Born and raised in The Islands of Tahiti, Vaihere Lissant is a leader who truly embodies the spirit, strength, and resilience of French Polynesia. Graduate from a leading business school, she began her career in marketing consultancy in Paris. However, her heart remained tethered to her homeland, and in 2010, she returned to French Polynesia to continue her career in marketing within the telecommunications sector.
In 2014, Vaihere joined Tahiti Tourisme, the destination marketing organization for The Islands of Tahiti. Over the next decade, she ascended through the ranks, earning recognition as a dynamic and forward-thinking leader. As Chief Marketing Officer, she spearheaded global marketing and communication strategies, managed a multi-market presence for her homeland destination, and drove Tahiti Tourisme’s digital transformation. One of her most notable achievements was leading a shift in the destination’s brand strategy since 2014, which repositioned the authenticity of the Tahitian people and their culture at the center of the destination marketing strategy, alongside the postcard-perfect scenery. She also oversaw and worked on the major redesigns of Tahiti Tourisme’s 18 B2C websites and digital tools, ensuring the organization’s global reach and efficiency.
Image credit: © Ra’i Mao – Tahiti Tourisme
Vaihere’s leadership style is rooted in strategic clarity, authenticity, and purpose. Her marketing vision has consistently elevated the brand of The Islands of Tahiti, positioning the destination not just as a paradise, but as a place of profound cultural depth and ecological significance. More recently, she was instrumental in integrating sustainability messaging into the brand’s core identity, aligning marketing efforts with the French Polynesia 2030 Sustainable Tourism Plan— a national strategy aimed at responsible, community-inclusive, and regenerative tourism.
Through her work, she has built strong collaborative bridges between local tourism stakeholders, public authorities, and international markets. Vaihere also played a key role in shaping long-term strategic initiatives alongside former CEO of Tahiti Tourisme, Jean-Marc Mocellin. Recently appointed CEO in May 2025, she brings continuity and a fresh vision to the organization—building on a decade of progress while paving the way for innovation, inclusivity, and resilience.
As a first-time CEO, Vaihere Lissant represents a new generation of leadership—strategic, inclusive, and digitally fluent. Her trajectory from local talent to global industry leader sets a powerful example for young women across the travel and tourism industry, particularly in the South Pacific and beyond. She actively mentors young professionals and is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion within the tourism sector.
Her appointment marks a significant milestone not only for Tahiti Tourisme but for Polynesian leadership as a whole. She leads not only with intelligence and experience but also with heart and vision— ensuring that The Islands of Tahiti remain not just a destination for travelers, but a preserved and celebrated home for generations to come.
