Bora Bora Economy

French Polynesia’s Bora Bora is a well-liked vacation spot with stunning beaches, pristine waters, and opulent resorts. The island’s economy is mainly reliant on tourism, which also contributes significantly to its growth.

 

Four seasons resortTourism Industry

The majority of Bora Bora’s GDP is generated by tourism, which is the main economic force in the country. A number of upscale resorts, like the Four Seasons and the InterContinental, can be found on the island, which is a favorite getaway for honeymooners and affluent tourists. Numerous tourists are drawn to the island by these resorts’ numerous amenities, which include spas, good cuisine, and water sports. Visitors are also drawn to the island’s natural beauty, which includes its crystal-clear oceans, coral reefs, and lush tropical vegetation.

The history of tourism in Bora Bora dates back to the early 20th century, when Western tourists first learned of the island. In the 1960s and 1970s, the island’s appeal as a vacation spot grew, and it has since continued to rise. Over 300,000 people visited the island in 2019, a substantial rise from earlier years.

The island’s population receives a variety of jobs and other financial advantages from the Bora Bora tourism business. Numerous locals are employed by the resorts and other tourism-related industries, and the sector also supports other businesses like restaurants and shops. The island’s government also receives income from the tourism sector, which is put toward improving infrastructure and public services.

The Bora Bora tourism business does, however, face some difficulties. The island’s prominence as a travel destination has increased the cost of life for locals and put stress on the environment and infrastructure of the island. Additionally, the business is susceptible to outside forces like worldwide economic downturns, which may have a severe effect on the island’s tourism numbers. The island’s administration has developed a number of regulations to address these issues, including encouraging sustainable tourism practices and regulating the amount of visitors permitted on the island, to assist lessen the detrimental effects of tourism. (Bora Bora Economy)

People fishingAgriculture and Fishing

Although tourism dominates the island’s economy, there is a modest agricultural sector there as well. Farmers on the island grow a wide range of crops, such as fruits, coconuts, and vanilla. On the island, fishing is a significant activity as well. Local fishermen bring in a variety of species, including marlin and tuna. These industries give the islanders a means of support and contribute to economic diversification.

In Bora Bora, agriculture and fishing have always been significant industries. Farmers on the island have historically produced a range of crops that are used both domestically and abroad, including vanilla and coconut. In recent years, Bora Bora has seen a resurgence in interest in agriculture as more people try to support the local economy by purchasing goods made on the island.

Another traditional activity on the island is fishing, which provides food and income for the locals. Traditional fishing techniques are used by the island’s fishermen to catch a variety of fish, including marlin and tuna, which are then sold in nearby markets and shipped to other islands.

Despite being relatively modest, both businesses struggle with issues such a lack of resources and competition from foreign items. The government of the island is actively attempting to encourage the growth of these businesses, nevertheless, by spending money on infrastructure and promoting homegrown goods. This will support economic diversification, which is crucial for the island’s long-term economic stability while also generating jobs and income for locals. (Bora Bora Economy)

Development and Infrastructure

Infrastructure on the island of Bora Bora has grown as a result of the tourism sector. There is an airport on the island, and flights to and from well-known destinations like Tahiti and Los Angeles arrive often. In addition, the island has a number of highways that connect its various regions. A wide range of public services, including hospitals and schools, are also part of the island’s infrastructure.

In order to assist the island’s expanding tourism business and enhance the standard of living for its citizens, the island’s administration has been working to further upgrade the island’s infrastructure. This covers both developing new hotels and resorts and renovating those that already exist. Along with creating new highways and airports, the government has also been investing in infrastructure like sewage and water systems.

The island’s government also places a strong emphasis on building the human capital of the nation. This entails funding educational and training initiatives for islanders as well as fostering employment prospects in the travel and tourist industry and other fields.

Infrastructure and growth on the island, though, are not without problems. The island’s resources and environment are under stress due to the tourism industry’s rapid growth, which has resulted in problems including overdevelopment and pollution. Additionally, it is challenging to draw in international investment and enterprises due to the island’s tiny size and remote position. The island’s administration is attempting to promote sustainable development methods and reduce the damaging effects of tourism on the ecosystem in order to deal with these issues. (Bora Bora Economy)

People looking at local handicraftsCultural Preservation and Heritage

Because they bring in so many tourists, Bora Bora’s culture and legacy are very important to its economy. There are several traditional Polynesian villages on the island, which provide a window into the history and culture of the place. Additionally, the island’s art, music, and dance—which are a big draw for tourists—reflect the culture.

To protect and promote the island’s cultural history, the local government and NGOs have been active. This includes promoting traditional arts and crafts as well as restoring old structures and locations. The establishment of cultural institutions and museums, which disseminate knowledge and instruction about the island’s culture, is also supported by the government.

The maintenance of the island’s culture and heritage, meanwhile, is not without difficulties. Many traditional activities and rituals have become commercialized as a result of the tourism industry’s explosive rise, which jeopardizes the authenticity of these practices. Additionally, it is challenging to secure financing and resources for programs aimed at cultural preservation due to the island’s tiny size and remote position. The island’s administration and local organizations are attempting to balance promoting the island’s culture for tourists with conserving its authenticity for future generations in order to address these issues. (Bora Bora Economy)

The tourism sector, which is the biggest contributor to Bora Bora’s GDP, has a significant impact on the island nation’s economy. The island’s high-end resorts and natural beauty draw a lot of tourists, giving locals a sizable source of income and employment. The island’s economy, though, is not just based on tourism; there is also a tiny agricultural and fishing sector.

The government of the island is actively supporting the growth of these industries as well as those in other areas, such as infrastructure and the preservation of cultural heritage. However, issues including overdevelopment, pollution, and a lack of resources all pose problems for the island’s economy. The island’s administration is attempting to promote sustainable development methods and reduce the damaging effects of tourism on the ecosystem in order to deal with these issues.

In conclusion, Bora Bora has a complex economy that is mostly based on tourism, but also includes other industries including agriculture, fishing, infrastructure, and the preservation of cultural heritage. The local community, including the government, is actively promoting sustainable development and preserving the island’s distinctive culture and legacy. Even if the island is facing difficulties, the administration is still working to ensure that the island and its citizens experience a balanced and sustainable economic growth. Book Far and Away Adventure’s latest packages today!

Our Top FAQ's

Tourism is the primary economic force in Bora Bora, contributing significantly to its GDP.

The Four Seasons and the InterContinental are among the upscale resorts favored by tourists on Bora Bora.

Tourism in Bora Bora dates back to the early 20th century and has steadily grown, with over 300,000 visitors in 2019.

Locals gain employment opportunities in resorts and other tourism-related industries, and the sector supports businesses like restaurants and shops, contributing to the island’s economy.

The industry faces challenges such as increased living costs for locals, environmental strain, and vulnerability to global economic downturns.

Bora Bora also has a modest agricultural sector with crops like fruits, coconuts, and vanilla, as well as fishing activities that support economic diversification.

The island has an airport with regular flights to popular destinations, highways connecting regions, and public services like hospitals and schools.

The government and NGOs actively promote traditional arts, crafts, and cultural institutions to preserve the island’s heritage, despite challenges posed by commercialization and resource limitations.

Book your dream vacation here