French Polynesia is repositioning its cruise industry in favour of ships with small and medium capacity.

A release from Tahiti Tourisme says the destination will ‘reposition around four axis’, applicable from 1 January 2022.

Firstly it will favour year-round turnaround ships based in French Polynesia, of small and medium capacities (700 passengers).

More than 50 agents have completed the Certified Tahiti Specialist Programme (CTS) online training modules. They will all receive a gift from Tahiti Tourisme.

Moana McKeen, trade manager – New Zealand with Tahiti Tourisme, says hundreds more have registered for the programme and are yet to complete the modules. 

‘The programme is a ‘one stop shop’ for all travel advisors, offering comprehensive destination training as well as benefits for joining the programme and becoming a Certified Tahiti Specialist.

While the move to Alert Level 1 will further stimulate domestic travel – something which has at least given a flicker of life to some agents and brokers – the industry continues to call for urgent attention to paid to trans Tasman travel and other safe border openings.

Sydney-based Caroline Brunel of Nouvelle Vague Marketing is the new representative for Tahiti Tourisme in the Australia and New Zealand markets.

Jean-Marc Mocellin has been appointed chief executive officer of Tahiti Tourisme.