AGP Executive Report

Cruise Demand for French Polynesia: Tahiti Cruise Club appoints a new leadership team, with cruise activity in French Polynesia now tripling since 2012 and the sector generating over XPF 20 billion in annual economic impact; the club expects 1,300 port calls this year, mostly on smaller ships. Blue Pacific Ocean Policy: French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson, speaking at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, pushes for a regional response to threats to the “Ocean of Peace,” including deep-sea mining, plastic pollution and climate change—key issues for maritime trade and security. Regional Security Debate: Civil society groups at the Palau summit call for a pause on plans to integrate police, military and intelligence agencies into a new regional security architecture, warning governments and communities need more scrutiny. Air Moana Financing: Air Moana is seeking new funding (up to €17m) to support fleet upgrades and schedule growth, a direct lever for connectivity and tourism. Visitor Spending Signal: July 2026 visitor spending in Hawaii rose to $1.99bn (+1.7%), with higher daily spend offset by shorter stays—useful context for Pacific tourism demand. Global Cruise Push: Seabourn opened bookings for a 138-day 2029 world cruise that includes Bora Bora and other South Pacific stops, reinforcing long-haul interest in the region.

Cruise & Tourism: Seabourn opened bookings for its 2029 “Iconic Islands & Remote Horizons” 138-day world cruise from Miami to Lisbon (Jan 7–May 26, 2029), with 58 destinations across 31 countries and more than 25 UNESCO sites, including rare calls such as Bora Bora and Nuku Hiva, plus 20 extended stays. Local Business & Connectivity: French Polynesian turboprop operator Air Moana is seeking up to €17m (about $19.7m) to finance schedule growth and fleet replacement. Maritime Economy: Tahiti Cruise Club elected a new executive committee led by Edouard Gaide, as cruise activity in French Polynesia has tripled since 2012 and is expected to keep rising with 1,300 port calls planned this year. Regional Policy & Infrastructure: French Polynesia will host the 10th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting and the 17th PWWA Conference & Expo in Papeete (Aug 31–Sep 4), focusing on governance and sustainable financing for water and wastewater services. Blue Pacific Security: President Moetai Brotherson used the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau to push for regional action on threats to the “Ocean of Peace,” including deep-sea mining, plastic pollution and climate change.

Pacific Islands Forum Host Shift: Nauru (now branded “Naoero”) has been nominated to host the 2028 Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting and take the following year’s chair role, a move that would raise its regional leadership profile and force a rethink of its tight media-visit rules after past steep media visa fees and frequent refusals. French Polynesia Blue Economy & Ocean Security: President Moetai Brotherson used the Palau Forum to push the “Ocean of Peace” agenda, warning that deep-sea mining, plastic pollution and climate change threaten the Blue Pacific and calling for regional action to protect shared ocean resources. Water Infrastructure Meeting in Papeete: French Polynesia will host the 10th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting and the PWWA conference/expo in late August-early September, aiming to strengthen governance and sustainable financing for climate-resilient water services. Air Moana Financing Push: Turboprop operator Air Moana is seeking up to €17m to fund schedule growth and fleet replacement. Cruise Sector Momentum in Tahiti: Tahiti Cruise Club appoints a new leadership team as cruise activity keeps rising, with the sector now generating over XPF 20bn in annual economic impact and 1,300 port calls expected this year. Regional Disaster Readiness: Pacific nations met in Honiara to advance earthquake, tsunami and geohazard resilience, endorsing priority actions for better seismic data sharing, monitoring capacity and investment for 2026–2030.

Cruise & Tourism (French Polynesia): Tahiti Cruise Club elected a new executive committee, led by Edouard Gaide, as cruise activity keeps expanding—sector impact now exceeds XPF 20 billion a year, with 1,300 port calls expected and most ships under 600 passengers. Aviation Finance: Air Moana is seeking up to €17 million to fund ATR fleet upgrades and support schedule growth. Regional Policy & Security: French Polynesia President Moetai Brotherson used the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau to push for a regional approach to protect the “Blue Pacific” from deep-sea mining, plastic pollution and climate change. Water & Infrastructure: French Polynesia will host the 10th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting and the PWWA conference in Papeete (Aug 31–Sep 4), aiming to strengthen governance and climate-resilient service delivery. Blue Economy & Environment: Researchers in Palau are diving into “deep reefs” (30–150m) to map little-known ecosystems, while a separate World Environment Day push highlights nature-based solutions to protect Pacific biodiversity. Disaster Resilience: Pacific states met in Honiara to improve multi-hazard early warning systems for earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic risks, including better monitoring and data sharing.

Pacific Environment & Blue Economy: The Pacific Community (SPC) marked World Environment Day by pushing Nature-based Solutions to protect biodiversity and cut climate risks, citing major damage to reefs and marine life across the region. Aviation Finance: Air Moana is seeking up to €17m to fund schedule growth and replace its ATR fleet, a move aimed at scaling connectivity for French Polynesia. Water & Waste Infrastructure: French Polynesia will host the 10th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting and the PWWA conference in Papeete (Aug 31–Sep 4), focusing on governance, sustainable service delivery and climate resilience. Tourism & Cruise Growth: Tahiti Cruise Club named new leadership as cruise activity keeps expanding, with the sector now generating over XPF 20bn in annual economic impact and more port calls expected this year. Regional Security & Resources: Pacific leaders meet in Palau for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum, with French Polynesia among members, as debates intensify over security, ocean minerals and how to keep a united regional voice. Maritime Conservation: President Moetai Brotherson used the Palau forum to stress threats to the “Blue Pacific” from deep-sea mining, plastic pollution and climate change, calling for regional action.

Aviation Finance: Air Moana is seeking up to €17m to fund schedule growth and fleet replacement, signaling a push to expand capacity in French Polynesia’s air links. Cruise Sector Leadership: Tahiti Cruise Club has a new executive committee, with Edouard Gaide taking the presidency as cruise activity continues to rise and the club prepares for more port calls and passengers. Tourism Spending Update: July 2026 visitor spending in Hawaii rose to $1.99bn (not French Polynesia, but a useful regional tourism benchmark), with more visitors but shorter stays—an indicator operators watch when planning demand. Blue Pacific Policy Push: President Moetai Brotherson is in Palau for the Pacific Islands Forum, arguing for stronger regional action to protect the “Ocean of Peace” from deep-sea mining, plastic pollution, and climate change. Water & Waste Infrastructure: French Polynesia will host the Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting (Aug 31–Sep 4) in Papeete, focusing on governance, sustainable financing, and climate-resilient services. Disaster Resilience: Pacific nations met in Honiara to coordinate multi-hazard early warning and strengthen seismic and tsunami monitoring, including work involving French Polynesia. Diplomatic Strategy Watch: Kiribati is considering constitutional changes to make it harder to switch diplomatic recognition, tightening its alignment with China—an issue that can ripple into regional economic partnerships. Maritime Conservation Story: A French Polynesia coral “gardener” profile highlights reef restoration as both a livelihood and a climate-relevant business opportunity.

Pacific Ocean Policy: President Moetai Brotherson used the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau to push for a regional response to Blue Pacific threats, flagging deep-sea mining, plastic pollution and climate change as risks to the “Ocean of Peace.” Regional Water Security: French Polynesia will host the 10th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Meeting and the PWWA Conference & Expo in Papeete from Aug. 31 to Sept. 4, aiming to strengthen governance, climate-resilient infrastructure and sustainable financing for water services. Tourism & Cruise Economy: Tahiti Cruise Club named Edouard Gaide as new president as cruise activity keeps rising, with the sector now generating over XPF 20 billion in annual economic impact and more port calls expected this year. Blue Economy & Conservation: A French Polynesia coral “gardener” story highlights how reef restoration and protection can support livelihoods and tourism while tackling reef decline. Regional Geohazards Planning: Pacific nations met in Honiara to coordinate earthquake, tsunami and volcanic resilience, agreeing priority actions for better seismic data sharing and monitoring capacity for 2026–2030. Diplomacy & Risk: Kiribati is considering a constitutional change to make it harder to switch diplomatic recognition away from China, tightening the rules around ties with non-UN-recognized states.

Cruise & Tourism: Tahiti Cruise Club has a new executive committee, with Edouard Gaide elected president and a team built from maritime, travel and airline experience; the club says cruise activity in French Polynesia has tripled since 2012 and now drives over XPF 20 billion in annual economic impact, with 1,300 port calls expected this year. Cruise Demand: Norwegian Cruise Line opened bookings for Summer 2028, touting 450+ voyages and heavy time in port, including itineraries reaching the South Pacific and French Polynesia—good news for regional connectivity and visitor flows. Visitor Economy: Hawaii’s DBEDT-style tourism numbers aren’t local, but the broader theme is clear: July travel spending rose while stays shortened—something French Polynesia operators will watch as they plan capacity and shore excursions. Blue Economy & Conservation: A local coral “gardener” story highlights reef restoration as both livelihood and climate asset, framing coral as the ocean’s “rainforest” and a foundation for tourism and food security. Regional Security & Resources: Pacific leaders meet in Palau for a forum focused on building economies amid US-China competition, with French Polynesia among members—key for how ocean minerals, defense partnerships and climate priorities translate into funding and policy. Disaster Resilience: Pacific nations coordinated on geohazard and tsunami readiness, endorsing actions to strengthen seismic monitoring and data sharing for 2026–2030. Diplomacy Risk (Kiribati): Kiribati is considering a constitutional change that could make it harder for future governments to switch diplomatic recognition between China and Taiwan, tightening the political backdrop for regional business ties.

Pacific Islands Forum: Leaders from 18 Pacific members, including French Polynesia, will meet in Palau (Aug. 30–Sept. 4) to push a shared regional agenda on security, ocean resources and climate—while China and the US compete for influence. Cruise Growth in Tahiti: The Tahiti Cruise Club has a new executive team led by Edouard Gaide, as cruise activity keeps expanding; the sector is now worth XPF 20bn+ annually and this year targets 1,300 port calls. South Pacific Cruise Capacity: Norwegian Cruise Line opened bookings for Summer 2028, with multiple itineraries that include the South Pacific and French Polynesia; meanwhile Norwegian Spirit will base summer 2028 cruises across Tahiti and nearby islands. Coral as a Business Story: A French Polynesian diver-coral grower, Titouan Bernicot, is spotlighted for turning reef restoration into a “rainforest of the sea” livelihood. Visitor Economy (US context): Hawaii reported July 2026 visitor spending up 1.7% year-on-year—useful as a benchmark for wider Pacific tourism demand. Regional Disaster Readiness: Pacific states, including French Polynesia, met in Honiara to strengthen earthquake and tsunami warning systems for 2026–2030.

Cruise & Tourism: Norwegian Cruise Line opened bookings for its Summer 2028 season, with 450+ voyages across 20 ships and calls to nearly 150 destinations, including South Pacific itineraries that feature French Polynesia and Tahiti among the region’s key stops. Local Cruise Sector: Tahiti Cruise Club named Edouard Gaide as its new president, with the group pointing to a tripling of cruise activity since 2012 and more port calls expected this year, reinforcing the sector’s growing economic weight. Regional Security & Resources: Pacific leaders will meet in Palau for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, with French Polynesia among members, as the summit tests whether island states can keep a common voice amid US-China competition over security, ocean minerals, and control of resources. Visitor Economy (Broader Pacific): A July 2026 visitor spending update (from Hawaii) showed spending up year-on-year even as stays shortened, a reminder that tourism value can rise even when trip length falls. Disaster Preparedness: Pacific nations coordinated on geohazard and tsunami resilience, backing priority actions to strengthen seismic monitoring and data sharing across the region, including French Polynesia.

Pacific Islands Forum: Leaders from across the region will meet in Palau (Aug. 30–Sept. 4) under “Building Economies: Life. Action. Unity,” with French Polynesia among the 18 members, as the summit tests whether island states can keep a common voice while China, the US and partners compete over Taiwan, ocean minerals and defense ties. Cruise & tourism business: Tahiti Cruise Club has a new executive committee led by Edouard Gaide, as cruise activity in French Polynesia has tripled since 2012 and the sector is expected to see 1,300 port calls this year. Regional resilience: Pacific governments and partners met in Honiara to push coordinated action on earthquakes, tsunamis and other geohazards, including better seismic data sharing and investment in monitoring infrastructure, with French Polynesia and New Caledonia among participants. Visitor spending (context): A July 2026 tourism update shows visitor spending up to $1.99bn (+1.7%) alongside a shorter average stay, a sign of demand shifting toward higher daily spend.

Cruise Sector Update: Tahiti Cruise Club elected a new executive committee led by Edouard Gaide, with Ororiki Rickenbach as secretary and Torea Colas keeping the treasurer role, as cruise activity in French Polynesia has tripled since 2012 and is expected to keep rising with 1,300 port calls scheduled this year. Marine Conservation & Local Entrepreneurship: Titouan Bernicot is building a “rainforest of the sea” by growing coral in French Polynesia, turning reef restoration into a hands-on business and livelihood. Tourism Demand Signals (Broader Pacific): July 2026 visitor spending in Hawaii rose to $1.99 billion (+1.7%), with more arrivals but shorter stays—useful context for regional tourism planning. Regional Disaster Resilience: Pacific nations including French Polynesia met in Honiara to push multi-hazard early warning systems, agreeing on priority actions for 2026–2030 to improve seismic data sharing and monitoring capacity. Cruise Itineraries Looking Ahead: Norwegian Spirit will base summer 2028 cruises across South Pacific, Hawaii and Tahiti, while Silversea launched its 77-day Grand South Pacific Expedition 2026. Business-Adjacent Tech/Media: Nature sound recordist Thomas Rex Beverly captured spatialized humpback whale recordings using specialized hydrophone gear, including expeditions in French Polynesia.

Marine Conservation & Tourism: Titouan Bernicot, a French Polynesia-based “coral gardener,” is growing coral reefs in wetsuit dives, calling them the “rainforests of the sea” and highlighting reefs’ role in oxygen, biodiversity, and local livelihoods. Visitor Economy: A July 2026 snapshot shows total visitor spending at $1.99bn (+1.7% year-on-year) with 883,248 visitors (+1.1%), but a shorter average stay (7.59 days, down 14.1%)—with higher daily spend (+17.1%). Cruise & Destination Strategy: Expedition cruise operators say itinerary planning is driven by immersive, authentic discovery rather than trends, with French Polynesia among the biodiversity-rich destinations being marketed. Disaster Resilience: Pacific nations, including French Polynesia, met in Honiara to push a coordinated, multi-hazard approach to earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, and landslides, agreeing priority actions for stronger seismic monitoring and data sharing. Business/Travel Safety: A Samsic Airport traffic controller died at Montréal–Trudeau after being struck by an aircraft; investigators are still working out what happened.

Tourism & Spending: July 2026 visitor spending in Hawaii rose to $1.99bn (+1.7% y/y) with 883,248 visitors (+1.1%), but stays shortened to 7.59 days (-14.1%), while average daily spend jumped to $296 (+17.1%). Regional Risk Management: Pacific Island leaders and technical partners met in Honiara to push a coordinated, multi-hazard approach to earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and landslides, endorsing 2026–2030 priorities for better seismic data sharing, monitoring infrastructure and workforce capacity—French Polynesia included. Cruise & Expedition Demand: Expedition cruising keeps growing, with itinerary planners highlighting destinations like French Polynesia as they refine routes under evolving environmental rules. Diplomacy Watch (Pacific): Kiribati is considering constitutional changes to make it harder for future governments to switch diplomatic recognition away from China, tightening the political backdrop for regional business ties. Maritime/Operations Safety: A Samsic airport traffic controller died at Montréal–Trudeau after being struck by an aircraft; investigations are ongoing and service resumed after delays.

Cruise & Tourism Growth: Expedition cruising is booming, with 100% of Expedition Cruise Network members reporting growth in 2025 and 84% of travel advisors seeing steady-to-strong bookings, as operators fine-tune itineraries and weigh how environmental rules shape where they can go, including French Polynesia. Regional Disaster Resilience: Pacific Island nations, including French Polynesia, met in Honiara to push a coordinated approach to earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and landslides, agreeing priority actions for 2026–2030 such as better seismic data sharing, stronger monitoring interoperability, workforce development and investment in equipment. South Pacific Cruise Deployments: Silversea launched its 77-day Grand South Pacific Expedition 2026 with calls across 11 countries, while Norwegian Spirit will run 11–13 night South Pacific and French Polynesia itineraries in summer 2028 from Sydney, Lautoka, Honolulu and Papeete. Ocean & Creative Tech: Sound recordist Thomas Rex Beverly captured spatialized humpback whale recordings on expeditions to Hawaii and French Polynesia, using a bespoke 3D hydrophone array and pro audio gear.

Regional Disaster Preparedness: Pacific Island nations and partners met in Honiara (Aug. 10–14) to push a coordinated, multi-hazard approach to earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and landslides, with French Polynesia among participants. They flagged gaps in technical capacity, monitoring coverage, equipment upkeep and real-time data access, and endorsed priority actions for the Oceania Regional Seismic Network—better seismic data sharing, stronger interoperability, workforce development and more investment in monitoring infrastructure for 2026–2030. Maritime Nuclear Readiness: Core Power signed a memorandum with the Port of Corpus Christi Authority to study how the port could prepare for a floating nuclear power plant and for calls by nuclear-powered commercial ships, mapping infrastructure and requirements for small modular reactor use cases. Tourism & Shipping: Norwegian Cruise Line says the Norwegian Spirit will run 11–13 night South Pacific cruises in 2028, departing from Sydney, Lautoka, Honolulu and Papeete and visiting Bora Bora, Moorea, Raiatea and more, including Tahiti and Hawaii. Ocean Sound Research: Nature sound recordist Thomas Rex Beverly used a bespoke 3D hydrophone array to capture spatialized humpback whale songs, including expeditions in Hawaii and French Polynesia.