Study on the quality of experience of international visitors :

The Islands of Tahiti confirms its strengths and identifies areas for improvement

As part of the implementation of the country’s sustainable tourism strategy, Fāri’ira’a Manihini 2027, Tahiti Tourisme, in consultation with MMGY – TCI Research, conducted a study into the quality of experience of international visitors to French Polynesia.

The data analysis solution

MMGY – TCI Research offers a solution for studying competitive tourism data. Several destinations are already working with the organisation, including Atout France, Province Sud de Nouvelle-Calédonie, Tourisme Montréal, Visit Britain and Dubai Tourism, and it has already conducted a study on the perception of tourism by the local population in French Polynesia in 2023.

Carried out over a one-year period in 2025, the strategic study on the quality of experience will provide a clear assessment of the experience, identify the destination’s main assets and highlight the priority areas for improvement.

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A post-stay survey

on a large scale

The survey was accessible via Wi-Fi at the international airport at the time of their departure, allowing international visitors to complete a post-stay questionnaire on a voluntary basis. This approach ensures that impressions are gathered directly after the visitor’s experience of the region.

A total of 6,109 international visitors aged 18 and over who had stayed at least one night in The Islands of Tahiti took part in the study. The questionnaire, translated into seven languages, took between ten and twelve minutes to complete. It covered some sixty criteria, both tangible and intangible, covering all aspects of the tourist experience.

This analysis enables French Polynesia’s performance to be measured objectively against international standards.

The study was carried out with the support of Air Tahiti Nui, which donated six plane tickets to encourage visitors to take part, and with the support of Tahiti Airport for logistical coordination and operational deployment of the system (visual aids, QR codes, integration into the airport’s Wi-Fi).

Wider sharing

the conclusions of the study

Three presentations were organised in order to share the results widely: a coordination meeting with the Government of French Polynesia, a presentation at the Tourism Observatory bringing together institutions and partners in the sector, and a presentation at the Seminar of Tourism Committees in February 2026.

Solid, recognised fundamentals

The results confirm that The Islands of Tahiti have some particularly distinctive assets. The beauty of the landscapes and the quality of the natural environment stand out as exceptional elements on an international scale, with an exceptional score of 438 points, or 100 points more than the most beautiful regions of mainland France, such as Corsica or Brittany, which have a score of 330. The human touch is also a major pillar of the experience, recognised across all sectors: accommodation, restaurants, transport, tourist sites and shops.

The overall satisfaction expressed by international visitors far exceeds the norm for island destinations, with a gap of +100 points compared to the comparative benchmark. The intention to recommend the destination is very favourable, reflecting an overall very positive experience.

Clearly identified areas for improvement

However, the study highlights a number of areas to watch out for. The quality/price ratio appears to be the main vulnerability factor, particularly when it comes to accommodation, restaurants and leisure activities. While the quality of the welcome is widely acclaimed, the perception of prices is a key factor in the destination’s competitiveness.

Internal mobility is also an area for improvement. While access to the destination is considered to be efficient and smooth on arrival, the transport offering in the region and its clarity for visitors could be improved. Similarly, there is room for improvement in the provision of tourist information, both in terms of territorial coverage and digital services. Finally, the shopping offer suffers from a lack of competitiveness and diversification as perceived by visitors.

A decision-making tool

for the entire industry

Study on the Quality of Experience of International Visitors to French Polynesia

Competitive analysis of the quality of experience for international tourists visiting French Polynesia

Over and above the results, this study is a shared strategic tool, designed to support all public and private players in a process of continuous improvement. It will help to objectify perceptions, guide action priorities and strengthen the destination’s competitiveness over the long term.

This study is part of an overall management approach and complements the work already undertaken, in particular the destination audit carried out in accordance with the standards of the GlobalSustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), the destination’s carbon footprint and the study on the perception of tourism by the local population. It will be repeated every three years.

In 2026, a study dedicated to domestic tourism will be rolled out; in 2027, the survey on the public’s perception of tourism will be repeated; and in 2028, the study on the quality of the experience of international visitors will be carried out again.

Study on the quality of experience of international visitors :

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