A completely renovated tender pier was inaugurated in Papetoai on the island of Moorea in French Polynesia. Attending the ceremony earlier this month was Edouard Fritch, President of French Polynesia, Jean-Christophe Bouissou, Minister of Tourism and a small governmental delegation.

The pier is aimed at cruise passengers, who can now enjoy a covered area that includes arts and crafts exhibits, activities, and information on shore excursions and transportation.

“This renovated landing site facilitates the cruise operations and enhances the guest experience in Moorea where the biggest cruise ships often call while in French Polynesia,” said a statement from Tahiti Cruise Club, which promotes cruise calls to the region. “Just one year after the South Pacific Cruise Forum in Tahiti, this demonstrates the cohesion and willingness of the destination, which has steadily since 2010, improved and adapted the regulatory framework, the infrastructures, and the organisation of the incoming agencies for the development of the cruise industry.”

The project was partly financed by the country’s cruise development fund, which is financed through tariffs paid by the cruise companies on each call in French Polynesia. The work took 14 months to complete and cost a total of just under $1.4 million.