With more than 25 years of experience in the French Polynesian tourism market, Richard Bailey today serves as President and CEO of Pacific Beachcomber—French Polynesia’s largest luxury hotel and cruise operator—and Chairman of Paul Gauguin Cruises. In addition to owning and managing Paul Gauguin Cruises, the company owns six award-winning hotels: InterContinental Tahiti Resort, InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort, InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, InterContinental Moorea Resort and Spa, the Maitai Bora Bora, and the Maitai Rangiroa.

Mr. Bailey is also a pioneer in environmental protection and sustainability. InterContinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa is the only resort in the world featuring an innovative, eco-friendly, deep-sea air-conditioning system, and all hotels within Pacific Beachcomber’s portfolio are Green Globe certified, participate in the international Reef Check program, and have a “Green Team”—a group of hotel staff members who brainstorm ideas for conserving and protecting the environment.

In addition, Mr. Bailey is a founding member of Te Mana O Te Moana (literally, “the Spirit of the Ocean”), a Tahiti-based nonprofit organization devoted to the protection of marine wildlife. Since the transfer of Paul Gauguin Cruises from Regent to Pacific Beachcomber, Mr. Bailey’s objective has been to raise the bar of the already successful m/s Paul Gauguin, all while maintaining a credible reputation of excellence. Notable improvements have included revamped shore excursions and offering consumers a range of choices to experience the best of what French Polynesia has to offer, in addition to a refreshed food and beverage product aboard the The Gauguin.

Mr. Bailey will be happy to reveal his twin commitments to quality and environmental responsibility during the September 1, 2012 sailing to the Australs & Society Islands during which he will host a special cocktail party and “town hall” meeting and also be available for informal conversation.

To book the September 1, 2012 sailing, click here.