2006 Public Relations Summit

It was an extensive, though productive, day in Manhattan Beach, CA, thanks to the many participants and panelists who helped make this year’s PR Summit a tremendous success. The key word was collaboration as we worked together with our PR Partners to address several pertinent issues related to Tahiti’s position as a vacation destination.

The morning session offered attending partners the opportunity to discuss current media trends (specific to travel, and with a focus on the South Pacific) with an esteemed panelist of editors and freelancers including Sherri Eisenberg (Bride’s Magazine Editor), Jane Engle (LA Times Editor), Jim Callio (Freelancer and contributor to New York Times, New York Post, Bon Appétit, Hemispheres), and Barbara Beckley (Freelancer and contributor to LA Times Specials Section, Travel Agent, Agent@Home). The afternoon session gave the attendees the opportunity to discuss our key communication points, media guidelines, technology in media, resources, events, industry trends and much more.

We were very pleased to welcome public relations representatives and partners from the following companies: Air Tahiti Nui, Accor / Sofitel, Bora Bora Lagoon Resort, Hotel Bora Bora, Hotel Kia Ora, InterContinental Resorts & Spas, Le Méridien Hotels, Le Taha’a Private Island & Spa, Pearl Resorts, Te Tiare Beach, an Outrigger Resort, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, and the St. Regis Bora Bora.

We would like to extend a special thanks to the media panelists for their participation and professional insight. Additional thanks to Heikura Vaxelaire and Beli Ou Wen who made the trip all the way from Tahiti (well, just under 8 hours) to be a part of this event! And, last but not least, a huge thank you to all of the partners for making this daylong event a success!

Sport Diver
“The Palette of Tahiti”
By Stuart and Michelle Westmorland

“Tahiti became a dream for us: a dream and a quest and a goal.” Thus begins Stuart and Michelle Westmoreland’s 10-page story about their fascinating and enlightening dive trip to the islands of Tahiti. Traveling to Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, and finally Fakarava, they discuss the beauty and bounty above the water as much as below – along with shark feeding and multitude accounts of fish, the writers describe the verdant cliffs, waterfalls and tiki statues found throughout the islands, ultimately using the term “the stuff dreams are made of.”

The writers also mention historical figures associated with Tahiti, such as painter Paul Gauguin and writer James Mitchner. The article is complimented with a plethora of breathtaking photographs showing marine life, Tahitian landscape, and local people.

Destination Weddings and Honeymoons
“The Next Great Honeymoon Spots”
By Joe Yogerst

The Tuamotu Archipelago continues to get due attention in Destination Wedding and Honeymoon’s piece, “Tuamotus: The Undiscovered Tahiti.” The honeymoon angle is enhanced both by the Archipelago’s natural appeal, discussing the pristine beaches, black pearls, and warm, accommodating people, and also by its ultimate seclusion, as the writer professes: “There isn’t a better place to be stranded in the entire South Pacific…where you feel like you’re the only two people on the face of the planet.

Hana Hou!
“Bora Bora: Up at the Villa”
by Julia Steele

Picture yourself sitting in a small café, feet in the sand, eating foie gras and sipping champagne, surrounded by rustling coconut fronds and colorful artwork. Welcome to Villa Mahana, Bora Bora’s quaint, south of France-styled restaurant founded by a local painter and a Corsican five-star chef. The article provides an effective insight into the restaurant’s exquisite ambiance and truly unique menu, describing it as “cultural fusion at its best, a marriage of Parisian cuisine, Provencal chic and Polynesian style.”

Bleu & Blanc
“Tahiti: The Legend Continues”
by Patrick Monney

This article goes into great detail about not only the history of Tahiti and Her Islands, but also their intrinsic beauty, marine life and tradition. Following the writer’s personal travels to Tahiti, the article relates his experiences through the five Archipelagos, observing the subtle and remarkable qualities and distinctions of each. Outstanding photographs taken by the writer himself bring the article to life. Also in this magazine, a “Travel Diary” that gives a brief overview of Tahiti's Paul Gauguin Museum and the annual Heiva festival.

TravelAge West
“Exploring Papeete”
by Maryann Hammers

This article is a very quaint account of Tahiti’s capital city, Papeete. It differs from many other articles in that, in addition to reviewing Tahiti’s historical significance and its reputation for being one of the last “unspoiled” vacation destinations, Hammers also concentrates on the smaller, more intimate details such as the “mailboxes” in front of the houses where fresh baguettes are delivered, and the white coral lighthouse on the north shore designed by the father of Robert Louis Stevenson. A quick, delightful read with uncommon warmth.

Islands' Top 30 Undiscovered Beaches

While Islands magazine gives praise to all 78 of the Tuamotu Atolls, they claim that “the most stunning…is the pink-sanded Motu Tapare.” The magazine takes into account not only the quality of the beach, but its beauty, swimability, and its low awareness index; i.e. nice and private.

Happy Vacations National Sales Meeting
On August 23, TTNA attended the Happy Vacations National Sales Meeting in Watsonville, CA. An estimated 50 top travel agents attended the function, frequenting booths set up by InterContinental Resorts French Polynesia, Pearl Resorts and Spa, Air Tahiti Nui, and Te Tiare Beach, an Outrigger Resort. The day ended with a celebratory barbecue hosted by Happy Vacations.

JetAbout Island Vacations
TTNA returned to JetAbout Vacations last August to conduct additional training. Leila Laille gave a presentation to 2 new reservations agents and distributed collateral.

Incentive Works
On August 22 and 23 TTNA ventured to Toronto, Canada to attend the Incentive Works tradeshow. Despite an ideal spot on the show floor, traffic was reportedly slow during show times, showing minimal leads from potential business travelers. However, those who did visit the booth showed considerable interest, directed mostly at personal travel.