Tourism Authority Kiribati

Kaongora Newsletter

TAK releases Kiribati Q1 2023 Tourism Industry Review

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) is pleased to present the Kiribati Quarter 1 (Q1), 2023 Tourism Industry Review. This report aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the tourism sector in Kiribati during the first quarter of 2023, focusing on international visitor arrivals and other relevant tourism data. The report compares the Q1 2023 international visitor arrivals with Q1 2019, providing valuable insights into the sector’s recovery and progress following the COVID-19 pandemic.

During Quarter 1 of 2023, Kiribati experienced a decrease of 8.2% in the number of international visitor arrivals when compared with the pre-COVID figures of Q1 2019. While this decline indicates the ongoing impact of the pandemic on global travel, it is essential to note that there has been a positive development on a quarterly basis. Comparing Q1 2023 with Quarter 4 of 2022, there was an encouraging increase of 3.8% in international visitor arrivals.

Australia emerged as the leading source market for Kiribati in Q1 2023. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Australian visitors continued to show their interest in exploring the unique attractions and experiences that Kiribati has to offer.

The Quarter 1 report includes additional research and data that provides valuable insights into the state of tourism in Kiribati. This data covers tourism operator sentiments and tourism intensity, which further enhances our understanding of the sector’s current situation. TAK recognizes the importance of capturing and presenting comprehensive tourism-related data to support effective decision-making and strategic planning.

An exciting development in Quarter 1, 2023, was the return of inbound tourists by cruise ship. After border reopening in August 2022, Kiribati successfully welcomed inbound travellers via cruise ships in February and March, with visits to Tarawa and Fanning Island. This milestone signifies a step towards normalcy and a positive outlook for the cruise tourism segment in the country.

TAK would like to express its appreciation Air Kiribati Limited, Marine Guard, Immigration Department, Te Umwanibong, Kiribati Customs Office, Shipping Agencies of Kiribati (SAOK), Kiribati National Statistics Office (KNSO) and Tourism operators. Their collaboration and support have been instrumental in gathering relevant data and insights, making this report a comprehensive and robust assessment of the tourism sector in Kiribati.

CLICK HERE to download a copy.

Tourism Survey in North Tarawa

The Tourism Authority of Kiribati conducted its annual survey known as the Tourism Business Inventory Survey (TBIS) in North Tarawa on the 25th and 26th of March. The primary objective of this survey is to update the TAK database of tourism operators and includes data such as services offered, available facilities, number of rooms, and number of employees to name a few.

This is part of TAK’s annual work plan to ensure our accommodation database is accurate and up to date. The data collected is strictly confidential and only the contact information or a combined summary of the businesses is shared with stakeholders and our regional and international partners.

The team surveyed 7 properties namely Tabon Tekeeke; Tabuki Retreat; Uaai Getaway; Bikennarara Resort; Nemat Resort; Tarabuka Hideaway and Ocean View.  Many of these accommodations are locally built comprising of overwater Buia and local huts.

The survey was conducted by the Research and Statistics Division team.

TAK Releases Kiribati Tourism Review Report 2021

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.

 

 

Kiribati Tourism Industry Review Q4 2021 Report

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.