My name is Kiarake Karuaki, 32 years old and I come from the beautiful island of Kiribati. I have worked for the Tourism Authority of Kiribati (TAK) for more than 5 years looking after tourism product development. My professional experience as a Product Development Officer has allowed me to assist local communities to develop their community tourism products that can build their adaptive capacity against the impact of climate change, promote environmental conservation, maintain and preserve their cultural knowledge and skills of survival and also support their livelihood. I am passionate about Product Development, Biodiversity Conservation, Community engagement and growth. What drives a product to success and community growth interests and inspires me. I specialized in product development, long term strategies and community outreach. In addition to 6 years of experience in professional Tourism Product Development, I have also been awarded as a Kiribati sustainability Champion and I volunteer as a chairlady for Nei Mom Uprising. I am a current Climate Friendly Travel student through SUNx Malta in collaboration with the Institute of Tourism Studies Malta and I am the Chapter Leader for Kiribati. I enjoy photography, voluntary clean up and event planning and development.

Beebe Kararaua O’Connor is an emerging tourism professional who graduated from Griffith University, Australia in 2023, with a Bachelor’s degree in International Tourism and Hotel Management. In 2024, Beebe joined the Tourism Authority of Kiribati, working in the Product Development and Investment Promotion Department. In this role, Beebe supports communities, private sector stakeholders, and businesses in creating tourism products that enhance visitor experiences while fostering local economic opportunities. Although still young in the industry, Beebe is deeply motivated to learn, gain experience, and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Kiribati’s tourism sector. Being part of the Climate Friendly Travel (CFT) program is a privilege that has provided valuable insights into building sustainable and climate-conscious tourism products. With a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation, Beebe is determined to develop tourism initiatives that balance economic growth with environmental responsibility, ensuring that Kiribati’s unique cultural and natural heritage can be enjoyed by future generations.