HOMESTAY Homestay in the
HOMESTAY Homestay in the Islands of Tahiti Total immersion in local culture and traditions, a growing trend The spirit of Polynesian hospitality is present in all tourist establishments, whether they be large luxury hotels or small family hotels and homestays. The latter are becoming increasingly popular as tourists seek a more “genuine” down-to-earth experience, mingling with the local inhabitants. By staying in Tahitian guest houses, travellers are able to keep costs down, with prices ranging from around is going directly into local pockets, and many travellers are thrilled to receive more personal experiences. Some offer half board (demi-pension), also enabling the visitor to obtain a genuine taste of the local cuisine. While a lack of facilities could be seen by some as a disadvantage in a family guest house, some use this as their key selling point. For example, Pension Alice & Raphaêl Guesthouse on Bora wood “Aito” from our motu. Bungalows (room and bathroom) are furnished with king size beds with mosquito nets, fan, hot water (solar heating), deckchairs. NO TV, NO KITCHEN, NO AIR CONDITIONING, NO FRIDGE. Our electricity is solar based and we save rain water to augment our water consumption.” Yes, it is a way to truly get away from the hassles of modern day life… and forewarned is forearmed. © Tahiti Tourisme Lesser known islands are growingly becoming known for interesting homestay solutions, including Nuku Hiva, Ua Huka and Ua Pou in the Marqueses, Mataiva and Tikenau in the Tuamotus, Raiatea and Taha’a in the Society Islands, and Rurutu and Raivavae in the Australs. $US80 a night for a double room. The accommodation is generally in simple, local-style bungalows, some with only cold showers, although this is generally specified by the owners. In terms of cultural immersion, these family-run operations ensure that the money spent Bora claims: “Our 3 bungalows provide a view over the beautiful surrounding nature scenes, the lagoon and the main island. They are built with local natural materials: roofs in Pandanus leaves from Bora Bora, walls in Bamboo from Raïatea, beds made from local The Ministry of Tourism is continuing to work with those running private guest houses, helping them orientate their offering in relation to the region’s strategic positioning (with regard to cultural sharing, and exceptional tourism sites), while conserving the originality and quality of their product. This has required enhanced organisation and professionalism on the part of local tourism actors, an improvement of the quality of services on offer, as well as modernised management of tourism enterprises and a strong link with the supply local chains (fishing, agriculture, etc.). The norms of classification of this kind of accommodation are currently also under review. 28 SMART GUIDE French Polynesia
ACCOMODATION © Tahiti Tourisme Moorea In the Lap of Luxury The choice of “elite” tourism The constraint of international air capacity prohibits a “mass positioning” (generalist) of the Islands of Tahiti, with low added value (the price level of tickets necessitating the avoidance of competition on prices with nearby destinations, closer to source markets). Customers are therefore being sought with a high level of contribution with which French Polynesia is best able to underline its strengths, in a perspective of sustainable tourism and quality. The destination is therefore positioned as a high valueadded destination on a series of products directed towards these key segments. This strategic choice does not, however, lead to the development of luxury accommodation infrastructure alone (see our report on the “homestay” offering). It also relies on the construction of a complete and integrated offer of products and activities, in relation to the expectations of the markets and consistent with the positioning «Human Nature» (ecological and chic), of the destination. A broad range of luxury resorts and hotels is thus at the heart of the offering, and while many think of French Polynesia as the “Honeymoon” destination, thanks to its over-water bungalows, hotel management and tourism professionals are today making a strong push to encourage travel professionals to place the Islands of Tahiti as a high-end family or couples destination, with a very strong emphasis on culture and cuisine, along with water sports and other on-land activities. Tourism authorities are also strongly emphasising the fact that other types of luxury accommodation are highly desirable: other types of bungalows – beach or garden bungalows, or even mountain getaways. There are also other types of luxury accommodation such as villas, that can appeal to a group or friends or multigenerational families, giving them more independence and freedom. LUXURY ACCOMMODATION ON THE MOVE As many islands have very limited tourist accommodation, the option of luxury cruising is becoming increasingly popular. Rather than the mass tourism of “super cruisers”, travellers are able to charter a large variety of private yachts for large or small groups. A Tahiti sailing vacation offers balmy easterly trade winds averaging between 15 and 20 knots throughout the year, virtually guaranteeing a relaxing sail every day in the calm waters behind the reefs and spirited sailing on open-water passages. Companies such as Tahiti Yacht Charter or Dream Yacht Charter – Tahiti have a broad choice of options. The M/S Paul Gaugin is also a great way to visit islands while not having to “pick up stakes” every day (see also our page on cruising). © Tahiti Tourisme - Gregoire Le Bacon Luxurious cabin in a yacht SMART GUIDE French Polynesia 29
