AGP Executive Report

Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia says it will expand fully shielded “no-take” natural reserves inside the already massive Tainui Atea marine protected area, adding new zones near the Marquesas and the Austral Islands and boosting the strictly forbidden area from 1.1 to 1.6 million sq km, with only limited sustainable tourism and traditional fishing allowed in the wider framework. Conservation + Tourism Link: On World Ocean Day, French Polynesia is being highlighted for protecting marine resources (including bans on seabed exploitation and shark fishing) as a way to keep underwater experiences thriving for visitors. Whale Rights Draft Laws: The Moananui Sanctuary Trust released two model Pacific legal frameworks for public consultation, aiming to strengthen whale protection by treating whales as kin and ocean guardians, blending Indigenous knowledge with modern legal rights. Hotel Sustainability Win: Hilton Hotel Tahiti in Papeete earned Green Globe certification, citing its partnership with OceanIA and an autonomous solar-powered observation platform for marine conservation. Air Access Upgrade: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti activated a codeshare that lets travelers book one ticket for international flights plus inter-island connections to places like Bora Bora and Rarotonga. Cruise Disruption (Not FP, but travel-relevant): Holland America’s Zaandam delayed an Alaska sailing after propulsion repairs, reshuffling ports and schedules for passengers. South Pacific Safety Watch: After a powerful quake in the southern Philippines, tsunami monitoring was placed on alert across the wider Pacific, including French Polynesia.

Cruise Disruption: Holland America’s Zaandam finally departed Vancouver more than 24 hours late after propulsion repairs, forcing a revised 7-night Alaska plan that dropped most original ports and kept Skagway, plus added Wrangell and Ketchikan. Evacuation Costs: The Trump administration reportedly chartered a private yacht for $750,000 to evacuate one American from Pitcairn Island via Tahiti after a hantavirus cruise exposure, adding pressure to the State Department’s emergency “K Fund.” Green Tourism: Hilton Hotel Tahiti (Papeete) earned Green Globe certification, highlighting its partnership with OceanIA and an autonomous solar-powered marine observation platform. Whale Rights in the Pacific: A Pacific sanctuary trust released model whale-protection laws for public consultation, framing whales as kin and pushing legal rights for ocean guardianship. Air Access for Tahiti: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti activated a codeshare (booking from June 3) to make one-ticket travel easier between international gateways and inter-island hops to Bora Bora and beyond. Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia plans to expand its fully protected “no-take” marine areas inside Tainui Atea, adding new zones near the Marquesas and Austral Islands. Bora Bora Stay Update: Bloody Mary’s is set to open Bloody Mary’s Hotel in September, adding overwater dining and a lagoon-side bar to the iconic brand. South Pacific Cruise Demand: Norwegian Cruise Line extended South Pacific sailings through 2027, including select June and September 2027 round-trips from Papeete.

Green Hospitality in Tahiti: Hilton Hotel Tahiti in Papeete has earned its inaugural Green Globe certification, highlighting marine conservation and sustainability work with local NGO OceanIA, including a solar-powered observation platform using cameras and AI. Whale Rights Draft Laws: The Moananui Sanctuary Trust released two model legislative frameworks for public consultation, aiming to strengthen whale protection by exploring legal rights for whales and ocean guardianship rooted in Pacific traditions. Ocean Conservation Push: French Polynesia says it will expand fully protected “no-take” marine areas inside its massive Tainui Atea marine protected zone, adding new zones near the Marquesas and Austral Islands to further limit human activity. UNESCO Management Scrutiny: The Court of Auditors raises concerns over how UNESCO World Heritage sites in French Polynesia—Taputapuatea marae and the Marquesas Islands—are being monitored and managed for visitors. Inter-island Travel Upgrade: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti have activated a codeshare, letting travelers book one ticket for international flights plus seamless connections to outlying islands like Bora Bora. Bora Bora Hospitality News: Bloody Mary’s is set to open “Bloody Mary’s Hotel” in September, expanding the iconic lagoon-side dining and stay experience with new concepts including an overwater restaurant and bar.

Evacuation & Health: The Trump administration approved $750,000 to charter a yacht to evacuate one American from Pitcairn after possible hantavirus exposure linked to a cruise outbreak—another hit to the State Department’s emergency “K Fund.” Air Connectivity: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti have activated a codeshare, letting travelers book one ticket for international flights plus inter-island hops to places like Bora Bora. Outlying-Island Access: A new codeshare is also framed as “seamless access” to French Polynesia’s outer islands. Marine Protection: French Polynesia plans to expand its fully protected “no-take” marine reserves inside the Tainui Atea marine protected area, adding new zones near the Marquesas and Austral Islands. UNESCO Scrutiny: The Court of Auditors says management of UNESCO sites Taputapuatea and the Marquesas Islands has shortcomings, including outdated visitor info and weak monitoring. World Ocean Day: Beyond Green spotlights coral restoration efforts, including in French Polynesia, tying conservation to sustainable tourism. Travel Disruption: Holland America’s Zaandam delayed an Alaska sailing due to propulsion repairs, with itinerary changes and refunds offered.

Bora Bora Hotels: Bloody Mary’s is expanding beyond its legendary restaurant with the September opening of Bloody Mary’s Hotel, adding 53 keys plus new dining spots like overwater restaurant Povai Bay and the Tiki Tide Bar. Ocean Protection (French Polynesia): The territory says it will grow its fully shielded “no-take” marine reserves inside the huge Tainui Atea marine protected area, boosting the strictly protected zone from 1.1 to 1.6 million sq km and adding new areas near the Marquesas and Austral Islands. World Ocean Day (Tourism + Conservation): A World Ocean Day feature highlights how French Polynesia’s marine protections—plus sustainable tourism—are shaping visitor experiences, with Tahiti Tourisme pointing to conservation as part of the islands’ identity. UNESCO Oversight: The Court of Auditors flags management and monitoring shortcomings at UNESCO World Heritage sites in French Polynesia, including Taputapuatea marae and the Marquesas Islands. Travel Safety (Pacific): After a powerful Philippines earthquake, Pacific agencies placed coastal monitoring on alert; advisories include French Polynesia, though New Zealand says there’s no tsunami threat to it. Travel Updates (Region): Fiji Airways will resume direct Fiji–Nouméa flights in September, a boost for French Pacific travel links. Sailing & Lifestyle: A guide covers cruising with pets, including real-world tips from the ARC community. Doc Edge (Film Tourism): Doc Edge Festival 2026 announces international finalists and guests, with screenings across Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch plus a virtual cinema option.

Bora Bora Hotel News: Bloody Mary’s, the island institution since 1979, is set to reopen as Bloody Mary’s Hotel in September, bringing 53 keys along the lagoon with Mount Otemanu views, while keeping the legendary Bloody Mary’s Restaurant at the center and adding new dining and bar concepts like the overwater Povai Bay and Tiki Tide Bar. Ocean Protection & Tourism: French Polynesia says it will expand its fully shielded “no-take” marine reserves inside the huge Tainui Atea marine protected area, increasing the strictly protected zone from 1.1 to 1.6 million sq km and adding new protected areas near the Marquesas and Austral Islands—aimed at boosting sustainable tourism while banning commercial fishing in key zones. World Ocean Day Spotlight: Multiple World Ocean Day pieces highlight how conservation and visitor experiences go together in the Islands of Tahiti, including Tahiti Tourisme’s message that protecting the ocean “enriches travelers’ experiences.” Safety Watch: Pacific agencies are monitoring coastal waters after a powerful Philippines earthquake, with tsunami advisories listing French Polynesia among areas under watch. Aviation Update: Fiji Airways will restart direct Nadi–Nouméa flights from 22 September (twice weekly), restoring a key link for travellers after the New Caledonia disruption. Heritage Oversight: The Court of Auditors flags management gaps at UNESCO World Heritage sites in French Polynesia, including Taputapuatea marae, citing outdated visitor information and weak monitoring. Coral Conservation PR: Beyond Green is spotlighting coral reef restoration efforts across its network, including French Polynesia-linked initiatives ahead of World Oceans Day.

Ocean Protection & Tourism: French Polynesia says it will expand its fully shielded “no-take” areas inside the world’s largest marine protected zone, adding new zones near the Marquesas (northeast) and the Austral Islands (south) and increasing strictly forbidden waters from 1.1 to 1.6 million sq km, while still allowing limited sustainable tourism and traditional fishing in authorized areas. World Ocean Day Spotlight: A travel-focused piece highlights how Tahiti Tourisme and local conservation efforts are helping make snorkeling and lagoon experiences more sustainable, tying marine protection to better visitor experiences. Coral Conservation Push: Beyond Green marks World Oceans Day by spotlighting coral reef restoration programs across its network, including French Polynesia-linked initiatives aimed at protecting and rebuilding reef ecosystems. UNESCO Management Scrutiny: The French Polynesia Court of Auditors (Territorial Chamber of Accounts) flags shortcomings in how UNESCO World Heritage sites Taputapuatea (Raiatea) and the Marquesas Islands are monitored and managed, including outdated visitor information and gaps in oversight. Regional Safety Watch: After a powerful earthquake hit the southern Philippines, Pacific agencies placed coastal monitoring on alert, with French Polynesia included in the regional tsunami advisory list. Public Health & Security Warning Signs: A report warns illicit drug activity may be spreading beyond Fiji, citing drug-related incidents and health concerns across Pacific islands, including police busts in French Polynesia. Aviation Connectivity (Nearby): Fiji Airways plans to restart direct Nadi–Nouméa flights in September, boosting travel links across the French Pacific region. Sailing & Tourism (Local Interest): A sailing roundup includes Tahiti’s team in an SSL event, keeping the spotlight on Polynesian participation in regional waters.

Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia says it will expand its fully shielded “no-take” natural reserves inside the huge Tainui Atea marine protected area, raising the strictly forbidden zone from 1.1 to 1.6 million sq km and adding new protected areas near the Marquesas and Austral Islands—while allowing only limited traditional fishing and sustainable tourism in parts of the system. World Ocean Day Spotlight: A new feature highlights how Tahiti Tourisme and partners frame conservation as part of the visitor experience, pointing to bans on seabed exploitation and shark fishing and the role of Marine Protected Areas in keeping reefs and lagoons thriving. UNESCO Management Scrutiny: The French Polynesian Court of Auditors (Territorial Chamber of Accounts) flags shortcomings in how UNESCO World Heritage sites Taputapuatea (Raiatea) and the Marquesas Islands are monitored and managed, including outdated visitor information and gaps in oversight. Regional Travel Context: Fiji Airways will restart direct Fiji Link flights between Nadi and Nouméa from 22 September, restoring an important air link for travellers across the French Pacific. Safety Watch: Pacific agencies remain on alert after a powerful earthquake in the southern Philippines, with tsunami monitoring advisories that include French Polynesia.

Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia says it will expand its fully shielded “no-take” zones inside the world’s largest marine protected area, banning all human activity over a bigger area (from 1.1 to 1.6 million sq km) and adding new protected areas near the Marquesas and the Austral Islands—while still allowing limited sustainable tourism and traditional fishing in designated zones. Ocean Day + Tourism Link: On World Ocean Day, Tahiti Tourisme and conservation-focused coverage highlight how protecting reefs and marine life is boosting visitor experiences, with French Polynesia framed as a model for pairing conservation with sustainable tourism. Coral Conservation Spotlight: Beyond Green is spotlighting coral reef restoration efforts across its portfolio, including French Polynesia-linked initiatives, as reefs face mounting pressure from warming seas, pollution, and overfishing. Regional Safety Watch: Pacific emergency agencies are monitoring coastal waters after a powerful earthquake in the southern Philippines, with tsunami advisories covering multiple Pacific territories including French Polynesia. UNESCO Management Concerns: The Court of Auditors flags shortcomings in how two French Polynesia UNESCO World Heritage sites are managed and monitored, citing issues like outdated visitor information and gaps in oversight.

Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia says it will expand its fully protected “no-take” marine zones inside the world’s largest marine protected area, growing the strictly forbidden area from 1.1 to 1.6 million sq km, with new protected areas planned northeast of the Marquesas and south of the Austral Islands—aimed at boosting conservation while still allowing sustainable tourism and limited traditional fishing. World Oceans Day Spotlight: A pair of World Oceans Day features highlight how French Polynesia’s marine protection model is helping tourism and coral ecosystems, while Beyond Green spotlights coral reef restoration efforts across its global network, including projects tied to French Polynesia. Regional Travel Disruption Watch: Pacific agencies are monitoring coastal waters after a powerful earthquake in the southern Philippines, with tsunami advisories that include French Polynesia among other Pacific destinations. Air Connectivity: Fiji Airways will restart direct Nadi–Nouméa flights from 22 September (twice weekly), restoring a key link between two French Pacific destinations for travellers. Heritage Oversight: The Court of Auditors flags shortcomings in how UNESCO World Heritage sites in French Polynesia are managed and monitored, including Taputapuatea marae and the Marquesas Islands.

Tsunami Watch: After a powerful earthquake hit the southern Philippines, Pacific emergency agencies put coastal monitoring on alert, with the US Tsunami Warning Centre forecasting waves under 0.3m above tide levels in parts of the Pacific—an advisory that includes French Polynesia. Air Connectivity: Fiji Airways says it will restart direct Fiji–Nouméa flights from 22 September, twice weekly on Fiji Link ATR-72-600 aircraft—good news for travellers linking the French Pacific. UNESCO Oversight: The French Polynesia Court of Auditors flags shortcomings in how UNESCO sites are managed, calling out insufficient monitoring at Taputapuatea marae and the Marquesas Islands. Coral Conservation Travel: Beyond Green spotlights coral reef projects across its member properties, including French Polynesia, ahead of World Oceans Day (June 8). Tourism Deals: A new package promotes Le Nuku Hiva by Pearl Resorts in the Marquesas (20 bungalows, Taiohae Bay views) with an eight-night itinerary bundled with Tahiti stays and transfers.

UNESCO Oversight: The French Polynesia Court of Auditors says management of the Taputapuatea marae and the Marquesas Islands falls short, with outdated visitor panels and weak monitoring of preservation obligations—an issue that matters for tourism and cultural trust. Coral Conservation Push: Beyond Green is spotlighting coral reef restoration projects across its member properties, including in French Polynesia, ahead of World Oceans Day on June 8—good news for eco-minded travelers. Regional Security & Health Warnings: A report warns illicit drugs and related health risks are showing “warning signs” across Pacific islands popular with tourists, including mentions of police drug busts in French Polynesia. Sailing in the Spotlight: NCL is extending its South Pacific season with more close-to-home cruise itineraries, reinforcing demand for multi-island trips without constant flights. Travel Deals: Hot Deals highlights Tahiti escape offers alongside other school-holiday travel promotions. Voyaging & Ocean Protection: Pacific voyaging leaders and cultural groups gathered on Rapa Nui to strengthen ancestral ties and coordinate high-seas ocean protection, with French Polynesia among participants.

Maritime Security & Health Warning: Australia-linked experts say illicit drugs are showing “warning signs” in nearby islands, with meth traces in Tonga wastewater, narco-subs washing up in the Solomon Islands, and police busts reported in French Polynesia—raising concerns about spillover effects on HIV and tuberculosis. UNESCO Oversight: The French Polynesia Court of Auditors flags management gaps at UNESCO sites Taputapuatea (Raiatea) and the Marquesas, citing outdated visitor info and insufficient monitoring of preservation obligations. Coral Conservation Push: Beyond Green spotlights coral reef restoration projects across its member properties, including French Polynesia, ahead of World Oceans Day (June 8), linking marine recovery to sustainable tourism. Ocean Protection & Voyaging: On Rapa Nui, regional leaders and voyaging groups (including French Polynesia) gathered to share wayfinding knowledge and coordinate high-seas marine conservation efforts. Travel Deals & Stays: A new package promotes Le Nuku Hiva by Pearl Resorts (Marquesas) with guided village and archaeological tours, plus Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort add-ons. Cruise Interest: Norwegian Cruise Line extends South Pacific sailings, reinforcing demand for multi-island trips close to home.

Sustainable Luxury Yachting: Project Zero has unveiled new renderings of its 69-metre sailing yacht, built to run up to two weeks on onboard renewable energy, using regenerative turbine propellers plus large solar thermal panels integrated into the bimini. Public Health & Security: Experts warn Australia could see spillover from the regional drug and disease crisis, citing meth traces in Tonga wastewater, narco-sub activity in the Solomon Islands, and recent police drug busts in French Polynesia. Coral Conservation for Travelers: Beyond Green is spotlighting coral reef restoration projects across its member properties, including French Polynesia, ahead of World Oceans Day (June 8). Rapa Nui Ocean Leadership: On Rapa Nui, voyaging and ocean leaders gathered to strengthen cultural ties and push marine conservation, with French Polynesia among participating communities. Cruise Demand in the South Pacific: Norwegian Cruise Line is extending its 2026–27 South Pacific season with more close-to-home itineraries, highlighting multi-island cruising as a key draw for Australians. Resort Spotlight in French Polynesia: Le Nuku Hiva by Pearl Resorts is promoted as an off-the-beaten-track Marquesan stay near Taiohae Bay, with packages pairing it with Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort. World Cup Travel Spend: FIFA World Cup 2026 is already driving major travel and accommodation demand across North America, with spending forecasts topping $8B. Ocean-Focused Voyaging Network: A Pacific leaders’ convening on Rapa Nui focused on high seas protection and sharing ancestral voyaging knowledge.

Public Health & Security: A new report warns that the illicit drug trade is spreading beyond Fiji, with meth traces found in Tonga wastewater and “narco-subs” washing up in the Solomon Islands—while police have also made drug busts in French Polynesia, raising concerns about rising HIV and other transmissible diseases. Ocean Protection & Culture: On Rapa Nui, voyaging and ocean leaders gathered to strengthen ancestral ties and push marine conservation, with French Polynesia among the participating communities and a focus on protecting the high seas. Travel Deals (French Polynesia): House of Travel is promoting an 8-night package featuring Le Nuku Hiva by Pearl Resorts (20 bungalows above Taiohae Bay) plus Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort, including transfers, breakfast, dinners, and guided village/archaeological tours. Cruises (South Pacific): Norwegian Cruise Line is extending its 2026–2027 South Pacific season with more close-to-home itineraries, highlighting multi-island cruising without inter-island flights. Long-Haul Cruise (Tahiti/Bora Bora): Viking announced a 2028–2029 world cruise that includes Tahiti and Bora Bora among its South Pacific stops.

Sailing & Regattas: Tahiti’s “Black Pearls” made a strong start in the SSL Gold Cup 2026 Africa & Oceania qualifier, while Seychelles and Morocco also battled hard as teams worked toward the Road to Rio. Resort & Package Deals (French Polynesia): Le Nuku Hiva by Pearl Resorts (20 bungalows above Taiohae Bay) is being promoted with an 8-night package that pairs Nuku Hiva stays with Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort, plus transfers, breakfast, dinners, and guided village/archaeology tours. Ocean Conservation & Voyaging (Rapa Nui): Te Piri mā’ohi o Te Moana Nui a Hiva brought Pacific community and government leaders to Rapa Nui to share voyaging knowledge and push marine conservation, with a focus on the high seas. Cruise Interest in the South Pacific: Norwegian Cruise Line extended its 2026–27 South Pacific season with more close-to-home itineraries, and Viking unveiled new 2028–29 world cruise routes that include stops in Hawaii and French Polynesia (Tahiti and Bora Bora). Travel Inspiration Beyond FP: A World Cup 2026 spending surge is already reshaping travel demand, while global beach rankings highlighted Saadiyat Beach—useful context for readers tracking where luxury tourism is heading.