PACNEWS TWO, 09 JULY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — Australia’s PM pressured to confront China over missile test2. PACIFIC — Pacific pushes back after Chinese missile test backfires3. PACIFIC — ‘We are family
Tourism
Solomon Airlines opens Vila–Christchurch route
VANUATU has a second gateway to New Zealand with the introduction of a Port Vila-Christchurch service by Solomon
Pacific tourism trade converges in Fiji
FIJI is set to host the Pacific's biggest tourism business week in 2027 and generate new partnerships, attract international buyers, and strengthen the Pacific's visitor economy.
UNESCO recognises Nino Konis Santana as Timor-Leste’s first biosphere reserve
TIMOR-LESTE'S Nino Konis Santana National Park has been designated Timor-Leste’s first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, marking an international recognition of the park’s ecological and cultural value and giving the
Timor-Leste welcomes Aero Dili’s new Darwin service
TRAVEL to Timor-Leste becomes easier with the introduction of Aero Dili’s direct flights between Dili and Darwin.
Homestay expansion gives Rotuma Tourism a lift
ROTUMA, located about 465 north-northwest of Fiji’s main islands, has seen its thin tourism sector get a small but significant boost.
Accor and Yavu Collective sign major Fiji hotel deal
A MAJOR hospitality agreement is set to strengthen Fiji’s tourism sector, with global hotel group Accor and Fijian-owned Yavu Collective signing a landmark deal to introduce three new hotels across Denarau and Nadi.
PNG tourism authority criticises Green Fee, warns it could hurt visitor arrivals
PAPUA New Guinea’s tourism authority has rejected the country’s new Green Fee on international travelers, saying it was introduced without consultation and risks weakening a sector still trying to recover and grow.
Fiji enacts new Tourism Act 2026
FIJI’S tourism industry has entered a new regulatory phase following the passing of the Tourism Bill No. 10 of 2026, which has now
Tonga appoints new Tourism CEO
THE Public Service Commission has appointed Sandradee Fonua Fifita as the new Chief Executive Officer of Tonga’s Ministry of
Domestic market key, says Lulutai Airlines CEO
ENSURING they keep the local market connected tops the list of priorities for Tonga’s domestic airline, Lulutai
Cruise tourism returns to Yasawa-i-Rara, highlighting a model for remote tourism growth
Cruise tourism is bringing fresh income and renewed optimism to Yasawa-i-Rara in Fiji’s Yasawa Group, as improvedmaritime access
PACNEWS THREE, 29 MAY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — ‘Budget for the greedy, not the needy’: Pacific leaders clash over who wins in Budget 20262. PACIFIC — Fuel crisis on agenda as Vaovasamanaia visits Samoa3. FIJI
PACNEWS ONE, 29 MAY 2026
In this bulletin: 1. PACIFIC — Government faces questions about first payment to Nauru under NZYQ deportee deal2. PACIFIC — Budget 2026 boosts Pacific aid and defence spending amid security concerns3. VAN
Fiji to host South Pacific Tourism Exchange 2027
FIJI has won the bid to host the South Pacific Tourism Exchange (SPTE) 2027, following a decisive vote by the Pacific Tourism
Air Rarotonga adds fuel surcharge amid tourism capacity concerns
AIR Rarotonga has introduced a fuel surcharge in response to the Middle East crisis, as the Cook Islands shifts from promoting
Vila to Vancouver service on the way
VANUATU looks set for a major economic boost after Fiji Airways announced a direct connection from Vancouver to Port Vila via
US removes negative travel advisory for New Caledonia
THE United States’ State Department has officially lowered its travel advisory for New Caledonia. As of 21 May the
Air Kiribati holds steady on fuel costs, eyes 24/7 airport operations
AIR Kiribati Chairman Kevin Rouatu says the national carrier has yet to feel any fuel price increase from the Middle East
Air Vanuatu: Partner up or perish
AIR Vanuatu Chairman Robin Deamer says the government stepped in with fuel subsidies to prevent ticket price hikes amid the Middle
Solomon Airlines chief tackles fuel costs, weak air deals
SOLOMON Airlines' new Chief Executive says the carrier has absorbed soaring fuel costs through gradual fare restructuring rather
Tourism resilient, but air access still a challenge: SPTO
RESILIENT is how Chris Crocker of the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) described the industry citing data that shows
