The services of the French Polynesia Consular Agency have not been accessible since last Monday. On the site of the United States Embassy of Fiji, an information message invites Americans to contact the other offices in the region, consulates or embassies. Now it is impossible to process a request for passport, a birth certificate or other administrative documents in Tahiti.
The presence of a consular agent – Until now Christopher Kozely, editor’s note – was useful in the event of a medical emergency or death. Support appreciated by American tourists, who ” like to be reassured when they go somewhere », Underlines the president of the Authentic Tourism Association of French Polynesia Mélinda Bodin. “” Those who need, who have small health problems, small accidents, we know how it goes. And I think it will affect American tourism because they like to know where they are going. And at least, if they have something, if something happens, they know who to turn She adds.
According to her, without American referent in Fenua, the destination could be shunned by North American customers, which also undergoes economic conditions. And the effects could be felt in the tourism industry, warns the deputy for the 1st district Moerani Frébault, who points, beyond the weakening of the US dollar, the loss of purchasing power of these tourists. “” We recall that it is our first transmitter market with almost 40% of our tourists. I especially fear the trade war that will start, which we already observe in particular between the United States and China and with the probable increase in all prices, which would be added to inflation that we already undergo He worries.
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Between China and the United States, France is still trying to place itself in power of equilibrium in Indo-Pacific. “” With my parliamentary colleagues, I exchanged with the French ambassador for Indo-Pacific at the end of last week and he explained to us that (…) the United States is in continuity in diplomacy for the Indo-Pacific Zone. So we can hope not have too many upheavals on this side » , observed Moerean Frebault.
The American consular agency has been open since 2004. The secure premises were inaugurated two years ago. According to Christopher Kozly, on the move outside the fenua, the closure would be temporary. But no reopening date is set.
