AGP Executive Report

Tahiti Cruise Club Leadership: The Tahiti Cruise Club has elected Edouard Gaide as its new president, with a team drawn from maritime piloting and port-activity specialists, as cruise activity in French Polynesia continues to surge. Cruise Boom Numbers: Gaide says cruise activity has tripled since 2012, with more than XPF 20 billion in annual economic impact, and expects a strong 2026 push: about 1,300 port calls, mostly by smaller ships under 600 passengers, and a heavy share outside the Society Islands’ Windward Islands. South Pacific Cruise Deployments: Norwegian Cruise Line is also ramping up for 2028, including the Norwegian Spirit’s summer schedule linking Tahiti with Hawaii and other South Pacific stops. Regional Disaster Preparedness: Pacific leaders and technical partners met in Honiara to strengthen earthquake, tsunami, volcano and landslide monitoring, with French Polynesia among the participants. Coral Conservation Spotlight: A French Polynesia-based diver is gaining attention for “growing” coral reefs—described as the ocean’s “rainforests”—one coral at a time. Diplomacy Shift Watch (Kiribati): Kiribati is considering a constitutional change that could make it harder for future governments to switch diplomatic recognition between Taiwan and China.

Tahiti Cruise Club Leadership: Edouard Gaide has been unanimously elected president, with Ororiki Rickenbach as secretary and Torea Colas staying treasurer, as cruise activity in French Polynesia keeps climbing. Tourism & Ports Outlook: Gaide says 2026 should bring a big jump in passengers and port calls—about 1,300 calls scheduled, mostly by smaller ships (89% under 600 passengers) and largely outside the Windward Islands, with homeporting playing a major role. Regional Security & Disasters: Pacific leaders are meeting in Palau for the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, where unity and control over resources will be tested amid US-China competition. Geohazard Resilience: In Honiara, French Polynesia and other Pacific partners advanced a 2026–2030 plan to strengthen earthquake and tsunami monitoring, early warning, and data sharing. Diplomacy Shift Watch (Kiribati): Kiribati is considering a constitutional change that could make it harder for future governments to switch diplomatic recognition away from China. Culture & Environment (Coral Restoration): A local diver is spotlighted for growing coral—calling reefs the “rainforests of the sea”—as part of a hands-on approach to marine recovery.

Tahiti Cruise Club Leadership: Edouard Gaide has been unanimously elected president of the Tahiti Cruise Club, replacing Bud Gilroy, with Ororiki Rickenbach as secretary and Torea Colas continuing as treasurer; Gaide, a maritime pilot since 2024 and former Aranui officer, says cruise activity has tripled since 2012 and expects a 2026 surge with about 1,300 port calls, 89% by ships under 600 passengers, and most calls homeported in Tahiti (including air arrivals and departures). Coral Conservation Spotlight: Titouan Bernicot is profiled for growing coral—calling reefs the “rainforests of the sea”—as a living, one-by-one approach to restoring marine life around French Polynesia. Regional Disaster Readiness: Pacific partners met in Honiara to push stronger earthquake, tsunami, volcano and landslide monitoring, with French Polynesia among participants backing a 2026–2030 plan to improve data sharing, interoperability and resilience. Cruise Market Signals: Norwegian Cruise Line says its 2028 summer deployment will include South Pacific and French Polynesia itineraries, with the Norwegian Spirit sailing from Sydney, Lautoka, Honolulu and Papeete. Diplomacy Watch (Kiribati): Kiribati is considering a constitutional change that could make it harder for future governments to switch diplomatic recognition back to Taiwan, tightening ties with China.

Cruise Boom in Tahiti: The newly elected Tahiti Cruise Club president, Edouard Gaide, says French Polynesia cruise activity has tripled since 2012 and expects a 2026 surge in both passengers and port calls, with most calls handled by smaller ships and many outside the Society Islands’ Windward Islands; Coral Conservation Spotlight: A French Polynesia-based diver and coral grower, Titouan Bernicot, is profiled for restoring reefs—calling coral the “rainforests of the sea”; Regional Disaster Readiness: Pacific leaders met in Honiara to push stronger earthquake, tsunami, volcano and landslide monitoring, including better data sharing and early-warning coordination, with French Polynesia among participants; South Pacific Cruise Plans: Norwegian Spirit is set to spend summer 2028 sailing South Pacific and Hawaii with departures from Papeete, while Silversea’s Grand South Pacific Expedition 2026 continues its multi-country route; Diplomacy Watch (Kiribati): Kiribati considers a constitutional change to make it harder for future governments to switch diplomatic recognition away from China.

Regional Disaster Preparedness: Pacific Island nations met in Honiara to push stronger earthquake, tsunami, volcano and landslide monitoring, with French Polynesia and New Caledonia among the participants, agreeing on priority actions for 2026–2030. Pacific Politics & Security: Leaders are heading into Palau discussions amid worries that superpower rivalry and foreign influence could fracture Pacific unity, while China’s missile-test claims and broader regional tensions stay in focus. Deep-Sea Mining Fallout: Analysts warn investor-state dispute risks could grow as deep-sea mining plans advance, raising fresh questions for Pacific cooperation. Diplomatic Realignment Watch: Kiribati is considering constitutional change to make it harder for future governments to switch recognition away from China. South Pacific Travel & Tourism: Cruise operators keep betting on the region, with Norwegian Spirit set for 2028 South Pacific and Hawaii itineraries including Tahiti/Papeete, and Silversea launching a 77-day Grand South Pacific Expedition. Local Culture & Sports (French Polynesia link): A French Polynesia surfer, Vaihitimahana Inso’s region, featured in the Super Girl Surf Pro field, while expedition and ocean stories continue to spotlight the Pacific’s natural appeal.

Sports Spotlight: French Polynesia’s surfers stayed in the headlines as Chelsea Tuach (from Barbados) grabbed a top-five finish at the Super Girl Surf Pro in Oceanside, reaching the quarter-finals after beating Hawaii’s Vaihitimahana Inso in the round of 16. Disaster Preparedness: Pacific Island nations met in Honiara to push stronger earthquake, tsunami, volcano and landslide resilience, including better seismic data sharing and early-warning coordination for 2026–2030, with French Polynesia among the participants. Ocean & Science: A new deep-ocean sound project is using advanced 3D hydrophones to capture humpback whale songs in Hawaii and French Polynesia, aiming to better record the spatial nature of underwater communication. Travel & South Pacific Routes: Norwegian Cruise Line says its 2028 summer plans will include more overnight stays and late departures, with itineraries reaching the South Pacific and departures from Papeete. Culture & Community: Expedition cruising continues to market “destination immersion,” with French Polynesia highlighted as a key biodiversity draw for travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path voyages.

Regional Disaster Preparedness: Pacific Island nations met in Honiara to push a coordinated, multi-hazard approach to earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and landslides, with French Polynesia among participants. They flagged gaps in monitoring coverage, limited technical capacity, equipment upkeep and uneven access to real-time data, and endorsed priority actions for 2026–2030 to strengthen the Oceania Regional Seismic Network, including better seismic data sharing, interoperability, workforce training and investment in monitoring infrastructure. Diplomatic Alignment Watch: Kiribati is considering constitutional change to make future governments’ diplomatic recognition harder to switch back to Taiwan, as parliament prepares to vote on a bill framed as “embarrassing” to maintain ties with non-UN-recognised states—an issue closely tied to the country’s growing relationship with China. South Pacific Travel: Cruise lines keep leaning into the region: Silversea has launched its 77-day Grand South Pacific Expedition 2026, and Norwegian Spirit will offer 11–13 night cruises in 2028 with departures from Australia, Fiji and Tahiti/Papeete. Culture & Nature: A sound recordist says he captured new, spatialized humpback whale recordings during expeditions to Hawaii and French Polynesia.

Regional Disaster Preparedness: Pacific Island countries and territories met in Honiara to strengthen earthquake, tsunami, volcano and landslide monitoring, early warning and resilience, with French Polynesia and New Caledonia among the participants agreeing priorities for 2026–2030. Tourism Costs in Focus: A new study puts a “celebrity-style” Bora Bora week in French Polynesia at up to about $11,400, driven largely by pricey flights plus luxury activities. Maritime Safety & Workplaces: Montreal–Trudeau airport reported a fatal incident after an airport traffic controller was struck by an aircraft; investigations are ongoing and handled through federal workplace authorities. Pacific Security & Diplomacy: Kiribati is considering constitutional change to make it harder for future governments to switch diplomatic recognition back to Taiwan, as ties with China deepen. Culture & Travel: A cruise season push continues with Norwegian Spirit set to sail from Sydney, Lautoka, Honolulu and Papeete on South Pacific and French Polynesia itineraries in summer 2028. Science & Sound: A nature sound recordist captured spatialized humpback whale recordings during expeditions in Hawaii and French Polynesia, aiming for a more accurate underwater soundscape.

Workplace Safety: A Samsic Airport traffic controller died at Montréal–Trudeau after being struck by an aircraft; early indications suggest the plane was reversing, and the case is now with Canada’s Employment and Social Development Canada as investigations continue. Anti-Drugs & Regional Security: Australia’s AFP is setting up a new anti-drugs taskforce in Colombia, but Pacific observers are worried it could pull the region into the fallout from US lethal strikes on alleged trafficking vessels. French Polynesia & Sound Research: Underwater sound recordist Thomas Rex Beverly captured new, spatialized humpback whale recordings during expeditions in Hawaii and French Polynesia, aiming to better reflect the underwater world’s true acoustic space. Cruise Tourism (South Pacific): Norwegian Spirit will sail in 2028 with itineraries including Tahiti and French Polynesia, while Silversea’s Grand South Pacific Expedition 2026 departs on a 77-day route linking the Kimberley, the South Pacific and beyond. Sports (Pacific ties): Cook Islands rugby league and tennis news highlights efforts to “put the map” on the world stage, including a Cook Islands youth tennis tour in French Polynesia.

AFP Anti-Drugs Taskforce: Australia’s AFP is sending a new anti-drugs team to Colombia, but “unanswered questions” are raising fears it could feed into US lethal strikes on suspected trafficking vessels in the Pacific and Caribbean. Marine Science in French Polynesia: Sound recordist Thomas Rex Beverly says his deep-ocean expeditions in French Polynesia helped him capture high-definition, spatialized humpback whale songs using specialized hydrophones and 3D recording gear. Cruise Lines Eye Tahiti: Norwegian Spirit will run 2028 summer cruises that include departures from Papeete, while Silversea’s Grand South Pacific Expedition 2026 sets sail on a 77-day route through the region. Regional Sports & Identity: Cook Islands rugby league star KL Iro is pushing to “put the map” on the nation ahead of the World Cup, with recruitment efforts targeting players with Cook Islands heritage. Local Youth Exchange: A Cook Islands junior tennis team returned from a two-week visit to French Polynesia, mixing training, competition, and cultural activities. Health Policy in France: France is backing down on a plan that would have made patients pay more for healthcare, shifting to a lower increase indexed to inflation.

AFP Drug Taskforce in Colombia: Australia’s AFP is sending a new anti-drugs team into Colombia, raising fresh questions about how the effort could intersect with US lethal strikes against alleged trafficking vessels in the Pacific and Caribbean. Whale Soundscapes from French Polynesia: Nature recordist Thomas Rex Beverly says he captured high-definition, spatialized humpback whale songs during expeditions in French Polynesia, using specialized hydrophone gear to better reflect the underwater sound world. Cruise Lines Eye the South Pacific: Norwegian Spirit is set for 2028 summer itineraries including departures from Sydney, Lautoka and Papeete, while Silversea’s 2026 Grand South Pacific Expedition sails a 77-day route calling at dozens of destinations across the region. Local Sports Spotlight: Guam weightlifter Chloe Santos returns home after winning gold in Manila, saying the result helps put her island “on the map.” Regional Youth Exchange: Cook Islands tennis players, backed by Air Rarotonga and Air Tahiti, spent two weeks in French Polynesia mixing training, competition and cultural visits.

Diplomatic Visit: India’s MoS for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita will travel to Vietnam, Laos and Palau from Aug 26 to Sept 2, meeting senior leaders and reviewing cooperation tied to the 70 years of India–Lao relations. Cruise & Tourism: Norwegian Spirit is set for summer 2028 itineraries in the South Pacific and French Polynesia, with departures from Sydney, Lautoka, Honolulu and Papeete. Marine Protection in Polynesia: Rapa Nui’s marine protected area is expanding with a “sea council” giving indigenous residents a voting majority, aiming to turn ocean protection on paper into long-term management. Regional Youth Links: The OCT Youth Network is inviting young people from French Polynesia (and other overseas territories) to apply for a one-year program running Oct 2026–Sept 2027. Sports & Local Interest: A Cook Islands rugby league push ahead of the World Cup highlights the drive to recruit New Zealand-eligible players, with French Polynesia’s regional ties showing up in the wider Pacific sports scene.

Cruise Tourism: Norwegian Spirit is set for a 2028 summer run across the South Pacific, Hawaii and French Polynesia, with 11–13 night cruises departing from Sydney, Lautoka, Honolulu and Papeete and stops including Bora Bora, Moorea, Raiatea and more. Luxury Expedition Travel: Silversea’s Silver Cloud has departed on a 77-day Grand South Pacific Expedition 2026, calling at 57 destinations across 11 countries and tracing the Kimberley before pushing through the South Pacific toward Easter Island and South America. Regional Environment: A major marine protected area around Easter Island (Rapa Nui) is moving toward indigenous-managed governance, with a “sea council” giving local residents a voting majority. Pacific Diplomacy: Samoa and France discussed fresh cooperation on education, maritime issues, security, illegal drugs and even possible direct air links across Pacific islands, including a potential Air Tahiti route. Youth & Exchange: The OCT Youth Network is inviting young people from French Polynesia and other EU-associated territories to apply for a one-year program connecting them with EU institutions.

Health Watch: New government figures in French Polynesia show obesity jumping sharply over the past decade, with adult obesity rising from 40% (2010) to 51% (2021) and obesity affecting nearly one in four adolescents by 2024; health impacts include higher rates of high blood pressure, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. Regional Ties: Samoa and France discussed fresh cooperation covering education, maritime issues, security and illegal drugs, including ideas for university exchanges and possible direct air routes linking Pacific islands. Sports & Community: A Cook Islands youth tennis team (ages 9–16) returned from a two-week visit to French Polynesia, mixing training in Raiatea with cultural exchanges and island activities. Travel & the Pacific: Silversea’s Silver Cloud has set sail on a 77-day Grand South Pacific Expedition 2026, calling at 57 destinations across 11 countries, including stops in the South Pacific toward Easter Island. Youth Opportunities: The OCT Youth Network is opening applications for young people in OCTs (including French Polynesia), offering a one-year program to build EU connections and community leadership.

Health Watch (French Polynesia): New local figures show obesity in French Polynesia has climbed sharply over the past decade, with adult obesity rising from 40% (2010) to 51% (2021), and nearly one in four adolescents obese by 2024; the report also flags higher rates of high blood pressure, gout, diabetes, and a steep rise in diabetes-linked deaths. Sports & Community Links (Polynesia region): A Cook Islands youth tennis team (ages 9–16) returned from a two-week visit to French Polynesia, mixing training in Raiatea with cultural exchanges and lagoon activities, supported by Air Rarotonga and Air Tahiti. Travel (South Pacific): Silversea’s Silver Cloud has set off on a 77-day Grand South Pacific Expedition 2026, calling at 57 destinations across 11 countries, including Easter Island, en route to Valparaiso on Nov. 4, 2026. Ocean Conservation: A major marine protected area around Rapa Nui is moving toward indigenous-led governance, aiming to turn ocean protection “on paper” into long-term management.

French Polynesia Health Crisis: New local figures show obesity in French Polynesia has jumped sharply over the past decade, with adult obesity rising from 40% (2010) to 51% (2021) and nearly one in four adolescents obese by 2024, alongside steep increases in high blood pressure, diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Ocean Protection: Rapa Nui’s marine protected area is set to expand under an indigenous-managed “sea council,” aiming to keep protections effective for generations. Cook Islands & French Polynesia Links: A Cook Islands youth tennis team spent two weeks in French Polynesia for training, competition and cultural exchange, supported by local airlines. Cruise Tourism: Silversea’s Silver Cloud has departed on a 77-day Grand South Pacific Expedition 2026, calling at 57 destinations across 11 countries, including Easter Island, before arriving in Valparaiso on Nov. 4, 2026. Sports & Regional Spotlight: Guam’s teams dominated in the FIBA Micronesian Cup, while Cook Islands rugby league star KL Iro is pushing to recruit more Pacific talent for the World Cup.