The thrill of surfing has once again captured global attention, riding high on the waves of the Olympic Games. In particular, with its breathtaking waves and pristine beaches, Tahiti has become a focal point of interest for sports enthusiasts and travellers seeking to experience the magic firsthand. This has helped in the rise of surfing properties and hotels.
Tahiti’s Popularity
Surfing’s inclusion in the Olympic Games has been a milestone for the sport. The competition has ignited social media, with highlights of surfers mastering challenging waves captivating audiences worldwide. Tahiti, known for its iconic waves, has emerged as the Olympic surfing event star. The wave’s reputation for being both beautiful and formidable has been well-documented. But its recent exposure on such a grand stage has amplified its allure. While the surfing competition has highlighted Tahiti’s stunning waves, the island offers much more than just its surf breaks.
Airbnb is seeing a surge in interest in the Surfing Category. Searches for Tahiti (French Polynesia) have increased by more than 40% since the Olympics began compared to the same time last year. There was a 20% surge in searches for Tahiti in July compared to July 2023. Search volume for the Surfing Category increased by more than 150% in the first half of 2024 when compared to the same period in 2023.
A Surge In Surfing Stays
As interest in Tahiti swells, so too does the demand for accommodation that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the island’s unique charm. On the other hand, these are the top surfing locations, Myrtle Beach, Miami Beach, Cornwall, San Diego, Rio de Janeiro, and Greater Sydney.
Here are some of the most wish-listed listings here:
- Modern Ocean View Villa in Santa Teresa Beach, Costa Rica
- Modern Cliffside Home in Quintay Casablanca, Chile
- Cozy Forest Surrounded Ocean Views in Ubatuba, Brazil
- Beach View at the Bird’s Nest Bungalow in Stinson Beach, California
- Beautiful Oceanfront House in San Vicente de la Barquera, Spain
- Open-air Bungalow in Punta Banco, Costa Rica
The rise in popularity of surfing-related stays is part of a broader trend of travellers seeking authentic, experience-driven vacations. This surge of interest is reflected in the growing number of people signing up for surfing lessons and camps, eager to experience the thrill of riding a wave.
Looking ahead, the continued growth of interest in surfing and surf-related travel seems to surge.
Cover image credits: Airbnb