Tahiti wins UNESCO World Heritage title

Highly sacred site in The Islands of Tahiti receives global recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site

A major, long-term project for The Islands of Tahiti became a reality with the official recognition of the Taputapuatea marae, a highly sacred site on the island of Raiatea, as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

This important recognition not only highlights a level of cultural significance present in the destination, but stimulates a source of great pride for the Polynesian people, bringing with it an opportunity for tourism to leverage the visibility of The Islands of Tahiti.

The Islands of Tahiti are a unique and colourful destination. Now with The World Heritage label bestowed upon the Taputapuatea marae, this global accolade will aid in attracting visitors in search of history and a rich cultural experience.

Located on the beautiful island of Raiatea, the second largest economic centre in The Islands of Tahiti, the marae is an ancient sacred site where ancient ceremonies took place prior to the arrival of European missionaries.

Its preservation, whilst a symbol of ancient Polynesian culture, also showcases the importance of mana, a source of great power and spiritual strength present in the surrounding nature. Notably, The Taputapuatea marae is the first cultural site in a French overseas region to be recognised by UNESCO.

With a string of activities dotted throughout the island, Raiatea makes a highly attractive island for visitors in search of thrill and adventure. Hiking trails in the island’s lush tropical interior take visitors to Mount Tapioi and Mount Temehani. Sea lovers can also sail the open ocean to the nearby islands of Huahine and Bora Bora, as well as to the neighbouring lagoons of its sister island Taha’a, an area defined by its production of vanilla.

With its combination of rugged coastline and mountainous landscapes, Raiatea creates a diverse region with picturesque beaches and beautiful hiking trails. There are also many scuba diving sites, including the Nordby, a wreck lying 95 feet under the surface.

With this prestigious UNESCO cultural label, Tahiti Tourisme can position the destination, highlighting the wealth of Polynesian culture and the diversity of activities as a sustainable tourism hub. The classification of the Taputapuatea marae as a UNESCO World Heritage site provides the Polynesian people with new, unifying opportunity to share their traditions, and ancient heritage to the wider world.

http://www.tahiti-tourisme.com/

Valere Tjolle

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