The task force, made up of mostly private sector tourism businesses, will discuss ways to implement a national standards or accreditation system within the accommodation, tour and tourism transport industry.
“Tourism is the economic future of Kiribati and we are very serious about improving the standards of our tourism industry to continue our growth,” Teannaki told Pacific Magazine.
“At a recent meeting of tourism operators, we have made the joint decision, between the public and private sectors to form a taskforce to investigate ways in which we can introduce a national tourism standard and accreditation scheme that lifts the bar on how we do business in this country,” he said.
“We have to take this issue seriously,” Teannaki said “The tourism industry must be constantly focused on how we can improve the service and standards that we offer to the visiting public. There are countless examples in the world where good tourism standards and/or accreditation schemes have increased visitor numbers and expenditure.”
Kiribati’s tourism industry has grown nearly 7 percent on the recent year and has had double digit growth over the last five years.
“Improving standards such as what is offered within a hotel room or guest house, fire safety, hygiene and customer service is vital for us to ensure we continue to grow as a tourism industry into the future,” Teannaki added.
