AGP Executive Report

Global Travel Buzz: Big 7 Travel named Achill Island the 8th best island in the world for 2026, praising Keem Bay’s standout beaches and crystal-clear waters that attract basking sharks. Māori New Year Watch: Matariki 2026 (July 10) is set to go live across New Zealand, with the theme “Matariki Herenga Waka – For Everyone” and a broadcast from Takaparawhau led by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. Pacific Politics: A Pacific Islands Forum mission report has raised serious questions about the credibility of New Caledonia’s recent self-determination referendum process, even as voting conduct was acknowledged. Surf & Sport: The World Surf League upgraded Siargao’s Cloud 9 to a 2026 Championship Tour stop (Oct 31–Nov 10), citing the wave’s quality and the Philippines’ partnership. Sharks Research: Two FIU graduate students received Guy Harvey fellowships, including Sophia Hemsi’s shark studies at Tetiaroa Atoll in French Polynesia. Olympic Planning: French Polynesia President Édouard Fritch signed an agreement to include Tahiti’s Teahupo’o in the Paris 2024 Olympic torch relay, following reassurances on local preparations.

Olympic Torch & Teahupo’o: French Polynesia President Édouard Fritch signed a principle agreement to include the planned Paris 2024 surfing venue at Teahupo’o in the Olympic Games Torch Relay, after a six-day visit by Paris 2024 president Tony Estanguet. Matariki Celebrations: Matariki Herenga Waka—“For everyone”—is set for Friday, July 10, with live-streamed hautapu from Takaparawhau in Auckland led by host iwi Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, marking the fifth year of Matariki as a public holiday. Regional Politics Watch: A Pacific Islands Forum mission report has raised serious concerns about the credibility and legitimacy of New Caledonia’s December referendum process, even as French authorities were acknowledged for conduct of the vote. Surf Calendar Update: The World Surf League added Cloud 9, Siargao (Philippines), as a new 2026 Championship Tour stop (Oct. 31–Nov. 10), upgrading the event to CT status. Ocean Research in FP: A Guy Harvey fellowship backs FIU graduate student Sophia Hemsi’s shark research at Tetiaroa Atoll in French Polynesia, studying juvenile shark interactions as they mature. Tourism Spotlight: Big 7 Travel ranked Mo’orea (French Polynesia) second in its “50 Best Islands” list for 2026.

Olympic Torch & Teahupo’o: French Polynesia President Édouard Fritch signed a principle agreement to include the territory’s planned Teahupo’o surfing venue in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Torch Relay, after a visit by Paris 2024 president Tony Estanguet. Sports & Surf Tourism: The World Surf League named Siargao’s Cloud 9 as a new 2026 Championship Tour stop (Oct. 31–Nov. 10), upgrading the Philippines Pro and adding local trials for wildcards. Ocean Protection & Culture: A Polynesian Voyaging Society delegation joined World Oceans Day events in French Polynesia, with Brotherson naming Nainoa Thompson the first international ambassador of Tainui Ātea to spotlight ocean stewardship through cultural education. Marine Science for Fisheries: New research on Palau’s longnose emperor reef fish found it grows faster, lives shorter, and reaches smaller sizes than populations studied elsewhere, offering guidance for catch limits and protections. Regional Tourism Spotlight: Big 7 Travel’s “50 Best Islands” list put Mo’orea (French Polynesia) in second place, boosting the destination’s global profile. Local Governance & History: A commemorative piece marked June 29, 1880, when Tahiti ceded sovereignty to France, formalizing colonial integration.

Olympic Torch & Teahupo’o: French Polynesia President Édouard Fritch signed an agreement confirming the territory’s planned Paris 2024 Olympic surfing venue at Teahupo’o will be part of the Olympic Torch Relay, with organisers saying the Athletes’ Village requirements are on track after Estanguet’s Tahiti visit. Surf & Sport: The World Surf League named Siargao’s Cloud 9 in the Philippines a 2026 Championship Tour stop (Oct. 31–Nov. 10), upgrading the event and adding it to protect the CT calendar. Sharks Research in French Polynesia: A Florida-based fellowship backs Sophia Hemsi’s shark studies at Tetiaroa Atoll, while another award supports Gina Clementi’s work on how recreational fishing affects shark interactions with spawning fish. Tourism & Travel Costs: Squaremouth data ranks French Polynesia among the pricier “bucket list” destinations for 2026, with average daily costs around $756 and luxury hotels reaching about $1,382 a night. Ocean Protection & Culture: The Polynesian Voyaging Society joined World Oceans Day events in Tahiti, with Brotherson naming Nainoa Thompson ambassador of Tainui Ātea to spotlight ocean stewardship through Polynesian navigation traditions. Visitor Economy (US): Hawaii reported May 2026 spending up 5.3% year-on-year, though stays shortened—an indicator of shifting travel patterns that could ripple across the Pacific.

Paris 2024 Torch Relay: French Polynesia President Édouard Fritch signed a principle agreement to include the planned Olympic surfing venue at Teahupo’o in Tahiti in the Paris 2024 Torch Relay, after a visit by Paris 2024 boss Tony Estanguet. Surf & Sport: The World Surf League upgraded Siargao’s Cloud 9 in the Philippines to a 2026 Championship Tour stop (Oct 31–Nov 10), adding the event to protect the tour calendar. Ocean Research in French Polynesia: A Florida-based shark study received Guy Harvey Foundation support, with graduate student Sophia Hemsi focusing on juvenile sicklefin lemon sharks and blacktip sharks at Tetiaroa Atoll. Marine Conservation Approach: A new discussion on 30x30 highlights how French Polynesia’s marine protection model aims to go beyond “no-take” exclusion by recognizing traditional artisanal fishing in designated zones. Tourism & Costs: Squaremouth research ranks French Polynesia among the world’s pricier destinations for 2026, while a separate travel spending report notes May 2026 visitor spending rose but stays shortened. Local Heritage: A piece marking June 29 recalls Tahiti’s 1880 cession of sovereignty to France, a turning point that deepened French presence in the Pacific.

Olympic Torch & Teahupo’o: French Polynesia President Édouard Fritch signed a principle agreement to include the planned Paris 2024 surfing venue at Teahupo’o in the Olympic Games Torch Relay, after a six-day visit by Paris 2024 chief Tony Estanguet. Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia extended marine safeguards to cover 30% of its territorial waters, expanding no-catch and managed zones while keeping room for artisanal fishing—aimed at supporting sharks, turtles, reefs, and coastal livelihoods. Shark Research at Tetiaroa: A Florida-based fellowship backs Sophia Hemsi’s study of juvenile sicklefin lemon sharks and blacktip sharks at Tetiaroa Atoll, adding to wider shark work linked to spawning and fishing impacts. Surfing on the World Stage: The World Surf League upgraded Cloud 9, Siargao (Philippines) to a Championship Tour stop for 2026, with local trials feeding into the main event. Tourism Spotlight: Big 7 Travel ranked Mo’orea (French Polynesia) second among the world’s best islands for 2026, behind Sri Lanka. Fashion Meets the Sea: Louis Vuitton’s Pharrell Williams staged a surf-themed SS27 menswear show in Paris with a massive artificial wave, while also citing a French Polynesia reef-restoration partnership.

Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia has extended marine safeguards so that no-catch and managed zones now cover 30% of its territorial waters, with extractive industries like seabed mining and industrial fishing barred in fully protected areas—an approach that also keeps room for artisanal fishing. Olympic Torch & Teahupo’o: President Édouard Fritch signed an agreement to include the planned Paris 2024 surfing venue host Teahupo’o in the Olympic Games Torch Relay, after a visit by Paris 2024 chief Tony Estanguet. Ocean Stewardship Recognition: Pwo navigator Nainoa Thompson was named the first international ambassador of Tainui Ātea during World Oceans Day events in Tahiti, as French Polynesia expands protected zones near the Marquesas and Austral Islands. Shark Research Funding: Two FIU graduate students received Guy Harvey Fellowships to advance shark studies, including how recreational fishing affects sharks around spawning aggregations. Surf Culture in Fashion: Louis Vuitton’s SS27 menswear show in Paris staged a massive wave and tied surf imagery to a French Polynesia reef-restoration partnership, sparking both praise and backlash. Travel & Tourism Context: A global travel ranking placed Mo’orea (French Polynesia) second among the world’s best islands.

Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia has extended marine safeguards so that 30% of its territorial waters are fully protected from extractive industries, building on earlier Tainui Ātea protections and aiming to help sharks, turtles, and local fisheries recover. Olympic Torch & Teahupo’o: President Édouard Fritch signed an agreement confirming French Polynesia’s planned Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay stop, with Teahupo’o surfing venue plans tied to the relay. Ocean Stewardship Recognition: Pwo navigator Nainoa Thompson was named the first international ambassador for Tainui Ātea during World Oceans Day events in Tahiti, as protected zones expand near the Marquesas and Austral Islands. Tourism & Access: Tahiti is stepping up its push for repeat visitors, rolling out direct-flight marketing and a trade tour across Australia and New Zealand. Shark Research Funding: Two FIU graduate students received Guy Harvey fellowships to advance shark studies, including how recreational fishing affects sharks around spawning aggregations. Global Spotlight on Mo’orea: Big 7 Travel ranked Mo’orea (French Polynesia) as the world’s No. 2 island, boosting the region’s travel profile. Climate Outlook: SPREP says El Niño can bring both risks and opportunities for Pacific Island communities as conditions shift.

Marine Protection Boost: French Polynesia has extended marine safeguards so that 30% of its territorial waters are now fully protected from extractive industries, with expanded no-catch and managed zones designed to help sharks, turtles, reefs, and local livelihoods. Olympic Torch & Teahupo’o: President Édouard Fritch signed a principle agreement to include Teahupo’o in Tahiti as part of the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay, following Tony Estanguet’s visit and reassurances on the Athletes’ Village. Ocean Stewardship Spotlight: Pwo navigator Nainoa Thompson was named the first international ambassador of Tainui Ātea during World Oceans Day events, linking traditional navigation values to modern protection efforts. Tourism Push to Australia: Tahiti Tourisme is stepping up in Australia with trade events and new direct flights from Sydney aimed at broadening visitors beyond honeymoon travel. Local Culture & Community: The Polynesian Voyaging Society joined World Oceans Day activities in Tahiti, with workshops and presentations involving dozens of groups. Fashion Meets the Sea (and backlash): Louis Vuitton’s Pharrell Williams staged a surf-themed SS27 show in Paris with a massive artificial wave, while some critics questioned the spectacle and its sustainability claims tied to French Polynesia coral restoration. Business Spotlight: A husband-and-wife team, Robin and Rosie Evans, launched Epicurean Chocolatiers, building an artisan brand after meeting while working at a North Wales hotel.

Marine Protection Boost: French Polynesia has expanded marine safeguards so that 30% of its territorial waters are now fully protected from extractive industries, with no-catch and managed zones designed to help sharks, turtles, reefs, and local livelihoods. Olympic Torch & Teahupo’o: President Édouard Fritch signed a principle agreement confirming French Polynesia’s planned Teahupo’o surfing venue will be part of the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay, following Tony Estanguet’s visit. Ocean Stewardship Spotlight: Pwo navigator Nainoa Thompson was named the first international ambassador of Tainui Ātea during World Oceans Day events in Tahiti, as the region’s protected-area work continues. Tourism Push to Australia: Tahiti Tourisme and partners unveiled a coordinated push to grow Australian cruise and luxury tourism, timed with new direct flights and trade events. Paris Fashion Wave Backlash: Louis Vuitton’s Pharrell Williams staged a 26-foot artificial wave for SS27 in Paris, while some critics questioned the message and water use—despite the brand linking the show to coral restoration in French Polynesia. Travel Spending Snapshot: Visitor spending in May 2026 rose to $1.77 billion in preliminary Hawaii data, with more visitors but shorter stays.

Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia has extended marine safeguards so that 30% of its territorial waters are now under full protection from extractive industries, with broader no-catch and managed zones aimed at helping sharks, turtles, and reefs recover while supporting artisanal fishing. Olympic Torch & Teahupo’o: President Édouard Fritch signed a principle agreement confirming Teahupo’o will be part of the Paris 2024 Olympic Torch Relay, after a visit by Paris 2024 president Tony Estanguet to reassure plans for the Athletes’ Village. Ocean Stewardship Spotlight: Pwo navigator Nainoa Thompson was named the first international ambassador of Tainui Ātea during World Oceans Day events in Tahiti, as the territory expands protected areas near the Marquesas and Austral Islands. Tahiti Tourism to Australia: Tahiti Tourisme and partners are stepping up a push into the Australian market with new direct-flight plans and trade events targeting cruise and luxury travel. Climate Outlook: SPREP says El Niño can bring both risks and opportunities for Pacific islands, outlining what communities may expect in the coming months. Travel Costs & “Bucket List” Demand: New travel data ranks French Polynesia among the world’s pricier destinations for 2026, as more travelers pay up for premium experiences.

Marine Protection: French Polynesia has extended safeguards so 30% of its territorial waters are now fully protected, with expanded no-catch and managed zones designed to protect sharks, turtles and other key ecosystems while allowing artisanal fishing. Olympic Torch & Teahupo’o: President Édouard Fritch signed an agreement confirming French Polynesia’s planned Paris 2024 Olympic surfing venue at Teahupo’o will be part of the Olympic Torch Relay, following a visit by Paris 2024 chief Tony Estanguet. World Oceans Day & Voyaging: The Polynesian Voyaging Society joined World Oceans Day events in Tahiti, with Nainoa Thompson named the first international ambassador of Tainui Ātea. Tourism Push: Tahiti Tourisme is stepping up efforts to attract Australian travellers, banking on new direct flights and cruise-friendly marketing. Regional Ocean Deals: At Kenya’s Our Ocean Conference, more than 300 commitments worth $6.4bn were announced, including follow-on work tied to French Polynesia’s Tainui Atea protections. Surf Culture in Paris: Louis Vuitton’s Pharrell Williams staged a 26-foot wave runway show in Paris, sparking debate online even as the brand points to coral restoration support in French Polynesia.

Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia has extended marine safeguards so that 30% of its territorial waters are now protected from extractive industries, with expanded no-catch and managed zones designed to help sharks, turtles, reefs, and local coastal communities. Olympic Torch & Teahupo’o: President Édouard Fritch signed a principle agreement confirming French Polynesia’s planned Paris 2024 Olympic surfing venue at Teahupo’o will be part of the Torch Relay, following Tony Estanguet’s visit and reassurances on the Athletes’ Village. Our Ocean Conference Fallout: The 2026 Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa delivered 320 voluntary commitments worth $6.4 billion, including plans tied to French Polynesia’s Tainui Ātea Marine Protected Area and stronger fisheries and coastal protections. Tahiti Tourism to Australia: Tahiti Tourisme and partners are stepping up in Australia with direct-flight momentum and a coordinated push across air, cruise, and luxury tourism. Surf Culture in Fashion (and debate): Louis Vuitton’s Pharrell Williams turned Paris Men’s SS27 into a surf-themed spectacle with a giant artificial wave, while some critics questioned the message amid water scarcity concerns. Teahupo’o Safety: Reports say an American surfer died after a wipeout at Teahupo’o, highlighting the risks of big-wave conditions over the reef.

Olympics & Sport: French Polynesia President Édouard Fritch signed a principle agreement with Paris 2024 to include Teahupo’o, Tahiti, in the Olympic Torch Relay, after Paris 2024 president Tony Estanguet’s six-day visit aimed at reassuring locals about the Athletes’ Village and competition requirements. Marine Protection: French Polynesia has extended marine safeguards so that 30% of its territorial waters are now protected from extractive industries, with a wider network of no-catch and managed zones designed to benefit sharks, turtles, and coastal communities while allowing artisanal fishing. Ocean Commitments: The Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa wrapped with 320 new commitments worth $6.4 billion, including plans tied to French Polynesia’s Tainui Ātea Marine Protected Area. Tahiti Tourism Push: Tahiti Tourisme is stepping up efforts to attract Australian visitors, banking on new direct flights and a coordinated push across air, cruise, and luxury tourism. Surf & Culture in the Spotlight: Louis Vuitton’s Pharrell Williams staged a surf-themed SS27 show in Paris featuring a giant artificial wave and linked the spectacle to coral reef restoration support in French Polynesia. Safety at Teahupo’o: Reports say an American surfer died after a wipeout at Teahupo’o, hitting the reef and suffering fatal injuries.

Olympic Torch & Teahupo’o: French Polynesia President Édouard Fritch signed a principle agreement confirming Teahupo’o will be part of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Torch Relay, after Paris 2024 president Tony Estanguet’s six-day visit to Tahiti. Fritch said the goal is to keep the Games’ legacy in Polynesian memory, with local municipalities and sports and youth associations involved. Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia has extended marine safeguards so that 30% of its territorial waters are now under protection, expanding no-catch and managed zones while allowing artisanal fishing—aimed at protecting sharks, turtles, and other key ecosystems. World Oceans Day & Tainui Ātea: The Polynesian Voyaging Society, led by pwo navigator Nainoa Thompson, joined World Oceans Day events in Tahiti, with Brotherson naming Thompson the first international ambassador of Tainui Ātea. Tahiti Tourism to Australia: Tahiti Tourisme and partners are stepping up in Australia with new direct-flight plans and a trade push to boost cruise and luxury tourism beyond the traditional honeymoon market. Teahupo’o Safety Concern: Reports say an American surfer died after a wipeout at Teahupo’o, where the reef can make conditions especially dangerous.

Marine Protection Push: French Polynesia has expanded marine safeguards so that 30% of its territorial waters are now fully protected from extractive industries, including a broader network of no-catch and managed zones aimed at helping sharks, turtles, and reefs recover while supporting artisanal fishing. Ocean Commitments: At the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya, 320 new commitments worth $6.4 billion were announced, with French Polynesia pledging further strengthening inside the Tainui Ātea Marine Protected Area. Voyaging & Culture: Pwo navigator Nainoa Thompson was named the first international ambassador of Tainui Ātea during World Oceans Day events in Tahiti, highlighting long-term traditional stewardship and new collaboration across the Pacific. Tourism Market Move: Tahiti Tourisme is stepping up efforts to attract Australians, banking on new direct flights and a coordinated push across air, cruise, and luxury tourism. Local Safety Update: Reports say an American surfer died after a wipeout at Teahupo’o, where the reef can make big-wave conditions deadly. Fashion Meets Surf: Louis Vuitton’s Pharrell Williams staged a 26-foot surf-inspired wave in Paris and pointed to coral restoration work in French Polynesia via Coral Gardeners, even as some critics questioned the spectacle.