Air New Zealand in Papeete (Tahiti). Photo: Tahiti Tourisme
NZ third source tourism market for French Polynesia
New Zealand has become French Polynesia's third source tourism market, according to latest statistics.
Tahiti Tourism made the statement over its meeting of overseas representatives.
Over the first eight months of 2024, the number of tourists coming from New Zealand has gone up by 10 percent.
The first two largest source markets do not change: they are mainland France and Northern America.
Tahiti Tourism representative for Australia and New Zealand also singled out Australia as a "huge potential" on which French Polynesia should also "capitalise".
On the regional market, Fiji was also identified as the "largest competitor".
Expanded Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa and its 142 bunglows now reopened. Photo: Mariotts
Luxury hotel in Bora Bora
International chain Westin has opened a new 5-star resort in Bora Bora.
Formerly operated by Le Meridien, the 142-bungalow luxury Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa has welcomed a few visitors for a "soft opening" ceremony last week.
The resort, which will re-open gradually over the next few weeks, employs about three hundred personnel.
The resort had been closed since April 2020, due to the Covid pandemic.
Nicole Sanquer, French Polynesia’s MP at the French National Assembly. Photo: Polynésie la 1ère
'We still don't have any minister to talk to'
Nicola Sanquer, one of the three French Polynesian MPs in the French National Assembly elected in July, says despite a Prime Minister now appointed in the person of Michel Barnier, there is still no cabinet, and this could take a long time.
"We are a bit worried, because since we were elected (early July), we still don't have any minister to talk to", she said.
After Barnier's nomination last week, negotiations are still in full swing to form a government.
French Polynesia’s President Moetai Brotherson speaks to the media during the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Summit in Tonga, 30 August 2024. Photo: Tahiti Nui Television
Brotherson clearly against deep sea mining
French Polynesia's President Brotherson has clearly positioned himself against deep sea mining.
After attending the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' 53rd summit in Nuku'alofa (Tonga), told local media "in any case, French Polynesia's position is very clear: no undersea mining. Exploration for scientific purposes, better understanding the biodiversity, yes. To better protect it, yes. But for exploitation, no", he told Tahiti Nui TV.
New Caledonia’s white worms eating celebrations in Farino. Photo: RRB
New Caledonia's white worms celebrations
New Caledonia's famous white worms celebrations have been maintained, despite the current crisis, in the rural town of Farino.
Although on a minimalist mode, the rural feast managed to welcome an estimated 2000 visitors who, like each year, had come from all over New Caledonia to take part in the iconic white worm's speed eating contest and, more generally, tasting workshops.
This year, apart from the raw-eating version, some of the recipes brought forward included a "pastis sauce" with garlic butter.
Inter-city buses to resume this Monday in New Caledonia. Photo: NC la 1ère
Inter-city buses to resume in New Caledonia
Inter-city buses are set to resume this Monday in New Caledonia, especially between the capital Nouméa and the rural towns of Canala, Kouaoua and Poum, the "Rai" network announced.
The inter-city service had been suspended after violent riots and roadblocks emerged mid-May 2024.
This caused the main territorial road not being regarded as safe enough until recently.
But for the capital Nouméa and its suburbs, bus services remain suspended, at least 13 September.
Unions are citing difficult conditions and safety not yet regarded as good enough.