Tips for a sustainable stay

‘Ia ora na e maeva!   It is our pleasure to welcome you to our islands and in return, all we ask is that you respect our fenua, our land.

Specialist travel agents with a perfect knowledge of the destination can offer tailor-made programs to ensure an authentic and sustainable experience when you visit The Islands of Tahiti.

The Islands of Tahiti is a destination to be explored at leisure. Take the time to immerse yourself in our culture, get to know the local population and discover the unique charms of our islands.

Our islands are blessed with an agreeable tropical climate throughout the year. Visiting during the off-peak season has many advantages, including reduced prices, more choice and greater availability. With fewer tourists around, your own experience will be even more authentic and put less pressure on our islands.

There are 118 islands in French Polynesia, with 13 major tourist destinations spread over 5 archipelagos. You can give a boost to the local economy by visiting some of the lesser-known islands.

Getting to The Islands of Tahiti usually involves a long flight and airline companies offer passengers the possibility to offset the carbon footprint of their travel. Once here, favor group travel whenever possible, or rent electric or hybrid vehicles.  Opt for accommodations and activities that are engaged in a sustainable tourism. Several service providers already adhere to a sustainable approach.   Various environmental labels exist to guide you in your choice of accommodations and activities.

French Polynesia is home to a rich and unique biodiversity that must be protected. Here is a list of tips to follow to enjoy it while preserving it:

• Use an eco-friendly “reef-safe” sunscreen.
• Don’t feed wild animals.
• Respect the biosecurity regulations of French Polynesia as detailed here.  
• Don’t take seashells as souvenirs, prefer local handcrafts.

Our natural resources are very precious. Please try to keep your water and energy consumption to the minimum (reuse towels when possible, turn off lights and air conditioning when not required, etc.).

Purchasing local produce contributes to the local economy and the development of the local community. Many farmers, fishermen and local craftspeople rely on this income.

Take time to learn a little about the culture of The Islands of Tahiti and the special energy that flows through them, the Mana. It is a force which binds man and nature, and manifests throughout the islands.  Certain sites are considered sacred, or tapu (taboo), it is important to respect them and seek permission before visiting them. Familiarize yourself with a few words of our language: ‘Ia ora na (hello) and Māuruuru (thank you) will always be greeted with a smile.