Experience the allure of French Polynesia with Ponant, where luxury meets adventure. Discover pristine landscapes, vibrant cultures, and immersive excursions aboard the Paul Gauguin, offering a gateway to unforgettable journeys in this enchanting destination.
1. Can you give us an overview of the cruise tourism sector in French Polynesia? What are the main challenges and opportunities?
Tourism is undeniably vital for the economy of Tahiti and its surrounding islands. It contributes approximately 12% to the GDP and forms the majority of export revenues. Cruise passenger numbers have shown growth post-COVID, with around 44,000 recorded in 2023, up from roughly 42,500 the previous year. This indicates significant demand and potential for further growth. Investment in the cruise segment is promising, notably with the upcoming opening of a new cruise terminal later this year.
However, a major challenge lies in airlift capacity. The remote island location poses difficulties in facilitating transportation to the destination. While there's decent airlift from Europe and the west coast of the US, some regions, including Australia, struggle with connectivity. Direct flights would greatly enhance accessibility and foster tourism growth. This issue is regularly discussed with our airline partners, especially this year amidst additional constraints due to the Olympics, which have led to flight allocations to support Olympic activities.
2. Could you give us a presentation on Ponant and provide us with some key figures?
The company, founded over 35 years ago by maritime innovators, prioritizes exploration and innovation. Unlike conventional cruise experiences focused solely on luxury or destinations, the company emphasizes unique and profound experiences, aiming to connect people with more meaningful encounters. This ethos, termed "explore to inspire," immerses travelers in diverse destinations, cultures, and expedition experiences, including remote locations. With 13 "human-sized" ships accommodating around 200 passengers each, the company offers personalized service and access to destinations beyond the reach of larger vessels.
In 2023, the company operated 430 cruises, boasting more port stops and destinations than its counterparts. Its commitment to visiting unique and often remote locations attracted individuals like myself, even those unfamiliar with cruising, due to its innovative approach and dedication to environmental education and conservation. With approximately 650 onshore staff and 3,000 onboard employees, the company is headquartered in Marseille, with significant operations in the US, Australia, and a growing presence in China.
3. What inspired Ponant to embark on a project in French Polynesia, and what unique opportunities does the region offer for luxury cruise experiences?
In terms of unique opportunities for luxury cruise experiences, one standout is the acquisition of the Paul Gauguin vessel, which joined the Ponant fleet in 2019. This vessel operates in French Polynesia, a region known for its popularity among travelers. Since its addition, the Paul Gauguin has become the most successful in terms of occupancy levels among all our fleets. This success is attributed to our longstanding presence in the region, with over 25 years of operation in French Polynesia.
The Paul Gauguin offers a unique blend of understated luxury, enhanced by a recent refit, and authentic Polynesian hospitality delivered by our Tahitian crew. These crew members, who reside on board year-round, generously share their knowledge and heritage, enriching the guest experience with true local insights and hospitality. As our first destination ship, the Paul Gauguin exemplifies our commitment to immersing guests in authentic local experiences. Many of our captains have deep roots in the region, providing additional expertise and enhancing the overall guest experience.
4. What are some of the key highlights and destinations that travelers can expect to experience during a Ponant cruise in French Polynesia?
Our classic offerings cover the well-known islands, but we also venture further afield, providing diverse excursions each day. With the Paul Gauguin, we've observed significant popularity and excellent occupancy rates, prompting us to deploy a second ship to the region. The Jacques Cartier will join the fleet in winter 2026-2027. In response to high demand from our European market, including German, English-speaking, and French clients, we've decided to introduce this second product to meet the additional demand. The new ship will offer expedition cruises, allowing guests to explore via Zodiac outings and offering a distinct itinerary from the Paul Gauguin.
This expansion underscores our commitment to the region's development, and we're thrilled about the prospects of having a second ship in the area by winter 2026. On a side note, The Gauguin's 2025 full voyage schedule presents an enticing array of 29 cruises, featuring 11 distinct itineraries ranging from 7 to 20 nights. Among these, a new 10-night More Tuamotus & the Society Islands itinerary stands out, offering guests another first for the line: an overnight stay in Fakarava, Tuamotus. Fakarava is renowned for its UNESCO Marine Biosphere, adding an extra layer of excitement and adventure to this unforgettable journey.
5. Could you share some insights into how Ponant aims to incorporate sustainability and responsible tourism practices into its operations in French Polynesia?
One of the key attractions for me personally in joining this business was its commitment to sustainability. Having worked in the travel industry for 20 years, I've witnessed numerous attempts by businesses to address sustainability through various means, often focusing on reporting and demonstration. However, what sets Ponant apart is that sustainability is not just an add-on; it's integrated into the very concept of the company. This ethos permeates everything from the design of our ships to our operations at headquarters. We've set ambitious objectives for energy efficiency and carbon emissions reduction, aiming to achieve a 30% reduction by 2030 compared to 2018 levels, with the ultimate goal of carbon neutrality by 2040. To achieve this, we've initiated Project Swap2Zero, an R&D endeavor focused on building our 14th ship. This vessel will incorporate cutting-edge technology, including fuel cells operating with renewable energies, to maximize energy efficiency. While we're considering various destinations for this new ship, French Polynesia is among the locations under consideration. The success of this project could significantly impact the industry as a whole, not just our fleet. Additionally, we're exploring ways to make travel more sustainable holistically, from door-to-door transportation to addressing challenges in the CSR space. This comprehensive approach reflects our commitment to sustainability and innovation in the travel industry.
6. Given the delicate ecosystems and cultural heritage of French Polynesia, how does Ponant ensure that its presence in the region has a positive impact on both the environment and local communities?
Education plays a pivotal role in our CSR efforts, as we strive not only to partner with local communities but also to educate them about environmental stewardship, nature conservation, and cultural heritage preservation. Our guests are deeply engaged in these initiatives, seeking authentic and meaningful experiences that allow them to immerse themselves in local cultures and interact with local residents. This aligns well with our expedition philosophy, where guests are eager to learn about the day-to-day life, culture, history, and heritage of the destinations they visit.
In French Polynesia specifically, we have established a multi-year partnership with Te Moana, a South Pacific Marine Education and Conservation Fund. This foundation focuses on educating children aged six to fifteen about the importance of protecting the marine environment while immersing them in the culture of French Polynesia. It's a testament to our commitment to education, particularly among younger generations.
Additionally, we've implemented an industry-first initiative to provide healthcare to local communities. Each of our ships is equipped with a medical team, and during scheduled port visits, we offer consultations with our onboard doctors to local residents. This initiative has been extended to include free transportation for local doctors to visit more remote islands, ensuring access to healthcare for those in need. These initiatives underscore our deep commitment to the people of Tahiti and the broader region, bridging the gap between our operations and the local communities we serve.
7. How important is the American clientele for Ponant?
The concept of Paul Gauguin was initially tailored for the American market, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Nearly 60% of our guests on board are American, followed by Europeans comprising over 30%. Interestingly, there's a smaller representation from Australia, New Zealand, and Asia, primarily due to limited airlift capacity and relatively higher airfares. Although there's significant demand from Australia, the lack of direct flights hampers accessibility. However, once direct flight options become available, we anticipate a rise in the number of Australian travelers. Despite the long distances involved in reaching French Polynesia, direct flights are comparatively affordable, particularly when considering the cost per kilometer.On the other hand, American clientele have shown great appreciation for our offerings, resulting in numerous awards and accolades. These include being ranked among the top five small ship ocean cruise lines by Travel + Leisure in their 2023 World's Best Awards, winning Best Small Cruise Ship and Best Luxury Ship Itinerary in the 2023 Travel Weekly Magellan Awards, and being recognized as one of the top two small cruise lines by Condé Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards for three consecutive years. Additionally, we've been honored with awards such as Best Small Ship Cruise Line and Best Luxury Cruise Line in the 2023 Global Traveler Leisure Lifestyle Awards, along with Best French Polynesia Cruise in the Afar Travelers' Choice Awards for four consecutive years. These accolades highlight the strong appeal of our product to the American clientele, combining luxury with a laid-back atmosphere and offering curated local cuisine. The well-designed itineraries also contribute to a great experience for our American travelers.
8. What is your final message to Newsweek readers considering French Polynesia as a potential tourism destination?
French Polynesia offers a truly unique opportunity to explore a pristine and captivating part of the world. With the Paul Gauguin, guests can experience this destination firsthand in an intimate setting at a reasonable price point compared to traditional overwater bungalows. It offers the best of both worlds: luxury accommodations and immersive exploration of the destination. Each morning brings a new adventure, allowing guests to discover the island's beauty in a deeper and more intimate manner through day excursions. French Polynesia boasts a wealth of attractions, making it an incredible destination to explore. It's truly an enticing prospect that leaves you eager to embark on a cruise and discover all that this remarkable region has to offer.
