- There are more than 4,000 rooms in more than 40 hotels catering to a wide range of budgets and personal preferences, as well as lodging in hospitable family pensions and private homes.
- Some of the world’s best snorkeling, scuba diving and surfing are found in Tahiti. Also popular are outrigger canoeing, bicycle and horseback riding, four-wheel jeep safaris, spear and deep sea fishing, swimming, sailing, jet skiing, wind surfing, tennis, island tours, shark and ray feeding, helicopter rides, museums, ancient maraes (temples), and other cultural experiences. Sunset watching, beach strolling, relaxing in the sand, enjoying exquisite French Polynesian cuisine, walking through beautiful fragrant gardens, and simply getting to know the friendly and hospitable Tahitian people are memorable highlights of any visit to Tahiti and Her Islands.
- Taxis and busses are popular forms of transportation on the main island of Tahiti. On the outer islands, car and scooter rentals are available and "Le Truck" open-air busses are an inexpensive means of getting around.
- A dramatic rise in cruise ship arrivals to Tahiti in 1999 put Tahiti in the spotlight as an ideal South Pacific cruise port-ofcall. Air Carriers: Airlines serving Tahiti and Her Islands to and from the U.S.mainland include Tahitian-based Air Tahiti Nui and Air France, Air New Zealand and Hawaiian Airlines.
- Over 100,000 U.S. visitors traveled to Tahiti in 2001. The rate has increased in each of the last three consecutive years. North American visitors to Tahiti increased by more than 17% in 1999 over 1998.
- Upper-middle and higher income levels, married couples in their 40s and older; honeymooning couples; water sport enthusiasts (diving, snorkeling, sailing and fishing ), South Pacific island culture enthusiasts. Most visitors stay a week to 10 days; many enjoy shorter visits. The majority visit more than one island.
- Shops are generally open from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., except on Saturdays when many close at noon and only hotel shops are open on Sunday. Long lunch breaks are common in Tahiti and Her Islands. Duty Free shopping is mainly available on Tahiti. Black pearls, mother-of-pearl shell carvings, coconut and tiare soaps, monoi oil, vanilla beans, shell leis, wood carvings, colorful pareus, and woven hats and baskets are among the most popular items.
- Music and dancing tell the story of the Tahitian people. Beautifully costumed dancers demonstrate beauty, strength and grace in traditional dances, which have been passed down for generations.
- The electric current in most hotels is 110 or 220 volts, depending upon the specific location. Visitors should bring adapters, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellant and a hat for shade. Loose fitting cotton washables are recommended for comfort, and old sneakers or rubber aqua socks are suggested for walking in shallow water amidst coral. Visitors can bring a camera, and up to 10 rolls of film, duty free.
- The Activities Desk at hotels in Tahiti are an excellent source of information. You’ll find knowledgeable staff, who are eager to assist you.
Tahiti Tourisme,
300 Continental Blvd., Ste. 160,
El Segundo, Calif. 90245
Tel: 800-365-4949 (U.S.)
Fax: 310-414-8490
Web site: www.Tahiti-Tourisme.com
Email: info@tahiti-tourisme.com
