AGP Executive Report

Vanuatu–France Sovereignty Row: Vanuatu is framing its dispute over the uninhabited Matthew and Hunter islands (Umaenupne and Umaeneg) as a David-versus-Goliath fight, with France controlling the islands since 1965—an issue that could ripple into wider sovereignty claims. Cruising for South Pacific Travellers: Norwegian Cruise Line has extended its 2026–27 South Pacific season with more close-to-home itineraries on Norwegian Spirit, including additional voyages between April and December 2027. Tourism Data Spotlight: The Vanuatu International Visitor Survey results for 2025 show strong tourism performance, with SPTO and the Vanuatu Tourism Office continuing to build local capacity through the Pacific Tourism Data Initiative. Climate Watch: Vanuatu has declared an El Niño watch, warning of drier conditions, warmer ocean temperatures and uneven rainfall—prompting early water and agriculture preparations. Border Security Focus: Pacific customs leaders meet in Nadi to scale up border protection amid rising drug trafficking and organised crime threats across maritime and aviation routes.

Cruise & South Pacific access: Norwegian Cruise Line is extending its South Pacific season with more close-to-home sailings on the refurbished Norwegian Spirit, including extra Sydney departures and itineraries that keep culture and relaxation front and centre for Australians. Tourism data for planning: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Vanuatu Tourism Office have released Vanuatu’s 2025 International Visitor Survey results, highlighting strong visitor interest driven by culture, nature and adventure, with most travellers being first-timers. Regional events with Vanuatu links: Tourism Solomons has signed on as a major sponsor for ‘Aelan Riddim 26’, featuring artists from Vanuatu alongside PNG and Fiji—another Melanesian draw for travellers. Border security focus: Pacific customs leaders are meeting in Nadi to scale up cooperation against drug trafficking, organised crime and smuggling—good news for safer travel routes. Climate readiness: Vanuatu has declared an El Niño watch, urging early preparations for uneven rainfall, warmer ocean conditions and potential water and agriculture impacts.

Cruise Capacity for the South Pacific: Norwegian Cruise Line is extending its 2026–27 South Pacific season with added Norwegian Spirit itineraries, including more multi-island cruises that appeal to Australians seeking culture and easy “unpack once” travel. Vanuatu Visitor Insights: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Vanuatu Tourism Office have published Vanuatu’s 2025 International Visitor Survey results, highlighting strong destination appeal driven by culture, nature and adventure, with many first-time visitors. El Niño Watch in Vanuatu: Vanuatu has declared an El Niño watch, warning of warmer ocean conditions and uneven, reduced rainfall, with government planning focused on water support and protecting agriculture and outer islands. Regional Tourism & Culture Link: Tourism Solomons has backed ‘Aelan Riddim 26’, featuring artists from Vanuatu and across Melanesia, underlining how festivals are being used to grow regional creative economies. Health Sector Focus: Vanuatu’s Ministry of Health is pushing non-communicable disease and cancer care progress, citing nursing shortages and looking to Solomon Islands and PNG for workforce solutions. Border Security Push: Pacific customs leaders are meeting in Nadi to strengthen border security and cooperation as drug trafficking and organised crime target maritime and aviation routes.

Vanuatu Tourism Data: SPTO and the Vanuatu Tourism Office released the January–December 2025 International Visitor Survey results, showing 647 valid responses and a strong destination pull driven by culture, nature and adventure, with 54% of visitors being first-timers. 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 preparation urged and emergency funding mechanisms ready. Regional Culture & Tourism: Tourism Solomons has signed on as a major sponsor of ‘Aelan Riddim 26’ in Honiara, featuring new artists from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu alongside 14 Solomon Islands acts—another Melanesian music draw for travellers. Cruise Demand Signal: Norwegian Cruise Line extended its 2026–27 South Pacific season, adding more close-to-home itineraries for Australians, highlighting culture and relaxation as top cruise motivators. Border Security: Pacific customs leaders meet in Nadi (June 2–4) to scale up border protection amid rising drug trafficking and organised crime threats across maritime and aviation routes.

Vanuatu Tourism Data: SPTO and the Vanuatu Tourism Office have published Vanuatu’s 2025 International Visitor Survey results, showing strong destination appeal driven by culture, natural beauty, adventure and Ni-Vanuatu warmth, with 54% of visitors on their first trip. Climate Watch: Vanuatu has declared an El Niño watch, warning of warmer ocean conditions and uneven, reduced rainfall that could hit water supplies and agriculture, with government planning and possible emergency measures underway. Regional Tourism Networking: Fiji hosted SPTE 2026 for the third time, bringing Pacific tourism players together in Nadi with Fiji Airways backing—useful context for Vanuatu operators looking at regional trade and partnerships. Cruise Demand Signal: Norwegian Cruise Line has extended its South Pacific season, citing strong Australian interest in close-to-home cruising and the appeal of multi-island itineraries. Care Workforce Pathway: Three women from Vanuatu have qualified as personal care assistants in Australia, a reminder of the skills pipeline that can support visitor-facing services at home.

Vanuatu Tourism Data: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Vanuatu Tourism Office have released Vanuatu’s 2025 International Visitor Survey results, showing a strong destination pull driven by authentic culture, natural beauty, adventure and Ni-Vanuatu hospitality, with 54% of respondents first-time visitors and holiday travel the top purpose. Climate & Travel Readiness: Vanuatu has declared an El Niño watch, warning of warmer ocean conditions, uneven and reduced rainfall, and potential water and agriculture impacts, with government planning for emergency funding and water support for vulnerable islands. Regional Tourism Networking: Fiji hosted the South Pacific Tourism Exchange (SPTE 2026) in Nadi, bringing Pacific tourism businesses and partners together with Fiji Airways backing, highlighting the region’s ongoing push to connect buyers and sellers. Cruise Demand for the South Pacific: Norwegian Cruise Line extended its 2026–27 South Pacific season with more close-to-home itineraries, pointing to strong Australian interest in multi-island cruising. Health Sector Focus: A Vanuatu health update discusses efforts to strengthen cancer screening and care at Vanuatu National Hospital, with the key constraint being trained staff shortages. Tourism-Adjacent Safety Note: Reports also flag ongoing security pressures in the wider region’s shipping routes, including incidents involving Vanuatu-flagged vessels.

Vanuatu Tourism Data: SPTO and the Vanuatu Tourism Office have released the 2025 International Visitor Survey results, showing Vanuatu’s strong pull with 54% first-time visitors and holiday travel leading the purpose of visit, using PTDI support funded by New Zealand to guide planning and product decisions. Climate Watch: Vanuatu has declared an El Niño watch, warning of warmer ocean conditions and uneven, reduced rainfall that could hit water supplies and agriculture, with government response measures and possible emergency steps already being readied. Regional Media: NBC is hosting the 16th Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby, focusing on resilient Pacific storytelling and newsroom safety amid misinformation and digital disruption. Cruise Demand: Norwegian Cruise Line has extended its 2026–27 South Pacific season with more close-to-home itineraries for Australians, highlighting culture and relaxation as top cruise motivators. Border Security: Pacific customs leaders meet in Nadi to tackle growing cross-border threats, including drug trafficking and organised crime, with a push for stronger regional cooperation. Tourism Context: A separate Pacific Tourism Organisation/Niue Tourism update shares key findings from the 2024 International Visitor Survey, reinforcing regional visitor preference and spending insights.

Vanuatu Tourism Data: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Vanuatu Tourism Office have released Vanuatu’s 2025 International Visitor Survey results, pointing to strong destination appeal driven by culture, nature, adventure and Ni-Vanuatu hospitality, with more than half of visitors being first-timers. Climate & Travel Readiness: Vanuatu has declared an El Niño watch, warning of warmer ocean conditions and uneven, reduced rainfall that could hit water supplies and agriculture—prompting early public preparations and government contingency planning. Cruise Demand for the Region: Norwegian Cruise Line has extended its South Pacific season, adding more close-to-home itineraries for Australians—good news for Vanuatu’s wider “island-hopping” appeal. Regional Media & Storytelling: The Pacific Media Partnership Conference is underway in Port Moresby, focusing on resilient Pacific voices—relevant for how tourism stories and destination messaging reach travellers. Border Security Context: Pacific customs leaders meet in Nadi to scale up border protection against drugs, organised crime and other cross-border threats, a reminder that safe travel routes underpin tourism growth.

Tourism Data: Vanuatu’s 2025 International Visitor Survey results show strong performance, with 647 valid responses and a clear pull from culture, natural beauty, adventure and Ni-Vanuatu warmth—plus 54% of visitors were first-timers. Cruising: Norwegian Cruise Line is extending its 2026–27 South Pacific season with more close-to-home itineraries (8–13 days) on Norwegian Spirit, highlighting easy multi-island travel for Australians. Climate & Travel Readiness: Vanuatu has declared an El Niño watch, warning of warmer ocean conditions, uneven rainfall and potential water and agriculture impacts, with government planning and possible emergency measures. Regional Media & Storytelling: PNG is hosting the 16th Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby, focusing on “Resilient Voices” and how Pacific broadcasters can collaborate on safer, stronger regional storytelling. Border Security: Pacific customs leaders meet in Nadi (June 2–4) to tackle drug trafficking, organised crime and other cross-border threats, with a push to strengthen border cooperation. Culture Calendar: Fiji’s Melanesian Arts and Cultural Festival has been deferred to next year due to competing programs and fiscal pressures. Maritime Safety: Reports of drone attacks in the Black Sea include a Vanuatu-flagged cargo ship (ANT) hit near Odesa, injuring crew—another reminder of how global shipping risks can ripple into travel and logistics.

Tourism Data: SPTO and the Vanuatu Tourism Office have released the 2025 International Visitor Survey results, showing Vanuatu’s strong appeal to travellers—driven by culture, nature, adventure and Ni-Vanuatu hospitality—with 647 valid responses and 54% first-time visitors. Cruising: Norwegian Cruise Line has extended its 2026–27 South Pacific season, adding more close-to-home itineraries (8 to 13 days) for travellers from April to December 2027. Climate & Water: Vanuatu has declared an El Niño watch, warning of drier conditions, warmer ocean temperatures and uneven rainfall, with government planning for water support and possible emergency measures. Regional Security & Borders: Pacific customs leaders meet in Nadi (June 2–4) to tackle rising cross-border threats like drug trafficking and organised crime, with a focus on scaling up border protection and trade facilitation. Health Sector: Vanuatu’s Ministry of Health is pushing non-communicable disease and cancer care priorities, including plans to strengthen oncology services at Vanuatu National Hospital. Culture & Events: Aelan Riddim Festival is set to bring PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu artists together in Honiara for a Pacific music night. Maritime Risk (Vanuatu-linked): Reports say a Vanuatu-flagged cargo ship was hit by drones in the Black Sea, injuring crew and raising fresh concerns for civilian shipping routes.

Vanuatu Climate Watch: Vanuatu has declared an El Niño watch, warning of warmer ocean conditions, uneven rainfall and possible water and agriculture stress, with ministers preparing support measures and contingency funding ahead of any escalation. Pacific Border Security: Customs leaders from 24 Pacific administrations will meet in Nadi (June 2–4) to tackle growing border threats like drug trafficking, organised crime and illicit trade, with Fiji hosting the Oceania Customs Organisation conference. Vanuatu in Global Shipping News: A Russian drone strike hit a Vanuatu-flagged cargo ship (ANT) on the Black Sea route from Odesa to Turkey, injuring two crew members and sparking a fire that was contained. Regional Tourism & Culture: Fiji has deferred its 8th Melanesian Arts and Cultural Festival to next year, citing competing national programs and fiscal pressures, while planning continues for Suva as the main hub. Tourism-Adjacent Travel Inspiration: A new Fiji Airways stopover guide highlights global cities reachable via Fiji connections, spotlighting travel ideas for Australians planning holidays beyond Sydney.

Indo-Pacific Infrastructure Push: The Quad’s New Delhi decisions are spotlighting Pacific ports, maritime surveillance, undersea cables and critical minerals—an approach that links trade routes and connectivity to regional security, with Fiji singled out. Climate & Water Readiness: Vanuatu has issued an El Niño watch, warning of hotter ocean conditions and uneven, reduced rainfall, with MPs urging stronger planning for agriculture, livestock and outer islands; officials say response plans and emergency funding mechanisms are ready. Health Sector Focus: A Vanuatu Ministry of Health update highlights efforts to tackle non-communicable diseases and expand cancer screening and care, but stresses the biggest bottleneck is trained staff. Tourism Culture Timing: Fiji’s Melanesian Arts and Cultural Festival has been deferred to next year due to competing programs and fiscal pressures—an important regional signal for arts travel planning. Regional Border Security: Pacific customs leaders meet in Nadi to scale up cooperation against drug trafficking, organised crime and smuggling, reflecting how border controls shape travel and movement across the islands.

Pacific Border Security: Customs chiefs from 24 Pacific administrations will meet in Nadi June 2–4 for the Oceania Customs Organisation conference, with drug trafficking, organised crime, and other cross-border threats high on the agenda. Vanuatu Health & Skills: Vanuatu’s Ministry of Health is pushing non-communicable disease work, including cancer screening and treatment, but says the biggest bottleneck is trained staff—driving partnerships and training links with Solomon Islands and PNG. Regional Tourism Culture: Fiji has deferred its 8th Melanesian Arts and Cultural Festival to next year due to competing programs and budget pressure, with Suva set as the main hub for ceremonies and performances. Vanuatu in the Spotlight (Climate Justice): The UN General Assembly backed a climate responsibility resolution introduced by Vanuatu, while the US voted against it—another signal of rising climate accountability pressure. Melanesian Music: Air Niugini is backing the Aelan Riddim Festival in Honiara with travel support for artists from PNG, Fiji, and Vanuatu, spotlighting regional creative links for visitors.

Maritime Safety & Tourism Risk: Turkey is urging restraint after a Russian drone attack hit a Turkish-owned, Vanuatu-flagged dry cargo ship (ANT) on the Black Sea route from Odesa to Türkiye, injuring two Turkish crew members and sparking a fire that was later extinguished—another reminder that shipping lanes matter for regional travel and trade. Health & Skills for Vanuatu: KmK reports Vanuatu’s Ministry of Health is pushing non-communicable disease (NCD) screening and cancer care, but faces nursing and trained staff shortages; a recent trip to Solomon Islands and PNG is aimed at building future medical training pathways. Regional Culture & Visitor Pull: The Aelan Riddim Festival returns in Honiara with artists from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu (including Shaza), positioning Melanesian music as a fresh draw for Pacific travellers. Tourism Data: SPTO and Kiribati’s tourism authority released the Kiribati International Visitor Survey (IVS) 2025 report, adding more destination insights for Pacific marketing planning. Travel Policy Watch: New Zealand is cutting visa fees for Pacific visitors for 12 months and extending multi-entry access, a move that could boost travel demand but may reduce government revenue.

Vanuatu Health Sector: KmK reports Vanuatu’s Ministry of Health is pushing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and cancer screening, with a push to expand oncology services at Vanuatu National Hospital—while nursing shortages remain the key hurdle after a recent trip to Solomon Islands and PNG. Pacific Tourism & Culture: Air Niugini is backing the Aelan Riddim Music Festival in Honiara, helping fly 10 Melanesian artists (including Vanuatu’s Shazza) to perform and strengthen regional creative links. Regional Travel Data: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Kiribati’s Tourism Authority released the Kiribati International Visitor Survey (IVS) 2025 Annual Report, adding fresh visitor insights for Pacific tourism planning (including Vanuatu within the wider PTDI-supported data work). Policy for Pacific Visitors: New Zealand is cutting visa fees for Pacific visitors for 12 months and extending default multi-entry visas, with officials warning of a $1–2m annual revenue hit—good news for travel ease across the region. Maritime Safety Watch: Multiple reports flag drone attacks disrupting Black Sea shipping, including a Vanuatu-flagged vessel (ANT) hit en route from Odesa to Türkiye, underlining ongoing risks for international routes.

Direct Air Access: Fiji Airways is adding more capacity on its Vancouver–Nadi route, making it easier to book a single, protected itinerary onward to Port Vila (VLI) with coordinated connections via Air Vanuatu—good news for North American travellers who’ve faced messy multi-carrier journeys. Regional Culture & Music: The Aelan Riddim Festival is back in Honiara with artists from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu joining Solomon Islands performers for a Pacific-focused showcase this weekend. Tourism Data Spotlight: The Pacific Tourism Organisation and Kiribati’s Tourism Authority released the Kiribati International Visitor Survey (IVS) 2025 Annual Report, sharing visitor behaviour and spending insights to guide marketing and development. Cruise Inspiration: Silversea has wrapped its 140-day World Cruise 2026, “The Curious and the Sea,” highlighting how luxury cruising is leaning into destination-led cultural experiences. Travel Policy Watch: New Zealand is temporarily reducing visa fees for Pacific visitors and extending multi-entry options, with officials flagging a revenue impact but aiming to deepen regional connections.