Peak travel season is upon us, and typically, clients visiting the islands of Tahiti (also known as French Polynesia, and inclusive of the Austral Islands, Marquesas, Bora Bora and more) booked their travel to the destination months ago.
However, this summer is turning out to be a bit of an anomaly for the islands, as the statistics show a rare season of measurably fewer bookings. According to Tahiti Tourisme, flights booked to the islands between April and August 2024 are down 11.2% over the same period last year. And fewer visitors means fewer hotel bookings, of course; in 2023, the summer season saw a hotel occupancy rate of 73%, on average; in 2024, occupancy rates are at about 45% in June, 51% in July and 46% in August.
It’s good news for travelers looking for a last-minute getaway, as there’s plenty of availability for travel advisors and clients working within shorter booking windows or making summer travel plans later than usual. According to the tourism bureau, advisors may find rates as low as $330 per night, plus taxes and fees. In July, mid-week rates at Hilton Tahiti may start at $370 per night. At InterContinental Tahiti, midweek rates may dip to $330 per night.
Why Is There a Dip in Demand?
One theory regarding the lower bookings stems from the fact that the islands are hosting the Olympics Surfing competition in July, and that the event may discourage travelers from choosing the islands as their summer vacation spot. But this isn’t your average Olympic event — it’s not open to spectators, so there will be no crowds to contend with. Jean-Marc Mocellin, CEO for Tahiti Tourisme, adds that the Olympic events in Europe may also be impacting Tahiti.
“Europeans will be less inclined to visit the Islands of Tahiti during this Olympic period, as they will want to avoid the crowds and possible disruption at the French capital’s airports,” Mocellin said. “Consequently, there will be no crowds [in Tahiti] and visitors will be guaranteed an unchanged experience. This unique phenomenon, unusual in our destination, invites travelers to take advantage and secure their summer holidays in our enchanting islands.”
American travelers stay in the destination nine days on average, according to the tourism bureau, and more than 81% are first-time visitors. Luxury accommodations like overwater bungalows and beachfront villas are available, and water activities in the sea or in crystalline snorkel lagoons are a must. The islands also give clients the incredible opportunity to immerse themselves in Polynesian culture through dance, food and more.