Kiribati’s Tourism Officer Completes Sustainable Tourism Training in Japan
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Mauri from the SPTO Division of Sustainable Tourism!
March proved to be a dynamic and productive month, with several key sustainable tourism initiatives gaining momentum across the region.
In this edition of the Newsbeat, we spotlight Kiribati and their current sustainable tourism initiatives.
About Kiribati
Kiribati, pronounced Ki-ri-bas, is composed of 33 low-lying atolls and reef islands scattered across the North-Central Pacific Ocean. With a population of approximately 120,000, most of whom reside in South Tarawa, the country faces growing vulnerabilities due to climate change and rising sea levels.
Infrastructure limitations and geographic remoteness present challenges to tourism growth; however, these same factors also serve to protect Kiribati from the pressures of mass tourism. The government’s commitment to preserving its environment and heritage is highlighted by the implementation of the Kiribati Sustainable Tourism Policy (2022–2025), which promotes low-impact tourism, environmental conservation, and local empowerment.
Recent developments in Kiribati’s tourism space reflect growing momentum. The official visit of the Minister of Tourism and Miss Kiribati to Kiritimati Island has helped increase visibility and support for the destination. In Fanning Island, a noticeable surge in fly-fishing tourism is contributing to local livelihoods and drawing international attention. The Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) has also launched a 100-day action plan focused on enhancing regulatory frameworks, improving tourism readiness in outer islands, and developing new community-led tourism experiences. Adding to this progress, a Tourism Officer from Kiribati recently represented the country in a sustainable tourism training in Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), further building national capacity for responsible tourism development. More on this can be found in this Newsbeat Edition.
To learn more about Kiribati’s policy efforts and sustainable tourism goals, be sure to explore this month’s featured Sustainable Tourism Resource Tool.
What else to watch out for in the Newsbeat?
For broader insights, don’t miss our regional updates and international tourism highlights included in this issue of Newsbeat.
Stay tuned for more details on the upcoming South Pacific Tourism Exchange, the highly anticipated 3rd Pacific Sustainable Tourism Leadership Summit, and regional workshops focused on sustainable tourism and destination development in the Pacific.
Be updated – for more information contact us at sustainable@spto.org, follow the Pacific Sustainable Tourism Network group page on Facebook or subscribe to our mailing list for instant news.
Ko rabwa!
