AGP Executive Report

Sports & Tourism: The Cook Islands golf team has arrived in Tahiti for the inaugural 2026 Pacific Cup, competing against hosts French Polynesia, Samoa, Fiji, and New Zealand, with the federation also providing accommodation and support for the visitors. Luxury Stays in French Polynesia: IHG is converting InterContinental Bora Bora into Regent Bora Bora, with the resort set to reopen in late 2027 as the first Regent property in French Polynesia, keeping its overwater villa setup. Cruises to the Islands: Azamara has opened bookings for a 195-night 2029 world cruise starting in San Diego and calling across the South Pacific, including multiple overnight stays in Mo’orea, Papeete, and Bora Bora. Travel Deals for 2027: National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions is offering air credit up to AU$2,000/NZ$2,350 on select 2027 voyages that include French Polynesia. Travel Inspiration: Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 highlights “ocean adventures in French Polynesia” and also spotlights Tahiti-area culture and experiences in its Pacific picks. High-end Island Escapes: North Island’s private-island buyouts include options in French Polynesia, continuing the trend toward fully exclusive-use stays.

Sports & Tourism: The inaugural 2026 Pacific Cup kicked off in Tahiti, with a Cook Islands national golf team competing against hosts French Polynesia, Samoa, Fiji and New Zealand—plus extra reserves for experience ahead of the 2027 Pacific Games, and local support including accommodation and transport. Luxury Stays in French Polynesia: IHG is converting InterContinental Bora Bora into Regent Bora Bora, reopening in late 2027 as the first Regent property in French Polynesia, keeping the overwater villa format while adding Regent-style service features. Travel Deals for 2027: National Geographic–Lindblad Expeditions is offering air credits up to AU$2,000/NZ$2,350 on select 2027 voyages, including South Pacific itineraries with French Polynesia. Exclusive Island Escapes: A new guide highlights private islands you can actually rent all to yourself, including options in French Polynesia. Health Note (Local Case): A rare Tahiti medical case describes a long-standing scrotal swelling caused by lymphatic filariasis, underscoring how unusual conditions can surface during travel and treatment abroad. Photo Spotlight: Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 features a seahorse image shot in Moorea/Tahiti waters, spotlighting French Polynesia’s marine life.

Luxury Hotel News (Bora Bora): IHG and Pacific Beachcomber are converting InterContinental Bora Bora into Regent Bora Bora, IHG’s first Regent in French Polynesia, with 84 overwater villas on a private motu; the resort closed June 1, 2026 and is set to reopen in late 2027, bringing Regent’s “Personal Havens,” dedicated Experience Agents, and “With Compliments” inclusions. Cruise & South Pacific Access: Azamara Cruises opened bookings for a 195-night 2029 world cruise from San Diego to Copenhagen, including multiple overnight stays in Mo’orea, Papeete, and Bora Bora plus calls across French Polynesia, Samoa, and Fiji. Travel Deals (Expeditions): National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is offering up to AU$2,000/NZ$2,350 air credit per person on select 2027 voyages booked Sept. 15–Nov. 4, 2026, with itineraries that also include French Polynesia. Nature & Culture Spotlight: Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 went to a seahorse scene shot around Tahiti and Moorea, highlighting rare local sightings and the region’s underwater life. Travel Inspiration (Bora Bora): A Four Seasons Bora Bora feature spotlights the resort’s overwater luxury and Polynesian hospitality, with Air Tahiti Nui noting direct Sydney–Papeete service starting Dec. 2026.

Hotel & Resort News (Bora Bora): IHG and Pacific Beachcomber are converting InterContinental Bora Bora into Regent Bora Bora, IHG’s first Regent in French Polynesia. The resort (84 overwater villas on a private motu) closed for renovations on June 1, 2026 and is set to reopen in late 2027, with Regent’s “Personal Havens,” dedicated Experience Agents, and “With Compliments” inclusions. Luxury Travel (French Polynesia spotlight): Travel journalist Peter Greenberg’s TV special “Hidden Tahiti” features French Polynesia and the Paul Gauguin ship, highlighting Polynesian navigation, reef fishing, pearl diving, and sustainability models on land and at sea. Cruise & South Pacific access: Azamara opened bookings for a 195-night 2029 world cruise from San Diego to Copenhagen, including multiple overnight stays in Mo’orea, Papeete, and Bora Bora. Expedition Deals (South Pacific included): National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is offering air credit up to AU$2,000/NZ$2,350 per person on select 2027 voyages booked Sept 15–Nov 4, 2026, with itineraries that include French Polynesia. Nature & Tourism (Moorea/Tahiti): Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 winner Julien Anton captured a rare seahorse scene around Moorea and Tahiti, spotlighting French Polynesia’s underwater biodiversity.

Bora Bora Luxury Upgrade: IHG and Pacific Beachcomber are converting the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa into Regent Bora Bora, with the first Regent hotel in French Polynesia set to reopen in late 2027; the 84-villa, all-overwater resort on a private motu will keep direct lagoon access and add Regent’s “Personal Havens,” dedicated “Experience Agents,” and “With Compliments” inclusions. Travel Inspiration for 2027: Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 names French Polynesia for “ocean adventures” in its Top Experiences list, as the guide highlights a global shift toward slower, less-crowded, more meaningful trips. Expedition Deals: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is offering air credit up to AU$2,000/NZ$2,350 per person on select 2027 voyages (bookings Sept 15–Nov 4, 2026), with French Polynesia included among covered destinations. Luxury Stay Spotlight: A travel feature spotlights Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora as a “best kept secret” in French Polynesia, highlighting overwater luxury and included perks like breakfast and non-motorised watersports. Marine Photo Buzz: A seahorse image from Moorea/Tahiti won Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026, putting French Polynesia’s underwater life in the spotlight.

Regent Bora Bora Deal: IHG and Pacific Beachcomber will convert InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa into Regent Bora Bora, IHG’s first Regent in French Polynesia, with 84 all-overwater villas on a private motu; the resort closed June 1, 2026 and is set to reopen in late 2027, keeping the lagoon-facing setup plus Regent’s “Personal Havens,” dedicated “Experience Agents,” and “With Compliments” inclusions. Luxury Travel Buzz: Kylie Jenner says she “didn’t love Bora Bora” and instead recommends Turks and Caicos as the “best place ever,” praising the sand, sunsets, warm water, and food—an indirect spotlight on how Polynesia competes for luxury beach attention. French Polynesia in the Spotlight: Travel journalist Peter Greenberg’s TV special “Hidden Tahiti” features French Polynesia and highlights Paul Gauguin Cruises as a ship “tailor-built” for Polynesian waters, with sustainability themes on land and at sea. Travel Deals for 2027: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is offering up to $2,000 per person in air credit on select 2027 expeditions when flights are booked through Lindblad Air (bookings run Sept. 15–Nov. 4, 2026). Bora Bora Resort Review: A new feature spotlights Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, listing inclusions like breakfast, non-motorized watersports gear, and transfers, plus Air Tahiti Nui flight notes for travelers planning ahead.

Luxury Hotel Awards: Beckons’ curated luxury lodges earned MICHELIN Keys across eight properties in the 2026 selection, with Southern Ocean Lodge promoted to Three Keys—an Oceania boost that also includes French Polynesia in the wider Key footprint. Bora Bora Rebrand: InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa will become Regent Bora Bora in late 2027, with 84 overwater villas on a private motu and Regent’s “Personal Havens” plus dedicated Experience Agents. Marine Life Spotlight: A seahorse photo from Moorea/Tahiti won Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026, highlighting how rare seahorses are locally and the long search behind the shot. Travel Deals (Polynesia-linked): National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is offering up to $2,000 per person in air credit on select 2027 trips, including “Pearls of the Pacific: The Society and Tuamotu Islands,” for bookings made Sept 15–Nov 4, 2026. Cruise & Culture: Peter Greenberg’s “Hidden Tahiti” special spotlights Polynesian navigation, local fishing, black pearl discovery, and sustainability examples including Paul Gauguin. Health & Tourism Awareness: A Tahiti man’s long-standing scrotal swelling was diagnosed in France as lymphatic filariasis after surgeons found remnants of a parasitic worm—described as rare for French Polynesia.

Bora Bora Luxury Upgrade: IHG and Pacific Beachcomber are converting the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa into Regent Bora Bora, with the first Regent property in French Polynesia set to reopen in late 2027 after a June 1, 2026 renovation. The 84-villa resort will stay exclusively overwater on a private motu, with Regent’s “Personal Havens,” “Regent Experience Agents,” and “With Compliments” inclusions. Bora Bora Spotlight: Travel journalist Catriona Rowntree highlights Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora as a top-tier French Polynesia escape, praising its overwater views, personalized service, and included perks like breakfast, non-motorized watersports, and transfers. Tahiti on Screen: Peter Greenberg’s “Hidden Tahiti” special spotlights French Polynesia through va’a canoeing, Polynesian navigation, reef fishing, pearl diving, and sustainability examples including Paul Gauguin and The Brando. Travel Deals for 2027: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is offering up to $2,000 per person in air credit on select 2027 voyages, including “Pearls of the Pacific: The Society and Tuamotu Islands,” for bookings made Sept. 15–Nov. 4, 2026 via Lindblad’s Air Department. Luxury Island Buyouts: A roundup of “actually private” island rentals notes French Polynesia among destinations where guests can reserve entire islands (not just a resort area), with buyout pricing varying widely by property. Ocean Life Moment: The Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 winner features seahorses around Tahiti and Moorea, spotlighting how rare sightings are and why local search time matters.

Regent Bora Bora Deal: IHG and Pacific Beachcomber will convert the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa into Regent Bora Bora, with 84 overwater villas on a private motu. The resort closed June 1, 2026 and is set to reopen in late 2027—Regent’s first property in French Polynesia, bringing “Personal Havens,” Regent Experience Agents, and “With Compliments” inclusions. Luxury Spotlight: A travel feature highlights Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora as a “best kept secret” for turquoise lagoon views, overwater stays, and added perks like breakfast, non-motorised watersports, and transfers. Marine Life in the Spotlight: Photographer Julien Anton’s seahorse-and-juveniles image from Moorea/Tahiti won Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026, spotlighting rare local seahorses and the fragility of ocean life. Travel Deals for 2027: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is offering up to $2,000 per person in air credit on select 2027 voyages, including “Pearls of the Pacific: The Society and Tuamotu Islands,” for bookings made Sept. 15–Nov. 4, 2026 via Lindblad Air. Cruise Context: A cruise industry roundup notes expedition cruising demand is rising fast, with more travelers seeking remote, nature-led itineraries.

Regent in Bora Bora: IHG and Pacific Beachcomber have signed to convert the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa into Regent Bora Bora, with 84 overwater villas on a private motu and direct lagoon access; the resort closed June 1, 2026 and is set to reopen in late 2027. Luxury at Sea: PONANT EXPLORATIONS is partnering with CARITA to bring a Parisian wellbeing sanctuary aboard its expedition fleet starting with Le Commandant Charcot in September 2026, expanding through 2027. Wildlife Spotlight (Moorea/Tahiti): Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 went to Julien Anton for a seahorse scene in Moorea, highlighting how rare and fragile marine life is in French Polynesia. Air Credit for 2027 (incl. French Polynesia): National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is offering up to $2,000 per person in air credit on select 2027 expeditions (book Sept. 15–Nov. 4, 2026 via Lindblad Air), including “Pearls of the Pacific: The Society and Tuamotu Islands.” Travel Feature: Peter Greenberg’s TV special “Hidden Tahiti” spotlights Polynesian culture and sustainability, including Paul Gauguin’s Polynesia-focused sailing.

Regent Arrives in Bora Bora: IHG and Pacific Beachcomber will convert the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa into Regent Bora Bora, with 84 overwater villas on a private motu. The resort closed June 1, 2026 and is set to reopen in late 2027, marking Regent’s first French Polynesia property. Luxury Spotlight (Bora Bora): Travel journalist Catriona Rowntree highlights Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora as a top-tier “paradise” stay, noting overwater accommodations plus transfers and non-motorized water activities. Air Credit for 2027 Expeditions: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is offering up to $2,000 per person in air credit on select 2027 trips (bookings Sept. 15–Nov. 4, 2026 via Lindblad Air), including “Pearls of the Pacific” covering the Society and Tuamotu Islands. Culture on Screen: Peter Greenberg’s “Hidden Tahiti” features French Polynesia experiences aboard Paul Gauguin and spotlights Polynesian navigation, reef fishing, pearl hunting, and sustainability on land and sea. Marine Life Award: Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 goes to a seahorse scene shot around Moorea/Tahiti, spotlighting rare local seahorses and the fragility of ocean habitats. Travel Safety/Driving Reality Check: A firsthand account questions whether “smart” cars make drivers less capable, sparked by a stressful manual, left-side-road rental experience in French Polynesia.

Regent arrives in Bora Bora: IHG and Pacific Beachcomber have signed to convert the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa into Regent Bora Bora, with the resort closing June 1, 2026 and reopening in late 2027. The new 84-villa property will be exclusively overwater on a private motu, with direct lagoon access, “Personal Havens,” and a dedicated Regent Experience Agent for guests. Luxury Polynesia spotlight: Travel journalist Catriona Rowntree shares her “best kept secret” stay at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, highlighting overwater views, personalized service, and Air Tahiti Nui connections. Expedition travel promo (incl. French Polynesia): National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is offering up to $2,000 per person in air credit on select 2027 expeditions, with bookings made Sept. 15–Nov. 4, 2026 via the Lindblad Expeditions Air Department; eligible trips include “Pearls of the Pacific: The Society and Tuamotu Islands.” Onboard wellbeing partnership: PONANT EXPLORATIONS and CARITA are teaming up to bring a Parisian beauty-and-wellbeing sanctuary to expedition ships starting with Le Commandant Charcot in Sept. 2026, expanding across the fleet by Feb. 2027. Marine life in the spotlight: A seahorse photo from Moorea/Tahiti by Julien Anton won Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026, drawing attention to rare local seahorses and the fragility of ocean ecosystems.

Luxury Stay Spotlight (Bora Bora): Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is being hailed as a “best kept secret” in French Polynesia, with standout touches like overwater views, personalised service, and perks including breakfast, non-motorised watersports gear, and airport transfers. New Hotel for 2027 (Regent Bora Bora): IHG and Pacific Beachcomber have signed to convert the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa into Regent Bora Bora, with 84 overwater villas on a private motu and a late-2027 reopening. Expedition Cruising Deal (French Polynesia included): National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is offering up to $2,000 per person in air credit on select 2027 voyages, including “Pearls of the Pacific: The Society and Tuamotu Islands,” for bookings made Sept. 15–Nov. 4, 2026. Marine Life Photo Win (Moorea/Tahiti): A seahorse scene shot in Moorea has won Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026, spotlighting French Polynesia’s rare marine moments. Cruise Brand Content (Hidden Tahiti): Peter Greenberg’s “Hidden Tahiti” highlights Polynesian culture and sustainability aboard Paul Gauguin, with the ship described as purpose-built for local waters.

Luxury Hotel News (Bora Bora): IHG and Pacific Beachcomber have signed to convert InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa into Regent Bora Bora, with the brand’s first French Polynesia debut. The 84-villa, exclusively overwater resort on a private motu (east of Bora Bora’s lagoon) will reopen in late 2027 after a June 1, 2026 renovation, adding Regent “Personal Havens,” Regent Experience Agents, and “With Compliments” inclusions. Expedition Deals (French Polynesia in the mix): National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is offering up to $2,000 per person in air credit on select 2027 voyages booked Sept. 15–Nov. 4, 2026 via its Air Department, including “Pearls of the Pacific: The Society and Tuamotu Islands.” Marine Life Spotlight (Moorea/Tahiti): Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 winner Julien Anton captured an adult seahorse with two newly born juveniles in Moorea waters, a rare find in French Polynesia after long searches—highlighting the region’s fragile marine biodiversity. Cruise Industry Context: A new report says the cruise order book is getting more diverse, spanning huge ocean ships to smaller expedition and destination-focused vessels, reflecting shifting traveler demographics and route demand.

Luxury Hotel News: IHG and Pacific Beachcomber are transforming InterContinental Bora Bora into Regent Bora Bora, with 84 overwater villas on a private motu; the resort closed June 1, 2026 and is set to reopen in late 2027. Luxury Wellness at Sea: PONANT EXPLORATIONS is partnering with CARITA to bring a Parisian-style wellbeing sanctuary aboard its expedition ships starting with Le Commandant Charcot in Sept. 2026, expanding across the fleet by Feb. 2027. Marine Life & Photography: A seahorse scene shot in Moorea/Tahiti won Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026, spotlighting how rare local seahorses are and how long searches can pay off. Expedition Deals (Polynesia included): National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is offering up to $2,000 per person in air credit on select 2027 trips booked Sept. 15–Nov. 4, 2026, including “Pearls of the Pacific” (Society & Tuamotu Islands). Travel Curiosity: A viral Google Maps “blacked-out triangle” in the Pacific is back in the spotlight, with new explanations circulating after years of speculation.

Regent Launch in Bora Bora: IHG and Pacific Beachcomber are converting the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa into Regent Bora Bora, with 84 overwater villas on a private motu; the resort closed June 1, 2026 and is set to reopen in late 2027, bringing Regent’s “Personal Havens,” dedicated Experience Agents, and “With Compliments” inclusions. Luxury Wellbeing at Sea: PONANT Explorations is partnering with Paris beauty house CARITA to bring a personalized holistic sanctuary onboard starting with Le Commandant Charcot in September 2026, then rolling out across the fleet by February 2027. Tahiti in Prime Time: Travel journalist Peter Greenberg’s TV special “Hidden Tahiti” spotlights French Polynesia, featuring a va’a canoe journey, Marquesas culture, and sustainability examples including The Brando and Paul Gauguin. Expedition Deals for Polynesia Travelers: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is offering up to $2,000 per person in air credit on select 2027 voyages (including “Pearls of the Pacific: The Society and Tuamotu Islands”) for bookings made Sept. 15–Nov. 4, 2026 via its Air Department. Marine Life Spotlight: Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 winner Julien Anton captured seahorses in Moorea, highlighting both the beauty and fragility of French Polynesia’s ocean ecosystems.