A major, long-term project became a reality in Cracow, Poland, with the official recognition of the Taputapuatea Marae (sacred site) on the island of Raiatea as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This important designation is a source of great pride for the Polynesian people and brings an extraordinary opportunity for tourism and to increase the visibility of The Islands of Tahiti.

DEVELOPING THE DESTINATION

The destination is renowned for its idyllic landscapes, its warm and welcoming people, and above all the vibrant culture that colors everyday life. The World Heritage label bestowed upon the Taputapuatea marae will aide in attracting visitors to Raiatea looking for history and a rich cultural experience.

The marae is an ancient sacred site where ceremonies were performed prior to the arrival of European missionaries, and where Polynesian ancestors arranged hundreds of stones which they believed to hold Mana, a source of power and spiritual strength. The Taputapuatea marae is the first cultural site in a French overseas area to be recognized by UNESCO.

ACTIVITIES IN RAIATEA

The range of activities available makes Raiatea a very attractive island for visitors. In addition to the title it just received, it possesses many attributes, both on land and at sea. Hiking trails in the island¹s lush tropical interior take visitors to Mount Tapioi and Mount Temehani. The luckiest may encounter a rare endemic flower, the Tiare Apetahi. Sea lovers will not feel left out as Raiatea is a strategic charter hub from which to sail the open ocean to the sister islands of Huahine and Bora Bora, or to sail the lagoon and discover Taha¹a, where the ³Pacific black gold² is grown, a vanilla of such quality that it has become a luxury product desired the world over.

 

THE MANA STRATEGY

With this prestigious UNESCO cultural label, Tahiti Tourisme reinforces its positioning of the destination, and its promotion and communication strategy launched internationally in 2016, entitled ³The Islands of Tahiti, Embraced by Mana,² highlighting the wealth of Polynesian culture and the diversity of activities. The World Heritage label will encourage visitors to discover the destination¹s many aspects through the local people, their way of life, their culture, arts, crafts and through ecotourism.

The classification of the Taputapuatea marae as a UNESCO World Heritage site gives the Polynesian people a new and unifying opportunity to share their traditions and convey their deepest values. A sense of pride in Mana will inspire The Islands of Tahiti to continue their development.

THE MANY FACETS OF RAIATEA

A 45-minute flight away from Papeete, Raiatea is the second largest economic center in The Islands of Tahiti. It also is an important nautical base, home to many sailboats and boat charter companies. A small 2-mile (3-kilometer) channel separates Raiatea from its sister island, Taha¹a, both sharing the same lagoon. Raiatea¹s coastline and mountains are rugged ­ some reaching as high as 3,300 feet (1 000 meters). Beaches on the main island are few, but it¹s a short kayak or boat ride to the picturesque beaches on the numerous motu (islets), where you can have a swim through idyllic coral gardens or lounge in the shade of gently swaying palm trees. There are many scuba diving sites, including the Nordby, a wreck lying 95 feet (29 meters) under the surface. Raiatea also has many scenic hiking trails where you can discover more about this beautiful island and its ancient civilization.