English Corner

Papeete on Tahiti is the capital of French Polynesia, the paradise archipelago in the South Seas. Picture: Adobe Stock

So many Swiss travel to paradise

They are not the most frequent guests here, but the Swiss stay the longest on this dreamlike South Sea island.

It has to be 18 nights in paradise. Tahiti, the main island of French Polynesia, known as a South Seas paradise, is very popular with the Swiss. At least as far as the length of their stay is concerned, because no other tourists treat themselves to more holiday days here.

The increase in the number of guests in 2023 compared to the previous year is impressive - from 243,000 to 304,000 guests in total. This increase also corresponds to the growth in guests from Germany and Switzerland. In 2022, 3000 German guests and 2500 guests from Switzerland travelled to Tahiti. Last year, there were 5,000 German and 3,500 Swiss guests, as Tahiti Tourisme announced at the request of Travelnews.

«We are delighted to welcome more guests from Germany and Switzerland to the islands of Tahiti. The performance in 2023 signals the promising growth of our islands in terms of awareness and popularity as an exotic holiday destination», says Jean-Marc Mocellin, CEO of Tahiti Tourisme.

This will run in 2024

When asked about the outlook for 2024, Jean-Marc Mocellin says: «Our guests can also expect exciting developments and exciting offers on the islands of Tahiti in 2024. This year promises new experiences, a vibrant range of leisure and activities, exotic cultures and customs to experience, traditional events, modern lifestyle events and much more.» Travellers can look forward to experiences at the new Niu Beach Hotel Moorea, the luxurious The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa, the exotic Apatoa Beach and Garden Villa on Raiatea or cruises along the islands of Tahiti from the new cruise terminal in Papeete.

The islands of Tahiti are once again hosting numerous events this year. To kick off the festivities is the legendary Tahiti Pro, where the best surfers in the world compete against each other from 21 to 30 May in Teahupo'o on the coast of Tahiti. This is followed by various exciting races, such as the Xterra Trail Races, where participants battle their way through the unspoilt nature of Moorea, to Tahiti Fashion Week. From 19 to 21 September there will be a rowing event, Hawaiki Nui Va'a. The big highlight: Heiva i Tahiti – a traditional folk festival that has been held since 1881 and at which more than 3,000 song and dance artists present their colourful performances and costumes on stage.

(GWA)