simple yet impactful – if each surfer commits to this practice, their cherished playground, the ocean, will always remain clean and free from debris washed down from the beaches.

Although Mr. Downing’s stay concluded on the 19th of July, the local surfers conducted their own beach clean-up activity on Thursday, 27th July, attracting new participants to join in the cause.

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) supports and recognizes these proactive cleaning initiatives, particularly by the young people. In this spirit of environmental stewardship, they were also invited to participate in the Ronton beach clean-up that was held on Saturday, 29th July 2023.

As the next generation of surfers emerges on Kiritimati Island, their dedication to beach cleaning paves the way for a brighter, cleaner future, where both the ocean and the shore remain pristine for the enjoyment of locals and travellers alike.

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

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.