French Polynesia: What the study on the international visitor experience really reveals

Is French Polynesia still the ultimate dream destination sold to travelers worldwide? The 2025 study on the quality of experience for international visitors, conducted by Tahiti Tourisme with the firm MMGY–TCI Research, provides a nuanced answer. According to the specialized press, the destination boasts very high overall performance in terms of the tourist experience. However, one sensitive point clearly emerges from the analysis: the perception of value for money.

At Infostourisme, we chose to go beyond a simple summary. This study has been transformed into an immersive, interactive report for tourism professionals and industry decision-makers. The goal: to transform tourism data into a strategic decision-making tool.

An international survey conducted on more than 6,000 visitors

The study was conducted throughout 2025 with 6,109 international visitors departing from French Polynesia. The system was based on an opt-in survey accessible via Wi-Fi at the international airport at the time of departure.

The questionnaire, translated into seven languages, made it possible to analyze around sixty criteria covering the entire tourist experience: infrastructure, reception, accommodation, catering, transport, activities, tourist information and environment.

The analysis is based in particular on the TravelSat index, an international tool for evaluating tourist satisfaction used in many destinations.

👉 https://infostourisme.com/rapport-tahiti-tourisme-2026

A destination that consistently performs very well in terms of overall experience

According to the study's findings, French Polynesia benefits from a major advantage: the exceptional quality of its natural environment. The beauty of its landscapes scores far above the international standard.

The warm welcome is also a major strength. The friendliness of the locals and the quality of service in hotels, restaurants, shops, and at the airport are among the criteria most highly rated by visitors.

These elements confirm the destination's emotional positioning. French Polynesia remains, above all, a highly distinctive sensory and human experience in the international tourism market.

The price-quality ratio, the main point of concern

While the overall experience remains very positive, one point of concern clearly stands out: the perception of value for money.

The accommodations are generally well-rated in terms of quality. However, their price is considered high by some visitors, creating a discrepancy between product satisfaction and the perceived cost of the stay.

The restaurant sector presents a similar picture. While the welcome and service are rated highly, the diversity of the offerings and the perceived value for money appear less competitive.

Tourist activities, particularly sea excursions, are highly valued for their quality and unique character. However, the cost of these experiences can be a deterrent for some visitors.

Mobility and digital services still need improvement

The study also highlights areas for improvement in internal mobility infrastructure. While airport arrival is well assessed, public transport and travel between certain islands may appear more complex for visitors.

Digital services and tourist information represent another area for improvement identified by the study. In a context where travelers expect seamless and accessible digital tools, some competing destinations offer more advanced systems.

These elements represent important levers for improvement to enhance the overall visitor experience.

A very high level of recommendation

The study highlights a Net Promoter Score of 73. According to international standards, a score above 70 is considered exceptional in the tourism industry.

This high level indicates that visitors overwhelmingly recommend the destination after their stay.

However, the intention to return appears slightly lower. Several factors may explain this: the overall cost of the stay, the geographical distance, or the perceived value for money.

For tourism professionals, this gap between recommendation and revisit is a strategic indicator to monitor in the coming years.

Transforming tourism data into a strategic tool

At Infostourisme, we have chosen to transform this study into an operational tool for professionals in the sector.

The interactive report developed on our platform offers features specifically designed for travel agencies, travel advisors, and tourism decision-makers. The goal is to leverage the study's data to better understand visitor expectations and adapt destination strategies accordingly.

👉 https://infostourisme.com/rapport-tahiti-tourisme-2026

A dedicated practical page for French Polynesia has also been developed to facilitate access to essential information for professionals and travellers.

👉 https://infostourisme.com/page_pratique/polynesie

In short

• The 2025 study by Tahiti Tourism analyzes the experience of 6,109 international visitors.
• The beauty of the landscapes and the warm welcome from the people are the main strengths of the destination.
• The Net Promoter Score reached 73, a level considered exceptional.
• The price-quality ratio appears to be the main point of concern.
• Internal mobility and digital services represent areas for improvement.
• French Polynesia remains a very successful destination in terms of the overall tourist experience.

Sources

https://www.tahititourisme.com/fr-fr/

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