Superyacht Australia CEO David Good and Brisbane 2032 Marine Project Manager Stephen Joyce met with Moetai Brotherson, President of French Polynesia, in Papeete during the Tahiti Australian Superyacht Rendezvous. The meeting reinforced collaboration between Australia and French Polynesia in attracting the global superyacht fleet to the South Pacific, where visitation has reached record levels following five years of coordinated international promotion.
Over that period, Superyacht Australia has worked alongside Fiji, Cook Islands, New Zealand and Tahiti to market the South Pacific as a unified cruising destination. The sustained campaign has delivered measurable growth, with the Papeete meetings providing an opportunity to celebrate this success and plan future expansion.
Superyacht tourism offers significant economic benefits to remote island communities while placing minimal pressure on local infrastructure, making it an ideal form of sustainable tourism for the region.
French Polynesia’s global profile has been further enhanced by its June 2026 announcement to establish the world’s largest marine protected area. Combined with practical improvements including streamlined crew visa processes, expanded air freight services to remote islands, and Air Tahiti Nui’s new Sydney–Papeete route launching in December 2026, the destination is becoming increasingly accessible to the international superyacht fleet.
Stephen Joyce highlighted Superyacht Australia’s 2032 Marine Project, which aims to encourage superyacht deployment throughout the Asia-Pacific and South Pacific ahead of the Brisbane Olympic Games. The initiative will help Pacific nations identify infrastructure, employment and tourism opportunities while working collaboratively with neighbouring nations Australia and New Zealand to build long-term regional capacity.
The meeting also welcomed Superyacht Australia’s expanded marketing strategy, which broadens its focus from the South Pacific to the wider Asia-Pacific ahead of the Monaco Yacht Show. By promoting destinations across Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong and the South Pacific, the campaign will strengthen the region’s appeal while positioning French Polynesia as a flagship destination.
The discussions built on nearly two decades of cooperation between Australia and French Polynesia, reflected in the long-running Australia Tahiti Rendezvous, which continues to bring together industry leaders and tourism partners.
David Good said: “The South Pacific has never been better positioned to welcome the world’s superyachts. Record visitation demonstrates the success of our regional collaboration, and with the Brisbane Olympics, French Polynesia’s marine conservation leadership, and strong partnerships across the Pacific, including New Zealand, we see tremendous opportunities for sustainable growth over the coming decade.”
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