AGP Executive Report

Pacific Games & Tourism: The Pacific Games Council has given Tahiti 2027 the thumbs-up, saying facilities and venues are on track after a Pape’ete visit and site tours, with key sites expected to be ready by early 2027. Cruise Industry: Royal Caribbean plans a bigger Brisbane season in 2027-28, adding ships and capacity to feed South Pacific demand, while Norwegian Cruise Line opens Summer 2028 sales with hundreds of voyages including South Pacific calls. French Polynesia Travel Products: National Geographic-Lindblad’s 2028-29 program brings new French Polynesia itineraries linking Easter Island, Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie, Makatea and the Tuamotus, and Mitsui Ocean Fuji’s “Circle Pacific” round voyage (via Cairns and Tahiti) is marketed to Australians with sector fares. Environment & Governance: SPREP’s fifth Executive Board meeting in Samoa spotlights the “triple planetary crises” and sets priorities, while Forum foreign ministers back a stronger climate push ahead of COP31, with French Polynesia attending at envoy level. Deep-Sea Mining: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has raised Cook Islands concerns at the International Seabed Authority over a US company’s bid for seabed mining exploration in an area surrounded by French Polynesia and other Pacific borders.

Pacific Games & Tourism: The Pacific Games Council has given Tahiti 2027 a thumbs-up, saying facilities are on track and should be ready by end of Q1 2027, after council visits to accommodation and competition sites in Pape’ete. Cruise Industry: Royal Caribbean is expanding its Australian fleet for 2027-28, adding more capacity in Brisbane and boosting South Pacific access as it leans into Ovation of the Seas. French Polynesia in the Spotlight: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions’ 2028-29 program brings new French Polynesia itineraries, including a continued voyage linking Easter Island, Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie, Makatea and the Tuamotus. Environment & Governance: SPREP’s fifth Executive Board Meeting in Samoa is setting priorities around the triple planetary crisis, with Director General Sefanaia Nawadra stressing the region’s disproportionate burden despite minimal global emissions. Deep-Sea Mining Watch: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has raised Cook Islands concerns at the International Seabed Authority, opposing a US company’s push for an exploration licence tied to the South Penrhyn Basin enclave surrounded by Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger climate push ahead of COP31, endorsing the Pacific COP31 Envoys and the Pacific Resilience Facility as a key climate finance priority. Sports: Guam’s women’s team routed FSM 110-44 in the FIBA Women’s Micronesian Cup, with the win framed around qualifying for the 2027 Pacific Games in French Polynesia.

Deep-Sea Governance: Te Ipukarea Society (TIS) has taken Cook Islands concerns over seabed mining to the International Seabed Authority, challenging a US move by American Deep-Sea Minerals to seek an exploration licence via NOAA for the South Penrhyn Basin—an enclave of international waters surrounded by Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia. Regional Environment & Funding: SPREP’s 5th Executive Board Meeting in Samoa heard Director General Sefanaia Nawadra warn Pacific communities face the “triple planetary crises” despite contributing just 0.01% of global emissions, as members reviewed priorities and funding for climate, biodiversity and pollution work. Pacific Games Delivery: The Pacific Games Council has given Tahiti 2027 a thumbs-up, saying preparations are on track after tours of venues and accommodation sites, with facilities expected ready by early 2027. Cruise & Tourism Signals: Royal Caribbean plans a bigger Brisbane season in 2027-28, adding capacity for South Pacific travel, while Mitsui Ocean Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line both opened new 2028/29 deployments that include French Polynesia calls. Shipping Innovation for the Islands: Wind-assisted propulsion is coming to the region: bound4blue says it has installed an eSail suction sail on the Na Hiro E Pae, linking Tahiti with the remote Austral Islands while also enabling biofuel/e-fuel readiness. Ocean Safety & Tech: Ocean conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle says her DOER Marine “Honu” submersible will make its first dive in French Polynesia later this year, pitching certified deep-sea travel as “safer than flying.”

SPREP Leadership in Samoa: Wallis-et-Futuna has taken the chair of the Fifth SPREP Executive Board Meeting in Apia, with Jean Paul Mailagi saying the goal is to ensure smaller territories’ environmental concerns are heard while reviewing priorities, funding and partnerships. Triple Planetary Crisis Focus: SPREP Director General Sefanaia Nawadra warned Pacific communities face climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution despite contributing just 0.01% of global emissions, urging stronger adaptation and resilience work. Forum Climate Push: Pacific Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger climate action drive ahead of COP31, calling for more climate finance, renewable energy investment and Pacific-led momentum through Pre-COP31 meetings; French Polynesia attended at special envoy level. Tahiti 2027 Games On Track: The Pacific Games Council gave Tahiti the thumbs-up, saying preparations are on schedule and facilities should be ready by early 2027. Cruise Market Signals: Royal Caribbean plans a bigger Brisbane season for 2027-28, expanding access to the South Pacific, while Carnival clarified onboard currency rules for its repositioning sailings. Local Shipping Innovation: Wind-assisted propulsion is coming to the region: bound4blue says it has installed an eSail on the Na Hiro E Pae to link Tahiti with the Austral Islands, with biofuel/e-fuel-ready engines.

Telecom Resilience: The Manatua submarine cable fault has degraded internet services across parts of the Pacific, with Niue and the Cook Islands hit hardest, and a permanent fix now depends on securing a specialist cable repair vessel. Regional Environment & Funding: SPREP’s 5th Executive Board Meeting in Samoa put the spotlight on the “triple planetary crises” (climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution), with Director General Sefanaia Nawadra stressing the region’s fight for survival despite contributing just 0.01% of global emissions. Local Leadership in Regional Bodies: Wallis-et-Futuna is chairing the SPREP Executive Board Troika, aiming to ensure smaller territories’ environmental concerns are properly represented. Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger climate push ahead of COP31, endorsing Pre-COP31 meetings and priorities including climate finance access and ocean-climate action, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. Tourism & Sports Momentum: The Pacific Games Council gave Tahiti 2027 a thumbs-up, saying preparations are on track for facilities readiness by early 2027. Cruise & Travel Signals for the South Pacific: Royal Caribbean plans a bigger Brisbane season for 2027-28, while Carnival clarified onboard currency rules for repositioning sailings of Carnival Luminosa. Shipping Innovation: A new multipurpose cargo vessel, Na Hiro E Pae, has installed wind-assisted propulsion (eSail) to serve Tahiti and the Austral Islands, targeting lower fuel use and emissions. Health Watch: A global diabetes ranking roundup flags Pakistan and other countries with very high prevalence rates—an issue with major long-term economic and workforce implications.

SPREP Leadership in the Spotlight: Wallis-et-Futuna makes history by chairing the Fifth SPREP Executive Board Meeting in Apia (12-13 Aug), with Jean Paul Mailagi saying the goal is to ensure smaller territories’ environmental concerns are heard while reviewing priorities, funding and partnerships. Triple Planetary Crisis Focus: SPREP DG Sefanaia Nawadra warned Pacific communities face climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution despite contributing just 0.01% of global emissions, pushing for resilience work that protects livelihoods and nature. Climate Diplomacy Ahead of COP31: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional climate push, endorsing Pre-COP31 meetings in the Pacific and calling for more climate finance, renewable investment and Pacific leadership, with French Polynesia attending at envoy level. French Polynesia Tourism Signal: The Pacific Games Council gave Tahiti 2027 a thumbs-up, saying preparations are on track and facilities should be ready by early 2027. Shipping & Decarbonisation for the Islands: A wind-assisted propulsion retrofit is set to support transport between Tahiti and the Austral Islands, with the Na Hiro E Pae fitted with a 22m suction sail and engines ready for biofuel/e-fuel. Connectivity Risk: The Manatua submarine cable fault has degraded internet services in parts of the Pacific, including Niue and the Cook Islands, with repairs dependent on securing a specialist cable vessel.

Submarine Safety & Innovation: Ocean conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle says deep-ocean travel can be “safer than flying,” and her DOER Marine “Honu” sub is set for its first French Polynesia dive later this year, carrying three passengers to 1,000m for eight hours. Whale Recording Tech: Nature sound recordist Thomas Rex Beverly completed humpback whale 3D spatial audio expeditions in Hawaii and French Polynesia, using Sennheiser HD 300 PROtect headphones and MKH 8020 microphones to monitor extreme acoustic soundscapes. Internet Resilience: The Manatua Consortium is coordinating repairs after a fault on the Manatua submarine cable degraded internet services, with a specialist cable repair vessel now needed; Niue and the Cook Islands are most affected. Climate Finance Push: SPREP’s DG warned Pacific communities face the “fight for our lives” from climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, as SPREP’s 5th Executive Board meeting progresses in Samoa. COP31 Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed stronger regional climate action ahead of COP31, endorsing the Pacific Resilience Facility as a top climate finance priority; French Polynesia attended at special envoy level. Tourism & Events: The Pacific Games Council gave Tahiti 2027 a thumbs-up, saying facilities are on track for completion by early 2027. Cruise Market Signals: Royal Caribbean plans a bigger Brisbane season in 2027-28, while Lindblad’s 2028-29 deployment adds new French Polynesia itineraries. Shipping Decarbonisation: Wind-assisted propulsion is moving into practical Pacific logistics, with a new multipurpose vessel fitted with a suction sail to serve Tahiti and the Austral Islands.

Whale Tourism Tech: Nature sound recordist Thomas Rex Beverly used a custom 3D-hydrophone array in Hawaii and French Polynesia to capture spatial, high-definition humpback whale songs, with Sennheiser HD 300 PROtect headphones and MKH 8020 mics helping monitor extreme underwater soundscapes. Regional Environment & Resilience: SPREP DG Sefanaia Nawadra told members at the fifth Executive Board Meeting in Samoa that Pacific communities face a “fight for our lives” from the triple planetary crises, despite contributing just 0.01% of global emissions. Pacific Games Momentum: The Pacific Games Council gave Tahiti 2027 a thumbs-up after tours and briefings in Pape’ete, saying facilities should be ready by end of Q1 2027. Climate Diplomacy: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger climate push ahead of COP31, endorsing the COP31 Pacific Partnership and calling for more climate finance and renewable investment, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. Shipping & Connectivity: The Manatua Consortium is coordinating repairs after a fault on the Manatua submarine cable degraded internet services, especially for Niue and the Cook Islands, with a specialist repair vessel now needed. Green Transport Upgrade: Wind-assisted propulsion has been installed on the Na Hiro E Pae multipurpose vessel, designed to link Tahiti with the Austral Islands while cutting fuel use.

Climate & Diplomacy: SPREP DG Sefanaia Nawadra warned Pacific communities are facing a “fight for our lives” from climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, despite contributing just 0.01% of global greenhouse gases, as SPREP sets priorities at its Samoa Executive Board meeting. COP31 Push: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional climate push ahead of COP31, endorsing the COP31 Pacific Partnership and calling for more climate finance, renewable investment and Pacific leadership; French Polynesia attended at special envoy level. Digital Infrastructure: The Manatua Consortium says a fault on the Manatua submarine cable about 144 km offshore from Samoa is degrading internet services for Niue and the Cook Islands, with a specialist repair vessel now needed for a permanent fix. Shipping Decarbonisation: Wind-assisted propulsion is moving into practical service: bound4blue has installed an eSail suction sail on the Na Hiro E Pae, linking Tahiti with the Austral Islands and enabling biofuel/e-fuel readiness. Tourism & Air Access: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti launched a codeshare that lets travelers book one ticket to continue from Tahiti to the Cook Islands, simplifying connections and baggage handling. Cruise Market Signals: National Geographic-Lindblad and Norwegian both opened new 2028-29 and Summer 2028 deployments that include the South Pacific, while Carnival clarified onboard currency rules for repositioning sailings. Business Travel Deals: Alaska Airlines’ Atmos Members Day promotion offers up to 50% off select award flights, including routes to Papeete, Tahiti.

Climate & Diplomacy: SPREP DG Sefanaia Nawadra warned Pacific communities are facing a “fight for our lives” from climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, despite contributing just 0.01% of global emissions, as the SPREP Executive Board meets in Samoa. COP31 Push: Forum foreign ministers backed a stronger regional climate push ahead of COP31, endorsing the COP31 Pacific Partnership and calling for more climate finance, renewable investment and Pacific leadership, with French Polynesia attending at special envoy level. Connectivity & Business Continuity: The Manatua Consortium is coordinating repairs after a fault on the Manatua submarine cable disrupted internet services, with degraded connectivity reported for Niue and the Cook Islands and a specialist repair vessel now needed. Shipping & Logistics: Wind-assisted propulsion is moving into Pacific freight: bound4blue says it has installed an eSail suction sail on the Na Hiro E Pae, a multipurpose vessel linking Tahiti with the Austral Islands. Tourism & Air Access: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti launched a codeshare that lets travelers book one ticket to continue from Tahiti to the Cook Islands, including Rarotonga. Cruise Market Signals: National Geographic-Lindblad unveiled its 2028–29 deployment, with new French Polynesia itineraries returning with voyages linking Easter Island, Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie, Makatea and the Tuamotus.

Tourism & Shipping: Lindblad Expeditions and Norwegian Cruise Line both opened new 2028-29 travel schedules, with Lindblad bringing fresh 7- and 14-day French Polynesia itineraries that link Easter Island, Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie, Makatea and the Tuamotus, and Norwegian pushing a broad Summer 2028 program including South Pacific calls. Local Maritime Economy: Wind propulsion is getting a real test in French Polynesia: bound4blue has installed a 22-metre eSAIL on the new multipurpose vessel Na Hiro E Pae, expected to cut energy use about 10% while serving Tahiti–Austral Islands routes with passengers and up to 1,500 tonnes of cargo. Connectivity Risk: The Manatua submarine cable fault is degrading internet services for Niue and the Cook Islands, with repairs dependent on securing a specialist cable ship. Trade & Exports: PTI Australia will run a Pacific Showcase at Fine Food Australia (31 Aug–3 Sep, Melbourne), bringing 15 food and beverage exporters from across the region, including French Polynesian brands like Bora Bora Sea Salt. Energy Transition Context: A wider analysis argues 2026’s Middle East chokepoint disruptions are pushing governments and firms toward electrification and renewables to reduce dependence on shipping lanes. Travel Deals: Alaska Airlines’ Atmos Rewards “Global Getaways” promotion includes economy award routes to Papeete (Tahiti), with booking by Aug. 8, 2026.

Wind & Shipping Upgrade: bound4blue says it has installed a 22-metre eSAIL suction sail on the new multipurpose vessel Na Hiro E Pae, the first known of its kind with wind propulsion, linking Tahiti with the Austral Islands and expected to cut energy use by about 10% while carrying up to 200 passengers and 1,500 tonnes of cargo. Connectivity Risk: the Manatua Consortium reports a technical fault on the Manatua submarine cable (about 144 km offshore from Samoa) has degraded internet services for Niue and the Cook Islands, with a specialist repair vessel now needed and contingency measures in place. Tourism & Air Access: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti’s codeshare partnership is making it easier to reach the Cook Islands on one ticket, with baggage transfer and coordinated connections. Trade & Exports: PTI Australia will run a Pacific Showcase at Fine Food Australia 2026 (Aug 31–Sep 3) bringing 15 exporters from eight Pacific economies, including French Polynesia, to meet buyers. Energy Policy Context: coverage highlights how the closure of major Middle East shipping chokepoints is pushing governments toward electrification and renewables—an angle that ties into the region’s own shift toward cleaner maritime power.

Wind-Powered Shipping in French Polynesia: bound4blue has installed its 22-metre eSAIL suction sail on the new multipurpose vessel Na Hiro E Pae, the first known “goelettes” style ship worldwide with wind propulsion, linking Tahiti with the Austral Islands while carrying up to 200 passengers and 1,500 tonnes of cargo; the system is expected to cut energy use by about 10% alongside biofuel/e-fuel capable engines. Internet Reliability: The Manatua Consortium says a technical fault on the Manatua submarine cable about 144 km offshore from Samoa is degrading services for Niue and the Cook Islands, with a permanent fix requiring a specialist cable repair vessel and contingency measures already activated. Tourism & Travel Access: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti have launched a codeshare that lets travelers book one ticket beyond Tahiti to the Cook Islands, simplifying baggage transfers and connections. Local Business & Exports: PTI Australia will host a Pacific Showcase at Fine Food Australia 2026, bringing 15 exporters from eight Pacific economies including French Polynesia to connect with buyers in Melbourne (31 Aug–3 Sep). Cruising Demand: Mitsui Ocean Cruises’ Mitsui Ocean Fuji (ex-Seabourn Odyssey) will call at French Polynesia on a 46-night “Circle Pacific” voyage from Yokohama starting Feb 3, 2027, with fares promoted for Australians via Cruise Traveller.

Telecom Resilience: The Manatua Consortium says a technical fault on the Manatua submarine cable (about 144 km offshore from Samoa) is degrading internet services for Niue and the Cook Islands, with repairs now depending on securing a specialist cable-repair vessel; providers have contingency plans but customers may see reduced capacity and slower speeds until the fix is completed. Green Shipping for Remote Islands: Wind propulsion firm bound4blue has installed its 22-metre eSAIL suction sail on the new multipurpose vessel Na Hiro E Pae, linking Tahiti with the Austral Islands; the operator says the system should cut energy use by around 10% while the ship carries up to 200 passengers and 1,500 tonnes of cargo. Tourism & Travel Deals: Alaska Airlines’ Atmos Rewards “Global Getaways” promotion offers up to 50% off select economy award flights, including Papeete (Tahiti), with booking due Aug. 8, 2026. Regional Trade Push: Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Australia will bring 15 food and beverage exporters from eight Pacific economies—including French Polynesia—to Fine Food Australia 2026 in Melbourne (Aug. 31–Sep. 3) to meet international buyers.

Wind-Powered Shipping for French Polynesia: bound4blue says it has installed its 22-metre eSAIL suction sail on the new multipurpose vessel Na Hiro E Pae, the first known of its kind to use wind propulsion. The ship will run Tahiti–Austral Islands as a lifeline, carrying up to 200 passengers and 1,500 tonnes of cargo, with an expected ~10% energy cut alongside biofuel/e-fuel capable engines. Telecom Disruption Across the Pacific: the Manatua Consortium reports a fault on the Manatua submarine cable about 144 km offshore from Samoa, degrading internet services for Niue and the Cook Islands while repairs require a specialist cable vessel. Tourism & Travel Deals: Alaska Airlines’ Atmos Rewards “Global Getaways” promo includes economy award fares to Papeete (Tahiti) from 20,000 points each way, bookable by Aug. 8, 2026. Air Connectivity Boost: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti’s codeshare makes it easier to book one itinerary beyond Tahiti to the Cook Islands, including Rarotonga. Pacific Trade Push: PTI Australia will bring 15 food and beverage exporters from eight Pacific economies—including French Polynesia’s Bora Bora Sea Salt—to Fine Food Australia 2026 (Aug. 31–Sep. 3).

Wind-Powered Shipping for the Austral Islands: bound4blue says it has installed its 22-metre eSAIL suction sail on the new multipurpose vessel Na Hiro E Pae, the first known goelettes-style cargo ship worldwide with wind propulsion, linking Tahiti with the remote Austral Islands while carrying up to 200 passengers and 1,500 tonnes of supplies; the system is expected to cut energy use by about 10% alongside biofuel/e-fuel capable engines. Internet Lifeline Under Repair: the Manatua Consortium reports a fault on the Manatua submarine cable about 144 km offshore from Samoa, degrading service for Niue and the Cook Islands; providers are using contingency plans while partners work to secure a specialist repair vessel. Pacific Trade Push: Pacific Trade Invest Australia will host a Pacific Showcase at Fine Food Australia 2026 (31 Aug–3 Sep, Melbourne), bringing 15 exporters from eight Pacific economies including French Polynesia’s Bora Bora Sea Salt to connect with buyers. Tourism & Travel Deals: Alaska Airlines’ Atmos Rewards “Global Getaways” promotion includes award fares to Papeete, while Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti’s codeshare makes it easier to book onward trips to the Cook Islands on one ticket. Identity Update in Nauru: Nauru has officially renamed itself as the Republic of Naoero, updating its international code to NRO and naming citizens “dei-Naoero.”