TOURISM
OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
Tourism represents only 5% of GDP in New Caledonia against 13% in French Polynesia. New Caledonia is not a country with mass tourism objectives due to its expensive prices and to its location. Tourism is underdeveloped in New Caledonia and tourism professionals have lacked a global strategy.
As such New Caledonia remains untouched and extremely well preserved with a wide variety of landscapes going from the extraordinary blue of the coral atolls, to the humid forest, to the black sandy beaches of the east coast without forgetting its lagoons which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
As such, ecotourism and niche tourism are the two segments with most potential on a long term basis for the development of tourism in New Caledonia.
ECOTOURISM
Ecotourism is defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education”.
Sustainable and responsible tourism is an excellent alternative for experiencing trips off the beaten track, close to the local population and with respect for nature.
New Caledonia is one of the ideal destinations to practice ecotourism. A green setting nestling with endemic flora and fauna and a strong cultural heritage. Moreover Caledonia has an imperative desire to preserve its unique biodiversity and as such ecotourism is strongly promoted on the territory.
New Caledonia's Natural Park of the Coral Sea is the largest marine protected area in the world. This grand commitment protects 1.3 million km2 of marine ecosystems, teeming with diverse wildlife, and essential to the wellbeing of its people.
NICHE TOURISM
Niche tourism refers to a type of specialty tourism that focuses on a specific concept or topic.
New Caledonia offers a great variety of niche activities for diversified visitors as seen below:
DIVING
New Caledonia is an exceptional diving destination with clear waters, many species, some places have yet to see human activity.
www.spotmydive.com/en/destination-scuba-diving/new-caledonia
KITESURFING
New Caledonia is not yet highly developed for the kite, the archipelago has many spots for all levels, from flat lagoons to reef waves, most of which are on the main island. New Caledonia is not swept by strong winds, but by trade winds typical of tropical regions and reinforced by thermal. The best season is from November to March.
SURFING
Surfing spots are not easily accessible in New Caledonia, there is the need of a boat to reach the barrier reef but it is still one of the best destinations due to its location. The swells are particularly nice, generated by depressions that form between Australian Tasmania and the territory of New Zealand. Between May and September, conditions are ideal to create nice waves up to 4.5 m tall with almost perfect wind conditions.
GOLFING
New Caledonia has four 18 hole golf courses offering a variety of challenges and landscapes.
BIRD-WATCHING
New Caledonia has 189 bird species of which 23 are endemic to the island. The Cagou or Kagu is an emblematic bird on the island.
www.caledoniabirds.com www.fatbirder.com/world-birding/caledonia/
HONEYMOONERS
New Caledonia is a perfect spot for honeymooners with its pristine beaches, good food, romantic resorts and its unique lagoon, a UNESCO world heritage site.
GASTRONOMY
Noumea is the haute cuisine hub of the Pacific with over 150 restaurants catering to all tastes and budgets. Cuisine in New Caledonia is a marriage between island-style, Melanesian tastes and the very best of French flavours and flair.
Just like in France, food, coffee, pastries (such as mouth-watering macarons, éclairs and chocolates) and wine are all key aspects of the local life in this Pacific nation.
www.newcaledonia.travel/gastronomy www.southpacificspecialist.org/ncfood
WHALE WATCHING
Between July and September, during the southern hemisphere winter, New Caledonia is home to humpback whales as they swim back from Antarctica to escape its excessively cold waters and come to rest and give birth. They are most numerous off the south of the Grand Terre.
WINDSURFING
Windsurfing is very popular in New Caledonia. The Nouméa Dreamcup, an international competition was organised for many years on the island.
www.newcaledonia.travel/en/lagoon/boardsports/windsurf-wakeboard
SAILING
At 24.000 km², the Caledonian Lagoon is a wonderful playground for those who want to enjoy the pleasures of boating. This is a unique opportunity to discover islets that are still wild and to cross paths with dolphins, turtles, dugongs and other inhabitants of the lagoon.
www.newcaledonia.travel/en/sailing www.dreamyachtcharter.com/caledonia/
HIKING & TREKKING
Hiking & Trekking, NC has a number of challenging trails as well as some easier walks, all leading to stunning backdrops and views well worth the trek.
www.newcaledonia.travel/hiking-treking/www.theculturetrip.com/hiking-cal/
FLY-FISHING
There is a globally recognised site in the far north of the island which attracts fly-fishing amateurs from all over the world.
www.newcaledonia.travel/au/saltwater-fly-fishing-new-caledonia
WEDDING TOURISM
Wedding tourism, since 2009, foreign tourists (or non-residents) can get legally married in New Caledonia. There are many chapels that are set along the beaches to make it magical for the couples.
CULTURE TOURISM
New Caledonia has a very rich and diverse cultural heritage with a blend of European, Melanesian (the Kanaks), Europeans, Wallisians, Vietnamese, Chinese, Maghrebians and Polynesian cultures.
CHALLENGES
GEOGRAPHIC DISTANCE
New Caledonia is located 17.000km from Paris, a 24h-30h flight time. The only direct flights are from Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Vanuatu.
TRAVELLING COSTS
The general lack of tourism can be explained by the absence of low-cost airlines which would make the destination more attractive. Plane tickets are expensive and there is insufficient flight competition. The island is expensive, with similar living costs to Australia and New Zealand.
SERVICE STANDARDS
The quality of service in hotels, restaurants and other tourism related facilities can be improved.
TOURISTIC IMAGE
The global strategy of the island also needs a rethink of its approach in order to attract high-end tourists. New Caledonia does not really have an image compared to French Polynesia for instance.
New Caledonia is waiting for
ADVENTURERS
TRUE NATURE LOVERS
VIRGIN SPOTS SEEKERS