Maupiti is what Bora Bora used to be before it became overly touristy - more authentic, secluded, and affordable. I say this as a Maupiti native.
Won’t this just make Maupiti the same as today Bora Bora?
Maupiti doesn’t have the massive tourist infrastructure that Bora Bora has - and it likely never will. Bora Bora received significant foreign investment to become what it is today: the go-to destination for a luxurious tropical paradise experience. Even larger islands, like Moorea, have tried to reach the same level of fame, but haven’t been able to match Bora Bora’s status. For example, there are no hotels or resorts on Maupiti - accommodation is limited to locally run pensions.
Not yet…
There are different dynamics at play here. The people of Maupiti have opposed the development of hotels and resorts from the beginning - even turning down offers - in order to avoid becoming a major tourist destination, unlike Bora Bora and other islands. At the same time, tourists are very welcome on Maupiti, as long as they come in limited numbers. As mentioned, all accommodations are provided by locals. Tourism is an important source of income for a place with little industry.
But just one corrupt politician can break this. Meaning hotels will start popping up everywhere, despite the locals are against it.
Just saying. Don’t take it for granted.
Not really though. It entirely depends on how engaged the people are. If the people are against it there’s gonna be no hotels because hotels need people to work in them, and if no one agrees to do that, there’s gonna be no hotel.
The only reason why these “corrupt politicians” like you say can do their corrupt shit is because there are enough people supporting them.
Here in the Netherlands i see it with my own eyes how corrupt the government can be. Like the gemeente.
Its a problem of scale I think. Smaller communities are closer and tougher, its easier to manipulate larger groups of people who are farther away.
But if people are visiting, don’t most people want massive tourist infrastructure?
How can we “visit” if there’s not even a hotel? Do tourists need to learn the native language to find a place?
Luckily Lemmy isn’t that popular yet. (Plus we’re all poor.)
Speak for yourself. I have a collection of jelly beans worth at least -37¢.
https://www.tahititourisme.com/preparing-you-trip/accommodations-in-the-islands-of-tahiti/
Filter by island. Plenty of options.
Definitely, but Maupiti is the island which provides the most similar experience to Bora Bora specifically. They’re close to each other and have had strong historical cultural links. For example, if someone was more into lush vegetation, mountainous, cultural stuff, I’d recommend Huahine. Tahaa has the vanilla and pearls. Etc. Different islands have different things going for them.
You should cross-post this too !buyoceanian@quokk.au
Also seeing as you’re from there, do you ever call France, French France?
No, we call it Metropolitan France (la Métropole) or European France (le territoire européen de la France). First one is the actually most common one, second one is the “politically correct” one.
In 50 years or so it’ll all be underwater anyway, and tourists won’t be a problem at all!
Sounds like kind of a first-world problem.
It’s crazy that people live here, I can’t even imagine being surrounded by such beauty 24/7 what’s it like?
Is the Island accessible by sailboat?
Great timing! My wife and I are planning a trip for next winter right now. I can’t wait to show my wife!
