French Polynesia President, Minister of Tourisme and Minister of International Air Transport, Mr. Gaston Tong Sang, recently met with over 20 tour operators and industry partners to discuss the opportunities and challenges currently affecting the North American market.

The meeting, which was requested by the North American tour operators, involved many representatives from the U.S. and Canada, our domestic and international air carriers, as well as several of our hotel partners.

Throughout the meeting, concerns were exchanged and new initiatives were introduced, in a common effort to address issues related to tourism in French Polynesia.

In opening and closing the meeting, the President stated that this was a wonderful opportunity to offer suggestions and feedback; which would be taken into consideration to adapt the overall strategy for Tahiti and her Islands.

According to the President, the priority of the government is “to increase French Polynesia's resources by making tourism the driving force for the country's economic growth." The first step would be primarily to heighten Polynesian's awareness of Tourism with the assistance of industry partners as well as communal assistance from the local mayors throughout the islands.

The President, who advised partners in attendance that he was there as the Minister of Tourisme, was enthusiastic about this meeting as it illustrated the market's motivation, concern and involvement with promoting the islands of Tahiti.

Aiming at becoming a new reference on the luxury hotel market between now and 2010, the new Sofitel adopts new requirements for the brand.

Sofitel not only introduces new team members, but also new hotel names. According to the group, the objective of the new hotel branding was to give the hotels a new “nickname” and to accentuate each of their local identities. The old names having remained rooted in people’s minds, have been re-adapted as follows:

- Sofitel Tahiti Maeva Beach Resort
- Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort
- Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resort
- Sofitel Bora Bora Motu Private Island

Along with new hotel names, Sofitel introduces new member staff appointments.

Miwa Henry has been appointed as the new Japanese Guest Relations Manager for the Sofitel Bora Bora Marara and Motu, effective as of June 2008. Having lived in French Polynesia for four years, she knows Tahiti and Her Islands very well. Fluent In Japanese, English and Italian, Miwa brings many years of expertise to the Sofitel.

Claire Blondel has joined the Sofitel Tahiti Maeva as the new Rooms Division Manager. Before joining Sofitel Tahiti Maeva, Claire was the Resident Manager at the Sofitel Phokeethra Karbi in Thailand.

Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora welcomes Hélene Serreau as the new “Maitre d’hotel” of the restaurant “Pure.” Hélène is well known to everyone within the group, as prior to moving to French Polynesia, she was the Assistant Banquet Manager at the Sofitel Palm Beach Marseille in France.

Arriving from Sofitel Royal Lagoon de Dongguan in China, Jean Francois Delahaye has also joined the team at the restaurant “Pure” as “Maitre d’hotel.”

In addition to a new brand strategy, Sofitel opted for new selling tools that are now available to everyone, including new brochures, DVD, as well as, a fact sheet for each of the hotels.

Gastronomy is also a key element in Sofitel’s re-positioning, as a tool to enhance its French heritage and the very best of local cultures at its restaurants.

For more information about Sofitel, please visit www.sofitel-frenchpolynesia.com

The Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora will soon open its doors and mark the brand’s first resort in French Polynesia. The property is currently putting on the finishing touches and preparing for its long-awaited opening.

“The entire team here is excited to open this magnificent resort to the world,” said Sebastien Carre, general manager of Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora. “Our staff will offer a new level of service and experience to guests of French Polynesia.”

Scheduled to open on the 1st of September 2008, the property will offer 121 accommodations, including 100 overwater bungalows and seven beachfront villas, each of them emphasizing thatched roofs and stunning indigenous artwork. All rooms will enhance a wonderful mixture of traditional and authentic Polynesian décor and contemporary amenities.

The resort, expected to be one of the major attractions on Bora Bora, will also offer four dining options with a vast selection of creative culinary experiences, from Polynesian to fusion, and complemented by personalized open-air dining.

The resort will offer a full-service spa, balanced by powerful rhythms of the Pacific Ocean and the secluded tranquility of the island’s lagoon, and featuring open-air treatment decks amid the mangroves.

To read more about the resort, please visit www.fourseasons.com/borabora

We would like to inform you that Haumana Cruises will be closed for sales on the following dates:

- From October 18 to October 22
- From November 8 to November 22
- From December 24 to December 27

The Haumana operates three, four, and seven-night cruises in the Rangiroa lagoon and offers an authentic Polynesian experience to its guests.

For more information on Haumana Cruises, please visit www.tahiti-haumana-cruises.com

The breathtaking Hotel Kia Ora, on Rangiroa, is planning to undergo major renovations for 2009.

Located between two passes on the northwest coast of Rangiroa, the hotel offers sixty-three bungalows positioned along the coral ring of the atoll and offers stunning views of the crystal blue lagoon.

These renovations include remodeling the bungalows’ design, improving the technological enhancements and amenities, the upgrade of all Garden Bungalows into small villas, each of them featuring a private pool, as well as, the addition of an overwater presidential suite to the hotel’s bungalow portfolio.

In an effort to improve its service and the customer’s experience, the hotel will feature an amazing overwater bar, a fully renovated and equipped Kitchen, offer wifi internet access, as well as, a new conceptual restaurant, to name a few.

Please note that during the renovations, all Beach bungalows and the Kia Ora Sauvage, will remain operational.

For more information on Hotel Kia Ora, please visit www.hotelkiaora.com

We are very proud to announce that InterContinental Tahiti Resort has joined the Green Globe* program and has now become a Green Globe Benchmarked accommodation. 

*The International organization Green Globe is fully committed to the environment and aims at delivering the best travel and tourism benchmarking and certifications on products and services. The Green Globe Benchmarking (Bronze) and Certification (Silver) process also focuses on making operational improvements. In addition, the Green Globe Company provides an environmental management framework for organizations to achieve sustainability, to improve operational efficiency and cut waste to help the environment.

TTNA is pleased to inform you that InterContinental has opened its third helipad in French Polynesia at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa. The two others are the InterContinental Tahiti Resort and the InterContinental Resort & Spa Moorea.

Being part of the Green Globe Program, InterContinental took the initiative of changing the initial planned location of the helipad to avoid cutting coconut palm tree and to follow their honorable commitment to the environment.

For more information on the InterContinental Resorts French Polynesia, please click here.

Roa Yachting has launched a video feature on its website, now available for additional information on the new Motor Yacht Roa.

Roa Yachting, created in 1996, is the owner of the 23-meter Falcon 72 motor yacht  named “Roa” and based on the island of Bora Bora.

Operating from Bora Bora to the Leeward Islands of Taha’a, Raiatea and Huahine, Roa Yachting offers four to seven days cruises as well as full-day excursions and sunset voyages.

To view the exclusive video and read more about Roa Yachting, please visit www.roa-yachting.com

Silversea Cruises’ new ship, the HSH (His Serene Highness) Prince Albert II, has revealed its expedition schedule within our islands for 2009.

The fully renovated ship has officially become one of the most luxurious cruise ships in the world. The expedition cruise ship features upscale amenities such as a satellite communication system, wireless Internet, flat screen TVs, as well as mobile phone service. In an effort to increase the overall guest experience and offer an incomparable service, the Prince Albert II, features a luxurious spa, Jacuzzi pools, a beauty salon, boutiques, and most importantly a selection of all-inclusive shipboard amenities, including complimentary beverages and wines, 24-hour room service and Butler services in the Grand and Owner’s Suites.

Silversea Cruises also introduced exciting and creative itineraries featuring the Southernmost Austral Islands, the Tuamotu atolls and the northernmost Marquesas islands. 

President Tong Song added “the itineraries and land programs designed by Silversea are in sync with our tourism positioning as well as our aims for the islands and remote archipelagoes' development. The unique voyages developed by Silversea will enable travelers to discover the unknown beauties and treasures of our five archipelagoes in exceptional luxury.”

We would like to remind everyone that the ship’s positioning within our islands is the result of numerous efforts and meetings between Silversea and the French Government.

Tahiti Tourisme North America has been involved in this project since its inception and was extremely pleased to have the opportunity to work closely with Silversea Cruises in conducting their primary research trip in April of this year. The scouting trip included four of Polynesia’s five archipelagoes to develop these spectacular itineraries.

For more information and detailed itineraries of the Prince Albert II’s 2009 expeditions, please visit www.silversea.com.

South Pacific Management, which manages Pearl Resorts & Spa, Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa and Manea Spa, is pleased to announce a new team appointment.

Jeffrey Crochet will serve as the new U.S. Sales Manager, effective as of August 11th, 2008. Jeffrey will bring many years of experience within the industry and valuable skills to South Pacific Management. Jeffrey’s wealth of experience includes his two-year position at Air Tahiti Nui in Los Angeles in the reservations and ticketing departments, where he was in charge of travel arrangements, agent management and international travel.

Please join us in congratulating and welcoming Jeffrey Crochet to the South Pacific Management team!

Scheduled to open in January 2009, the Manava Suite Resort Tahiti, will offer 114 guest rooms, ranging from superior rooms to multi-bedroom duplex suites and apartments.

The resort, expected to be one of the major attractions in Papeete, will also have three bars, a fitness center, the island’s largest infinity swimming pool facing the lagoon and nearby island of Moorea. The resort also boasts a wonderful over-water restaurant with terrace.

The Manava Suite Resort Tahiti is located in the island’s northwestern region, in the community of Punaauia, conveniently located five minutes away from Faa’a International Airport and only ten minutes from the city center.

We would also like to inform you that a blog is now available for additional information on the South Pacific Management’s newest property.

For more information on the Manava Suite Resort Tahiti, please click here.

We are also pleased to announce that videos of each of the South Pacific Management properties, including all Pearl Resorts and Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa are now available on YouTube.

Air Tahiti Nui Suspends flights from JFK During Low Season

Air Tahiti Nui publicly shared on June 27th its plan to suspend flights as a result of the continuing rising fuel cost.

In order to contain revenue losses, Air Tahiti Nui will suspend flights from John F. Kennedy Airport to Tahiti for its low season, November- April.

This season’s last non-stop flight from New York to Tahiti will operate on October 16, 2008 with the last non-stop Tahiti to New York on October 17, 2008. The final direct flight from Tahiti to New York via LAX will operate on October 23, 2008 with a return flight from New York to Tahiti via LAX on October 24, 2008.

With the rising cost of jet fuel, the airline finds itself obligated to make service cuts in order to cope with the increasing prices. The award-winning airline also guarantees that the capacity will still respond to the actual demand.

Please click here to find out more about Air Tahiti Nui

Le Méridien

In an effort to improve the overall guest experience, Le Méridien Bora Bora recently launched a wide selection of packages designed for honeymooners or lovers.

Le Méridien offers its guests the possibility of celebrating an unforgettable Polynesian wedding, in accordance with traditional customs. As part of the package, the groom and bride can experience all the uniqueness of a Polynesian ceremony, featuring fire dances, traditional costumes and romantic sunset boat rides.

Le Méridien Bora Bora proposes a variety of packages to satisfy all guests’ wishes. The “Romantic Dinner” package is ideal for lovers who want to enjoy a private dinner for two on the white sand and discover all the culinary specialties unique to our islands in a very romantic atmosphere.

The “Surprise & Delight” package is ideal for a honeymoon, wedding anniversary or simply to enjoy a delightful night. The hotel’s staff will transform your room and create a warm setting, while enjoying a delicious dinner. The package also includes a bottle of champagne, coconut sweets, flowers in-room, music, candles and a very romantic access to the bungalow.

Please note that the following offers are also available at Le Méridien Tahiti. We are very pleased to reveal that Le Méridien Tahiti will hold a Fire Dance Competition from October 30th, to November 1st, 2008.

For the 10th consecutive year, Le Méridien Tahiti will welcome dancers, as well as, the Hawaiian delegation for the renowned fire dance competition called “Te Ahi Nui.” The show will last three nights, during which fire dancers will challenge on another on their creativity, ability and precision to win the competition and earn their place at the World Championship in Hawaii.

Fire dances originally came from the Islands of Samoa, and slowly traveled through Polynesia for centuries. Considered as being a warrior rite, fire dancers would initially use fire knives for this practice. Today, fire dancers use various martial tools, such as swords, staves, torches, and whips.

For more information about this exciting event, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com