AGP Executive Report

Maritime & Tourism Demand: New data on global sailing shows cruising arrivals rising over decades, with French Polynesia recording 434 yacht arrivals in 2024 (up from 328 in 1987), reinforcing the South Pacific’s pull for long-haul voyagers. Public Health & Security: Australia-linked warnings are growing as illicit drugs appear across the Pacific—meth traces in Tonga wastewater and “narco-subs” washing up in the Solomon Islands—while police have also made drug busts in French Polynesia; the concern is spillover into communities already strained by HIV and tuberculosis risks. Transnational Crime: Fiji’s biggest cocaine seizure—2.64 tonnes worth about $3 billion—was trafficked from Colombia (linked to Clan del Golfo), highlighting how regional routes can feed Australia-bound markets and how arrests in places like Vatia connect to wider networks. Cruise Industry: Viking announced a new 142-day world cruise (Dec 2028–May 2029) with stops including Tahiti and Bora Bora, a direct boost for French Polynesia’s visitor pipeline. Regional Geopolitics: AUKUS durability may hinge on winning the information contest in Southeast Asia, with legitimacy and political commitments seen as key to long-term support.

Pacific Security & Crime: Fiji’s biggest cocaine bust to date—2.64 tonnes worth about $3 billion—was linked to Colombia’s Clan del Golfo, with authorities saying trafficking routes involved Colombia and Ecuador before drugs were seized in the Vatia area. Regional Governance & Youth: Pacific leaders are facing mounting pressure over organised crime networks and how youth are being “used” by cartels, with multiple Pacific outlets flagging the security and social fallout. Tourism Demand Signals: Hawaii reported April 2026 visitor spending of $1.77bn (+4.8% year-on-year) even as total arrivals dipped slightly, with higher average daily spend and a shift in air vs cruise flows. Cruise & Connectivity for French Polynesia: Viking unveiled a 142-day world cruise (Dec 21, 2028–May 12, 2029) that includes overnight port calls in Hawaii and stops in French Polynesia (Tahiti and Bora Bora), reinforcing long-haul tourism demand for the islands. Aviation–Tourism Partnerships: The Cook Islands hosted ASPA81, focusing on how airlines and tourism partners can strengthen regional connectivity and “island economies in flight.”

Tourism & Spending: Hawaii reported April 2026 visitor spending of $1.77bn (+4.8% y/y) even as total arrivals dipped slightly to 828,959 (-0.5%), with higher average daily spend ($278, +14.1%) and a shorter average stay (7.69 days vs 8.33). Cruise Demand: Viking’s new 2028–29 world cruise plans include overnight calls in multiple ports and stops in French Polynesia (Tahiti and Bora Bora) plus the Cook Islands, underlining how long-haul itineraries keep building demand for regional tourism. Regional Security & Trade Risks: Fiji’s biggest cocaine bust (2.64 tonnes, about $3bn) tied to the Vatia jetty was linked to Colombia’s Clan del Golfo, with authorities pointing to cross-border criminal networks—an issue that can directly affect maritime logistics and business confidence across the Pacific. Aviation–Tourism Partnerships: The Cook Islands hosted ASPA81, focusing on “Island Economies in Flight” and bringing airlines, airports and tourism bodies together to strengthen regional connectivity.

Tourism Demand & Spend: Hawaii’s DBEDT reports April 2026 visitor spending at $1.77B (+4.8% vs April 2025) even as total arrivals dipped slightly (-0.5%), with higher average daily spend (+14.1%) and shorter stays (7.69 days vs 8.33). Cruise Industry: Viking unveiled its 2028–29 world cruise plans, including a 142-day itinerary on Viking Vesta with stops in Hawaii and French Polynesia (Tahiti, Bora Bora) plus the Cook Islands, alongside overnight calls in major hubs like Singapore, Zanzibar, Cape Town and Casablanca. Regional Aviation & Tourism: The Cook Islands hosted ASPA81 (18–20 May) bringing Pacific airline and tourism leaders together around “Island Economies in Flight,” highlighting aviation–tourism partnerships and regional connectivity. Security & Organized Crime: Fiji’s major $3B cocaine bust tied to the Vatia jetty was linked to Colombia’s Clan del Golfo, with authorities pointing to cross-border trafficking networks involving Ecuadorians. Business & Branding: A Route 66 centennial story frames how heritage tourism can boost local businesses—while also warning that bypass routes can drain town-center trade.

Tourism & Travel Demand: Viking’s 2028–29 World Cruise plans are now open for booking, with the 142-day Viking Vesta itinerary calling at French Polynesia (Tahiti and Bora Bora) plus the Cook Islands, as part of a broader route that also includes Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia, Southeast Asia and Africa. Visitor Economy: April 2026 visitor spending rose in Hawaii to $1.77bn (+4.8% year-on-year) even as total arrivals edged down, with higher average daily spend (+14.1%) helping offset fewer visitors—useful context for regional tourism operators watching demand patterns. Regional Aviation & Connectivity: The Cook Islands hosted ASPA81, bringing together Pacific airline and tourism leaders to focus on aviation–tourism partnerships and regional connectivity—an indirect but relevant signal for French Polynesia’s travel links. Security & Trade Risks: Fiji’s major $3bn cocaine bust tied to the Vatia jetty was linked to trafficking from Colombia and the Clan del Golfo, highlighting how Pacific logistics routes can carry major financial and reputational risks for the wider region. Branding & Business Tourism: A Route 66 centennial story highlights how historic travel branding can boost local businesses—while also reminding planners that bypass effects can hurt towns that lose passing trade.

Tourism & Aviation: Viking has unveiled its 2028–29 world cruise plans, with the 142-day Viking Vesta departing Fort Lauderdale on Dec. 21, 2028 and calling at French Polynesia stops including Tahiti and Bora Bora (plus the Cook Islands), alongside Hawaii, New Zealand and Australia—an itinerary that could further boost long-haul visitor demand for local ports. Visitor Economy: A May 28 release on Hawaii’s tourism shows April 2026 visitor spending up to $1.77bn (+4.8%) even as total arrivals dipped slightly, with higher average daily spend—useful context for how premium travel behavior is shaping regional demand. Regional Security: Fiji’s major Vatia jetty cocaine seizure (2.64 tonnes, reportedly worth $3bn) was linked to Colombia’s Clan del Golfo, with authorities citing trafficking routes involving Ecuadorians—another reminder of how Pacific logistics can intersect with high-value illicit trade. Diplomacy & Trade Links: Papua New Guinea’s decision to open a Paris embassy is framed as a potential boost for climate, trade, security and education ties, with knock-on implications for cooperation across Pacific territories including French Polynesia.

Tourism & Connectivity: Viking has unveiled its 2028–29 world cruise plans, with the 142-day Viking World Cruise departing Fort Lauderdale on Dec. 21, 2028 and calling at Hawaii, Tahiti, Bora Bora and the Cook Islands—another signal that French Polynesia remains a key stop for long-haul premium travel. Regional Security: Fiji’s biggest cocaine bust—2.64 tonnes worth about $3 billion—was linked to trafficking from Colombia, with authorities citing the Clan Del Golfo network and arrests of Ecuadorians connected to the Vatia jetty case, underscoring how Pacific routes can feed major drug markets. Visitor Economy (Benchmarking): Hawaii’s April 2026 tourism figures show spending up 4.8% year-on-year to $1.77bn despite slightly fewer arrivals, with higher average daily spend—useful context for how visitor value can offset volume.

IPO Watch: Hexagon Nutrition’s IPO is set to open Friday, 5 June, aiming to raise ₹139 crore, with a price band of ₹42–₹45 and an all–offer-for-sale structure (no fresh issue), while grey-market activity so far points to a listing “at par.” Tourism & Travel Demand: A new wave of cruise marketing is pushing French Polynesia into global itineraries, with Viking announcing 2028–29 world cruise options that include stops in Tahiti and Bora Bora (plus the Cook Islands), alongside overnight port calls across Asia, Africa and Europe. Visitor Economy (Regional): Hawaii’s April 2026 visitor spending rose to $1.77bn (+4.8%) even as arrivals dipped slightly, highlighting how higher daily spend can offset weaker footfall. Security & Maritime Trade: AFP and French Armed Forces in French Polynesia trained Kiribati police divers to strengthen counter-narcotics operations, including underwater inspection skills and new specialised equipment to target illicit cargo. Crime Network (Pacific Link): A major cocaine bust tied to the Vatia jetty in Fiji was linked to Colombian trafficking networks, with authorities pointing to broader regional criminal collaboration.

Tourism Demand: April 2026 visitor spending in Hawaii hit $1.77bn (+4.8% y/y) even as total arrivals slipped slightly (-0.5%), with higher average daily spend (+14.1%) helping offset fewer visitors. Maritime Security: The AFP and French Armed Forces in French Polynesia trained Kiribati maritime police divers in Tahiti to strengthen counter-narcotics work, including underwater inspection and operational dives, with new equipment handed over. Cruise & Polynesia Connectivity: Viking unveiled its 2028–29 world cruise plans, including a 142-day itinerary that calls at Hawaii and French Polynesia (Tahiti, Bora Bora) plus the Cook Islands, alongside stops across Asia, Africa and Europe. Regional Aviation: The Cook Islands hosted ASPA81, bringing together Pacific airline and tourism leaders to focus on aviation–tourism partnerships and regional connectivity. Transnational Crime: Fiji’s major $3bn cocaine bust tied the drugs to Colombia’s Clan del Golfo, with authorities discussing the Pacific trafficking route and international links. Diplomacy & Trade Links: Papua New Guinea announced it will open an embassy in Paris, aiming to deepen cooperation with France on climate, security, development and potential spillovers for Pacific partners including French Polynesia.

Tourism & Visitor Economy: April 2026 in Hawaii saw visitor spending rise to $1.77bn (+4.8%) even as total arrivals slipped to 828,959 (-0.5%); air arrivals were 801,335 and cruise arrivals 27,624, with higher average daily spend ($278, +14.1%) and a shorter average stay (7.69 days). Pacific Security & Training: AFP and French Armed Forces in French Polynesia (FAPF) trained 12 Kiribati maritime police divers in Tahiti to strengthen counter-narcotics and underwater inspection for illicit cargo, including PADI certification and operational dives. Regional Crime & Trafficking Links: Fiji’s $3bn cocaine bust tied to the abandoned Vatia jetty was described at a transnational crime summit as trafficked from Colombia and linked to Clan del Golfo, with police disputing some allegations about prior movement via Suva. Cruise Demand Signals for French Polynesia: Viking’s 2028–29 world cruise bookings open, with the 142-day Viking Vesta itinerary calling at Hawaii and French Polynesia (Tahiti, Bora Bora) plus the Cook Islands, alongside Panama Canal transit and stops across Asia, Africa and Europe. Diplomacy with Economic Spillovers: Papua New Guinea’s PM James Marape announced a new PNG embassy in Paris during talks with President Macron, aiming to deepen cooperation on climate, trade, security and development—potentially benefiting Pacific partners including French Polynesia.

Transnational Crime: Fiji police say the 2.64 tonnes of cocaine seized at the abandoned Vatia jetty (Tavua) in January—valued at about $3 billion—was trafficked from Colombia and linked to Clan del Golfo, with four Ecuadorians arrested; police also pushed back on claims some of the drugs had already moved to Suva. Maritime Security Training: The AFP and French Armed Forces in French Polynesia (FAPF) trained 12 Kiribati police divers in Tahiti to improve underwater inspection skills for counter-narcotics and maritime missions, including search-and-rescue and port infrastructure support. Tourism & Travel Demand: April 2026 visitor spending in Hawaii rose to $1.77 billion (+4.8%) even as total arrivals dipped slightly, with higher average daily spend driving growth. Cruise Industry (French Polynesia in the itinerary): Viking announced 2028–29 world cruise itineraries that include stops in Tahiti and Bora Bora, plus the Cook Islands, as part of long-haul global sailings. Diplomacy & Regional Links: Papua New Guinea’s PM James Marape met France’s Macron and announced a new PNG embassy in Paris, with potential knock-on effects for Pacific cooperation involving French territories.

Maritime Security & Drugs: Fiji police and partners say the 2.64 tonnes of cocaine seized at the abandoned Vatia jetty in January—valued at about $3 billion—was trafficked from Colombia and linked to the Clan del Golfo, with Ecuadorians arrested; police also pushed back on claims some of the drugs reached Suva before the seizure. French Polynesia Governance: France’s Overseas Minister Manuel Valls has begun his first official visit to French Polynesia, arriving after a deal with New Caledonia sparked debate across the territory; Valls says the New Caledonia pact is tailored to that case, while Polynesian leaders argue it could open “new perspectives.” Tourism & Cruise Demand: Viking has released 2028–29 world cruise itineraries, including a 142-day voyage that stops in French Polynesia (Tahiti and Bora Bora) and the Cook Islands, with bookings now open—another signal of continued long-haul interest in the region. Regional Aviation-Tourism Links: The Cook Islands hosted ASPA81 in Rarotonga, focusing on aviation–tourism partnerships across the Pacific, a theme closely tied to visitor flows for French Polynesia’s travel economy.

Tourism & Visitor Economy (Hawaii): April 2026 visitor spending in Hawaii rose to $1.77bn (+4.8%) even as total arrivals dipped slightly to 828,959 (-0.5%), with higher average daily spend (+14.1%) helping offset fewer visitors—an important read for Pacific tourism operators watching demand and pricing power. Security & Maritime Capacity (Kiribati–French Polynesia): AFP and French Armed Forces in French Polynesia trained 12 Kiribati maritime police divers in investigative diving to strengthen counter-narcotics and underwater inspection skills, including PADI certification and operational dives at the Papeete naval base, with plans to expand courses across the Pacific. French Polynesia–France Political Watch: French Overseas Minister Manuel Valls began his first official visit to French Polynesia, with the New Caledonia “state within the Republic” deal expected to be a key backdrop for local political debate, even if not formally on the agenda. Ocean Economy & Governance (France–Pacific): France used the Melanesian Ocean Summit in Port Moresby to reaffirm major Pacific commitments on ocean governance, fisheries protection and the blue economy, linking funding and policy to UN ocean outcomes and the push for stronger high-seas biodiversity rules. Regional Aviation–Tourism Links (Cook Islands): The Cook Islands hosted ASPA81 in Rarotonga, bringing together Pacific airline and tourism leaders to stress aviation–tourism partnerships and regional connectivity—relevant for French Polynesia’s own airlift and visitor strategy. Cruise Demand Signals (Viking/Holland America): Viking opened bookings for 2028–29 world cruise itineraries that include French Polynesia among Pacific calls, while Holland America also launched 2028 Grand Voyages featuring extended South Pacific time—both point to continued long-haul cruise interest in the region.

Aviation & Tourism Connectivity: The Cook Islands hosted ASPA81 in Rarotonga (18–20 May), bringing together airline executives, tourism leaders and partners to focus on “Island Economies in Flight” and strengthen Pacific aviation–tourism links. Visitor Economy Watch: Hawaii’s April 2026 figures show total visitor spending up to $1.77bn (+4.8%) even as arrivals dipped slightly, with higher average daily spend offsetting fewer visitors. French Polynesia in Global Travel Marketing: Condé Nast Traveller named Punta Cana among its best tropical getaways, and the magazine’s list also spotlights French Polynesia as a top whale-watching and beach escape option. Cruise Demand Signals for the Region: Viking opened bookings for its 2028–29 world cruises, including calls in French Polynesia as part of long itineraries crossing the Pacific. Security & Maritime Capacity Building: AFP and French Armed Forces trained Kiribati police divers in Tahiti to improve underwater inspection skills for counter-narcotics and maritime threat detection. French Policy Engagement in the Territory: France’s Overseas Minister Manuel Valls began his first official visit to French Polynesia, amid ongoing political debate linked to New Caledonia’s evolving status. Ocean Economy & Governance: France used the Melanesian Ocean Summit in Port Moresby to reaffirm Pacific commitments on fisheries protection and the “blue economy,” tying ocean governance to economic stability.

Aviation & Tourism Partnerships: The Cook Islands hosted ASPA81 in Rarotonga (18–20 May), bringing together Pacific airline executives, tourism leaders and major aerospace players to focus on “Island Economies in Flight” and strengthen aviation–tourism links that matter for regional connectivity. Cruise Demand for French Polynesia: Viking opened bookings for its 2028–29 World Cruise options, including a 142-day itinerary that crosses the Pacific and calls at French Polynesia among other destinations—another signal of long-haul tourism interest in the islands. Visitor Spend Signal (US market): Hawaii’s April 2026 figures show visitor spending up (+4.8%) even as arrivals dipped slightly, with higher average daily spend—useful context for how premium travel demand is holding up. Security & Maritime Capacity: AFP and French Armed Forces in French Polynesia trained Kiribati police divers in investigative diving to help counter illicit drug trafficking, with new underwater inspection equipment and planned follow-on courses. French Polynesia Governance Watch: French Overseas Minister Manuel Valls began his first official visit to French Polynesia, with New Caledonia’s political deal expected to shape discussions across the French Pacific.

Tourism Spend Signal: April 2026 visitor spending rose to $1.77bn (+4.8%) even as total arrivals dipped slightly (-0.5%), with higher average daily spend (+14.1%) helping offset fewer visitors. Maritime Security Training: AFP and French Armed Forces in French Polynesia trained Kiribati maritime police divers in investigative diving to strengthen counter-narcotics and underwater inspection for illicit cargo, with plans to expand advanced courses across the Pacific. French Polynesia in the Diplomatic Orbit: French Overseas Minister Manuel Valls begins his first official visit to French Polynesia amid regional political fallout from New Caledonia’s “New Caledonian State” deal, while Polynesian leaders press for formal talks. Ocean Economy & Fisheries Push: France used the Melanesian Ocean Summit in Port Moresby to reaffirm Pacific commitments on ocean governance, fisheries protection and the blue economy, linking funding and policy to UN ocean outcomes. Cruise Demand for the Pacific: Viking announced 2028/29 world cruise itineraries that include French Polynesia among Pacific calls, reinforcing long-haul tourism demand.