Accommodation constitutes the most important segment of the tourism industry. It is in many ways the base of tourism industry as it is a vital and fundamental part of tourism supply. In their travel, visitors require a location where they can rest and revive, and It is for this reason that commercial accommodations exist. The availability of accommodation in a destination and the type of accommodation available creates an image of a tourism destination in the mind of the traveler.

The accommodation options in Kiribati currently range from hotel, Guesthouse, Motel & Self Contained Apartment, to Community stay, homestay and AirBnB. 

International star rating classification do not apply in Kiribati, however as a guide, a few properties in South Tarawa and Kiritimati may pass as 2-star hotels. The outer islands of Kiribati typically offer basic and traditional island style bungalows called “Buia” with simple room amenities.

As a developing destination, Kiribati does not enjoy the benefit of an internationally accredited accommodation rating system. However, for us to strengthen potential visitor understanding on the type of accommodation available in Kiribati, we will need to create that perception and understanding in the minds of our ‘would be’ visitors.

To achieve this, the Tourism Authority has developed the following Mauri Mark standards rating system for all accommodation providers across Kiribati. Accommodation providers will be required to satisfy all Mauri Mark criteria and are required to sustain those criteria during their business operations. The criteria may be amended each year by the TAK in consultation with the Industry members and Government Ministries.