Kiribati’s Tourism Officer Completes Sustainable Tourism Training in Japan

Hokkaido, Japan – Kiarake Karuaki, Tourism Authority of Kiribati’s Tourism Product Development and Investment Promotion Officer recently returned home after completing a one-month training programme on Sustainable Tourism Resource Management and Development in Japan.

Organised by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the Government of Japan’s Technical Cooperation Program, the training—known as the Knowledge Co-Creation Programme—took place across several regions in Hokkaido, Japan, including Sapporo, Asahikawa, Biei, and the Shiretoko Peninsula.

Representing Kiribati, Ms Karuaki joined participants from 12 other countries including the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, the Philippines, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Mauritius, the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Botswana, North Macedonia, and Palestine. The programme focused on sharing practical knowledge, innovative strategies, and best practices in sustainable tourism development, with a strong emphasis on community engagement, environmental stewardship, and economic resilience.

“This training programme has been instrumental in my professional growth and strengthens Kiribati’s commitment towards achieving sustainable tourism development,” Ms Karuaki shared. “Learning from Japan’s tourism model has inspired me to apply new ideas that can support our island communities and enhance the visitor experience while preserving our natural and cultural heritage.”

The comprehensive training involved collaboration with leading Japanese institutions and tourism experts, offering participants opportunities to explore ecotourism initiatives, conservation tourism models, and methods to balance tourism growth with environmental protection and local empowerment.

The Government of Kiribati, through TAK under the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry, and Cooperatives, has expressed sincere appreciation to JICA for supporting Kiribati’s capacity-building efforts in the tourism sector. This opportunity directly contributes to the ongoing implementation of the Kiribati Sustainable Tourism Policy, which promotes inclusive economic growth, social well-being, and environmental sustainability.

By investing in professional development and global cooperation, Kiribati continues to take meaningful steps toward building a resilient and sustainable tourism industry that benefits both its people and future generations.

ENDS

Source: Tourism Authority of Kiribati

Photo Credit: Tourism Authority of Kiribati