New Caledonia tourism recovery is slow but steady after civil unrest

New Caledonia’s tourism industry is gradually recovering more than a year after civil unrest disrupted travel and caused major economic damage.

The unrest unfolded in May 2024 when pro-independence supporters rejected France’s decision to introduce electoral reforms that would allow new arrivals to the Pacific territory to vote.

The riots in the capital, Noumēa, left 13 people dead, hundreds injured, and hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to businesses, homes, and the infrastructure.

According to Statistics New Caledonia, tourism numbers dropped by 53 per cent in 2024 compared to the previous year.

Since last year’s unrest, the tourism industry has been focussing on attracting visitors from New Zealand and Australia, with a noted increase in interest, particularly since the easing of Aotearoa’s travel advisory in May this year.

Despite this optimism, officials say recovery is slow due to ongoing economic and political challenges.

Caroline Brunel, New Caledonia’s Tourism Account Director, highlights the sustained interest from travellers with family in the region, emphasising efforts to create tailored experiences for Australian and Kiwi tourists.

Tourism providers and Air Calin, the national airline, are actively encouraging travellers from New Zealand and Australia to the French Pacific territory.

“We're definitely feeling that there is a renewed interest from the Kiwi market," she tells PMN News.

Watch Caroline Brunel's full interview below.

“We're clearly not back to pre-pandemic levels yet, but we didn't expect it to be. It's more of a slow and steady recovery. What we are seeing is a growing interest from travellers.

“[If] they are looking for a safe and nearby destination that offers culture, nature, and warmth. And I think with the flight access improving.

“All these kinds of steps take a bit of time to rebuild, but we are really seeing again that kind of increased interest, which is a really good sign for us,” Brunel says.

She says there remains a strong market of travellers with family in New Caledonia, but the tourism agency has been working to tailor experiences for Australians and Kiwis seeking a Pacific getaway.

She adds that the tourism industry in the Pacific has experienced volatility due to economic and political challenges that hinder providers’ ability to attract international visitors.

Brunel insists that the recovery is indeed slow and steady, as the New Caledonian economy struggles with the impacts of the unrest in 2024, which disrupted the social fabric and economic stability of the nation.

A large plume of black smoke during the civil unrest of May 2024. Photo/Twitter/@ncla1ere

The riots caused over $4 billion in material damage and led to a decline of up to 20 per cent in the country’s gross domestic product.

French President Emmanuel Macron has engaged in closed-door discussions with New Caledonian leaders to assess the territory’s future status, including potential pathways to autonomy.

Brunel says the Australian tourism market has rebounded “quite nicely” after the Australian government revised its travel advisory in January.

Despite ongoing challenges, some tourism providers have seized the pause in international travel as an opportunity to redevelop and grow their offerings.

“It's been really tough for many, many businesses, and not only tourism. Everybody's trying to move forward, and really there's a cautious optimism. A lot of the tourism business had a bit of downtime to reinvent and refresh,” Brunel says.

She says many local businesses have used the downtime to innovate and improve their offerings, including promoting meaningful travel experiences that honour both Kanak and French cultures.

Photo/supplied

Rich in Kanak and French culture and home to UNESCO world heritage-listed lagoons, Brunel says the ultimate goal is to develop meaningful travel experiences that benefit the local community.

“It's really about trying to preserve and make sure there is something that comes back to the community, especially in New Caledonia in the current context,” she says.

Brunel says the events calendar is being filled with new activities and experiences as the sector continues to aim for a sustainable recovery, fostering a positive relationship with the local community.

New Caledonia Tourism is the country’s international tourism promotion agency under the authority of the New Caledonian government.