Peak travel season is upon us, and customers who visit The Island of Tahiti (also known as French Polynesia, which also includes the Austral Islands, the Marquesas Islands, Bora Bora, and more) typically book trips to their destination months in advance.
But this summer is going to be a bit unusual for the islands. Statistics show a rare season with a significant drop in bookings. According to Tahiti Tourism, flight bookings to the islands for April to August 2024 are down 11.2% compared to the same period last year. And fewer visitors mean fewer hotel bookings. While hotel occupancy rates averaged 73% in the summer of 2023, in 2024 occupancy rates are around 45% in June, 51% in July and 46% in August.
This is good news for travelers looking for last-minute getaways, as there is plenty of availability for travel advisors and clients who are working within a short booking window or who are making summer travel plans later than usual. According to the tourism bureau, advisors may be able to find accommodations for as low as $330 per night, excluding taxes and fees. In July, weekday rates at the Hilton Tahiti could start at $370 per night. At the InterContinental Tahiti, weekday rates could drop to $330 per night.
Why is demand falling?
One theory for the decline in bookings is that the Olympic surfing events in July may discourage tourists from choosing the islands as a summer vacation destination. But this is not a normal Olympic event: no spectators are allowed, so they won't suffer from crowds. Jean-Marc Maucelin, CEO of Tahiti Tourism, added that Olympic events in Europe may also be affecting Tahiti.
“Europeans will be less willing to visit The Islands of Tahiti during the Olympics because they want to avoid the crowds and chaos at the airport of the French capital,” said Maucelin. “As a result, there will be no crowds. [in Tahiti] “Visitors are guaranteed an unaltered experience. This unique phenomenon is rare in our destination and travelers are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy their summer holidays in our enchanting islands.”
According to the tourism bureau, American travelers spend an average of nine days in the destination, with over 81% being first-time visitors. Luxury accommodations include overwater bungalows and beachfront villas, and water activities in the ocean and crystal-clear snorkeling lagoons are a must. The islands also offer fantastic opportunities to immerse yourself in Polynesian culture through dancing, dining and more.
