AGP Executive Report

Floating Solar Impact: A year-long study in Ra’iātea found floating photovoltaic panels in a French Polynesian lagoon sharply cut light reaching the seabed, while lagoon water temperatures showed no detectable change. Climate Justice at the ICJ: Fiji’s attorney general opened a regional writeshop in Nadi for Pacific submissions to the UN’s International Court of Justice climate case, with delegates including French Polynesia. Pacific Media Push: Fiji PM Rabuka launched a Pacific Centre for Communications and Journalism at Fiji National University, aiming to strengthen training, media literacy and responsible AI use across the region. Regional Sports: The inaugural 2026 Pacific Cup kicked off in Tahiti with teams including hosts French Polynesia, Samoa, Fiji, the Cook Islands and New Zealand. Cruise Tourism: Azamara opened bookings for a 195-night 2029 world cruise that includes multiple calls across French Polynesia, alongside Samoa and Fiji. Regional Energy/Water Research: A Bahamas OTEC feasibility study highlights how deep-ocean energy could support electricity and desalination—an approach relevant to island resilience.

Pacific Cup Golf: The inaugural 2026 Pacific Cup tees off at Golf de Tahiti in Atimaono (Sept. 23–27), with Tahiti hosting teams from French Polynesia, Samoa, Fiji, the Cook Islands and New Zealand—serving as a test event for the 2027 Pacific Games. Regional Climate Pressure: Pacific Islands Forum leaders at the UN warned El Niño could worsen food and water stress and raise cyclone risks, calling for faster climate finance and a better-funded Pacific Resilience Facility. Pacific Media Push: Fiji’s PM Sitiveni Rabuka launched a Pacific Centre for Communications and Journalism in Savusavu, aiming for stronger, independent regional reporting and better media literacy, including responsible AI use. Pacific Diplomacy: India was placed on the Pacific Islands Forum “Strategic Partner Stream,” with Jaishankar citing cooperation across healthcare, renewables, connectivity and capacity building. French Polynesia Tourism & Luxury: IHG signed a deal to convert InterContinental Bora Bora into Regent Bora Bora, set to reopen in late 2027 as the first Regent property in French Polynesia. Health in the Region: A rare Tahitian case of lymphatic filariasis—linked to a parasitic worm—was reported by French doctors after an 18-centimeter scrotal swelling.

Pacific Climate Push: Pacific Islands Forum chair Surangel Whipps Jr warned at the UN that El Niño could worsen food and water stress and raise cyclone risks, urging faster climate finance and better access to the Pacific Resilience Facility. Regional Diplomacy: India has been placed on the Pacific Islands Forum “strategic partner stream,” with Jaishankar citing cooperation in healthcare, renewables, connectivity and capacity building. Media Standards in the Pacific: Fiji’s Deputy PM Manoa Kamikamica called for governments and newsrooms to work together against misinformation and disinformation, while Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka launched a Pacific Centre for Communications and Journalism in Savusavu. French Polynesia Sports: The 2026 Pacific Cup kicked off with Tahiti as host, running Sept. 23–27 at Golf de Tahiti, serving as a test event for the 2027 Pacific Games. Luxury Tourism Watch: IHG confirmed InterContinental Bora Bora will convert to Regent Bora Bora in 2027, with 84 overwater villas on a private motu. Health & Science (Tahiti): A rare case report describes a Tahitian man with an 18-centimeter scrotal swelling caused by lymphatic filariasis.

Luxury & Tourism: IHG Hotels & Resorts and Pacific Beachcomber have signed a deal to convert the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa into Regent Bora Bora, the Regent brand’s first property in French Polynesia. The resort closed on 1 June 2026 for renovations and is set to reopen in late 2027 with 84 overwater villas on a private motu, plus Regent’s “Personal Havens,” dedicated “Experience Agents,” and “With Compliments” inclusions. Cruises & 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, with calls across French Polynesia, Samoa and Fiji. Regional Media: Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka launched a Pacific Centre for Communications and Journalism at Fiji National University, aiming for stronger, more independent Pacific media and training in digital journalism and media literacy. Health & Science (Polynesia): A rare case report describes a Tahitian man with an 18-centimeter scrotal swelling caused by lymphatic filariasis, highlighting how parasitic disease can surface years after travel. Environment & Culture: The Polynesian Voyaging Society says Hōkūleʻa’s Moananuiākea Voyage is paused in New Zealand due to weather, with plans still involving visits to Fiji, Cook Islands and French Polynesia.

Luxury & Tourism: IHG and Pacific Beachcomber are converting InterContinental Bora Bora into Regent Bora Bora, Regent’s first French Polynesia property, with 84 overwater villas on a private motu reopening in late 2027. Travel Spotlight: Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2027 highlights French Polynesia experiences and also spotlights New Caledonia and Samoa, as travellers chase slower, more meaningful trips. Pacific Media & Governance: Fiji PM Sitiveni Rabuka launched a Pacific Centre for Communications and Journalism in Savusavu, pushing for independent, professional media and stronger regional networks. Regional Media Strategy: PINA president Kalafi Moala says the Pacific media body may need restructuring to reach remote places more inclusively, naming French Polynesia, New Caledonia and West Papua as priorities. Public Health (Medical Case): A Tahitian man’s long-misdiagnosed 18-centimeter scrotal swelling was linked to lymphatic filariasis after surgeons found remnants of a filarial worm. Crime & Justice: Fiji’s Chief Justice Salesi Temo called for jail for those responsible for missing cocaine exhibits from the Suva High Court.

Luxury Hospitality in Bora Bora: IHG and Pacific Beachcomber have agreed to 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, bringing Regent’s “Personal Havens,” dedicated guest agents, and built-in “With Compliments” inclusions. Regional Media Leadership: Pacific Islands News Association (PINA) president Kalafi Moala says the 8th Pacific Media Summit in Savusavu drew the biggest attendance in PINA’s history, and he’s pushing for restructuring to better reach remote places—naming French Polynesia, New Caledonia and West Papua. Public Health Case in Tahiti: Doctors in France report a rare, long-standing 18-centimeter scrotal swelling in a Tahitian man, caused by lymphatic filariasis with remnants of a filarial worm found during surgery. Pacific Crime Watch: Tonga police charged three people over an alleged meth importation, seizing about 200 grams of meth; PINA’s Moala warns networks are becoming more sophisticated and now producing meth locally. Ocean Conservation Spotlight: French Polynesia photographer Julien Anton won Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 for a seahorse image from Tahiti and Moorea, highlighting declining local seahorse numbers.

Luxury Tourism in Bora Bora: IHG and Pacific Beachcomber have signed a deal to convert the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa into Regent Bora Bora, Regent’s first property in French Polynesia. The 84-villa, all-overwater resort 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. Hospitality Recognition: The Michelin Guide’s 2026 MICHELIN Keys expanded across Oceania, noting growth that includes French Polynesia; the selection also promoted Southern Ocean Lodge to Three Keys. Health & Science (Tahiti case): A rare Tahiti medical report describes a man with an 18-centimeter scrotal swelling caused by lymphatic filariasis, with surgeons finding remnants of a filarial worm. Ocean & Culture: Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 Julien Anton’s winning seahorse image highlights declining seahorse numbers around Tahiti and Moorea, tied to climate change and human impact. Regional Media: Pacific Islands News Association president Kalafi Moala says PINA needs restructuring to reach remote parts of the Pacific more inclusively, naming French Polynesia among priority areas.

Luxury Hospitality in Bora Bora: IHG and Pacific Beachcomber have signed a deal to convert the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa into Regent Bora Bora, with the first Regent property in French Polynesia. The resort closed June 1, 2026 for renovations and is set to reopen in late 2027 with 84 overwater villas on a private motu, plus Regent’s “Personal Havens,” “Regent Experience Agents,” and “With Compliments.” Voyaging Update: Hōkūleʻa’s Moananuiākea Voyage is paused in New Zealand due to weather, with the Polynesian Voyaging Society not yet saying how the delay will affect the wider route that includes stops such as Fiji, the Cook Islands, and French Polynesia. Pacific Connectivity Watch: New reporting says four Chinese state research vessels carried out cable-mapping style surveys over multiple Pacific subsea cable systems, including Honotua linking French Polynesia and Hawaii. Local Justice in the Region: Fiji’s Chief Justice Salesi Temo is calling for jail and removal from the judiciary over missing cocaine exhibits from the Suva High Court.

Luxury Hospitality: IHG and Pacific Beachcomber have signed a deal to convert InterContinental Bora Bora into Regent Bora Bora, Regent’s first property in French Polynesia. The resort closed June 1, 2026 for renovations and is set to reopen in late 2027 with 84 overwater villas on a private motu, plus Regent’s “Personal Havens,” dedicated “Experience Agents,” and “With Compliments” inclusions. Ocean & Environment: A French Polynesia diver-photographer, Julien Anton, won Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026 for a seahorse image from Tahiti and Moorea, highlighting declining seahorses amid climate change and human impact. Voyaging Update: Hōkūleʻa’s Moananuiākea Voyage is paused in New Zealand due to weather, with the Polynesian Voyaging Society not yet detailing how the delay affects future stops that include French Polynesia. Regional Security Watch: Fiji’s Chief Justice Salesi Temo is calling for jail and removal from the judiciary over missing cocaine exhibits worth millions that disappeared from Suva High Court. Tech & Connectivity: A new distribution agreement brings AirBridge Networks’ ARNI secure connectivity suite to partners across French Polynesia and the Pacific, targeting remote, disaster-prone, and mission-critical sites.

Pacific Cable Watch: Four Chinese state research vessels carried out coordinated, multi-day mapping surveys over five Pacific cable systems, including routes tied to French Polynesia (Honotua) and the Hawaiki corridor—three vessels showed no prior recorded presence above those exact cable locations. Bora Bora Luxury Update: 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; the resort closed June 1, 2026 and is set to reopen in late 2027. Travel Deals for 2027: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is offering up to $2,000 per person in air credit on select 2027 expeditions (book flights via Lindblad Air between Sept. 15 and Nov. 4, 2026), including French Polynesia itineraries. Ocean Photo Spotlight: A seahorse-and-juveniles image from Moorea/Tahiti won Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026, highlighting both rare marine life and the pressures facing it. Connectivity & Resilience: Ingram Micro signed with AirBridge Networks to distribute ARNI secure connectivity solutions across New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, French Polynesia and the Pacific, targeting remote, outage-prone sectors.

Luxury Hospitality in Bora Bora: IHG and Pacific Beachcomber have signed to convert the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa into Regent Bora Bora, with the 84-villa, all-overwater resort reopening in late 2027 on a private motu with direct lagoon access. Travel Deals for French 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 Lindblad Air. Cruise Demand Watch: Australia is set to grow as a key market for Windstar Cruises, boosted by Air Tahiti Nui’s planned direct Sydney–Papeete service from December 2026, with two Windstar ships operating in Tahiti from March next year. Marine Life Spotlight: A seahorse photo from Moorea and Tahiti won Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026, highlighting the region’s rare marine biodiversity. Conservation Action: 500 Partula snails have been shipped to Tahiti to help restore wild populations of the native tree-dwelling species.

Luxury Resort Upgrade in Bora Bora: IHG and Pacific Beachcomber have signed on to transform the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa into Regent Bora Bora, with the 84-villa, all-overwater property set to reopen in late 2027 on a private motu, bringing Regent’s “Personal Havens” and dedicated guest agents. Air Access Boost for Tahiti Cruises: Windstar says Australia is its No. 2 source market outside North America, and expects more visitors with Air Tahiti Nui’s new direct Sydney–Papeete service from December 2026; Windstar will base two ships in Tahiti from March next year, including the classic Wind Star sailing from Papeete. Travel Deal for 2027 Expeditions: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is offering up to $2,000 per person in air credit on select 2027 trips, including French Polynesia, for bookings made Sept. 15–Nov. 4, 2026 via Lindblad’s Air Department. Conservation Spotlight: A new shipment of 500 adult Partula snails is being sent to Tahiti to help reestablish wild populations of the tree-dwelling species native to French Polynesia. Marine Life in Focus: A seahorse photo from Moorea and Tahiti won Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026, highlighting both the beauty and rarity of seahorses in the region.

Luxury Tourism in Bora Bora: IHG and Pacific Beachcomber have signed to convert the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa into Regent Bora Bora, with the first Regent flag in French Polynesia. The 84-villa, overwater resort on a private motu will reopen in late 2027 after closing for renovations on June 1, featuring direct lagoon access, “Personal Havens,” and dedicated Regent Experience Agents. French Polynesia in the Spotlight: Travel journalist Peter Greenberg’s TV special “Hidden Tahiti” spotlights Polynesian culture and sustainability, including va’a canoeing, ancient navigation, and a look at the Paul Gauguin ship experience. Nature & Conservation: A seahorse photo from Moorea and Tahiti won Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026, while 500 Partula snails were shipped to Tahiti to help restore wild populations of the native tree-dwelling species. Travel Deals: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is offering up to $2,000 per person in air credit on select 2027 expeditions, including “Pearls of the Pacific: The Society and Tuamotu Islands.”

Luxury Hospitality in Bora Bora: IHG and Pacific Beachcomber have agreed to transform the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa into Regent Bora Bora, with the 84-villa, overwater resort reopening in late 2027 on a private motu. French Polynesia in the Spotlight: Travel journalist Peter Greenberg’s TV special “Hidden Tahiti” spotlights Polynesian navigation, va’a canoeing, local food and sustainability models, including Paul Gauguin. Marine Life Award: A seahorse photo taken around Moorea and Tahiti won Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026, highlighting how rare seahorses are in French Polynesia. Connectivity for Remote Islands: Ingram Micro signed a distribution deal with AirBridge Networks to bring ARNI secure connectivity (including satellite links) to partners across French Polynesia and the wider Pacific. Pacific Security: Australia’s new plan targets cocaine trafficking via the “Pacific drugs highway,” citing recent seizures in French Polynesia and Fiji. Local Conservation: 500 Partula snails were shipped to Tahiti to help restore wild populations of the native tree-dwelling species.

Luxury Tourism in Bora Bora: IHG and Pacific Beachcomber have agreed to transform the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa into Regent Bora Bora, with the 84-villa, all-overwater resort reopening in late 2027 on a private motu. Expedition Cruising Push: National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is offering up to $2,000 per person in air credit for select 2027 voyages booked Sept. 15–Nov. 4, 2026, including trips to French Polynesia. Marine Life Spotlight: A seahorse photo from Moorea and Tahiti won Ocean Photographer of the Year 2026, highlighting rare sightings and the ocean’s emotional pull. Local Conservation Action: 500 Partula snails are being shipped to Tahiti to help restore wild populations of the French Polynesia-native species. Pacific Security: Australia’s new plan targets cocaine trafficking through the “Pacific drugs highway,” citing recent seizures in French Polynesia and Fiji. Regional Weather Preparedness: Pacific Meteorological Council meetings report upgrades to early warning systems across island nations, including new forecasting and monitoring efforts.

Luxury Tourism 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; the resort closed June 1, 2026 and is set to reopen in late 2027, bringing Regent’s “Personal Havens” and dedicated “Experience Agents.” Wellbeing at Sea: PONANT Explorations is partnering with Paris beauty house CARITA to bring a new holistic sanctuary aboard ships starting with Le Commandant Charcot in September 2026, expanding across the fleet by February 2027. French Polynesia in the Spotlight: Travel journalist Peter Greenberg’s TV special “Hidden Tahiti” features French Polynesia and the Paul Gauguin cruise experience. Local Conservation: 500 Partula snails are being shipped to Tahiti to help restore wild populations of the native species. Regional Security: Australia’s new plan targets cocaine trafficking across the Pacific, citing seizures including in French Polynesia. Aviation & Weather: Vanuatu’s meteorology service has achieved international aviation weather compliance, joining French Polynesia among regional certified systems.