1. Can you take us back to the origins of Manaventura Tahiti and the vision that guided its creation around adventure and authenticity in French Polynesia?
The story really began during a difficult moment in my life. My business in France was put on hold during the COVID period, and I was feeling stuck and discouraged. Friends invited me to spend Christmas and New Year’s in French Polynesia, and I thought, “Why not? It has to be better than staying home.”
I arrived with very stereotypical ideas, that Polynesia was luxurious, inaccessible, and mainly for honeymooners or retirees. But what I discovered completely changed me. It was raw, wild, deeply human. That experience transformed my life. Everything that followed, my company, my family life, came from that moment.
I later kept my company in France until 2023 before selling it, while simultaneously building and developing my business in French Polynesia.
At first, Manaventura Tahiti wasn’t even a travel agency. I started by importing outdoor equipment, rooftop tents, paddleboards, hiking gear, to promote a more adventurous way of exploring the islands. I also helped locals develop small camping sites on their land, which allowed them to create additional income.
Over time, clients began asking for more, day trips, multi-day experiences, and that’s how the idea evolved into a travel agency. But the core mission has always remained the same: to reveal a different Polynesia, one that is authentic and rooted in nature and human connection.
2. How would you define your approach to experiential and immersive tourism, and how do your activities help travelers explore beyond the usual routes?
Our approach is holistic. We combine adventure, culture, and human connection. We want travelers to experience Polynesia in a meaningful way.
For example, instead of typical excursions, we might bring guests into a local artisan’s home in the Marquesas to learn traditional carving techniques. Or they might learn how to make coconut milk with a local family, or practice traditional weaving while sitting on the ground, sharing stories.
We also offer eco-focused experiences like coral restoration or reforestation projects, along with hiking and nature-based activities. These are moments outside of time, intimate, authentic, and deeply enriching. That’s the Polynesia we want to share.
3. What are the expectations of today’s travelers, particularly regarding unique, sustainable, and personalized experiences?
We see a strong shift. Travelers want to stay longer and truly understand a destination. They’re looking for immersion, living with locals, not just staying in hotels.
Even high-end travelers are now seeking authenticity and meaning. They may combine luxury accommodations with guesthouses or family-run pensions. They also want to explore beyond the main islands, visiting places like the Marquesas, the Australs, or the Gambier Islands to experience different cultures within Polynesia.
These are conscious travelers. They care about the environment and want their journey to have purpose.
4. How do you integrate Polynesian culture and human connection into your experiences?
It starts with our partners. We carefully select people who are passionate about sharing their culture.
We also keep our groups small, usually no more than 8 to 12 people, and often organize private experiences. This allows for genuine exchanges. If you’re in a large group, you lose that human dimension.
For us, it’s essential that travelers have the time and space to connect, with guides, with locals, and with the culture itself.
5. Are you seeing growing interest from international travelers, particularly Americans, for this type of tourism?
We’re just beginning to open to the North American market. Until now, we focused on building a strong foundation. But after participating in a Canadian tourism show, we saw significant interest.
There’s clearly a desire to move away from standardized travel. People are searching for something deeper. Polynesia offers not just a cultural encounter, but also a personal one.
It’s a place where you disconnect from modern stress and reconnect with yourself. That’s what makes it so powerful, and I think that resonates with travelers everywhere.
6. What concrete actions do you take to promote responsible tourism and environmental awareness?
We integrate education into the experience. For instance, we work with local associations that teach travelers about marine ecosystems and protected species. Guests learn what they can and cannot do in the environment, because even small actions can have a big impact.
We also send a sustainability charter before the trip and encourage travelers to learn a few words of Tahitian. It helps create a connection and shows respect for the culture.
Our goal is to turn travelers into conscious participants in their journey.
7. What opportunities do you see for local entrepreneurs in French Polynesia’s tourism sector?
There’s still so much to develop. Polynesia is behind in certain areas, especially digital infrastructure and diversification of tourism offerings.
There’s a real opportunity for eco-lodges, agrotourism, and experiences rooted in nature and local culture. Too many businesses replicate the same model, boat tours in the lagoon, when there’s so much potential inland, in the mountains and rural areas.
Entrepreneurs who innovate and stay authentic have a huge opportunity here.
8. What are your development plans for Manaventura Tahiti?
We’re preparing to expand into the American and Australian markets. At the same time, we’re opening a physical space in France called “Maison Manaventura,” designed to immerse visitors in Polynesian culture even before they travel.
It won’t feel like a traditional agency, it will be a place where people can experience Polynesia through products, flavors, and storytelling.
We’re also committed to maintaining our personal approach as we grow, supporting clients before, during, and after their journey. Building long-term relationships is at the heart of what we do.
9. What message would you like to share with readers of the Los Angeles Times?
I would say: come and discover a Polynesia that transforms you.
It’s not just a destination, it’s an experience that leaves a mark. But it’s also a fragile place, a true gem. We must preserve it.
So travel, absolutely, but travel with intention. Seek authenticity, not consumption. Polynesia will give you something profound in return.
.png)
