Kiribati tourism sustainable policy shapes eco-tourism future

Sunday, February 4, 2024

On Jan 13, 2024, Kiribati launched the KTSP at Betio Sport Complex, heralding a new era in sustainable tourism development.

On January 13, 2024, the Kiribati Tourism Sustainable Policy (KTSP) was unveiled at a significant ceremony at the Betio Sport Complex in Tarawa, marking a transformative chapter in the trajectory of tourism within Kiribati. This innovative policy introduces a strategic approach to tourism development that prioritizes environmental preservation, cultural and social values enhancement, and economic advancement for distant islands and communities.

The KTSP is set to reposition Kiribati as a nation of greater wealth, health, and tranquility, in harmony with both international sustainable development agendas and the Kiribati Government’s long-term strategy, KV20. The policy serves as a cornerstone for fostering sustainable tourism operations that mutually benefit the natural surroundings and the local populace.

The unveiling of this policy coincided with the Ministry of Tourism, Commerce, Industry & Cooperative’s Business Award event, drawing a varied audience. The esteemed Minister of Tourism, Mr. Booti Nauan, in his address, highlighted the critical role of national engagement and leadership in steering Kiribati’s tourism sector towards a sustainable future. This approach is reflected in the involvement of a wide range of participants from governmental bodies, local enterprises, and community hosts, demonstrating the inclusive effort to craft this policy. Marking Kiribati’s first foray into Sustainable Tourism Policy, the initiative is a collaborative achievement with the Asian Development Bank’s Pacific Private Sector Development Initiative (ADB-PSDI), and the policy documents were shared with numerous stakeholders in the tourism industry present at the event.

The ceremony was graced by notable figures including the Vice President of Kiribati, ministers from various departments such as Education, Employment and Human Resources, Health and Medical Services, and Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy. The event also saw participation from the Diplomatic Corps, the Kiribati Chamber of Commerce, and business leaders, underscoring widespread endorsement for this groundbreaking policy.

Choosing the Cooperative Business Award ceremony for the KTSP launch underscored the critical importance of collaborative efforts in adopting sustainable tourism practices. It also served as a venue to celebrate industry excellence, aligning with the broader objectives of promoting responsible and sustainable tourism practices.

With the KTSP’s implementation, it is anticipated to guide Kiribati’s tourism sector towards a future where responsible tourism practices are the norm, ensuring a delicate balance between economic development and the conservation of the cultural and environmental assets that form the backbone of the tourism industry.

This policy launch is a clear indication of Kiribati’s dedication to fostering a tourism industry that is both responsible and sustainable, safeguarding the nation’s unique heritage and natural beauty for future generations.

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