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There's Trouble In Tahitian Paradise

February 20, 2009 at 9:01 AM | by | Comments (0)

President Obama is certainly concerned about the economic situation here at home, but his worries are mostly focused on houses, money, and stocks—not on filling hotels full of tourists. However, that is the worry of French Polynesia's President Oscar Temaru. He’s calling the current tourism situation in the island nation “catastrophic.”

President Temaru has told lawmakers that hotel occupancy has been dismal, with some days seeing only a 20 percent occupancy rate. Temaru is close to naming a new tourism minister, who is going to have a lot of work ahead of him as well as a lot of sleepless nights. Hey, at least you can get a good spot by the pool, right?

All these empty rooms are making the government question whether they should lay off employees, reduce their hours, or just close the hotels down entirely. Thankfully, Temaru is not taking things lightly, and he’s got some ideas that hopefully will turn things around. He’s looking to promote these ideas across the globe, and is looking to get help from travel professionals as well—no word on if they’re hiring.

The country plans to focus on golf-related tourism, timeshares, and wants to develop the atoll of Tupai—it’s about 12 miles north of Bora Bora. They’re hoping that they can create a new tourist destination here, although we’re thinking due to the current economy, they should focus on what they already have. Additionally, professionals are checking out if it's feasible to change the airports in Bora Bora and at Hao on the Marquesas Islands into international airports. This should also help out Air Tahiti Nui, the nation’s airline, in which they already own a 74% share.

A new convention center and cultural center are also on their wish list. There will be a big push toward ecotourism, which is a great idea considering where they are located and what the islands have to offer. New hiking trails will be created and promoted, and they are even looking to study the impact of cable-car projects. The country will further promote English on the islands—because you know you need to be comfortable when ordering some McNuggets.

Our idea—how about some air and hotel discounts? Getting to paradise ain't cheap!

Related Stories:
·Tahiti's New President Says Tourist Situation Is "Catastrophic" [TahitiPresse]
·Tahiti Travel Tips: Don't Miss On Moorea [Jaunted]
·South Pacific coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo of Tahiti Beach: tiarescott]

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