Meetings with tourist service providers and the island’s population to inform and raise awareness of sustainable tourism

Informing, raising awareness and uniting the whole population

Launched in March, the “Together, let’s act for sustainable tourism” campaign to raise awareness of Tahiti Et Ses Îles ‘ tourism development strategy , called Fāri’ira’a Manihini (FM27) and geared towards sustainable tourism, was presented to tourism service providers and the local population duringa tour of the islands.

The messages conveyed by Tahiti Tourisme teams during these events echoed those of the videos broadcast on local TV and social networks and via a poster campaign on the island of Tahiti. The aim of these actions on the ground is to inform, raise awareness and unite the entire population around the benefits of adopting sustainable tourism for the destination.

Until June, the Tahiti Tourisme teams, accompanied by their ambassador of choice Teaniva DINARD – Mister Tahiti 2022, toured the 4 archipelagos of French Polynesia with the support of the 28 tourism committees, the relays of this strategy in the islands. The tour took in 14 islands and 15 communes, and was attended by over 1,000 people.

Mister Tahiti 2022, the campaign’s ambassador and spokesperson, shared his good advice, as he is involved in culture through his work as a tattoo artist. Depending on the audience in each island and archipelago, the ambassador adapted his speech by highlighting their specific characteristics (e.g. the Marquesas Islands for the preservation of their cultural sites and tattooing, etc.).

A child who is close to his nature will always fight for it

It’s important to raise people’s awareness, so that they in turn can raise the awareness of visitors, but also of children and young people… A child who is close to nature is a child who will take care of it and always fight for it.

Teaniva DINARD, Mister Tahiti 2022

A time for sharing

Tahiti Tourisme presented a programme for each evening, including

A presentation of the awareness-raising campaign, including videos
Presentation of the free training courses on the transition to sustainable tourism offered by Atout France and We Go GreenR
A presentation by ambassador Teaniva DINARD, Mister Tahiti 2022
Question and answer sessions
A signing session with Mister Tahiti, the distribution of a kit to promote sustainable tourism locally and a time for convivial exchanges with the audience over a tasting of local products.

Polynesia is not designed for mass tourism

Sustainable tourism is a global trend. When you see what’s happening at Machu Picchu or in Venice, Polynesia isn’t designed for mass tourism. We are a remote and protected destination, and that’s what we need to preserve. We also need to make sure that tourists get around the islands better, which means preparing for it with infrastructures… The idea is that they have a great experience with the local population.

Vaima DENIEL, Director of Local Operations at Tahiti Tourisme

Back in pictures