TravelMole: What are the major challenges for Tahiti Tourism?
Thompson: We’re always fighting the perception that we are a bit more expensive than rival destinations. This year’s currency fluctuations, and the strength of the euro (to which the French Polynesian franc is linked) have not helped
How are you addressing this issue?
Thompson: We are educating travel agents about who they should be sending to Tahiti. We want to continue to grow a high market sector so that there are no surprises with the costs of visiting Tahiti.
How are hotels managing the global economic crisis?
Many are doing value-adds that didn’t exist two or three years ago. We can’t compete on a price point, so it is vital that we tell people about the deals on offer.
Is airline connectivity a challenge?
Air Tahiti Nui has suspended direct flights between Sydney and Papeete from March 28 until October, but we will have one extra flight via Auckland. From Melbourne the connection with Emirates flights across the Tasman works well.
