New Caledonia tourism to receive 3.5 million euro recovery plan

The French government and Atout France have announced a 3.5 million euro recovery plan to revitalize tourism in New Caledonia between 2027 and 2030. This initiative, described as a ‘thousand-day shock plan,’ aims to structure the tourism sector and enhance the destination's attractiveness through subsidies for 45 specific projects, with individual grants ranging from 29,000 to 70,000 euros.

The strategy marks a shift from mass tourism toward an ‘eco-luxury’ model. This includes limiting expedition cruise ships to 200 passengers to protect local lagoons. Following a 38% drop in visitor numbers in 2025 due to civil unrest in 2024, the territory saw an 18% recovery in the first half of 2026. Local officials aim to reach 230,000 to 250,000 annual visitors by 2032, targeting markets in Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.

These developments are part of the inaugural Choose Outre-mer summit, held at the Banque de France in Paris. The summit serves as a national platform to connect public authorities, investors, and entrepreneurs to discuss the economic perspectives and financing of French overseas territories, including the announcement of a dedicated impact fund.