Economic Impact of International Yachting in Kiribati

Tourism remains limited in Kiribati, with only 25 per cent of visitors coming for holidays. The potential to grow air arrivals is constrained, but nautical tourism provides an opportunity to increase visitors to Kiribati and diversify the economy. Yachts represented a small portion of arrivals, but yacht tourists typically stay longer and spend more money than other tourists. They also tend to visit remote regions and communities that do not usually benefit from general tourism. There is a lack of data on the yachting industry in Kiribati. Market Development Facility (MDF), the Kiribati Tourism Office and the Kiribati Customs Administration and Enforcement have collaborated to complete the first independent economic impact assessment of Kiribati’s yachting industry.

The yachting industry has the potential to become a source of foreign exchange and a contributor to tourism growth for Kiribati. This would require combined efforts by the government, businesses, communities, and regional organisations.

This report recommends a strategy of initially modest promotional initiatives to test growth potential. If there is a response, more ambitious interventions and investments should be considered to take advantage of Kiribati’s unique yacht cruising opportunities.