New data has revealed that New Zealand is now considered Tahiti’s largest visitor market based on the number of visitors per capita.
The Tahiti Tourisme figures show that in 2024 the number of Kiwis heading to the Island of Tahiti rose 7% on 2023— enough of a rise to see New Zealand overtake Canada as the destination’s third largest source market, accounting for 3.4% of total arrivals.
Per capita, the NTO says New Zealand significantly out performed the US, France and Australia to be the number one market per capita globally, with 1.8 visitors per 1000 New Zealanders.
Also said to be contributing to Tahiti’s popularity is its accessibility (a four-hour flight from Auckland) as well as its activities, which range from snorkeling reefs and lagoons to hiking mountains.
. . . Huge Opportunity
Our Pacific’s Rick Felderhof says Tahiti represents a huge opportunity for the Kiwi trade. “Tahiti is a premium product but is now more competitive in the evolving market,” says Felderhof who has identified the potential for sustained Kiwi travel growth to Tahiti. In fact, Our Pacific sent nine of its staff to Tahiti last year to upskill on the destination, to capitalise on the growing Kiwi demand.
“Tahiti’s also become something of a cruise magnet and most people are adding land pre- or post cruise—and there’s the opportunity for Kiwi agents to make more money out of selling Tahiti,” adds Felderhof.
Holiday rentals and local hotels are said to be growing in popularity with Kiwis—and one Tahiti expert says that agents who ‘are not throwing those options into the mix’ for clients are going to miss out. “We know they are booking those holiday rental and Polynesian properties—so they’ll book direct if the agent is unaware.
. . . Outlook
Looking to 2025, Tahiti Tourisme is predicting an increase of 1.7% of air arrivals on the books for the first half of 2025 compared to last year. See more on Tahiti HERE.
