AGP Executive Report

Ocean Protection & Indigenous Voyaging: On Rapa Nui, the ocean council Koro Nui o te Vaikava o Rapa Nui—along with the Polynesian Voyaging Society and Pacific Pwo Navigators—hosted Te Piri mā’ohi o Te Moana Nui a Hiva, bringing together voyaging leaders, cultural practitioners, scientists and government reps from across Oceania (including French Polynesia) to share wayfinding knowledge and coordinate marine conservation work focused on the high seas. Sport & Youth Pathways: Samoa’s Olympic sailor Vaimo’oi’a Astrid Ripley is competing this week at the 2026 Oceania Championships in Tahiti (ILCA 6), a key regional milestone ahead of the 2027 Pacific Games and a chance for Pacific athletes to race at high level close to home. Cruise Culture (Regional Travel): Norwegian Cruise Line extended its South Pacific season with more close-to-home itineraries, highlighting strong demand for island-hopping trips where travellers can experience local culture and relax without inter-island flights. Global Spotlight on Tahiti: Viking’s new 2028–29 world cruise plans include stops in French Polynesia (Tahiti and Bora Bora) as part of long multi-continent voyages.

Ocean Protection & Voyaging Diplomacy: Rapa Nui’s ocean council Koro Nui o te Vaikava o Rapa Nui, with the Polynesian Voyaging Society and Pacific Pwo Navigators, hosted Te Piri mā’ohi o Te Moana Nui a Hiva, bringing together cultural practitioners, scientists, and government leaders from across Oceania (including French Polynesia) to strengthen ancestral voyaging ties and push high-seas marine conservation. Tahiti Sports Spotlight: Samoa’s Olympic sailor Vaimo’oi’a Astrid Ripley will compete at the 2026 Oceania Championships in Tahiti (ʻĀrue, 26–30 May) in the ILCA 6 class, a key step toward the 2027 Pacific Games and a chance for Pacific athletes to race at high level close to home. Cruise Culture, With Tahiti in the Mix: Viking unveiled its 2028–29 World Cruise plans, including a 142-day voyage that crosses the Pacific and includes stops in French Polynesia (Tahiti and Bora Bora) plus the Cook Islands, alongside longer itineraries that also feature Hawaii and other Pacific ports. Regional Travel Demand: Norwegian Cruise Line extended its 2026–27 South Pacific season with more “close-to-home” itineraries, citing strong interest from Australians and highlighting that guests cruise for local culture and relaxation—an angle that keeps Tahiti and nearby islands in the spotlight.

Ocean Protection & Indigenous Voyaging: Rapa Nui’s ocean council Koro Nui o te Vaikava o Rapa Nui, with the Polynesian Voyaging Society and Pacific Pwo Navigators, hosted Te Piri mā’ohi o Te Moana Nui a Hiva, bringing together voyaging leaders, cultural practitioners, scientists, and government reps from across Oceania (including French Polynesia) to share wayfinding knowledge and push high-seas marine conservation. Sport & Regional Pathways: Samoa’s Olympic sailor Vaimo’oi’a Astrid Ripley will compete at the 2026 Oceania Championships in Tahiti (26–30 May) in the ILCA 6 class, a key step toward the 2027 Pacific Games and a chance to race against top regional talent close to home. Cruise Culture Spotlight: Viking unveiled its 2028–29 World Cruise plans, including a 142-day itinerary on Viking Vesta that crosses the Pacific with stops in Hawaii and French Polynesia (Tahiti and Bora Bora mentioned in coverage), plus New Zealand and Australia, with overnight port stays and many guided tours. Aviation & Tourism Links: The Cook Islands hosted ASPA81, gathering Pacific airline and tourism leaders to discuss “Island Economies in Flight” and strengthen regional connectivity—an angle that matters for how visitors reach Polynesia.

Ocean Protection & Indigenous Knowledge: On Rapa Nui, the ocean council Koro Nui o te Vaikava hosted Te Piri mā’ohi o Te Moana Nui a Hiva with the Polynesian Voyaging Society and Pacific Pwo Navigators, bringing together cultural practitioners, scientists, and community leaders from across Oceania (including French Polynesia) to strengthen ancestral voyaging ties and push high-seas marine conservation. Regional Sports & Youth Pathways: Samoa’s Olympic sailor Vaimo’oi’a Astrid Ripley is set to compete at the 2026 Oceania Championships in Tahiti (26–30 May) in the ILCA 6 class, a key step toward the 2027 Pacific Games and a chance for Pacific athletes to race at high level close to home. Tahiti Sailing Spotlight: The same Tahiti setting underscores the region’s sailing heritage as organisers validate race formats and venue operations for future international events. Culture Through Travel (World Cruise Plans): Viking unveiled major 2028–29 world cruise itineraries that include stops in French Polynesia (Tahiti and Bora Bora) alongside Hawaii, New Zealand, and the Cook Islands, reflecting how global travel marketing is increasingly built around destination culture and longer stays.

Ocean Protection & Indigenous Voyaging: On Rapa Nui, the ocean council Koro Nui o te Vaikava o Rapa Nui, with the Polynesian Voyaging Society and Pacific Pwo Navigators, hosted Te Piri mā’ohi o Te Moana Nui a Hiva—bringing together voyaging leaders, cultural practitioners, scientists, and government reps from across Oceania (including French Polynesia) to strengthen ancestral ties, share wayfinding knowledge, and push marine conservation focused on the high seas. Regional Sports Spotlight: Samoa’s Olympic sailor Vaimo’oi’a Astrid Ripley is set to compete in the 2026 Oceania Championships in Tahiti (ILCA 6), a key regional milestone ahead of the 2027 Pacific Games and a chance for Pacific athletes to race at high level close to home. Travel & Lifestyle (South Pacific access): Norwegian Cruise Line extended its 2026–2027 South Pacific season with more close-to-home itineraries, highlighting demand driven by local culture and easy multi-island travel—an angle that will resonate with readers planning Tahiti and nearby escapes. Global Cruise Buzz with Tahiti on the route: Viking unveiled major 2028–29 world cruise itineraries that include French Polynesia stops (Tahiti and Bora Bora) as part of longer, culture-rich voyages.

Cruise Culture (South Pacific): Norwegian Cruise Line is extending its 2026–2027 South Pacific season with more close-to-home sailings on Norwegian Spirit, offering 8 to 13-day itineraries and extra voyages from April to December 2027—fuelled by strong demand from Australians who want to experience local culture (82%) and relax while hopping between islands. Ocean Protection & Voyaging (Rapa Nui): On Rapa Nui, the ocean council Koro Nui o te Vaikava o Rapa Nui, alongside Polynesian Voyaging Society and Pacific Pwo Navigators, hosted Te Piri mā’ohi o Te Moana Nui a Hiva, bringing together cultural practitioners, scientists, and leaders from across the Pacific (including French Polynesia) to share wayfinding knowledge and push marine conservation, especially for the high seas. Sport & Representation (Tahiti): Samoa’s Olympic sailor Vaimo’oi’a Astrid Ripley will compete at the 2026 Oceania Championships in Tahiti (26–30 May) in the ILCA 6 class, highlighting Pacific athletic pathways ahead of the 2027 Pacific Games. Global Travel Spotlight (World Cup 2026): With FIFA World Cup 2026 already driving major travel and spending plans, visitor spending forecasts top $8.1 billion across North America—showing how big tournaments are reshaping how people travel, dress, and celebrate.

South Pacific Cruise Boost: Norwegian Cruise Line extended its 2026–2027 South Pacific season with more “close-to-home” itineraries on Norwegian Spirit, including extra voyages between April and December 2027—aimed at travellers drawn by local culture (82%) and easy island-hopping without constant flights. Ocean Protection & Voyaging Ties: On Rapa Nui, the ocean council Koro Nui o te Vaikava o Rapa Nui and Polynesian Voyaging Society helped host Te Piri mā’ohi o Te Moana Nui a Hiva, bringing together voyaging leaders, cultural practitioners, scientists and government reps from across the Pacific (including French Polynesia) to share wayfinding knowledge and push marine conservation, especially for the high seas. Tahiti Sailing Spotlight: Samoa’s Vaimo’oi’a Ripley will race at the 2026 Oceania Championships in Tahiti (26–30 May) in the ILCA 6 class, a key step toward the 2027 Pacific Games and a chance for Pacific sailors to build high-level experience close to home. World Cruise Routes Touch French Polynesia: Viking unveiled 2028–29 world cruise itineraries, including a 142-day voyage that crosses the Pacific with stops in Hawaii and French Polynesia (Tahiti, Bora Bora) plus the Cook Islands, alongside longer options for travellers seeking deeper cultural port stays.

World Cup Travel Boom: With FIFA World Cup 2026 still weeks away, ticket demand is already surging and forecasts point to $8.1B+ in visitor spending across North America—pushing hotels, airlines, and luxury operators to rethink how fans travel, dress, and plan celebrations. Ocean & Voyaging Diplomacy: Leaders and cultural practitioners gathered at Rapa Nui for Te Piri mā’ohi o Te Moana Nui a Hiva, sharing voyaging knowledge and backing high-seas marine conservation, with French Polynesia among the participating communities. Sailing as Cultural Practice: A new wave of cruise coverage spotlights longer, one-way repositioning voyages—often with more sea days and unexpected ports—aimed at travelers who want the journey, not just the destination. Tahiti Sailing Spotlight: Samoa’s Vaimo’oi’a Ripley heads to the 2026 Oceania Championships in Tahiti, building momentum toward the 2027 Pacific Games while competing against regional talent. Luxury Cruise Routes Touch the Pacific: Viking’s 2028–29 world cruise plans include overnight port stays and a Pacific route featuring Tahiti, Bora Bora, and the Cook Islands. Marine Wonder Close to Home: Niue is highlighted for humpback whale encounters—where whale song can be felt underwater—offering a quieter, less-trodden South Pacific alternative.

Ocean Protection & Voyaging: Rapa Nui’s ocean council (Koro Nui o te Vaikava o Rapa Nui), with the Polynesian Voyaging Society and Pacific Pwo Navigators, hosted Te Piri mā’ohi o Te Moana Nui a Hiva, bringing together voyaging leaders, cultural practitioners, scientists, and government reps from across Oceania—including French Polynesia—to strengthen ancestral ties, share wayfinding knowledge, and push high-seas marine conservation. Sport & Youth Pathways: Samoa’s Olympic sailor Vaimo’oi’a Astrid Ripley will compete at the 2026 Oceania Championships in Tahiti (ILCA 6 class), a key regional step ahead of the 2027 Pacific Games and a chance for Pacific athletes to race at a high level close to home. Cruise Culture (Tahiti in the mix): Viking unveiled its 2028–29 World Cruise plans, including a long itinerary that crosses the Pacific with stops in Hawaii, Tahiti, Bora Bora, and the Cook Islands, positioning French Polynesia as a major cultural stop on a multi-continent voyage. Marine Tourism Spotlight: A travel feature highlights Niue as a rare place to swim with humpback whales, noting the island’s clear waters and regulated encounters during the migration season—an experience that also connects to the wider South Pacific whale circuit, including nearby French Polynesia.

Cruise Planning for the Curious: Viking has unveiled its 2028–2029 World Cruise lineup, including a 142-day voyage on Viking Vesta departing Fort Lauderdale on 21 Dec 2028, with stops in Hawaii and French Polynesia (Tahiti and Bora Bora) plus the Cook Islands, before continuing across New Zealand, Australia, Southeast Asia and Africa and ending in London on 12 May 2029. Regional Sport Spotlight: Samoa’s Olympic sailor Vaimo’oi’a Astrid Ripley will compete at the 2026 Oceania Championships in Tahiti (26–30 May), a key milestone ahead of the 2027 Pacific Games and a chance to race against top regional talent. Pacific Aviation & Tourism Links: The Cook Islands hosted ASPA81 in Rarotonga (18–20 May), bringing together airline and tourism leaders across the Pacific to discuss partnerships that strengthen island connectivity. Ocean Culture Travel: A travel feature highlights Niue’s humpback whale season, describing how visitors can hear and experience whale song in clear South Pacific waters—an experience also linked to the wider region, including French Polynesia. Diplomacy Watch: Papua New Guinea’s plan to open an embassy in Paris is framed as a potential boost for cooperation (including with France’s Pacific ties), while raising questions about maintaining independent foreign policy.

Sailing & Sport: Samoa’s Olympic sailor Vaimo’oi’a Astrid Ripley is set to compete at the 2026 Oceania Championships in Tahiti (ʻĀrue, 26–30 May), racing in the ILCA 6 class and building momentum toward the 2027 Pacific Games, with organisers highlighting the event’s role in testing race formats and pathways for Pacific athletes. Travel & Culture: Viking has announced its 2028–2029 World Cruise itineraries, including a 142-day voyage aboard Viking Vesta that will cross the Pacific and include French Polynesia, with 62 guided tours, overnight stays in 16 cities, and up to 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way. Regional Connectivity: The Cook Islands hosted ASPA81 in Rarotonga (18–20 May), bringing together Pacific aviation and tourism leaders to discuss “Island Economies in Flight” and strengthen partnerships that support regional connectivity. Ocean Lifestyle: A humpback whale encounter in Niue highlights the South Pacific’s whale-migration season and the island’s appeal for divers seeking a quieter, less-touristed experience.

Sailing & Sport: Samoa’s Olympic sailor Vaimo’oi’a Astrid Ripley is set to compete at the 2026 Oceania Championships in Tahiti (ʻĀrue, 26–30 May), racing in the ILCA 6 class and building momentum toward the 2027 Pacific Games. Travel & Culture: Viking has unveiled its 2028–2029 World Cruise itineraries, including a 142-day voyage on the Viking Vesta that crosses the Pacific and includes French Polynesia, with 62 guided tours, overnight stays in 16 cities, and up to 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way. Lifestyle & Ocean Life: A travel feature spotlights Niue as a rare, less-trodden South Pacific whale destination, where humpback whales sing and migrate through the region between July and September—an experience also linked to nearby waters including French Polynesia. Regional Connections: Ponant’s 2027 Explorers Club voyages announce new speakers and a first-time Paul Gauguin appearance, with itineraries reaching as far as French Polynesia and emphasizing culture-led exploration. Diplomacy & Pacific Ties: Papua New Guinea’s plan to open an embassy in Paris is framed as a potential boost for cooperation with France—while raising questions about maintaining an independent foreign policy that benefits Pacific territories like French Polynesia.

Pacific Aviation & Tourism: The Cook Islands hosted ASPA81 in Rarotonga (18–20 May), bringing together airline executives and tourism leaders to focus on “Island Economies in Flight” and strengthen regional connectivity through aviation–tourism partnerships. Cruise Culture (French Polynesia on the route): Viking unveiled new 2028–29 World Cruise itineraries, including a 142-day voyage that crosses the Pacific with stops such as Hawaii, French Polynesia, New Zealand and Australia, plus guided tours and overnight port stays. Luxury Travel Wrap-Up: Silversea’s 140-day “The Curious and the Sea” World Cruise has concluded in Lisbon, highlighting culture-led shore experiences across the South Pacific and beyond. Exploration Voices in Polynesia: Ponant announced speakers for its 2027 Explorers Club voyages, with the program expanding to include French Polynesia and featuring conservation and science-focused experts. Whale-Watching Lifestyle: A Niue humpback whale encounter is described as a rare, regulated, underwater “symphony,” with the migration season bringing whales to the wider South Pacific waters including French Polynesia.

Cruising Culture: A new travel feature looks at how coastal cruisers build real confidence for long passages—learning through planning, pacing, and firsthand experience rather than armchair theory, with a route that even stretches toward French Polynesia. Marine Life & Tourism: A spotlight on Niue’s humpback whale season describes the magic of hearing whale song underwater and why the island’s regulated, less-crowded setup makes the South Pacific feel intimate—alongside nearby French Polynesia. Exploration Travel: Ponant has unveiled speakers for its 2027 Explorers Club voyages, including a program that explicitly links exploration to destinations like French Polynesia. Global Itineraries: Viking announced 2028–2029 world cruise plans that cross the Pacific and include stops such as French Polynesia, positioning the islands as part of a longer cultural route. Lifestyle & Travel Dreams: Another story follows people who quit jobs to buy a sailboat and chase a “first retirement,” echoing the same desire to leave the familiar horizon behind. Food & Drink Travel: A wine-travel roundup argues that the “new latitude” map now includes unexpected places—mentioning a coral atoll in French Polynesia as a destination for under-the-radar tasting experiences.

Pacific Travel & Culture: Ponant has unveiled speakers for its 2027 Explorers Club voyages, with the program expanding to 12 itineraries and featuring the first Paul Gauguin sailing; the lineup highlights destination storytelling across regions including French Polynesia. Diplomacy & Regional Links: Papua New Guinea’s plan to open an embassy in Paris is framed as a chance to deepen cooperation on climate, trade, security, and education, while also raising questions about sovereignty and keeping foreign policy balanced for Pacific ties that include French Polynesia. Cruise Routes to the Pacific: Viking announced new 2028–2029 World Cruise sailings, including a Pacific crossing with stops that can feature Hawaii, French Polynesia, New Zealand, and Australia. Marine Life Tourism: A travel feature spotlights Niue as a rare place to swim with humpback whales, describing the regulated, immersive whale encounters during the migration season that also overlaps with nearby South Pacific waters including French Polynesia.

Travel & Culture: Viking announced new 2028–2029 World Cruise itineraries, including a 142-day voyage on Viking Vesta that will sail from Fort Lauderdale to London with stops across six continents—featuring French Polynesia among the Pacific highlights. Marine Life Tourism: A travel feature spotlights Niue as one of the rare places where visitors can swim with humpback whales during the July–September migration, with the article noting how regulated tours keep the experience respectful and immersive across the South Pacific region (including nearby French Polynesia). Lifestyle & Identity: A personal essay follows a couple who quit their jobs to buy a sailboat and chase a “first retirement,” framed around visa worries, family pressure, and the pull of a slower, self-directed life. Local Flavors & Wine Travel: A wine-world roundup argues that the map is changing, pointing to emerging high-altitude and tropical regions—including a coral atoll in French Polynesia—as destinations where travelers can taste under-the-radar grapes shaped by climate shifts and new winemaking techniques.