Tourism in New Caledonia: Fragile Dreams and Echoes of Riots

IN BRIEF

The tourism in New Caledonia is undergoing a major crisis following the riots of spring 2024.
The sector had already suffered from a global pandemic and shark attacks in recent years.
The 61% drop in tourists in February 2025 compared to February 2024 marks a historic decline in attendance.
The tourism sector was the second economic resource of the archipelago, representing about 5% of GDP before the unrest.
The foreign clientele has abandoned the territory while intercommunal tensions harm internal tourism.
Professionals fear a long stretch in the desert and a difficult recovery.

The tourism sector in New Caledonia is going through a critical period, marked by the economic, social, and psychological consequences of a series of recent events. After seeing a brief recovery post-pandemic, the archipelago must now face a drastic drop in tourist attendance, exacerbated by the severe consequences of the 2024 riots. This article explores the reasons for this decline, its effects on the population and the local economy, and the future prospects for a destination that was once full of promise.

A sector already weakened by the pandemic and health incidents #

Coming out of the global pandemic, New Caledonia exhibited cautious optimism. The previous years had been particularly tough, marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and a wave of deadly shark attacks. Despite these hardships, tourism professionals were anticipating a gradual restart and the recovery of a vital sector, which occupies second place behind the nickel industry in the local economy.

The 2024 season had begun on encouraging terms, with the territory welcoming nearly 26,000 tourists in the first quarter. The recovery campaigns for the sector, focused on promoting the unique landscapes and cultural diversity of the archipelago, seemed finally to yield results. Some organizations, like those mentioned during the Week of Travel and Tourism, showcased the multiple resources of a territory brimming with promises for visitors.

The riots of 2024: a shock with lasting repercussions #

The tragic events of spring 2024 deeply disrupted the tourism dynamics in New Caledonia. The proposed reform of the local electoral body triggered violent riots, plunging the country into an unprecedented political and social crisis. The ensuing climate of insecurity led to the collapse of foreign tourism, seen as one of the main economic drivers of the island.

According to official statistics, the drop in the number of tourists reached 61% in February 2025 compared to the same month the previous year. This staggering decline reflects the loss of confidence among international clients, but also the challenges of internal tourism, affected by rising intercommunal tensions. The situation echoes other territories facing similar obstacles, as evidenced by the analysis on the obstacles to upscale tourism in Guadeloupe.

Economic and social impacts on the local population #

The tourism sector represented up to 5% of New Caledonia’s GDP. Its sudden decline poses major financial difficulties for many stakeholders: hoteliers, restaurateurs, guides, and merchants are seeing their incomes collapse. The announced “desert-like” period worries professionals, who are now questioning the very sustainability of their businesses.

The dwindling number of foreign clients, combined with residents’ mistrust towards internal tourism, could have lasting impacts on social cohesion. The postponement or even cancellation of cultural or sporting events deprives the archipelago of opportunities for international visibility and beneficial economic fallout.

What are the prospects for the recovery of tourism? #

Despite the alarming situation, New Caledonia retains significant assets: its exceptional landscapes, rare biodiversity, and the richness of its traditions. To regain its former appeal, the tourism sector must, however, reinvent itself, focusing on more sustainable tourism that respects local identities and is less exposed to crises.

Certain strategies could draw inspiration from successful examples abroad, such as the boom in tourism in South Dakota or the promotion of preserved villages in Nice, highlighting authenticity and local initiatives. Innovations in the sector, particularly through new models such as urban tourism or digitized tourism, could also support a gradual recovery suited to contemporary challenges.

An uncertain future, but not without solutions

While the future of Caledonian tourism remains contingent on the evolution of the political and social situation, the commitment of local stakeholders and a repositioning of the tourism offer remain the main levers to rebuild the attractiveness of the archipelago, thus avoiding the implosion of hopes long held for this vital sector.