Tahiti brings South Pacific charm to chilly Canada

Canadian travel advisors were recently reminded of the almost mythic allure of destination Tahiti and the other islands of French Polynesia, at industry events in three Canadian cities.

As about 100 agents in attendance contemplated a (mostly) frigid winter, the images of various island resorts, cruise ship sailings and tropical land programs were especially effective.

By taking part in the events, the advisors learned that French Polynesia is just 9 1/2 hours from Seattle, and less from San Francisco and L.A., on non-stop flights by Air Tahiti Nui. Those international flights arrive in Papeete, on the capital island of Tahiti. Some 118 islands and atolls make up the nation of French Polynesia, with Tahiti serving as the starting point to reach others with recognized names like Moorea, Taha’a and especially Bora Bora.

Once landing at Papeete (PPT), most visitors make their way to one of these islands, or explore further afield. Within French Polynesia, the most popular archipelago is the Society Islands, with Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora located there. More remote are the islands that form groups including the Tuamotu Is., Gambier Is., Austral Is. and the Marquesas Is.

Updates from Tahiti

A group of Tahiti wholesalers brought news about these destinations, including resorts, cruise companies, land operators and airline services, to the trade mission stops in Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. Here’s a few highlights:

Marquesas Islands

The Marquesas are the most remote archipelago, at 1,400 km. from Tahiti, but are getting more attention by adventurous travellers.

“The Marquesas Islands are one of those places that’s almost impossible to put into words,” said Veronica Petkoff of the Zeno Group, the event organizers and reps for Tahiti in Canada. “You’ll find secluded beaches where you won’t see another soul, hiking trails that challenge you in the best way and boutique hotels with views so stunning they don’t feel real – it’s a remote paradise that’s all about slowing down and soaking it all in.”

Nancy O’Connell from Air Tahiti Nui highlighted the convenience of the flights, as noted above, and also the luxury levels of the aircraft on the Tahiti routes from America. These are B787-900 “Tahitian” Dreamliners. The airline offers checked bags for free, complimentary alcohol beverage services and amenity kits at each seat. The flights from Seattle operate on Wednesdays and Sundays, and discounted travel agent rates are available. The airline marked its 25th anniversary in 2023.

Deborah Roberts of the Sofitel Moorea emphasized that it is a mistake to assume that a Hawaii vacation would be cheaper than a trip to French Polynesia. Factors including a more favourable exchange rate on the Canadian dollar, plus the inclusion of taxes and breakfasts at resort/hotel properties (and optional tipping), are advantageous. And it is just two hours further (from the U.S. west coast) than Hawaii, she said. Her property has discounts for Canadians, and is located near to the Moorea ferry, she said.

Aranui 5

A more unusual product is the freighter Aranui 5, which devotes about half of its space to housing passengers, with 103 cabins for some 230 pax across eight guest decks.

The ship features a restaurant, a lounge, three bars, a spa, gym and swimming pool. This more budget-friendly option makes five stops in the Marquesas, the only cruise company to do so, said rep Vaihiria Kelley.

Vicky Lubyk of Paul Gauguin Cruises recounted that the company had been operating trips through French Polynesia for 26 years, and that Paul Gauguin was now owned by cruise ship operator Ponant.

She described how Paul Gauguin Cruises had won the 2024 Sustainability Initiative of the Year at the Seatrade Cruise Awards last September, for a healthcare initiative between Paul Gauguin Cruises and the government of French Polynesia, providing healthcare assistance to remote islands in the region.

She noted that 70 per cent of the cabins on the MS Paul Gauguin have balconies, and added that passengers on Paul Gauguin Cruises are able to spend part of their cruise enjoying the private island of Motu Mahana, just off of Taha’a.

A grand prize for one of the travel advisors will be awarded soon. It includes round trip airfares to Papeete and accommodations for six nights on two islands, plus free excursions on both islands. For more information, visit www.tahititourisme.ca.

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