The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) has welcomed the announcement yesterday by te Beretitenti, His Excellency Taneti Maamau on his government’s decision to open Kiribati national borders from January 2022.
In his announcement, President Maamau urged the people of Kiribati who qualify for the COVID-19 vaccines to complete both their doses before the end year. He emphasized that unity and complying with restrictions and regulations is very important for the safety of all I-Kiribati. The President called on old men and women organizations, church groups, youth groups, women organizations, Islands Councils, communities and fathers and mothers in every household to help encourage family members and friends get vaccinated against this deadly virus.
Through its Tourism Restart Program, TAK has developed the Kiribati Tourism & Hospitality Protocols for the New Normal and is currently undertaking COVID-19 safety protocol training for all accommodation providers. Properties in South Tarawa, North Tarawa, Abaiang, Tab North and Tab South have completed their training whilst the rest of accommodation and tourism service providers in other islands will receive their COVID-19 protocol training by November 2021. TAK CEO, Petero Manufolau confirmed that an industry-wide refresher training will be conducted in December 2021, prior to border reopening in January 2022.
As part of its restart program, TAK will also launch its Digital Marketing Strategy in September for implementation form October 2021, giving the Pacific Island destination 3 months to roll out its marketing campaigns and programs.
Travellers returning or visiting Kiribati for the first time in 2022 can expect an improved experience through the destination’s Mauri Mark program, a hotel assessment and accreditation program and the Mauri Way, a Kiribati National Tourism Customer Service program for all tourism service providers.
Details of Kiribati’s COVID-19 traveler requirements and protocols for the January 2022 international border reopening will be advised once it is available from government.
