Tourism Authority of Kiribati

Kiribati is in the process of transforming its tourism industry to become sustainable and remain viable for generations to come. This commitment was made when the government of Kiribati, in its 20-year Vision (KV20) recognised the potential contribution of tourism towards stimulating economic development, providing employment, income generation as well as supporting the retention of cultural traditions, sustainable management of national environmental assets and wider contribution towards social-economic benefits. The COVID -19 pandemic however brought the Kiribati tourism industry to a standstill with zero international visitors recorded from April 2020. However, this pause in international arrivals into Kiribati also presented the destination with an excellent opportunity to re-evaluate itself and its real contribution to the economy, community, and environment. On the back of the international climate change agenda, of which Kiribati is a strong advocate of, the Kiribati tourism sector must play an active role in reducing the industry’s negative impact on the environment, community, and economy. The tourism sector must therefore commit to adopting internationally accepted sustainable operational standards for tourism operators and this KSTDPF will be the guide to achieving this. Kiribati’s small tourism industry with minimal infrastructure and relative low impact on the natural environment places the destination in a favourable position to effectively plan and implement its sustainable tourism initiatives. The growing global demand for experiential and meaningful travel presents Kiribati with the opportunity for growth it post COVID-19. Being party to the Glasgow Declaration will help Kiribati prepare for a smart restart to tourism where value over volume will be a priority and where tourism businesses will operate along international sustainable standards and guidelines. Sustainable tourism therefore is no longer an option for Kiribati but a necessary means to fulfilling our national commitment to a more responsible way of managing the tourism sector.