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Ia ora na Partners!
We're very pleased to bring you the following Partner Update - dedicated to media exposure in North America over the past few months.
Many thanks to all of our partners and, in particular, the public relations specialists. All of the media exposure received in 2007 was due to the partnerships that have been forged between our PR partners as well as our industry partners throughout the islands!
Mauru'uru roa,
Tahiti Tourisme North America
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NBA Players and All Sports Yoga Train in Bora Bora |
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NBA All Access with Ahmad Rashad on CBS – Saturday, November 10 (and re-runs!).
Originally airing on CBS on Saturday, November 10, the Ahmad Rashad show followed four NBA players to the Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa for one full week of pre-season training. With the assistance of Air Tahiti Nui, Tahiti Tourisme (North America and Papeete), and the Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa – Starwood Luxury Collection, All Sports Yoga owner and yoga master Kent Katich created a week-long training program to get these basketball players in shape for the upcoming season!
Longtime NBA power forward Sam Perkins, 11-year league veteran Lamond Murray, 7’3” South Korean newcomer Sueng-Jin Ha, and the 21 year-old point guard for the Lakers Jordan Farmar were the lucky players that spent the week doing daily yoga sessions in what they exclaimed as “one of the most beautiful places in the world.”
We are very happy to report that the NBA Yoga Retreat aired on the “NBA All Access with Ahmad Rashad” on CBS, on ESPN, and has already began airing on the NBA channel!
In addition, Kent Katich was able to secure a morning segment on “Good Day LA” with Jordan Farmar of the Lakers!. The buzz in California has always been that his morning show receives higher ratings in the LA region than the national shows, such as NBC’s “The Today Show”, ABC’s “Good Morning America”, and CBS’ The Early Show.
Last but certainly not least, freelance writer and photographer Larry Smith accompanied the group on their trip to Bora Bora. His three-page article with a couple of amazing images has just been released in the January, 2008 issue of Men’s Journal.
This was a wonderful opportunity for the island of Bora Bora to receive exposure in the sports arena. A huge mauru’uru roa to Starwood Hotels & Resorts French Polynesia for bringing this opportunity our way, to Air Tahiti Nui for their extensive work on this project, and to GIE Tahiti Tourisme, Papeete for handling all logistics. Men's Journal Magazine
Circulation: 682,502
Readership: 1,706,255
Full-page ad cost: $81,330 USD
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Condé Nast Traveler |
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The annual “Readers’ Choice” issue hit the stands – covering what Condé Nast notes as the “best in the world for the past 20 years”. Readers rank hotels, resorts, cruise lines, airlines, islands, and cities throughout the world. Every year, since 1988, a select sample of Condé Nast readers have taken the Readers’ Choice Survey. In 2007, the questionnaires were made available to all readers as a 16-page survey in the April or May issue, or through a secure website. Final tabulations revealed 28,104 responses were compiled from readers.
The companies throughout the islands of Tahiti did an amazing job this year. Out of the top 20 resorts in the Australia / Pacific section, 11 of the 20 resorts that were awarded are located in the islands of Tahiti! For the first time, our national carrier Air Tahiti Nui ranked among top airlines in the world with international routes. Below we’ve included all of the ratings specific to our partners in the islands.
Manuia!
Top 10 Pacific Islands
#4 - Bora Bora
#5 - Moorea
Maui ranked #1 followed by Kauai and the Great Barrier Reef.
Top 20 Cruise Lines
#2 - Regent Seven Seas
#8 - Princess Cruises
Top 25 Airlines
#7 - Air New Zealand
#9 - Air Tahiti Nui
Top 20 Resorts – Asia Pacific
#2 - Hotel Bora Bora
#4 - Le Méridien Bora Bora
#5 - Bora Bora Lagoon Resort
#6 - Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa
#9 - Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa
#10 - Moorea Pearl Resort & Spa
#11 - InterContinental Le Moana Resort Bora Bora
#12 - Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa
#14 - Sheraton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa
#16 - InterContinental Bora Bora Resort
#19 - InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa
Huku Lodge in Taupo, New Zealand ranked #1 with Lizard Island in the Great Barrier Reef ranking #3.
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Condé Nast Traveler
Circulation: 782,551
Readership: 2,613,720
Full-page ad cost: $80,755
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Modern Bride |
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Modern Bride’s 11th annual survey of the hottest destinations around the globe was selected by a panel of Virtuoso travel specialists. Tahiti, encompassing the entire destination, ranked third place this year with Italy coming in at number one and Hawaii in second place. The article notes that the islands of Tahiti are the “epitome of sexy,” and goes on to highlight some of the “most posh resorts” on the island of Bora Bora.
Under the “Honeymoon Top 10s” – the islands of Tahiti ranked in the following categories.
Romance - #1
Sexy Ambiance - #1
Seclusion - #3
Beaches - #3
Snorkeling & Diving - #5
The “How Suite It Is” section notes the favorite hotels and resorts with our partners included in the following categories.
Best Hotel Brands
Four Seasons - #1
Aman Resorts - #4
Orient Express - #5
St. Regis - #9
Pearl Resorts & Spa - #10
One special note here is in order for Tahitian based Pearl Resorts & Spa – up against the brands noted above, in addition to world renowned brands who ranked in this category including One&Only, Ritz-Carlton, Rosewood, Mandarin Oriental and Fairmont – it is quite an achievement for Pearl Resorts & Spa to be listed here – we tip our hats to Pearl for this achievement!
Ultimate Honeymoon Suites
St. Regis Resort Bora Bora - #1 (for their Premier Overwater Villa)
Ultimate Resorts for Seclusion
Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa - #1
Resorts With the Best Spa
InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa
Hélene Spa
Resorts With the Best Beaches
Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa - #2
Best All Inclusive Brands
Club Med - #9
Congratulations to all of our partners!
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Modern Bride Magazine
Circulation: 368,078
Readership: 4,328,597
Full-page ad cost: $59,554
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National Geographic Traveler |
National Geographic Traveler
Announces Most Appealing Destinations
Following an article in Tahitipresse online magazine on October 18th titled the “Global Survey of Experts Groups Tahiti Among Lower Scores of 115 Tourism Destinations,” National Geographic Traveler released a brand new survey titled: “Destinations Rated: 111 Islands”. The article in Tahitipresse was referring to a survey conducted and released by National Geographic Traveler in March of 2004. However, the newer survey results were released on October 24, 2007 online, with the print article appearing in the November / December issue of National Geographic Traveler, currently on the newsstands.
As far as the islands of Tahiti are considered, according to the panelists that participated in the survey, the score for the three islands from Tahiti that were covered has offered our islands much better positioning by the “sustainable tourism” panel. In 2004, the only island in French Polynesia that was mentioned in this survey was the island of Tahiti itself, not to be confused with the destination of Tahiti. The island of Tahiti received a score of 53 – putting the it in 93rd place, which was listed in the “Getting Ugly” section, tied with Hue, Vietnam and ranking better than only a handful of destinations including Jamaica (northern coast), Thailand (Phuket area), and Key West, FL.
It is important to note that in the survey released by National Geographic Traveler on October 24 2007, not one island in the entire world scored in the “Enhanced” category. In fact, only one island scored in the “Authentic, unspoiled, and likely to remain so” category, which was the Faroe Islands in Denmark.
In the “Minor Difficulties” category, fell 54 of the 111 islands included in the survey. The island of Bora Bora ranked 16th with a score of 76. While Moorea ranked 28th with a score of 72. Although the island of Tahiti ranked 78th with a 59-point score, putting it in the “”Moderate Trouble” category, that is a six point improvement over the 2004 survey, offering Tahiti 78th place out of the 111 islands considered.
The following information is taken directly from National Geographic Traveler:
The
world's most appealing destinations — islands — are the ones most prone to
tourism overkill. Our 522 experts vote on which ones avoid the danger,
which are succumbing to it, and which hang in the balance.
To see how the
integrity of islands around the world is holding up, Traveler and our
National Geographic Center for Sustainable Destinations conducted this
fourth annual Destination Scorecard survey, aided by George Washington
University. A panel of 522 experts in sustainable tourism and
destination stewardship donated time to review conditions in these 111
selected islands and archipelagos. The scores that follow reflect the
experts' opinions. Quoted phrases from their remarks suggest the
thinking behind the scores.
National Geographic Traveler
Circulation: 736,643
Readership: 2,460,388
Full-page ad cost: $61,235
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Highlights specific to French Polynesia:
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Score: 76
"A
stunningly beautiful island, with an indigenous population that
supports the tourist industry. Beach-oriented tourism balanced by an
emphasis on local culture, preservation of archaeological sites, and
protection of native species."
"Polynesian culture strong and intact as witnessed by the use of the language at Sunday church services."
"Hasn't been overdeveloped . . . yet. Prices are sky high."
"Very
upsetting are large groups of day-trippers snorkeling on reefs clad in
plastic slippers, not fins, and crushing the coral while under the
direction of indigenous guides who 'wrestle' the rays and taunt the
sharks."
Moorea, French Polynesia
Score: 72
"Stunningly
beautiful. Its lush flora, extensive reef systems, diverse sea life,
and some archaeological sites are protected by government policy. Local
Polynesian residents work in the tourism industry and benefit from it. "
"Local culture remains stronger here than in neighboring Tahiti, which seems more French."
"Polynesian structures are resurrected, but majority are Western with few colonial ones left."
"Beautiful place but something seems to be missing . . . a sense of adventure?"
Tahiti, French Polynesia
Score: 59
"Waterfalls, streams, grottos, and the natural countryside: very beautiful and unspoiled."
"French-built heritage cherished, Polynesian less so, the ceremonial marae especially. Appeal is for the landscape and climate."
"Significant feeling of French superiority and colonialism across the island."
"Most tourism development is through outside investment with little return to the Polynesians."
"Overpriced, too much traffic, and few offerings for tourists."
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Hana Hou! |
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In the August / September issue of Hawaiian Airlines inflight magazine, Hana Hou!, writer Julia Steele claims that writer Celestine Vaite is “emerging as one of fiction’s most engaging voice.” The three-page article is solely about Celestine Vaite, the writer of Breadfruit, Frangipani, and Tiare in Bloom. The author notes that the trilogy “offers one of the truest, sweetest, funniest portraits of a Polynesian family ever written.”
The heroine of her trilogy is largely inspired by her mom, a strong and proud woman. Through her books, Celestine would like to “plant seeds” in her readers, especially Tahitian woman, to empower them to become stronger. She also started a scholarship fund for young girls to forward her cause.
Her dream is to one day win the Pulitzer prize, the author notes: “I’m dreaming a lot about that. I’m wearing a white dress, my hair’s up, with tiare flowers.”
The following issue of Hana Hou!, October / November covers the Hawaiki Nui Va’a – the world’s largest open-ocean outrigger canoe race.
With a cover mention, table of contents photo and listing, and a ten-page feature article on this challenging race - Hana Hou! proudly profiles several paddlers and focuses in on one team.
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August / September Issue of Hana Hou!
Hana Hou! Magazine
Circulation: 2.1 Million
Readership: 8.4 Million
Full-page ad cost: $7,800 USD
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Gentry |
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The author reflects on the magical lifestyle on Bora Bora and at the St. Regis Resort Bora Bora. Everything, ranging from the warm welcome of Tahitian musicians at the dock to the attentive butlers, exudes pampering and relaxation.
The four page article leads the readers throughout the whole experience starting from the St. Regis’ private boat pick-up at the airport dock through a journey past the lush landscape and through the crystal blue waters of Bora Bora leading to the resort. “Where a group of Tahitian musicians awaits, serenading the boat as it docks.” Then a butler awaits in a golf cart bringing the guests to an array of overwater and Beach Villas which flood the crest of the island.
The author boasts the adults-only Oasis Pool that has private cabanas, butler service, and uncompromising views of the ever-present Mount Otemanu. He also highlights the resorts’ Lagoon Restaurant. Which is suspended over-the-water, offering “a savory, gastronomic menu created by famed French Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten”.
Amazing photos of the island and the resort were also included in the article.
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Gentry MagazineCirculation: 32,334 Readership: 113,169 Full-page ad cost: $3,699 |
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Hamptons |
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While evoking the sense of calm and relaxation, the author sketched the island of Bora Bora and the St. Regis Bora Bora.
Michael Dougherty calls it the real Fantasy Island and urges those who just spent their summer at the Hamptons to make an adventurous detour to Bora Bora whose “sheer natural beauty leaves one gasping for the ‘heaven on earth’ and ‘paradise’ superlatives that seem so clichéd when applied elsewhere”.
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is noted as being “a haven of incredible intimacy and stillness far from the tumult of modern living” for those on their way back to the hustle and bustle of the city. Hamptons Magazine
Circulation: 35,692
Readership: 124,922
Full-page ad cost: $17,070
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OK! Magazine |
Kate Walsh from ABC’s Private Practice and her movie-executive husband, Alex Young, honeymooned on our island of Bora Bora.
The four-page spread in OK! is Kate’s dreamy description of her romantic honeymoon at the Hotel Bora Bora. As a picture is worth a thousand words, the article largely features a collage from their honeymoon album which genuinely showcases one of the most romantic destinations in the world.
OK! Magazine
Circulation: 757,538
Readership: 2,651,383
Full-page ad cost: $70,000
OK! Magazine covers celebrity news with full color photographs and inside information on break-ups, make-ups, and gossip.
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Destination Fish |
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Where Adventure and Luxury Meet
Destination Fish Magazine, which coins itself as "the travel guide to fishing the globe", ran a resort report article in the Fall, 2007 issue highlighting the Amanresort's Hotel Bora Bora. The article includes several images of the resort, and also notes the various experiences and excursions that guests can experience.
Destination Fish
Circulation: 50,000 Readership: 175,000 Full-page ad cost: $4,999
Destination
Fish covers sport fishing outside the continental US - dedicated
exclusively to fishing the globe through engaging writing and
award-winning photography. It also offers up-to-date information on new
and recently renovated resorts in a revealing format.
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| San Francisco Chronicle /
SF Gate - Online |
This interview of former Miss Moorea and black pearl jewelry designer Tahia Collins, offers a local and down-to-earth account of the island of Moorea. The article offers readers a unique view of our islands that differs from a tourist's description of the destination. Collins talks about her favorite local places and activities including, picnics on the beach, Tahitian dances, and local restaurants and cuisine. The article also includes a "From here to there" sidebar outlining connections from San Francisco's Bay Area to Tahiti via Los Angeles. The sidebar also goes on to advise readers how to get around the island of Moorea - and suggestions of activities and cultural experiences to book.
San Francisco Chronicle
Circulation: 520,753
Readership: 1,249,807
Full-page ad cost: $59,856
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To view the online version of this article,
please click on the clip below.
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For more information, please contact
us at media@tahiti-tourisme.com
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