French Polynesia Sees Record Tourism Numbers in 2024 – Cruise Industry News

Tourism in French Polynesia is expected to remain at record levels in 2025, according to a press release.

The newly inaugurated Papeete cruise termina, launched in February 2024 and has become a key hub in the region’s growing cruise market.

In 2025, 52,000 passengers are expected to embark on cruises from Tahiti, with seven- to 10-day itineraries across the five archipelagos. This represents a 15 percent increase from 2019 and nearly 20 percent growth from 2023. 

Additionally, 62,000 passengers will arrive and depart on transit cruises, a 45 percent increase compared to 2023.

“More than a third of visitors to French Polynesia choose to cruise during their stay. Our country’s maritime heritage makes it the perfect destination to explore by sea,” said Bud Gilroy, president of the Tahiti Cruise Club, which celebrated its 15th anniversary this year.

“We bring together Polynesian public and private players, as well as many cruise lines. Ollivier Amaru initiated this process and was the founding president. We celebrated it at the beginning of February. And in 15 years, we have all worked together to multiply cruise ship activity in French Polynesia by a factor of 3,” added Gilroy.

Stéphane Renard, coordinator of the Tahiti Cruise Club, said: “Yes, 300 percent of activity means 300 percent of cruise brands, 300 percent of islands reached, 300 percent of stopovers, and 300 percent of economic spin-offs for the islands! It’s the consistency of the action that made these results possible, as well as the cohesion of the players and the coherence of their choices over 15 years.By 2026, we will achieve a further 25 percent growth in business.”

Gilroy emphasized that the destination is tailored to small ships and caters primarily to luxury and expedition cruise lines. As a result, French Polynesia is positioning itself as a regional leader in cruise operations, with a projected 25 percent growth by 2026.

Inaugurated on February 17 by the President of the French Polynesian Government, the new terminal is currently operational for basic services. By the second half of the year, it will be fully equipped to handle turnarounds for up to three ships at once, with a capacity to accommodate 2,000 passengers.

“In 15 years, our destination has been able to adapt to the needs of cruise ship owners, offering logistical and maritime operations, navigation and tourist experiences that live up to expectations. We have a coherent, attractive and strong model. And all the authorities in French Polynesia are aware of it and wish to see it continue. We still have a great deal of cooperation and collaboration to forge with shipowners, in a basin – the South Pacific – with proven potential,” Gilroy said.