The Islands of Tahiti saw the largest increase in arrival numbers since 2001, reporting 143,996 visitors—a 17.6 percent increase over 2018. Arrivals from the U.S. made the largest increase for the islands, coming in at 43.3 percent of all visitors. In the first half of 2019, more than 47,625 visitors from the U.S. arrived in the destination, marking an increase of 29.1 percent.
“We are thrilled to see such strong tourism numbers in The Islands of Tahiti this year, especially from the U.S.,” said Kristin Carlson, managing director of Tahiti Tourisme United States. “There is no doubt accessibility is a huge factor, with the 2018 introduction of new nonstop flights from San Francisco with United Airlines and low-cost carrier French bee. Affordability has also majorly contributed to the growth. With increased airline competition as well as upgrades to the Air Tahiti Nui fleet and the greater availability of Tahitian guesthouses, villas, and yacht charters, visitors have more accommodation options than ever before, at all price points.”
Tahiti Tourisme reports that with the shared economy trend on an upward trajectory, vacation rentals in The Islands of Tahiti rose 45 percent year over year, and stays in Tahitian guesthouses grew 15 percent; hotel stays also increased by 11 percent.
For more information, visit tahititourisme.com. For tips on bookable experiences for your clients visiting Tahiti, check out “Exploring the Island of Tahiti.”And, don’t miss out on our Onsite Review, “Marquesas Islands for the Culturally Inclined.”
And, for more travel news, don’t miss ASTA‘s report on the travel industry’s views on the possible recession in our feature, “Recession Looms, Travel Industry Remains Confident.”
