Pacific Travel Deals: Virgin Australia’s week-long sale is pushing return fares from $429 to Bali, with Fiji and Vanuatu also included, plus flight-and-accommodation packages from $649 via Hopper (travel dates 13 Oct 2026–22 Jun 2027). RSE Travel Update: Vanuatu seasonal workers are set to skip New Zealand MIQ under a one-way RSE bubble from 4 Oct, moving to a five-day isolation at the workplace with day-zero/day-five tests (150 Vanuatu workers expected to arrive in Christchurch). Diplomacy & Tourism Links: PNG Prime Minister James Marape broke ground on a Port Vila chancery and reaffirmed support for Vanuatu’s stability and growth, including cooperation in fisheries, agriculture and tourism. Maritime Security: An IMO needs-assessment mission backed Vanuatu to strengthen SOLAS XI-2 and ISPS Code implementation at Port Vila and Luganville ports, targeting safer, more resilient travel and trade. Regional Marine Conservation: The Melanesian Ocean Reserve is set to operate across Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, PNG and New Caledonia, protecting Indigenous ocean values while allowing only sustainable activities. US Visa Rules (Vanuatu Impact): The US made its refundable visa bond programme permanent, with Vanuatu among 50 countries—consular officers may require up to $20,000 for B1/B2 visas.