It is time for more New Zealanders to consider visiting French Polynesia more regularly, like they do other parts of the Pacific, rather than a one-off experience, says the general manager of Tahiti Travel Experts, Marieke Chataigner.

Chataigner is well versed in the Kiwi market, having worked as director global sales with Marriott in Auckland for six years.

Preserving the cultural experience, controlling tourism development at sustainable levels and attracting people during the shoulder and low seasons are the important issues for Tahiti Tourisme, says CEO Jean-Marc Mocellin.

Asked about numbers targeted over the next few years, Mocellin says that figure is not an important one for the destination.

Being alert to green-washing and carefully checking the practices of supply chain partners are among the ways travel sellers can ensure more sustainable travel practices as the industry rebounds from Covid shutdowns, product mangers and agents heard at a conference in Papeete last week.