Attracting Tourists to Tahiti.
p. 29 · Read in the full issue
From Our Own Correspondent
Papeete, June 16.
THE Tourist Association of Tahiti (Syndicate d'Initiative de la Colonie de Tahiti), of whose activities some notice has been already given in “The Pacific Islands Monthly” appears to be gaining rapidly in its influence over local affairs, owing to important addi tions to its list of members, and the promulgation of an ambitious and com prehensive programme for the develop ment of Tahiti’s tourist resources.
According to the latest issue of the “Tahiti Tourist Guide,” the Inspector of French Colonies, M. Cazaux, who is now in Tahiti, is in complete accord with the Association’s opinion that the tour ist traffic, if properly catered for and intelligently developed, will prove to be our greatest asset.
Under the auspices of this organisa tion, of which M. Pere Rougier is the very active and able President, two Commissions have recently been brought into existence. The first of these, the “Commission de Reception” has for its objects the organisation of the Hotel resources of the Colony, so as to give the best service to our visitors, the pro motion of a central hotel for a high class clientele, and the provision throughout the island of small, inex pensive bungalows for the accommoda tion of tourists of more modest means.
This is a practical programme which, with the compelling impetus of self in terest behind it, should not prove im possible of realisation within a reason able period.
The “Commission des Etrangers,” selected from among the foreign mem bers of the Syndicate d'Initiative, is to assist that body in its object of popu larising Tahiti as a holiday resort by means of propaganda abroad. It will also actively occupy itself, under proper safeguards, in the introduction of flora and fauna, which could be of benefit to the colony, and add to its attractions as a recreative and sporting centre; and generally promote the interests of the tourist and the yachtsman within the colony.
Commissions of foreigners, charged with similar functions, operate in many of the important French resorts, with highly beneficial results to the tourist business. We shall, therefore, watch with great interest the progress of events in Tahiti.