It’s encouraging to see bold action shaping the future of travel. Tahiti Tourisme has entered the third phase of its Sustainable Tourism Plan 2030, unveiling the next steps in a nationwide pathway that uses tourism as a force for good. The plan, which includes more than 110 actions, focuses on protecting natural resources, benefiting local communities and ensuring visitors continue to enjoy an authentic and high-quality experience.
A long-standing member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), Tahiti Tourisme recently presented its sustainability work at the 2025 summit, where new CEO Vaihere Lissant made her first international appearance. During the summit, the destination was spotlighted in the “Travel Redefined: Tourism for People and Planet” campaign, a global initiative highlighting destinations where tourism honours culture, protects the environment and creates benefits for local people.
The Islands of Tahiti’s cruise strategy was also showcased as a global example of how to balance tourism and sustainability. Partnerships with Windstar Cruises on ocean conservation, Paul Gauguin (Ponant) to deliver healthcare to isolated communities and Aranui to connect the country’s most remote islands demonstrate how tourism can provide practical benefits while delivering unique, authentic visitor experiences.
Since launching the Fari’ira’a Manihini 2027 (FM27) strategy in 2022, Tahiti Tourisme has worked with government, industry partners and the public to develop a master plan for sustainable tourism. Initiatives include a destination sustainability assessment, a tourism carbon footprint review and a population sentiment survey, leading to a formalised action plan earlier this year.
Locally, Tahiti Tourisme has rolled out projects such as the Sustainable Tourism Challenge, encouraging operators to showcase concrete sustainable practices. To engage visitors, the Hina initiative was introduced, a donation platform supporting Tahitian not-for-profit projects in socio-economic development, cultural preservation and environmental protection.
Looking ahead to 2030, The Islands of Tahiti’s roadmap continues to put sustainability at the centre. From hiking trails to waste management, every aspect of tourism is being aligned with the pillars of sustainable management, social and economic benefits and cultural and environmental protection.
Vaihere said of the path ahead, “we are committed to ensuring that The Islands of Tahiti remains a place of natural beauty, where slow travel continues to be embraced, and the natural environment and our wonderful culture continue to thrive. The destination’s sustainability roadmap ensures that we take a firm stance to preserve our little piece of paradise.”
Renowned for its pristine environment, ancient culture and thriving marine life, The Islands of Tahiti is guided by the concept of Mana, the vital life force and spiritual energy that connects all things. It’s this connection that underpins both the destination’s natural beauty and its bold pathway to a sustainable future.
Find out more at www.TahitiTourisme.org.