AGP Executive Report

Aviation & Tourism: Air Tahiti Nui and Air Tahiti have activated their codeshare deal, letting travelers book one ticket for international flights plus inter-island hops across Bora Bora and beyond, with smoother connections from June 3, 2026. Culture & Heritage Oversight: The French Polynesia Court of Auditors says management of UNESCO World Heritage sites is falling short, flagging weak monitoring and outdated visitor information for Taputapuatea marae and the Marquesas Islands. Ocean Conservation & Lifestyle: World Ocean Day coverage spotlights French Polynesia’s marine protection model, including the Tainui Ātea marine protected area and the push to keep conservation and tourism aligned. Regional Decolonisation Debate: Pacific leaders renew calls that decolonisation is still unfinished decades after nuclear testing, with speakers linking the nuclear legacy to resistance, self-determination, and unresolved harms. Sports (Va’a): Cook Islands paddler Reuben Dearlove wins the Masters Men 50 division at Te Aito 2026 in Tahiti, adding another international title to his va’a record. Global Travel Links: Fiji Airways plans to restart direct Fiji–New Caledonia flights from September 22, aiming to boost travel and regional connections. Geopolitics (Culture & Identity): A Ben Bohane special report revisits the contested “Matthew and Hunter” islands—known in kastom as Umaenupne and Umaeneg—highlighting how sovereignty disputes can ripple across the Pacific. Arts Recognition: Lawh Wa Qalam: M. F. Husain Museum in Doha is named among TIME’s World’s Greatest Places 2026, underscoring the museum’s cultural impact.

Va’a & Community Sports: Cook Islands paddler Reuben Dearlove wins Masters Men 50 at Te Aito 2026 in Tahiti, finishing first in his division and placing top 10 overall in a field of 200+ across MM40, MM50 and Para Va’a. World Ocean Day & Marine Protection: French Polynesia is highlighted as a model for pairing conservation with tourism, pointing to local Indigenous knowledge behind Marine Protected Areas and bans on seabed exploitation and shark fishing. Ocean Policy & Implementation: A broader World Ocean Day focus notes that progress like the UN high seas treaty and French Polynesia’s Tainui Ātea (fully safeguarded from extractive activities) only works if protections are actually implemented and sustained. Decolonisation & Nuclear Legacy: Pacific leaders renew calls that decolonisation is still unfinished decades after nuclear testing, linking environmental harm and self-determination to ongoing struggles across the region. Heritage Governance: The French Polynesia Court of Auditors flags management gaps for UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Taputapuatea marae and the Marquesas Islands, warning that recognition brings long-term preservation duties. Regional Connectivity: Fiji Airways announces it will restart direct Nadi–Nouméa flights from 22 September, supporting travel and regional institutional links after the 2024 unrest. Culture & Lifestyle Spotlight: Beyond Green marks World Oceans Day by spotlighting coral reef restoration efforts across its portfolio, including initiatives tied to French Polynesia’s wider ocean-conservation momentum. Sports & Travel Roundup: A Pacific Islands news roundup (May 28–June 3) adds context on regional developments affecting everyday life and movement.

Ocean Conservation & Tourism: On World Ocean Day, French Polynesia is highlighted as a model for pairing marine protection with sustainable travel, with local bans on seabed exploitation and shark fishing and Marine Protected Areas rooted in Indigenous knowledge, including the vast Tainui Ātea marine protected zone. Marine Protection Implementation: A wider push for ocean safeguards is underway as the UN high seas treaty enters into force and French Polynesia expands protections, but the big question now is whether governments, scientists, Indigenous communities, and civil society can turn pledges into lasting enforcement. Decolonisation & Nuclear Legacies: Pacific leaders say decolonisation is still unfinished decades after nuclear testing, pointing to unresolved issues like environmental contamination, self-determination, and who benefits from natural resources, with French Polynesia’s nuclear history tied to broader resistance and survival narratives. UNESCO Heritage Governance: The Court of Auditors flags management gaps for French Polynesia’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, especially Taputapuatea marae and the Marquesas Islands, citing insufficient monitoring and outdated or inaccurate visitor information. Regional Connectivity: Fiji Airways plans to restore direct Nadi–Nouméa flights in September, aiming to boost travel and strengthen links between French Pacific culture and regional institutions.

Nuclear Justice & Decolonization: Pacific leaders and advocates say unresolved fallout from Cold War nuclear testing still shapes daily life and politics, linking environmental contamination and resource disputes to calls for self-determination—highlighting July anniversaries tied to the Marshall Islands and France’s first test in French Polynesia. Marine Conservation & Tourism: On World Ocean Day, French Polynesia is held up as a model for pairing Indigenous-rooted protection with sustainable visitor experiences, citing major marine safeguards and the identity of the lagoon as a driver for lasting benefits. Coral Reef Action: Beyond Green spotlights coral reef restoration efforts across its network, underscoring how “rainforests of the sea” conservation is becoming central to responsible travel. UNESCO Oversight: The French Polynesia Court of Auditors flags management gaps at UNESCO World Heritage sites, saying Taputapuatea marae and the Marquesas Islands need stronger monitoring and updated visitor information. Regional Travel Links: Fiji Airways plans to restart direct Nadi–Nouméa flights in September, aiming to boost travel and regional connectivity after disruptions tied to New Caledonia unrest. Pacific Sovereignty Dispute: A “David vs Goliath” standoff over Matthew and Hunter islands pits Vanuatu’s kastom names against France’s control since 1965, with wider sovereignty concerns now in the spotlight. Pacific Lifestyle & Voyaging: A look at global sailing trends notes French Polynesia’s strong cruising draw, with more yachts choosing safer routes around the Cape than the Suez. Pacific News Roundup: A broad weekly digest covers governance, youth concerns, health, border security, and development across the wider Pacific.

Decolonization & Nuclear Legacy: Pacific leaders and advocates say decolonization is still unfinished decades after nuclear testing, pointing to unresolved environmental contamination and ongoing fights over self-determination and who benefits from natural resources, with French Polynesia among the places tied to major anniversaries. World Ocean Day & Marine Culture: On World Ocean Day, French Polynesia is highlighted for blending conservation with tourism, including its large Marine Protected Area (Tainui Atea) and protections shaped by local Indigenous knowledge. UNESCO Oversight: The French Polynesian Court of Auditors (Territorial Chamber of Accounts) raises concerns about how UNESCO World Heritage sites are managed, citing gaps in monitoring and outdated visitor information at Taputapuatea marae and the Marquesas Islands. Regional Travel Links: Fiji Airways plans to restore direct Fiji–New Caledonia flights from 22 September, aiming to boost travel and intergovernmental exchanges across the French Pacific. Coral Reef Action: Beyond Green marks World Oceans Day by spotlighting coral reef restoration and protection efforts across its sustainable travel network, including initiatives connected to French Polynesia.

World Ocean Day & Marine Protection: French Polynesia is being held up as a model for pairing conservation with tourism, highlighting bans on seabed exploitation and shark fishing and Marine Protected Areas built on local Indigenous knowledge, with Tahiti Tourisme stressing that “our ocean is our identity.” UNESCO Oversight: The Court of Auditors (CTC) says management of UNESCO World Heritage sites in French Polynesia—Taputapuatea marae (Raiatea) and the Marquesas Islands—falls short, citing outdated visitor panels, gaps in ensuring historical accuracy, and weak monitoring of management plans. Regional Travel Links: Fiji Airways’ Fiji Link will restart direct Nadi–Nouméa flights from 22 September, twice weekly on ATR 72-600, aiming to serve growing travel and regional organization travel between the two French Pacific destinations. Culture & Lifestyle Roundup: A Pacific Islands News Roundup (May 28–June 3) brings together governance, youth, health, and security updates across the region, including New Caledonia electoral changes and Pacific crime concerns.

World Ocean Day & Marine Protection: Tahiti’s tourism leaders are pointing to conservation as the real draw, highlighting Marine Protected Areas and bans on seabed exploitation and shark fishing as proof that “our ocean is our identity” can boost visitor experiences. Coral Reef Action: Beyond Green is also spotlighting coral reef restoration and protection efforts across its network, with French Polynesia included as part of the push to keep “rainforests of the sea” resilient. UNESCO Heritage Oversight: The Court of Auditors says management of UNESCO World Heritage sites in French Polynesia—especially Taputapuatea marae and the Marquesas Islands—falls short on monitoring, with outdated visitor information and gaps in ensuring historical accuracy. Regional Travel Links: Fiji Airways plans to restart direct Nadi–Nouméa flights in September, a sign of renewed inter-island connectivity after disruptions tied to New Caledonia unrest.

UNESCO Oversight: The Court of Auditors says management of French Polynesia’s UNESCO World Heritage sites is falling short, flagging weak monitoring and outdated visitor information at Taputapuatea marae and the Marquesas Islands. Aviation & Mobility: Fiji Airways will restart direct Nadi–Nouméa flights from 22 September, twice weekly on ATR 72-600 aircraft, citing growing regional demand and renewed travel links to French Pacific culture and institutions. Culture & Identity in the Region: A wider debate is resurfacing around contested islands in the Pacific, with Vanuatu framing the dispute as a “David versus Goliath” fight tied to kastom names and sovereignty questions that could ripple beyond the immediate territory. Heritage Tourism Pressure: Visitor numbers and tourism importance are front and center in the UNESCO critique, underscoring how cultural preservation obligations are not being fully met. Travel Trends: South Pacific cruising is getting a boost as operators extend itineraries, with travellers drawn by multi-island experiences and the chance to experience local culture.

UNESCO Oversight: French Polynesia’s Court of Auditors says management and monitoring of UNESCO World Heritage sites—especially Taputapuatea marae (Raiatea) and the Marquesas Islands—fall short of long-term preservation and visitor-information obligations. Ocean Culture & Protection: At Rapa Nui, Te Piri mā’ohi o Te Moana Nui a Hiva brought together voyaging leaders, cultural practitioners, scientists, and governments (including French Polynesia) to strengthen ancestral ties and share high-seas marine conservation practices. Voyaging & Lifestyle: A global look at sailing trends highlights how more yachts are reaching the South Pacific, with French Polynesia recording strong arrival numbers in 2024. Cruise Tourism: Norwegian Cruise Line extends its 2026–2027 South Pacific season with more “close-to-home” itineraries, driven by demand for local culture and easy multi-island trips. Regional Maritime Ties: A Pacific-focused roundup also points to ongoing community and governance discussions across the region, including youth engagement and development priorities.

UNESCO Oversight: The Court of Auditors says management and monitoring of French Polynesia’s UNESCO World Heritage sites are falling short, flagging outdated Taputapuatea marae visitor information and weak safeguards for historical accuracy, with the broader message that inscription brings long-term preservation duties. Ocean Protection & Voyaging: On Rapa Nui, Pacific community and government leaders gathered through Te Piri mā’ohi o Te Moana Nui a Hiva to strengthen ancestral voyaging ties and share marine conservation practices, with French Polynesia among the participating communities. Cruise Culture & Lifestyle: Norwegian Cruise Line is extending its South Pacific season with more close-to-home itineraries, highlighting that travellers want local culture and easy island-hopping. World Voyaging Interest: A global sailing-yacht roundup notes rising Pacific-bound voyages, including French Polynesia arrivals, underscoring the region’s pull for long-distance cruisers. Maritime Tourism Spotlight: A travel feature praises St Vincent and the Grenadines as a sailing destination, reflecting the wider lifestyle appeal of island voyaging that also draws visitors to the Pacific.

Voyaging & Ocean Protection in Rapa Nui: 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 and high-seas protection. South Pacific Cruise Demand: Norwegian Cruise Line extended its 2026–2027 South Pacific season with more close-to-home itineraries, citing strong interest for multi-island trips and guest priorities like experiencing local culture and relaxing. World Cruise Routes Touch French Polynesia: Viking announced a 142-day 2028–2029 world cruise that crosses the Pacific with stops in Hawaii and then French Polynesia (Tahiti and Bora Bora), plus the Cook Islands, before continuing through New Zealand, Australia, Asia, Africa, and Europe. Sailing Culture & Lifestyle: A feature on why sailing in St Vincent and the Grenadines hits the “paradise meets sporty” sweet spot, reflecting the broader lifestyle appeal of long, destination-rich voyages.

Voyaging & Ocean Protection: On Rapa Nui, the Koro Nui o te Vaikava o Rapa Nui ocean council—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 strengthen ancestral ties, share wayfinding knowledge, and push marine conservation and high-seas stewardship. Cruise Culture (South Pacific): Norwegian Cruise Line is extending its 2026–2027 South Pacific season with more close-to-home itineraries, highlighting that guests cruise for local culture and relaxation—an easy fit for island life. Sailing Trends (Global, with Polynesia in the mix): A new look at world yacht voyaging shows steady growth in cruising arrivals, including French Polynesia’s rising share over decades, with sailors favoring safer routes around the Cape over riskier passages. Luxury Travel (Tahiti/Bora Bora on the horizon): Viking announced a 142-day world cruise that will include French Polynesia stops in Tahiti and Bora Bora, alongside Hawaii and the Cook Islands.

Ocean Protection & Indigenous Voyaging: On Rapa Nui, the ocean council Koro Nui o te Vaikava hosted 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 strengthen ancestral ties, share wayfinding knowledge, and coordinate high-seas marine conservation. Sport & Regional Culture: Samoa’s Olympic sailor Astrid Ripley is set to compete at the 2026 Oceania Championships in Tahiti (ILCA 6), a key step for Pacific athletes ahead of the 2027 Pacific Games and a reminder of how ocean culture and sailing pathways are growing across the region. Travel & Lifestyle (South Pacific cruising): Norwegian Cruise Line extended its 2026–2027 South Pacific season with more “close-to-home” itineraries, highlighting demand driven by local culture and easy island-hopping—an angle that keeps Tahiti and nearby stops firmly in the spotlight for travellers.

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.