Say Tahiti, and what do your clients think? Exotic, luxury, bucket list? It's all these and more, as some 40 travel advisors learned on 25APR at the Doubletree by Hilton in downtown Toronto.
The event, hosted by Tahiti Tourisme and the first of eight across North America, was a great introduction – or re-introduction – to selling this alluring destination.
Training on how to become a Certified Tahiti Specialist as well as market-place style meetings with diverse partners gave advisors great insights.
First, we got a quick refresher course. Tahiti's 118 islands cover a huge area – about this size of western Europe. The average stay for Canadians is two weeks, and combination tours including Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora are popular (and easy to book – read on!).
Not surprisingly, those dreamy over-water bungalows that you think of when you think Tahiti are popular especially with honeymooners, a significant market for the islands.
Options include the 44-acre St. Regis Bora Bora, the “crown jewel” of Tahiti, Amanda Esposito, the resort’s Director of Luxury Sales, explained. “We have 77 over-water bungalows, with glass-bottom floors, and the best food in Bora Bora including 5 and 10 course meals.” Past guests, and there have been many celebrities, include Nicole Kidman.
One solution for clients dreaming of the South Pacific may be Canadian operator Exotic Tours. They have an expansive program to the region including five itineraries of the most popular combos, plus extensive FIT choices. “We are happy to go ‘off brochure’,” Tanya States told us. “And we do not take direct bookings!”
Cruising is a popular option through these stunning islands. Paul Gauguin and Windstar are two of the best-known cruise lines, while Victoria, B.C., based Far & Away offers a range of South Pacific cruises including 8 and 12 day Catamaran cruises (from CAD $2,080) including skipper/guide/cook.
And for the right client, Far & Away’s freighter cruises would prove a truly unforgettable way to experience the islands on a “working” ship including a 256 pax deluxe freighter complete with a gym, library and pool. From CAD $5,376 for dorm-style accommodation to $9,675 for a balcony cabin for a 12-day trip including all meals, wine, lectures and land excursions.
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Access to Tahiti may be easier than you think, as Nancy O’Connell of Air Tahiti Nui (TN) told Open Jaw. “We are the flag carrier, and believe you shouldn’t have to ‘endure’ a flight to our islands. You should enjoy it!”
Their flights, which she says are a wonderful foretaste of the warm hospitality clients will receive in the islands, are offered from the US on their Dreamliner 787s with 30 B class pax, 32 premium economy and 232 economy configuration. Flights include daily or twice daily service from LAX (8 hours) and now twice weekly from SEA (9 ½ hours). Meals, all drinks, and baggage included!
Above all, participants were left with the impression that while tourism is important to Tahiti, the islands are keen to respect and share their culture and history. And ensure that every visitor is treated as a welcome guest, not a number.
More information is available at Tahiti Tourisme's website.
