AGP Executive Report

Sailing Spotlight: Samoa’s Olympic sailor Vaimo’oi’a Ripley has been named leading female sailor at the 2026 Oceania Championships in Tahiti, a key step in her run-up to Los Angeles 2028 and the 2027 Pacific Games. Cruise & Culture: Norwegian Cruise Line is extending its South Pacific season with more close-to-home itineraries, pitching island-hopping plus local culture and easy relaxation. Travel Buzz for the Pacific: Viking has unveiled major 2028–29 World Cruise options, including a 142-day voyage on Viking Vesta that reaches French Polynesia (Tahiti and Bora Bora) plus Hawaii, the Cook Islands, and more across six continents. Luxury Getaway in French Polynesia: Le Nuku Hiva by Pearl Resorts (Marquesas) is being promoted as an off-the-beaten-track stay with 20 bungalows, local art, tours, and package pricing for early 2027 travel. Global Arts & Entertainment Angle: World Cup 2026 hype is already reshaping travel, spending, and what fans wear—an entertainment wave that will ripple through the region’s tourism calendars.

Tourism Spotlight: Condé Nast Traveller named Punta Cana one of the world’s 11 best tropical getaways, while Lonely Planet ranked Bahía de las Águilas among the 25 best beaches for 2026—both boosts that keep French Polynesia in the same global conversation of beach-and-nature travel. Cruise Routes (South Pacific): Norwegian Cruise Line extended its 2026–27 South Pacific season with more close-to-home 8–13 day itineraries, citing strong Australian demand for culture and easy multi-island cruising. Sailing & Sport: Samoa’s Vaimo’oi’a Ripley took top female honours at the 2026 Oceania Championships in Tahiti (ILCA 6), a key step toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics and the 2027 Pacific Games in French Polynesia. World Cruise Buzz (Tahiti in the mix): Viking unveiled its 2028–29 World Cruise plans, including an overnight-stops itinerary that reaches French Polynesia via Tahiti and Bora Bora, alongside Hawaii, New Zealand and Australia. Luxury Travel (Marquesas): Le Nuku Hiva by Pearl Resorts in the Marquesas is being promoted as an off-the-beaten-track escape with village and archaeological tours, plus a bundled multi-night package.

Tahiti & Pacific Sport: Samoa’s Olympic sailor Vaimo’oi’a Ripley took top female honours at the 2026 Oceania Championships in Tahiti, racing in the ILCA 6 class and calling the return to Tahiti a “full-circle” moment as she builds toward LA 2028. Cruise Culture (South Pacific focus): Norwegian Cruise Line extended its 2026–27 South Pacific season with more close-to-home itineraries, highlighting how cruising lets Australians experience multiple islands in one trip. Luxury Travel (global, with Polynesia stops): Viking unveiled major 2028–29 world cruise options, including a 142-day voyage that crosses the Pacific with stops in Hawaii and French Polynesia (Tahiti, Bora Bora, and the Cook Islands). Travel Inspiration (Caribbean spotlight, Polynesia mentioned): Condé Nast Traveller named Punta Cana among the world’s best tropical getaways, with the list also featuring French Polynesia—another reminder of how the region competes on beach-and-culture appeal. Offbeat Polynesia Getaway: A new travel deal spotlights Le Nuku Hiva by Pearl Resorts in the Marquesas, pairing it with Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort for an eight-night escape built around village and archaeological tours.

Sailing Spotlight: Vaimo’oi’a Ripley has returned to Tahiti and taken top female honours at the 2026 Oceania Championships, a key step on her road to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Hosted by the Yacht Club de Tahiti, the ILCA 6 regatta also feeds into preparations for the 2027 Pacific Games in French Polynesia. Cruise Culture & Access: Norwegian Cruise Line is extending its 2026–27 South Pacific season with more close-to-home itineraries on Norwegian Spirit, highlighting island-hopping without inter-island flights and strong demand for local culture and relaxation. South Pacific Getaways: A new off-the-beaten-track stay at Le Nuku Hiva by Pearl Resorts puts guests in the Marquesas with just 20 bungalows, local art, tours, and bay views—paired with Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort in a packaged deal. World Cruise Buzz (with Tahiti stops): Viking has unveiled 2028–29 world cruise itineraries, including a 142-day voyage that crosses the Pacific and includes French Polynesia stops like Tahiti and Bora Bora. Travel Deals: Holiday-focused “Hot Deals” round up school break rail fares and South Pacific escape options for travellers planning ahead.

World Cup 2026 Travel Boom: With FIFA’s expanded tournament set for 48 nations and 104 matches, brands are already cashing in. Ticket requests have topped 500 million, and Expedia/PredictHQ project $8.1B+ in visitor spending across North America—well before kickoff. South Pacific Cruise Spotlight: Viking’s 2028–29 World Cruise plans a 142-day voyage from Fort Lauderdale to London, crossing the Pacific with stops including Hawaii, Tahiti, Bora Bora and the Cook Islands, plus overnight port stays in major hubs. More Global Sailing Options: Holland America opened bookings for its 2028 Grand Voyages, including a 129-day round-the-world itinerary that features South Pacific time and Antarctica, while Silversea’s 140-day “The Curious and the Sea” World Cruise 2026 has wrapped in Lisbon. Local Sports in Tahiti: Samoa’s Olympic sailor Vaimo’oi’a Astrid Ripley will compete in the 2026 Oceania Championships in Tahiti, a key regional step toward the 2027 Pacific Games.

Cruise Planning for Tahiti: Viking just detailed its 2028–29 World Cruise on the Viking Vesta, a 142-day, six-continent journey departing Fort Lauderdale on Dec. 21, 2028, with stops including Tahiti, Bora Bora, and the Cook Islands before continuing through New Zealand, Australia, and beyond. More Long-Haul Booking News: Holland America opened bookings for its 2028 Grand Voyages, including a 129-day round-the-world itinerary and a 90-day Australia & New Zealand sailing—both built around longer port stays and scenic time at sea. Sailing Spotlight in French Polynesia: Samoa’s Olympic sailor Vaimo’oi’a Astrid Ripley will compete at the 2026 Oceania Championships in Tahiti (ILCA 6 class), a key regional milestone ahead of the 2027 Pacific Games. Luxury Travel Roundup: Silversea wrapped up its 140-day World Cruise 2026, “The Curious and the Sea,” ending in Lisbon after visiting 59 destinations across 30 countries. Travel Buzz Beyond the Pacific: Condé Nast Traveller named Punta Cana among its best tropical getaways, while a separate travel piece highlights how families are booking more kid-focused summer programs.

Cruise Planning for the Pacific: Viking has unveiled its 2028–29 World Cruise, a 142-day voyage on Viking Vesta departing Fort Lauderdale on 21 December 2028, with stops including Tahiti, Bora Bora, and the Cook Islands as it crosses the Pacific toward New Zealand and Australia. Global Itinerary Buzz: The same announcement highlights overnight port stays in major hubs like Sydney, Singapore, Zanzibar, Cape Town, and Casablanca, before concluding in London on 12 May 2029. South Pacific Sport Spotlight: Samoa’s Olympic sailor Vaimo’oi’a Astrid Ripley will compete this week at the 2026 Oceania Championships in Tahiti (26–30 May) in the ILCA 6 class, a key step toward the 2027 Pacific Games. Arts & Culture Travel Angle: Silversea has wrapped up its 140-day luxury world cruise, “The Curious and the Sea,” ending in Lisbon after visits across the South Pacific and beyond. Fashion/Travel Lifestyle Note: A Luxe Report says family travel with strong kids’ programming is up, with more demand for shared experiences.

Cruise Tourism: Viking has unveiled its 2028–2029 World Cruise plans, including a 142-day voyage on the Viking Vesta departing Fort Lauderdale on 21 Dec 2028 and ending in London on 12 May 2029, with stops across six continents and 31 countries—plus transit of the Panama Canal and a Pacific route that explicitly includes French Polynesia, alongside Hawaii, New Zealand and Australia. More Long-Haul Voyages: Holland America also opened bookings for its 2028 Grand Voyages—an around-the-world 129-day Grand World Voyage and a 90-day Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage—both built around longer port stays and South Pacific access. Local Sport Spotlight: Samoa’s Olympic sailor Vaimo’oi’a Astrid Ripley will compete this week at the 2026 Oceania Championships in Tahiti (26–30 May) in the ILCA 6 class, a key regional step toward the 2027 Pacific Games. Travel Buzz: Condé Nast Traveller named Punta Cana among its “11 Best Tropical Vacation Destinations,” and the list also includes French Polynesia.

Sailing & Sport: Samoa’s Olympic sailor Vaimo’oi’a Astrid Ripley will race this week at the 2026 Oceania Championships in Tahiti, hosted by the Yacht Club de Tahiti in ʻĀrue (26–30 May). The ILCA 6 event is a key regional milestone ahead of the 2027 Pacific Games, with organisers pointing to how it tests race formats and pathways for Pacific athletes. Cruise Tourism (South Pacific focus): Viking has released its 2028–2029 World Cruise plans, including a 142-day voyage on the Viking Vesta that crosses the Pacific and calls at destinations such as French Polynesia, alongside stops in Hawaii, New Zealand and Australia, with overnight stays in ports like Sydney, Singapore, Zanzibar, Cape Town and Casablanca. More Long-Haul Travel: Holland America has opened bookings for its 2028 Grand Voyages, including a 129-day Grand World Voyage and a 90-day Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage, both built around longer port stays and extended scenic cruising. Travel & Culture (regional arts audience): Silversea has wrapped up its 2026 world cruise, “The Curious and the Sea,” a 140-day itinerary that blended luxury travel with cultural programming across 59 destinations.

Cruise Planning for 2028–29: Viking has unveiled its 2028–29 World Cruise itineraries, including a 142-day voyage on the Viking Vesta from Fort Lauderdale (Dec 21, 2028) to London (May 12, 2029), with stops across the Pacific and calls that include French Polynesia, plus Panama Canal transit and overnight stays in major ports. More Options, Same Theme: Viking also offers a 170-day extension to Scandinavia and Northern Europe, plus shorter 125- and 153-day world cruise formats, all built around destination-focused touring and cultural immersion. South Pacific Luxury Wrap-Up: Silversea has officially finished its 2026 world cruise, “The Curious and the Sea,” a 140-day journey on Silver Dawn that ranged from the South Pacific to Southeast Asia, Africa and Europe, ending in Lisbon. Travel Buzz Beyond the Islands: Condé Nast Traveller named Punta Cana among its best tropical getaways, while Holland America opened bookings for 2028 Grand Voyages that include extended South Pacific time with a Bora Bora call.

Travel Spotlight: Condé Nast Traveller named Punta Cana among the world’s best tropical getaways, praising its beaches, nightlife, warm weather and whale-watching—while also listing French Polynesia as a top pick for 2026 travelers. Cruise Routes: Viking unveiled its 2028–2029 World Cruise itineraries, including a 142-day voyage that crosses the Pacific with stops that can include Hawaii, French Polynesia, New Zealand and Australia. South Pacific on the Calendar: Holland America Line opened bookings for its 2028 Grand Voyages, featuring a 129-day Grand World Voyage with a South Pacific run that can include French Polynesia and a 90-day Grand Australia & New Zealand itinerary with extended time across the region (including Bora Bora). Diplomacy & Culture: Papua New Guinea’s PM James Marape visited France to mark 50 years of ties, announcing a new PNG embassy in Paris and highlighting shared commitments on democracy and climate resilience. Lifestyle Travel Talk: A Luxe Report notes family bookings are up as parents seek vacations with kids’ programming built for different ages—more shared experiences, less device time.

Cruise Planning for French Polynesia: Holland America Line opened bookings for its 2028 Grand Voyages, including a 129-day Grand World Voyage that crosses the equator and continues through the South Pacific and French Polynesia (with Bora Bora highlighted), plus a 90-day Grand Australia & New Zealand Voyage with extended South Pacific time. More Global Itineraries: Viking also announced fresh 2028–2029 World Cruise sailings, with a 142-day route that explicitly includes Hawaii and French Polynesia among its Pacific stops. Luxury Travel With Kids: A Virtuoso Luxe Report says families are booking more summer trips with kids’ programming, up 22% from last summer, pushing for destination-based experiences that keep both parents and children engaged. Diplomacy Watch (Regional): Papua New Guinea’s PM James Marape visited France to mark 50 years of ties, announcing plans for a new PNG embassy in Paris—an angle that may interest Pacific readers tracking how regional partners deepen links with France. Entertainment Buzz (Not Local): Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman’s divorce was finalized in January 2026, closing out one of pop culture’s best-known romances.

Travel & Family Culture: A new Luxe Report from Virtuoso says luxury travel bookings with kids’ programming are up 22% this summer, with families chasing shared experiences that keep all ages engaged. South Pacific Cruise Buzz: Holland America Line opened bookings for its 2028 Grand Voyages, including a 129-day Grand World route that crosses the equator and calls at Easter Island, with South Pacific cruising that features French Polynesia and Bora Bora. More Ultra-Luxury Voyages: Regent Seven Seas Cruises announced 238 all-inclusive sailings for 2028–29, including South Pacific itineraries, with reservations opening 28 May 2026 and a new ship, Seven Seas Prestige, set to debut in late 2026. Diplomacy & Arts-Adjacent Spotlight: Papua New Guinea PM James Marape met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, announcing a new PNG embassy in Paris—an international move that also touched on shared environmental themes tied to Pacific identity.

Travel & Family Leisure: A new Luxe Report from Virtuoso says luxury travel bookings with kids’ programming are up 22% this summer, with families chasing longer, more meaningful breaks—educational, outdoorsy, adrenaline-filled, or indulgent—so everyone comes home happy. Diplomacy & Culture Links: Papua New Guinea PM James Marape met France’s Emmanuel Macron in Paris to mark 50 years of ties, announcing a new PNG embassy in Paris and highlighting shared commitments on democracy, multilateralism, and protecting Pacific biodiversity. Cruise Tourism (South Pacific Focus): Holland America Line opened bookings for 2028 Grand Voyages, including a 90-day Grand Australia & New Zealand route that extends through the South Pacific and features a call at Bora Bora. Ultra-Luxury Voyages (All-Inclusive): Regent Seven Seas Cruises revealed 238 all-inclusive sailings for 2028–29, with its newest ship Seven Seas Prestige set to debut in Canada & New England and a season that also reaches the South Pacific.

Family Travel Buzz: Virtuoso’s Luxe Report says summer bookings with kids’ programming are up 22% as parents chase longer, more meaningful breaks—less device time, more shared experiences that keep everyone happy. Pacific Diplomacy: Papua New Guinea PM James Marape’s France visit marks 50 years of ties, with a new PNG embassy planned in Paris and Macron praising PNG forests as “the true lungs of the Pacific.” Cruise Industry Watch: Holland America opened 2028 Grand Voyages bookings—129 days around the world plus a 90-day Australia & New Zealand run—both built around longer destination stays, including French Polynesia. More Luxury Sailings: Regent Seven Seas unveiled 238 all-inclusive 2028-29 itineraries, with pre-registration now open and a new ship, Seven Seas Prestige, set to debut in Canada & New England. Culture & Travel Lifestyle: A personal story of quitting jobs to buy a sailboat ties into the week’s broader theme: people are choosing bigger adventures, even when life gets complicated.

Family Travel Buzz: Virtuoso’s Luxe Report says summer bookings with kids’ programs are up 22%—parents want more than “beach time,” and are choosing trips built around age-specific activities that keep everyone happy. Pacific Sports Spotlight: The Oceania Athletics Championships kicked off in Cairns with 800+ athletes across Oceania, including French Polynesia, and a packed mix of senior, U18, para, youth and masters events. Diplomacy Watch: Papua New Guinea’s PM James Marape met France’s Emmanuel Macron in Paris and announced a new PNG embassy in Paris, marking 50 years of diplomatic ties. Cruise Industry: Holland America opened bookings for 2028 Grand Voyages, including a 129-day world cruise and a 90-day Australia & New Zealand route with South Pacific stops. Travel Lifestyle: A separate feature follows a couple who quit jobs to buy a sailboat—an “early retirement” gamble that paid off.