Find Tourism and Travel partners in Kiribati
- Overview
- Investment
Overview
According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) tourism contributed AUD34.4m to the economy of Kiribati in 2011 and the industry provided 5,000 jobs (17% of total employment). This places Kiribati 31st in the world (out of 181 countries) in respect to the relative contribution of the tourism industry to the national economy, with 19.5% share of the GDP compared to a world average of 14% (WTTC 2011). In 2010, the country had 5,000 tourist arrivals. Visitor exports generated AUD4.7m in 2011, constituting 15.8% of total exports. The Kiribati National Tourism Office (KNTO) is responsible for working with partners to encourage travellers to come to Kiribati and spend time exploring the country. The KNTO undertakes partnerships with tourism operators, promotional activities and trade shows, product development, website and collateral development and media development and communication.
Investment
The country markets itself as a remote destination, and an alternative to the modern globalised, commercial tourism industry. KNTO emphasises that the islands are a rewarding location for a serious traveller, not in pursuit of luxury. The islands provide those who venture there with beautiful scenery, with white sandy beaches and many lagoons. The traditional culture of the islands is rich and very much alive thanks to the isolated nature of the nation. The Phoenix Island Marine Protected Area is largely undiscovered, but is the world’s largest marine protected area. The islands are also an ideal bird watching destination, whilst Kirimati Island offers world class fishing. The capital Tarawa possesses a number of prominent World War II sights, remnants of fighting in the country. Additionally, the islands are developing as a prime location for surfing, having joined the International Surfing Association in 2011. The authorities on Kiribati are keen to limit visitor numbers, although there is discussion about opening up access to the islands to more tourists.
The Government of Kiribati has launched the National Tourism Action Plan 2009-14, the central planning tool in the development of tourism in the nation. The key areas that the government wishes to work on are infrastructure, private sector development, aviation access, outer island development, and education and training.
Investment in travel and tourism amounted to AUD3m in 2011, or 2.1% of total investment. It was expected to rise by 2.4% in 2012, and then continue to rise by the same percentage pa over the following ten years to AUD3.9m in 2022.
Tourism and Travel organisations in Kiribati | |
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Ministry of Communications, Transport and Tourism Development |
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