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Restart Tourism

Abemama Ecotourism Communities Prepare for Tourism Restart

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) carried out the Tourism Restart program to Abemama Ecotourism communities as part of the preparation for a safe, secure and sustainable border reopening on the island of Abemama.

The program consists of a week training to active ecotourism communities of Reina, Baretoa community, and Ainen Wiikin Abemama on areas of Revenue management and Tourism business fundamentals. The overall objective of this one-week training is to guide these communities to improve their business initiatives and service offering through understanding of how to maximise and manage their revenue, compliance to Mauri mark standards, human resource development initiatives, customer service, market analysis and marketing and promotions of their tourism products and services.

TAK also had the opportunity to train these communities on the Covid-19 tourism and hospitality protocols to ensure health safety measures are practiced when the border opens.

The training was supported by the Kiribati LDCF-1 Project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented under the Environment and Conservation Division (ECD) with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

COVID-19 Protocol Monitoring and Evaluation Assessment in Kiritimati

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The Tourism  Authority of Kiribati conducted a Covid-19 Protocol Monitoring and Evaluation assessment to tourism accommodation providers on the island of Kiritimati.

TAK consulted with tourism operations that are still in operation such as the Sunset Horizon Fishing Lodge, Ikari House, Dive and Fishing Adventure Lodge and The Villages Hotel to carry out the monitoring and evaluation. This type of assessment observes how the various hotel workers put to practice the Tourism Hospitality Covid Protocol which they have been trained and certified on since the end of 2021. TAK also used the opportunity to collect data on the PPEs available as part of the assessment.

TAK encouraged accommodation providers in Kiritimati Island to be consistent in their application of these important tourism protocol in their respective operations so that it ensures safety of visitors and hosts when the Kiritimati border opens.

COVID-19 Protocol Compliance Assessment in North Tarawa

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TAK’s Training and Development Unit carried out a Covid-19 Protocol compliance assessment to tourism accommodation providers in North Tarawa on 25-26th March, 2022.

The objective of the visit is to assess the tourism accommodation providers that participated in the Tourism and Hospitality COVID- 19 Protocol for the New Normal training that was conducted in June 2021 on South Tarawa. Accommodations visited included Nemat Resort, Tarabuka Hideaway, Ocean View Motel, Bikenarara Resort, Uaai Island Getaway, Tabuki Retreat and Tabontekeeke Eco Lodge.

The assessment was based on compliance of these tourism providers in terms of actual application of the Covid-19 protocols at their visitor accommodations, sharing of what they have learned to other work colleagues, consistency of practice.

TAK encouraged tourism accommodation providers on North Tarawa to maintain consistency of practice of this Tourism and Hospitality Protocol for a safe, secure, and sustainable tourism in Kiribati.

Marketing Survey to Accommodation Providers in North Tarawa

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TAK marketing team returned from a 2-day survey to tourism operators in North Tarawa. The focus of the survey was on digital marketing promotion where it identifies tourism accommodation operators who need TAK support and assistance in website development for their properties. This initiative helps tourism accommodation operators enhance their online digital presence and promotion of their holiday products as well as contribute to destination marketing and preparation before Kiribati fully opens its border to international travel.

TAK also consulted with the North Tarawa tourism operators on enhancing their business from domestic tourism through the resumption of the Mauri Experience marketing campaign.  The campaign helps the operators promote any special deals that they can offer to the domestic population on South Tarawa to generate business from work retreats, family and friend holidays or special events.  The resumption of this Mauri Experience campaign comes in effect as North Tarawa recently reopened its borders to South Tarawa permitting just 20 guests per accommodation property at a time. Visitors must be certified and fully Covid-19 vaccinated before travelling to North Tarawa and they must comply with standard health measures including mask wearing and social distancing.

The team also took to the time to familiarize with any new developments or improvements that the operators have made during the lock down stage.

TAK Releases Kiribati Tourism Review Report 2021

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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 conduct Tourism Restart training in Teraina Island

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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 goes into Level 3 Lockdown

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Kiribati is currently on COVID-19 Level 3 Alert lockdown following the Government of Kiribati’s announcement yesterday of 4 confirmed community cases in South Tarawa and Buota. This is following the announcement by the Office of Te Beretitenti on 19 January 2022 that 36 of the 54 passengers that arrived on the repatriation flight from Nadi, Fiji on 10 January 2022 had tested positive for COVID-19 as well .

Government has appealed to elders, church, island councils, community and youth leaders for their support and cooperation to protect and safeguard people’s and the nation’s health during this time. Government expressed that the only way to fight the virus is to be fully vaccinated and is urging all eligible citizens to complete their vaccination.

Ministry of Health & Medical Services (MHMS) officials are currently conducting contact tracing for the 4 additional cases and will issue further updates in due course.

The lockdown advise requires a 24-hour curfew for all residence. A 6am to 2pm movement exception is extended only to those that need to purchase of essential food items from within their local zones. All Government Offices and SOEs will be closed, and staffs will work remotely from home. Essential and emergency services however will remain open.

Outer island travel will only be allowed to those returning to Tarawa for health and medical reasons. All air and sea departures from Tarawa is currently suspended.

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) reiterates the call from government on the need for all eligible citizens to complete their vaccination. TAK therefore urges tourism operators to encourage their staffs to be fully vaccinated and protect themselves from COVID-19.

All accommodation operators in Kiribati have received the Kiribati Tourism & Hospitality COVID-19 safety protocol training and TAK is confident that these operators will ensure that the protocols are being activated given the current COVID-19 situation.

The TAK office will be closed from tomorrow, Monday 24 January until further notice. However, all staffs will be working remotely from home and will ensure that all communications are  responded to on a timely manner.

TAK Begins 2022 Community Tourism Program

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) began its 2022 Community Tourism Program with a roadside and waterfront clean up along the Bonriki Causeway and Nawerewere on Saturday 08 January 2022.

Supported by the Minister of Tourism, Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives (MTCIC), Honourable Booti Nauan, the program also included participation from the Ministry of Environment, Lands and Agriculture Development (MELAD) and the Environment and Conservation Division (ECD), MTCIC, Nei Mom Uprising,  The POSSIBILITY Network Group and the Nawerewere community. Refreshments were provided compliments of the Kiribati Islands Conservation Society (KICS).

A total of 80 bags of plastic and solid waste was collected through this initiative.

TAK hopes that the participation of local communities will help reinforce the message that tourism is everyone’s business, and that everyone has an important role to play for the safe, smart, and sustainable restart to tourism in Kiribati.

TAK will conduct similar programs on the first Saturday of every month and welcomes the support and participation of all government ministries, private sector operators, non-governmental organisation, civil societies, and local communities.

Kiribati hosts 2021 Tourism Restart Forum

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The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) officially opened its 2021 Kiribati Tourism Restart Forum with the theme Preparing Kiribati for a Safe, Smart and Sustainable Restart to Tourism today in South Tarawa, Tuesday 14 December.

The forum aims to create a platform where key local stakeholders can dialogue and engage with international travel and tourism experts on tourism border reopening priorities and to be informed of best practices for the resumption of international tourism in Kiribati.

Day 1 of this 2 days has been successful in bringing together government leaders and representatives, private sector, development partners, civil society, regional organisations, training institutions, faith-based organisation and local communities to dialogue and discuss tourism restart opportunities for Kiribati. As a hybrid event, the forum also includes international online participants.

In her address, Chief Guest and Minister for Employment & Human Resources, Honourable Taabeta Amuera Teakai acknowledged the work that the TAK has carried out since border closure in 2020. Hon. Teakai also applauded the Authority for its proactive approach to preparing the tourism industry for the new normal in tourism through its Kiribati Tourism & Hospitality Protocols for the New Normal.

A line-up of distinguished local and international experts in public health and safety, destination management, airline marketing, niche tourism, environment conversation and trade and investment are presenting at this event.

The Kiribati Tourism Restart Forum continues Wednesday 15 December, and virtual participation will be available through  https://corporate.visitkiribati.travel/tourismforum/

Tourism Kiribati unveils new Mauri Mark Program

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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 

 

 

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati is responsible for working with our partners to encourage travelers to come to Kiribati and spend time exploring our country.

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