Moetai Brotherson, President of French Polynesia

1. As President of French Polynesia, you are responsible for several key areas, including tourism, international air transportation, and the development of the archipelagos. What are the government initiatives aimed at stimulating economic and tourist development while preserving the environment and Polynesian culture? ‍

Addressing the vast scope of our nation, we've outlined four key sectors for economic development on a global scale.

First and foremost, our focus lies on tourism, driven by our unparalleled natural beauty. Our aim is to welcome 600,000 visitors over a decade, necessitating a redistribution strategy across our five archipelagos. While iconic destinations like Bora Bora remain pivotal, we seek to develop lesser-known locales to diversify our tourism portfolio and cater to varying preferences and budgets. From luxury retreats to immersive cultural experiences, our goal is to offer a Tahiti for everyone, showcasing not just our stunning coastlines but also the rich tapestry of our history and traditions, thus distinguishing us from conventional beach destinations.

Prioritizing self-sufficiency, our second sector centers on agriculture, essential for achieving food autonomy given our current reliance on imports for 88% of consumption and 55% of food. To this end, we're intensifying efforts in primary sectors like fisheries, aiming to triple capacity sustainably through methods such as longline fishing, ensuring responsible resource management. Simultaneously, we're advancing lucrative ventures such as our unique sun-dried vanilla production and promising aquaculture projects focusing on high-value marine products such as algae and sea cucumbers that could be used for medical purposes.

The third sector targets energy transition, imperative as our nation is 96% reliant on fossil fuels, necessitating a shift towards renewable sources. Pioneering initiatives like seawater air conditioning and OTEC technology underscore our commitment to green energy innovation.

Finally, the fourth priority sector, digital economy, holds immense potential, encompassing IT, telecommunications, and film production. Notably, we aim to attract major film productions, leveraging our breathtaking landscapes for iconic cinematic experiences.

2. The Olympic surfing event will take place at Teahupo'o. What impact could this have on tourism and the promotion of French Polynesia as a world-class surfing destination ?

We're already recognized as a premier surfing destination, with events like those on the WSL Pro Circuit drawing global attention to our renowned waves, including the iconic Teahupo'o.

The upcoming Olympics in Teahupo'o present a unique opportunity, capturing worldwide interest for the surfing competition over a concentrated period. While the Olympics format limits immediate tourism influx due to capacity constraints, our focus remains on ensuring the event's success and fostering community engagement. Unlike past instances where the Olympics could feel detached from local communities, our approach emphasizes inclusivity and local involvement. Collaborating closely with the Olympic Committee, we're committed to integrating the event into our cultural fabric.

Furthermore, insights from cities hosting previous Olympics indicate a post-event tourism surge, as enthusiasts seek to visit historic Olympic venues. Anticipating this trend, we expect a modest yet significant uptick in tourism in the years following the Olympics, driven by curiosity to experience the sites where the games unfolded.

3. International air transportation is vital to the economy of French Polynesia. How is your administration collaborating with airlines and other partners to improve air connectivity and boost tourism?

We possess the authority to allocate air traffic rights in accordance with international regulations, ensuring fair access to our airspace. Over the past few years, we've witnessed a substantial 40% increase in international flight capacity, with established carriers like Air France expanding their frequencies alongside newcomers such as French Bee, Delta, and United, complementing our world-class national airline Air Tahiti Nui.

However, our current bottleneck lies in airport infrastructure, particularly at our sole international gateway, which is nearing its capacity limits. To address this, plans are underway to not only expand but also enhance our existing airport facilities through a collaborative effort with the French government. This crucial initiative aims to deliver a larger, more efficient airport within the next four years, crucial for sustaining our tourism growth.

Furthermore, the development of a second international airport in the Marquesas Islands, specifically on the island of Nuku Hiva, emerges as a strategic imperative. Apart from significantly bolstering our tourism potential, this initiative also serves vital security considerations, given its elevated position compared to our current airport, potentially mitigating natural disaster risks. Being only 2h30 away from Hawaii, it could be a great getaway for high-end travelers seeking exclusivity.

By providing an alternative entry point, this second airport holds the promise of diversifying our tourism influx, redistributing traffic, and reducing reliance on Tahiti as the central hub for domestic connectivity. Such strategic infrastructure investments not only position us for sustained tourism growth but also optimize logistical efficiency and enhance regional accessibility.

4. You are also in charge of international affairs. How is French Polynesia engaging on the international stage to promote its interests, strengthen ties with other nations, and participate in global initiatives? and how are the relations between French Polynesia and the United States?

As a full member of the Pacific Island Forum, we actively engage with our regional counterparts, convening annually to address various issues affecting the Pacific community. Discussions span a range of topics, from the responsible management of subsea minerals to enhancing trade relations and fostering educational exchanges.

Our integration within the Pacific region extends to educational partnerships, with students from neighboring countries attending our esteemed hospitality and tourism school in Tahiti. This collaborative approach underscores our commitment to regional cooperation and capacity building.

While we maintain strong ties within the Pacific, our strategic focus remains on leveraging our immediate surroundings, given the abundance of resources and opportunities within our reach.

With the United States, China, Australia, and South America in close proximity, we see our region as the new center of gravity, facilitating robust relations and exchanges.

Our enduring relationship with the United States is deeply rooted in history, exemplified by the presence of a former American military base in Bora Bora during World War II. This legacy, coupled with shared cultural affinities and mutual interests in areas like surfing and music, underscores the strength of our bilateral ties.

Moreover, the collaborative security partnerships involving France, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States further enhance regional stability, with Hawaii serving as a strategic foothold for American influence in the Pacific. Our historical connections with Hawaii and shared ancestral ties underscore the depth of our relationship, enriching our cultural tapestry and fostering mutual understanding.

In essence, our engagement with the United States and broader regional partners is multifaceted, encompassing historical, cultural, economic, and security dimensions, all of which contribute to the vibrancy and resilience of the Pacific community.

5. What are the advantages of investing in French Polynesia? and what policies are in place to attract foreign direct investment?

The advantages of investing in our country are manifold.

Firstly, we offer a stable political environment, marked by recent reforms ensuring continuity of governance regardless of electoral outcomes. This political stability provides a conducive climate for sustained investment.

In terms of infrastructure and amenities, we stand out among our Pacific Island counterparts, boasting well-developed facilities and a robust healthcare system. Our advanced healthcare services ensure peace of mind for residents and investors alike, with top-notch medical professionals and state-of-the-art hospital facilities.

From a regulatory perspective, we have implemented tax incentives and land ownership mechanisms to attract foreign investment. With a significant portion of land under government ownership, we can offer long-term leases on prime sites, particularly appealing for ventures like tourism development. Speaking of which, we're soon launching an international tender inviting investors to capitalize on exceptional government-owned sites for hotel construction, signaling our commitment to fostering tourism growth through strategic partnerships.

Furthermore, our burgeoning relationship with Google represents a significant milestone in our digital economy. With Google set to lay five submarine cables connecting Tahiti to key global destinations, including the US West Coast, Chile, Guam, Fiji, and Australia, we're poised for a digital revolution. This infrastructure upgrade not only meets Google's data needs but also unlocks vast bandwidth potential for local operators, effectively multiplying our current capacity by 50 times. Such a leap in connectivity elevates our appeal to foreign IT firms, cinema industry players, and special effects studios, positioning us as a hotspot for digital innovation and collaboration.

In essence, investing in our country promises stability, superior infrastructure, favorable regulations, and unprecedented digital connectivity, making it an irresistible destination for forward-thinking investors seeking growth opportunities in the Pacific region.

6. What is the government's communication strategy to project French Polynesia internationally?

In Tahiti, promotion efforts are primarily coordinated by the Tahiti Tourism Office, tasked with showcasing the destination's allure to international visitors. With an annual budget of approximately 1.2 billion Pacific Francs (equivalent to around 12-13 million US dollars), this entity collaborates with partners across Europe, the United States, and other key markets to amplify Tahiti's appeal within the tourism sector.

In line with diversifying promotional activities, plans are underway to establish the Tahiti Film Office, aimed at bolstering Tahiti's presence in the film industry. This initiative, slated for implementation this year, mirrors the Tourism Office's efforts but specifically targets the movie industry, leveraging Tahiti's captivating landscapes and infrastructure for cinematic productions.

Additionally, the Economic Development Agency (ADE) serves as a crucial resource for foreign investors seeking insights into the business landscape and investment opportunities in French Polynesia. Acting as a central point of contact, this agency provides guidance on navigating local regulations and exploring potential ventures within the region.

Moreover, strategic partnerships with French institutions engaged in promoting all French collectivities further augment promotional endeavors. While not directly focused on Tahiti alone, these collaborations contribute to broader national-level promotional efforts, amplifying Tahiti's visibility and appeal on a larger scale.

8. At 54 years old, you are the youngest president in the country’s history. What are you most proud of in your personal and professional life?

On a personal level, my family—my wife and kids—are my pride and joy. They're my backbone, and I couldn't be prouder of them.

Professionally, it's a bit unexpected. I never planned to be president or dive into politics. With a background in IT consulting across New York, Germany, France, and Japan, politics was never on my radar. But here I am, trying to stay true to my values and connect with people directly, sans bodyguards. My hope is that when I retire in a few years, I can look back and say I remained honest and unchanged. It's early days, and I can't claim pride just yet, but that's my goal—to be the same guy, inside and out.

9. What is your final message to Newsweek readers considering French Polynesia as a potential investment and tourism destination?

Whether you're visiting or investing, the essence of Tahiti lies in its people—the warm, welcoming individuals you'll encounter and collaborate with. Respecting our way of life and traditions is paramount as you immerse yourself in our community and embark on ventures here.

Tahiti offers not just a promising investment destination but also a cultural experience like no other. Our rich gastronomic heritage, blending French, Chinese, and indigenous influences, ensures a culinary journey that tantalizes the taste buds and reflects our diverse cultural tapestry.

So, whether you're savoring our delectable fish dishes or indulging in a mouthwatering burger with a unique Tahitian twist, you'll find that Tahiti offers a culinary experience that's as unforgettable as its hospitality.

In closing, I'd like to reiterate that Tahiti isn't just a place to invest—it's a place to forge meaningful connections, embrace cultural diversity, and create lasting memories. Thank you for considering Tahiti, and we look forward to welcoming you with open arms.