AGP Executive Report

New Air Route for Vanuatu: Solomon Airlines has launched a second weekly direct Brisbane–Espiritu Santo service, giving Australians more options for short breaks or week-long Santo escapes. Tourism Trade Boost: Vanuatu Tourism Office renewed its MOU with Fiji Airways, aiming to drive global awareness of Vanuatu via Fiji’s gateway network and joint sales missions. Regional Tourism Momentum: The South Pacific Tourism Exchange 2026 reported record participation and strong B2B results, with wider Pacific representation including growth from Papua New Guinea. Cruise Demand Signals: Norwegian Cruise Line unveiled more South Pacific sailings for 2026–27, including itineraries that call at Vanuatu. Pacific Safety Watch: After a powerful Philippines earthquake, tsunami monitoring was placed on alert across the Pacific, including Vanuatu, with advisories urging coastal readiness. Climate Funding Context: New Zealand pledged $20m to COP27 “loss and damage” funding, highlighting ongoing pressure on Pacific communities facing climate-linked impacts. Ongoing Vanuatu–France Dispute: Vanuatu says France is stalling talks over the Matthew and Hunter islands, with negotiations delayed and political stakes rising ahead of French elections.

New Zealand Climate Funding: New Zealand pledges an initial US$20m to help developing nations cover “loss and damage” from climate impacts, with Pacific communities named among the most at risk. Cruise Growth: Royal Caribbean has started physical construction on its next big ship, with details on itineraries expected in 2027—good news for regional cruise demand. Vanuatu-Air Connectivity: A new direct Brisbane–Espiritu Santo service (second weekly non-stop) is launched by Solomon Airlines, cutting travel time for Australians chasing a Santo long-weekend. Regional Tourism Trade: The South Pacific Tourism Exchange 2026 report flags record participation and stronger Pacific representation, including more PNG sellers. Pacific Safety Watch: After a powerful Philippines earthquake, Pacific agencies—including Vanuatu—are on tsunami monitoring alert. Tourism Culture & Values: A Pride Month backlash in Vanuatu has sparked debate after a local photographer offered free shoots to LGBTQ couples, with calls for respectful dialogue.

New Air Access for Santo: Solomon Airlines has launched a second weekly non-stop Brisbane–Espiritu Santo service, giving Australians more options for short breaks or week-long escapes to Vanuatu’s northern hub. Tourism Partnerships: Vanuatu Tourism Office renewed its MOU with Fiji Airways, aiming to boost trade-show and sales missions and make it easier for travellers via Nadi to reach Port Vila and beyond. Cruise Boost for the Region: Norwegian Cruise Line added more South Pacific sailings for 2026–27, including itineraries that call at Vanuatu (Port Vila) alongside Fiji and New Caledonia. Regional Trade Momentum: The South Pacific Tourism Exchange 2026 report says record participation and stronger Pacific collaboration helped drive thousands of business meetings, with wider inclusion for smaller island sellers. Sport & Tourism Link: The OFC Pro League is financially secured for three more years, with Vanuatu United FC among the clubs—good news for football fans planning Pacific trips. Sovereignty Watch: Vanuatu’s dispute with France over Matthew and Hunter (Umaenupne/Umaeneg) remains unresolved, with talks stalled—an issue that can shape regional travel and investment narratives.

New Air Access for Vanuatu: Solomon Airlines has launched a second weekly direct, non-stop Brisbane–Espiritu Santo service, giving Australians an easier route to Santo’s northern tourism hub and boosting capacity for short breaks and week-long escapes. Tourism Partnerships: The Vanuatu Tourism Office renewed its MOU with Fiji Airways, aiming to lift global visibility through trade shows, roadshows and sales missions via Fiji’s gateway network. Regional Travel Demand: The South Pacific Tourism Exchange 2026 in Fiji logged record participation and business meetings, with stronger Pacific representation including growth from Papua New Guinea and broader inclusion for smaller island states. Pacific Safety Watch: After a powerful Philippines earthquake, Pacific coastal monitoring systems were placed on alert for possible tsunami impacts, with Vanuatu included in the regional advisory list. Sovereignty & Tourism Risk: Vanuatu’s dispute with France over Matthew and Hunter (Umaenupne/Umaeneg) remains unresolved as talks stall, with potential knock-on effects for regional relations and investment. OFC Football Boost: Vanuatu United FC is among the clubs in the financially secured OFC Pro League, which runs across the Pacific and keeps Port Vila on the football travel map.

New Air Access for Vanuatu: Solomon Airlines has launched a second weekly direct, non-stop Brisbane–Espiritu Santo service, giving Australians more options for quick Santo escapes and boosting capacity to Vanuatu’s northern tourism hub. Cruise Demand in the South Pacific: Norwegian Cruise Line has added more South Pacific sailings for 2026–2027, including itineraries that stop in Vanuatu (Port Vila) alongside Fiji and New Caledonia. Tourism Trade Momentum: The Pacific Tourism Organisation’s SPTE 2026 report says the South Pacific Tourism Exchange in Fiji hit record engagement, with 225+ trade-floor participants, 2,809 B2B meetings, and stronger participation from smaller island states. Regional Policy Watch: Vanuatu’s sovereignty dispute with France over Matthew/Hunter (Umaenupne/Umaeneg) remains unresolved as talks stall ahead of French elections, with tourism and investment hopes caught in the diplomatic crossfire. Vanuatu–Fiji Airways Partnership: Vanuatu Tourism Office renewed its MOU with Fiji Airways to strengthen joint promotion and trade activity via Nadi connections. OFC Pro League Boost: Vanuatu United FC is among the clubs in the financially secured OFC Pro League for the next three years, keeping regional football tourism in the spotlight.

New Air Link to Santo: Solomon Airlines has launched a second weekly direct Brisbane–Espiritu Santo service, giving Australians more options for short breaks or week-long escapes to Vanuatu’s northern hub. Tourism Trade Momentum: The South Pacific Tourism Exchange 2026 (Fiji, March 24–26) delivered record engagement, with 225+ trade-floor participants, 2,809 B2B meetings, and a higher seller conversion rate—good news for regional operators including Vanuatu. Cruise Calls Vanuatu: Norwegian Cruise Line has extended South Pacific sailings through 2027, including itineraries that stop in Vanuatu (Port Vila) alongside Fiji and New Caledonia. Vanuatu–France Island Tension: A sovereignty dispute over Matthew/Hunter (Umaenupne/Umaeneg) remains unresolved, with Vanuatu accusing France of stalling talks—an issue that could affect regional maritime planning and future tourism narratives. Regional Risk Watch: Pacific agencies are monitoring coastal waters after a powerful Philippines earthquake, with Vanuatu included in tsunami advisory areas. OFC Pro League Update: Vanuatu United FC is among the clubs that took part in the OFC Pro League’s first season, now financially secured for the next three years.

New Air Access to Santo: Solomon Airlines has launched a second weekly direct, non-stop Brisbane–Espiritu Santo service, giving Australians more options for short breaks or week-long island escapes. Tourism Trade Momentum: SPTO’s South Pacific Tourism Exchange 2026 report says record participation delivered 2,809 business meetings and a higher seller conversion rate, with stronger Pacific representation. Vanuatu–Fiji Airline Partnership: Vanuatu Tourism Office renewed its MOU with Fiji Airways, highlighting easier connections via Nadi for travellers across Australia, NZ, Asia and beyond. Sovereignty Watch: Vanuatu’s dispute with France over Matthew and Hunter islands is still stuck, with Vanuatu accusing France of stalling talks ahead of French elections. Pacific Safety Alert: After a powerful Philippines earthquake, tsunami monitoring advisories included Vanuatu and other Pacific nations, with coastal systems on alert. Culture & Travel: Tourism Solomons backed ‘Aelan Riddim 26’, bringing Vanuatu artists into the Solomon Islands’ regional music spotlight.

New Flight to Vanuatu: Solomon Airlines has launched a second weekly non-stop Brisbane–Espiritu Santo service, giving Australians more options for short breaks to Santo. Airline Partnership: Vanuatu Tourism Office renews its MOU with Fiji Airways, aiming to boost trade shows, roadshows and sales missions via Fiji’s gateway network. Regional Tourism Boost: SPTO’s Post-Event Report for South Pacific Tourism Exchange 2026 says record participation and the strongest business meeting results yet, with broader Pacific representation including PNG and first-time FSM involvement. Tourism Investment Push: AHICE Fiji’s 2026 tourism investment conference kicked off with a record crowd of 400+ and fresh momentum for accommodation and visitor growth across the region. Diplomacy & Travel Risk: Vanuatu’s sovereignty dispute with France over Matthew and Hunter islands is heating up, with Vanuatu accusing France of stalling talks ahead of French elections. Safety Watch: Pacific agencies are monitoring coastal waters after a powerful Philippines earthquake, with Vanuatu included in the tsunami advisory area. Culture on the Calendar: Solomon Islands tourism group Tourism Solomons backs ‘Aelan Riddim 26’, bringing Vanuatu artists into the festival lineup.

New Air Access for Vanuatu: Solomon Airlines has launched a second weekly direct, non-stop Brisbane–Espiritu Santo service, giving Australians more options for quick getaways and boosting Santo’s role as a northern tourism hub. Airline Partnership Boost: Vanuatu Tourism Office renewed its MOU with Fiji Airways, highlighting Fiji Airways’ wide network via Nadi and positioning Vanuatu for more international trade shows and sales missions. Regional Safety Watch: Pacific agencies are monitoring coastal waters after a powerful earthquake hit the southern Philippines, with Vanuatu included in a tsunami advisory list (no tsunami threat confirmed for New Zealand). Tourism Culture & Music: Tourism Solomons signed on as a major sponsor of ‘Aelan Riddim 26’ in Honiara, featuring artists from Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Vanuatu—another reminder of how regional events can drive Melanesian travel. Visa-Free Travel (Global): South African passport holders gained visa-free access to Togo, raising visa-free destinations to 101—small but useful for long-haul planning.

New Air Access for Santo: Solomon Airlines has launched a second weekly non-stop Brisbane–Espiritu Santo service, giving Australians more choice for short breaks or week-long island escapes, with the Vanuatu Tourism Office calling it a boost for demand to Vanuatu’s northern hub. Tourism Partnerships: Vanuatu Tourism Office has renewed its MOU with Fiji Airways, strengthening joint promotion and leveraging Fiji’s Nadi network for easier connections from Australia, NZ, Asia and beyond. Regional Travel Safety Watch: Pacific agencies are monitoring coastal waters after a powerful Philippines earthquake triggered tsunami advisories that include Vanuatu, with officials urging travellers to follow local guidance if alerts are issued. Pacific Culture & Events: Tourism Solomons is backing ‘Aelan Riddim 26’ in Honiara, featuring artists from Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Vanuatu alongside local acts—another reminder of the region’s growing music tourism pull. Visa-Free Travel Note (Global): South African passport holders gained visa-free access to Togo, bringing the total to 101 destinations—useful context for outbound travel planning.

Vanuatu–Fiji Air Connectivity: The Vanuatu Tourism Office has renewed its MOU with Fiji Airways, boosting joint promotion and leveraging Fiji Airways’ daily Nadi links to Vanuatu for travellers from Australia, NZ, Asia and beyond. Pacific Tsunami Watch: After a strong earthquake hit the southern Philippines, Pacific agencies—including Vanuatu—were placed on tsunami monitoring alert, with guidance to move away from beaches and harbours if in advisory zones. Tourism Data Spotlight: SPTO and Vanuatu Tourism Office released Vanuatu’s 2025 International Visitor Survey results, highlighting what’s driving demand—authentic culture, natural beauty, adventure and Ni-Vanuatu warmth—plus a strong share of first-time visitors. Regional Tourism Networking: Fiji hosted SPTE 2026, bringing Pacific tourism players together with Fiji Airways as a key sponsor, underlining the region’s push for stronger trade and partnerships. Culture on the Calendar: Tourism Solomons backed ‘Aelan Riddim 26’ in Honiara, featuring artists from across Melanesia including Vanuatu.

Vanuatu–Fiji air links: The Vanuatu Tourism Office has renewed its MOU with Fiji Airways, aiming to boost global promotion of Vanuatu’s culture, adventure and natural beauty, with Fiji Airways’ daily Nadi connections making it easier for travellers from Australia, New Zealand, Asia and North America to reach the islands. Pacific quake watch: After a powerful Philippines earthquake, Pacific agencies including Vanuatu are on tsunami monitoring alert; New Zealand says there’s no threat locally, but advisories cover multiple Pacific nations with guidance to move away from beaches and harbours if in advisory zones. Tourism data for planning: SPTO and the Vanuatu Tourism Office have published Vanuatu’s 2025 International Visitor Survey results under the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative, highlighting what drives visitors—authentic culture, natural scenery, adventure and Ni-Vanuatu warmth—plus first-time visitor share and satisfaction insights. Regional culture on stage: Tourism Solomons backs ‘Aelan Riddim 26’ in Honiara, with Vanuatu artists among the line-up, underlining Melanesian music tourism links across the region.

Air Connectivity Boost: The Vanuatu Tourism Office has renewed its MOU with Fiji Airways, using Fiji’s Nadi network to make it easier for travellers from Australia, New Zealand, Asia and North America to reach Vanuatu for culture, adventure and island holidays. Regional Travel Safety Watch: After a powerful Philippines earthquake, Pacific agencies including Vanuatu are under tsunami monitoring, with advisories urging people to move away from beaches and harbours if in affected coastal areas. Tourism & Culture Calendar: Tourism Solomons has stepped in as a major sponsor of ‘Aelan Riddim 26’ in Honiara, bringing Vanuatu artists (plus PNG and Fiji acts) into the Melanesian music spotlight. Visitor Insights for Operators: SPTO and Vanuatu Tourism Office released Vanuatu’s 2025 International Visitor Survey results, highlighting strong appeal from first-time visitors drawn by culture, nature and adventure. Cruise Demand Signal: Norwegian Cruise Line extended its South Pacific season, pointing to continued Aussie interest in multi-island cruising close to home.

Pacific Tsunami Watch: A powerful 8.2 quake (later revised to 7.8) hit the southern Philippines, prompting regional tsunami monitoring. The US Tsunami Warning Centre says waves could reach under 0.3m above tide levels in places including Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga, Solomon Islands and PNG, with advice to move off beaches and follow local officials. Tourism Safety Alert: In Australia, a Canadian tourist suffered a fractured skull and brain bleeding after a violent assault in Byron Bay’s Railway Park; police say the victim had arrived just the day before and are seeking witnesses. Vanuatu in the Spotlight: Vanuatu’s FIFA World Cup campaign context is growing, with Oceania’s direct qualification secured by New Zealand—Vanuatu among the OFC nations in the qualifying mix. Cruising Demand: Norwegian Cruise Line extended South Pacific sailings, highlighting close-to-home itineraries that include multiple island stops. Tourism Data: SPTO and Vanuatu Tourism Office released Vanuatu’s 2025 International Visitor Survey results, pointing to strong interest driven by culture, nature and adventure. Culture & Travel: Tourism Solomons backed ‘Aelan Riddim 26’, bringing Vanuatu artists into the Solomon Islands’ festival lineup.

El Niño Watch for Vanuatu: Vanuatu has declared an El Niño watch, warning of warmer seas, reduced and uneven rainfall, and potential water and agriculture impacts—officials say response plans and emergency funding mechanisms are ready, with communities urged to start early preparations. Vanuatu Tourism Data Boost: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Vanuatu Tourism Office released Vanuatu’s 2025 International Visitor Survey results, showing strong destination appeal driven by culture, nature and adventure, with 54% first-time visitors and holiday travel leading. Cruising for South Pacific travellers: Norwegian Cruise Line extended its South Pacific season with more close-to-home itineraries on Norwegian Spirit, highlighting multi-island convenience for Australians. Tourism event spotlight (Solomons): Tourism Solomons stepped in as a major sponsor of ‘Aelan Riddim 26’, bringing Vanuatu and other regional artists to Honiara’s flagship contemporary music festival. Regional security and travel context: A Pacific-led police training program in Brisbane welcomed officers from across the region, underscoring ongoing mobility and capacity-building for Pacific stability. World Cup qualification link (Vanuatu in the mix): Vanuatu featured in Oceania qualifying as New Zealand secured the region’s direct 2026 FIFA World Cup spot.

Vanuatu-France Diplomacy: Vanuatu is framing its dispute over the uninhabited Matthew and Hunter (Umaenupne and Umaeneg) islands as a “David versus Goliath” sovereignty fight, with France controlling the islands since 1965 and fears it could spark wider claims across the world. Tourism Data for Planning: SPTO and the Vanuatu Tourism Office have released Vanuatu’s 2025 International Visitor Survey results, showing strong performance driven by culture, nature and adventure, with 54% first-time visitors. El Niño Watch: Vanuatu has declared an El Niño watch, warning of warmer ocean conditions, uneven and reduced rainfall, and potential water and agriculture impacts, with early preparations urged. Regional Culture & Travel Demand: Tourism Solomons has backed “Aelan Riddim 26” in Honiara, featuring artists from Vanuatu and across Melanesia—another reminder of how music festivals keep regional travel moving. Cruise Market Momentum: Norwegian Cruise Line extended its South Pacific season with more close-to-home itineraries, highlighting continued demand from Australians for multi-island trips. Border Security: Pacific customs leaders meet in Nadi to boost cooperation against drug trafficking and organised crime—an issue that can directly affect visitor confidence and safe travel.