TARAWA (TAK) — The Tourism Authority of Kiribati has welcomed the announcement of Kiribati President 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, the Tourism Authority of Kiribati or 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 while 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 three months to roll out its marketing campaigns and programs.
Travelers 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 the government.
About Kiribati
The 33 islands of the Republic of Kiribati (pronounced Kiribas) is situated in the heart of the Pacific where the equator and the international datelines meet. Kiribati is therefore the only country in the work to be positioned in all 4 hemisphere’s — northern, southern, eastern, and western hemispheres.
Tarawa is home to the country’s main international airport and is serviced by direct flights from Nadi, Fiji, Nauru, Funafuti, Tuvalu, Honiara, Solomon Islands, Majuro, Republic of Marshall Islands, and Brisbane, Australia.
Kiritimati or Christmas Island on the eastern side of the country is serviced by a weekly flight from Nadi, Fiji and Honolulu, Hawaii.
Accommodation options include hotels, guesthouses, bungalows and traditional buyas. Tarawa (South and North) and Kiritimati host most of the accommodation whilst the outer islands feature traditional community and council run rest homes and privately run lodges.
Kiribati for travelers
Friendly and peaceful, Kiribati is ideal for the adventurous traveler seeking to discover and explore new destinations; one that enjoys an off the beaten track experience with the yearning to be fully immersed in the island’s natural beauty, culture, and its people.
For more information, email info@kiribatitourism.gov.ki or visit www.kiribatitourism.gov.ki
Kiribati residents perform a traditional dance.
