PNG Tourism & Nature Spotlight: NCD Governor Powes Parkop urged the PNG Orchid Society to take Papua New Guinea’s orchid and flower industry global, calling for partnerships with tourism groups and international stakeholders after the 2026 National Orchid and Flower Show. Security for Visitors: Police in Port Moresby are ramping up a major operation for the sold-out Digicel Cup grand final, warning travelling fans to avoid the capital if they don’t have tickets, with checkpoints around the stadium and Boroko. Getting Around PNG: PM James Marape highlighted how new and upgraded roads are meant to connect communities and help farmers reach markets faster, pointing to the Pangu Highway and other infrastructure as Independence approaches. Business & Travel Links: Ok Tedi Mining has launched its first direct charter flight from Tabubil to Brisbane, cutting delays and creating a new hub for its fly-in, fly-out workforce. Culture on the Move: The National Cultural Commission backed reggae cultural ambassador Anslom Nakikus with K20,000 for international music engagements in Jamaica and Vanuatu. Wildlife Discovery: Scientists have rediscovered the “lost” spinach pipefish in PNG’s Ramu–Sepik river system after decades, thanks to work with local communities.
AGP Executive Report
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Digicel Cup Grand Final Security: Port Moresby police are ramping up checks for Sunday’s sold-out Digicel Cup decider between PRK Mendi Muruks and ENB Agmark Gurias, with checkpoints around the National Football Stadium and Boroko. Commander Benjamin Turi says fans without tickets should stay away, warning of mass arrests for groups causing trouble and action against social media threats, while alcohol-fuelled bad behaviour won’t be allowed inside. NRL PNG Chiefs Boost: PNG Chiefs have locked in BSP as their front-of-shirt sponsor on a record three-year deal, backing the club’s 2028 NRL entry and promising pathways for juniors and women’s sport. Roads Open Up Travel: PM James Marape continues his Independence push by touring newly connected routes, including the Pangu Highway, stressing that roads and bridges cut travel time, lower costs, and help farmers and small businesses reach markets. Mining Travel Milestone: Ok Tedi has started its first direct charter flight from Tabubil to Brisbane, aiming to cut airport delays and improve FIFO travel reliability. Culture on the Move: The National Cultural Commission has provided K20,000 support for reggae cultural ambassador Anslom Nakikus ahead of international music work in Jamaica and Vanuatu. Adventure Guide: A travel feature highlights PNG as a gateway via Jacksons International Airport, with domestic flights and boats key for reaching provinces, and May–October flagged as the best season for trekking and diving.
NRL & PNG Chiefs: PNG Chiefs have landed BSP as their official principal foundation partner, a record three-year front-of-shirt deal worth about AU$15m, as the club gears up for its 2028 NRL debut. Roads & travel access: PM James Marape is pushing “people-focused” infrastructure, including the newly opened Pangu Highway linking Port Moresby to Mt Hagen, arguing better roads cut travel time and costs for farmers and families. Mining travel milestone: Ok Tedi has launched its first direct charter flight from Tabubil to Brisbane, aiming to reduce airport delays and improve FIFO travel reliability for Western Province operations. Culture on the move: The National Cultural Commission has approved K20,000 support for cultural ambassador reggae artist Anslom Nakikus, backing his international music engagements from Jamaica to Vanuatu. Safety at major events: PNG Rugby Football League says it will strengthen security at the Santos National Football Stadium for the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup grand final while keeping a family atmosphere for fans travelling in for the match. Adventure travel guide: A fresh travel feature spotlights PNG as a “culture and adventure” destination, highlighting Jacksons International Airport access, domestic flights/boats, and the May–October dry season for trekking and diving. Election funding concern: Police and PNGDF told a parliamentary elections committee they’re still awaiting election-preparation funding, raising questions for next year’s GE27 readiness.
PNG Air Travel & Tourism: Ok Tedi has launched its first direct charter flight from Tabubil to Brisbane, cutting airport delays by 3–4 hours and creating a new hub for its fly-in, fly-out workforce—an Independence-week boost for Western Province travel links. Infrastructure & Community Travel: Prime Minister James Marape is on a road push along the newly opened Pangu Highway, urging Highlands farmers and businesses to use improved roads and bridges to get goods to market faster and reach schools and clinics. Education & Visitor Experience: Marape also commissioned the University of Goroka’s new K130 million administration building and student forum square, positioning upgraded facilities as a key step for better teacher training. Culture & International Travel: The National Cultural Commission has provided K20,000 support for reggae cultural ambassador Anslom Nakikus, backing his Jamaica and Vanuatu music engagements. Safety & Security: Port Moresby police leadership says the capital is shifting toward proactive community policing as major events and next year’s election planning loom. Sport Tourism: The PNG Chiefs have secured BSP as principal foundation partner for their 2028 NRL entry, with a record sponsorship deal expected to fuel training pathways and wider PNG participation. Business Travel: West Sepik businesses are being encouraged to explore Indonesia’s Trade Expo Indonesia 2026 in October, with Vanimo’s border position highlighted as a key advantage. Climate & Travel Conditions: Palau scientists report haze linked to smoke transported from fires across Australia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea—dry El Niño conditions could worsen regional air impacts. Travel Docs Watch: Australia’s Pacific Engagement Visa list includes PNG, Solomon Islands and other Pacific nations, offering a permanent residence pathway for eligible citizens.
Roads & Growth: PM James Marape says PNG’s next push is about using new and upgraded roads to help farmers and small businesses get produce to market and families reach schools and clinics. Highway Milestone: He also completed a 1,300km road trip along the newly opened Pangu Highway, linking Port Moresby to Mt Hagen, calling for unity and productivity ahead of Independence Day. Elections Funding Gap: Police and PNGDF told a parliamentary committee they’ve not received election-preparation funding yet, warning timelines for tenders and hiring are tight. Safety & Tourism Caution: Authorities are highlighting the risks of swimming in off-limits areas after a child was attacked by an alligator in Florida’s restricted reserve—another reminder for travellers to follow local rules. Culture on the Move: The National Cultural Commission provided K20,000 support for reggae cultural ambassador Anslom Nakikus ahead of work in Jamaica and travel to Vanuatu. Sports & Sponsorship: PNG Chiefs announced BSP as principal foundation partner in a record NRL sponsorship deal, backing pathways for juniors and women’s participation. Travel Trade Links: West Sepik businesses are being urged to explore Indonesia’s Trade Expo (Oct 14–18) via the Vanimo consulate meeting. Air Travel Boost: Air Niugini is set to resume Auckland–Port Moresby nonstop service from 17 Nov 2026, with a new NZ sales & marketing lead appointed. Education Investment: PM Marape commissioned UOG’s K130m Central Administration Building and student forum square, stressing improved teacher training and learning outcomes. Regional Security Watch: Fiji’s justice minister warned prisons could be exploited by transnational criminal networks without safeguards, with PNG among the corrections officials meeting in Suva. PNG in the Spotlight: Port Moresby police chief says the capital is working toward a more liveable, safer city through proactive community policing as major events approach.
Pangu Highway Push: PM James Marape completed a 1,300km road trip to Mt Hagen on the newly opened Pangu Highway, saying infrastructure is the way to unite PNG ahead of Independence Day on Sept 16. Election Readiness: Police and PNGDF told a parliamentary elections committee they’re still waiting on election-preparation funding, warning they can’t legally spend money until released. Safer Cities: Port Moresby’s police chief says the capital can be made more liveable and safe, with a shift toward proactive community policing and neighbourhood programmes. Violence Response: Australia’s inaugural Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Commissioner Micaela Cronin has joined the board of Femili PNG, supporting crisis accommodation and survivor services in Lae, Goroka and Port Moresby. Prison Security Warning: Fiji’s justice minister says prisons across the Pacific could be exploited by organised crime networks unless safeguards are strengthened. PNG Chiefs Tourism & Sport: PNG Chiefs’ NRL entry keeps building momentum, with BSP named principal foundation partner in a record sponsorship deal, while Air Niugini marks Independence with 51 free return airfare giveaways. Travel Safety Alert: A crocodile caretaker died after a fatal attack at Adventure Park in Port Moresby, reigniting calls for stricter wildlife handling safety. Air Access for PNG: Air Niugini is set to resume nonstop Auckland–Port Moresby services from Nov 17, 2026, boosting direct travel links.
NRL & Sponsorship: The PNG Chiefs have landed BSP Financial Group as their official Principal Foundation Partner in a landmark deal, with BSP set to become the front-of-shirt sponsor and help fund pathways for juniors, training centres and women’s participation as the club prepares for its 2028 NRL entry. Education & Tourism: Prime Minister James Marape commissioned the University of Goroka’s new K130 million Central Administration Building and student forum square, pushing for better teacher training and stronger learning outcomes. Air Travel & Access: Air Niugini is celebrating PNG’s 51st Independence Anniversary with 51 free return airfare giveaways, while the airline also resumes its Auckland–Port Moresby service from 17 November 2026. Expedition Travel: Pearl Expeditions released its 2028 sailing collection, including revamped PNG itineraries packaged Cairns-to-Cairns and new charter flight access to cut transit time. Sports (OFC): The OFC U-19 Men’s Championship semi-finals in Apia decide the two teams heading to the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2027. Safety Alert: A crocodile attack at Adventure Park in Port Moresby killed a caretaker after a feeding incident went wrong, sparking renewed calls for tighter wildlife handling safeguards.
NRL & PNG Tourism Momentum: The PNG Chiefs have landed a record NRL sponsorship, with Bank South Pacific signing a three-year front-of-shirt deal worth about $15 million—another big signal for rugby league travel and fan interest ahead of their 2028 entry. New Routes for Small-Ship Travel: Pearl Expeditions’ 2028 sailing collection adds charter flight options from Cairns and Darwin, including new Darwin–Sorong links to open access to Tanimbar and Kei Islands, plus revamped PNG itineraries packaged Cairns to Cairns. Air Connectivity Boost: Air Niugini is resuming its Auckland–Port Moresby nonstop service from 17 November 2026, and has appointed Russell Williss in NZ to drive sales as the airline marks a major long-gap return. Independence Travel Perk: To celebrate PNG’s 51st Independence Anniversary, Air Niugini is giving away 51 free return airfares via a customer story campaign. Safety Reminder for Visitors: A crocodile attack at Adventure Park in Port Moresby killed a caretaker after harrowing footage showed the animal dragging him into a pool. Road Access Upgrade: PM Marape led PNG’s first-ever road convoy on the newly completed Pangu Highway, linking Port Moresby to Lae for the first time. Climate & Travel Planning: IOM-led assessments are underway to map El Niño impacts across water, food, health, shelter and displacement—useful for travellers and operators planning safer, smarter routes.
Pacific Engagement Visa: Australia has published the official list of 12 countries eligible for its new Pacific Engagement Visa, including Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Fiji and Vanuatu—an option aimed at strengthening long-term people-to-people links. PNG Air Travel Boost: Air Niugini is giving away 51 free return airfares for the 51st Independence Anniversary, encouraging travellers to share the stories behind their journeys. Hiri Moale Festival Flights: Air Niugini will also sponsor the 2026 Hiri Hanenamo quest winners with return trips to Fiji, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands as the festival begins in Port Moresby. Tourism Ambassador Move: PNG Tourism Minister Belden Namah backs a proposal to make Jarome Luai a roving Pacific tourism ambassador, with plans to promote PNG attractions like the Kokoda Track and Milne Bay. Safety Warning for Visitors: A crocodile attack at Adventure Park in Port Moresby killed a caretaker after harrowing footage showed the worker dragged into a pool during a feeding incident. Road Travel Milestone: Prime Minister James Marape led PNG’s first road convoy on the newly completed Pangu Highway, linking Port Moresby to Lae for the first time. Governance Watch: ICAC has arrested and charged RPNGC Deputy Commissioner Samson Kua over alleged misuse of travel account funds.
PNG Fashion & Culture: OFAE Arts is set for PNG Fashion Week 2026 at APEC Haus (Sept 18–19), bringing Gulf Province-inspired designs built around identity and heritage. Independence Travel Perk: Air Niugini is offering 51 free return airfares for the 51st Independence Anniversary—share your story and fly home. Road Access Boost: Prime Minister Marape led PNG’s first road convoy on the new Pangu Highway, linking Port Moresby to Lae via Gulf and Morobe for the first time. Tourism Push: Air Niugini backs the Hiri Moale Festival, sponsoring Hiri Hanenamo winners with return trips across Fiji, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands. Safety Alert: A crocodile attack at Adventure Park in Port Moresby killed a caretaker after a feeding incident went wrong. Climate Planning: IOM-led El Niño assessments are rolling out to identify communities most in need across water, food, health and shelter. Sport Pathway: PNG Binatangs U15 squad will travel to Queensland for the AFL Queensland State Academy Carnival (Sept 21–23).
Road & Tourism Boost: Prime Minister James Marape led PNG’s first-ever road convoy on the newly named Pangu Highway, a 168km link from Port Moresby to Lae via Gulf and Morobe—built at about K60 million—opening up easier travel for visitors and locals. Cultural Travel & Aviation: Air Niugini is backing the 2026 Hiri Moale Festival, sponsoring the Hiri Hanenamo quest winners and runners-up with return trips to Fiji, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands. Tourism Branding: PNG Tourism Minister Belden Namah is pushing a proposal to name Jarome Luai as a roving Pacific tourism ambassador, with plans to use his image in major international campaigns. Governance & Safety: ICAC has arrested and charged RPNGC Deputy Commissioner Samson Kua over alleged misuse of police travel funds. Health & Services: A new multi-agency El Niño assessment is rolling out across PNG to identify communities most in need, covering water, food security, health, education and shelter. Wildlife & Nature: Researchers report a new walking shark species found off PNG, plus a rare Spinach Pipefish rediscovered in the Sepik River system. Business Travel Jobs: Simberi Gold is advertising for a Camps Supervisor role on Simberi Island (15/13 roster).
Pacific diplomacy & security: Pacific leaders agreed a joint rebuke over China’s July missile test, demanding at least 24 hours’ notice for future ICBM firings, even as some leaders skipped the summit amid mounting great-power pressure. PNG infrastructure & travel access: Prime Minister James Marape led PNG’s first road convoy on the newly named Pangu Highway, a 168km link from Port Moresby to Lae via Gulf and Morobe—big news for domestic travel and tourism planning. Tourism & culture travel perks: Air Niugini will sponsor the 2026 Hiri Hanenamo quest, including return tickets for winners and runners-up to Fiji, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands, while PNG’s Tourism Minister Belden Namah backs Jarome Luai as a roving Pacific tourism ambassador. Sports tourism spotlight: Luai’s PNG trip and Chiefs’ 2028 push keep drawing attention, with debate over his travel optics. Health & disaster readiness for travellers: IOM-led El Niño assessments are rolling out across PNG to map where communities need urgent help across water, food, health and shelter. Local jobs & logistics: Simberi Gold is hiring a Camps Supervisor (15/13 roster) in New Ireland—useful for workers planning rotations. Conservation travel angle: A new walking shark species was identified off PNG, adding fresh fuel for reef-focused eco-tourism interest. Governance watch: ICAC charged RPNGC Deputy Commissioner Samson Kua over alleged misuse of police travel funds.
Road & Connectivity: PNG’s first-ever road convoy marked the newly named Pangu Highway, linking Port Moresby to Lae through Gulf and Morobe for the first time, a 168km stretch built at about K60m. Tourism & Culture: Air Niugini backs the Hiri Moale Festival and its Hiri Hanenamo quest, sponsoring winners with return trips across Fiji, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands. Sports Tourism: PNG Tourism Minister Belden Namah is pushing for NRL star Jarome Luai to become a roving Pacific tourism ambassador, using his profile to promote attractions like the Kokoda Track and Milne Bay. Climate & Travel Safety: An IOM-led El Niño assessment is rolling out across PNG to pinpoint communities most in need across water, food security, health, shelter and displacement—key for planning safer travel and services. Conservation Spotlight: Divers have identified a new walking shark species off PNG, adding fresh eco-tourism interest but raising conservation concerns. Governance & Travel Risks: ICAC has arrested and charged RPNGC Deputy Commissioner Samson Kua over alleged misuse of police travel funds. Jobs & Accommodation: Simberi Gold is hiring a Camps Supervisor for camp operations on Simberi Island (15/13 roster), covering accommodation, maintenance, safety and logistics.
Road & Tourism Access: PNG PM James Marape led the country’s first-ever road convoy on the newly named Pangu Highway, a 168km link from Port Moresby to Lae via Gulf and Morobe—an Independence-week milestone that should finally cut decades of travel barriers for visitors and locals alike. Airline & Culture: Air Niugini is backing the 2026 Hiri Moale Festival, sponsoring the Hiri Hanenamo quest winners with return trips to Fiji, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands—more regional travel, more cultural exchange. Tourism Ambassador Push: Tourism Minister Belden Namah is backing a plan to make Jarome Luai a PNG Chiefs-linked Pacific tourism ambassador, with his image set for major international campaigns. Health & Travel Safety: An IOM-led multi-agency El Niño assessment is rolling out across PNG to identify communities most in need, covering water, food security, health, shelter and displacement. Accountability: ICAC has arrested and charged RPNGC Deputy Commissioner Samson Kua over alleged misuse of official police travel funds. Sports Tourism: PNG’s U-16 women’s team has arrived in Honiara for the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship, aiming for semi-finals and a World Cup qualification spot.
El Niño Response: IOM is rolling out a multi-agency assessment across Papua New Guinea to pinpoint which communities are hit hardest and where help is most urgent, covering water and sanitation, food security, health, education, shelter, displacement and protection. Air Niugini & Culture: Air Niugini is backing the 2026 Hiri Moale Festival, sponsoring the Hiri Hanenamo quest winners with return trips by air to Fiji, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands. Tourism Ambassador Push: PNG Tourism Minister Belden Namah is backing a proposal to name Jarome Luai as a PNG Chiefs-linked Pacific tourism ambassador, with plans to use his profile in major international campaigns. Sports Tourism: PNG’s U-16 women’s team has arrived in Honiara for the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship, aiming for semi-finals and Oceania qualification for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Governance & Travel Funds: ICAC has arrested and charged RPNGC Deputy Commissioner Samson Kua over alleged misuse of official travel account funds for family domestic travel. PNG–Niue Cooperation: Papua New Guinea and Niue have signed a framework agreement covering development and technical cooperation, including tourism, education, labour mobility and connectivity. Remote Health Gap: HIV coordinator Daniel Pais says people in remote PNG areas still struggle to access treatment because lower-level facilities lack trained staff, with new training planned for nurses and primary healthcare workers.
Hiri Moale Festival & Tourism: Air Niugini is backing the 2026 Hiri Moale Festival with return tickets for the Hiri Hanenamo quest winners and runners-up, sending the new queen to Fiji, the first runner-up to Vanuatu, and the second runner-up to the Solomon Islands—an easy win for culture-led travel and regional connections. PNG Tourism Ambassador Push: Tourism Minister Belden Namah is backing a proposal to make NRL star Jarome Luai a roving Pacific tourism ambassador, with plans to use his profile in major campaigns to spotlight PNG attractions like the Kokoda Track and Milne Bay. Sports Tourism Spotlight: Luai’s PNG trip is also sparking debate, with Tigers coach Benji Marshall defending it as Luai’s personal time—while PNG’s Chiefs push continues to draw international attention ahead of their 2028 NRL entry. Corruption & Travel Costs: ICAC has arrested and charged RPNGC Deputy Commissioner Samson Kua over alleged misuse of police travel funds for family domestic travel, with the case set for mention on 11 September. Health Access in Remote PNG: A report highlights ongoing gaps in HIV treatment in remote areas, with lower-level facilities lacking trained staff and capacity, and a new training package in development to bring services closer to communities. Nature & Eco-Travel: Scientists have rediscovered the rare Spinach Pipefish in the Sepik River system after decades, with local fisher knowledge playing a key role—another reminder that PNG’s waterways are major travel drawcards for wildlife lovers. Regional Security: Pacific leaders condemned China’s missile test and called for at least 24 hours’ notice for future ICBM tests, reinforcing the region’s push for safety and transparency.
Air Niugini & Hiri Moale: Air Niugini is sponsoring the 2026 Hiri Moale Festival, including return-ticket prizes for the Hiri Hanenamo quest winners and runners-up to Fiji, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands—aimed at boosting tourism and cultural exchange. Tourism Ambassador Push: Tourism Minister Belden Namah backs a plan to make NRL star Jarome Luai a roving Pacific tourism ambassador, with his image promoted internationally and tied to PNG tourism highlights like the Kokoda Track and Milne Bay. Sports Tourism Spotlight: Luai’s PNG trip is also in the spotlight after Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall defended it as “time off,” while Luai continues building his PNG brand links ahead of the Chiefs’ NRL entry in 2028. Corruption Watch: ICAC has arrested and charged RPNGC Deputy Commissioner Samson Kua over alleged misuse of official police travel funds. Health Access Gap: Remote communities still struggle to get HIV services, with training planned to help nurses and primary health workers deliver testing and treatment closer to home. Regional Travel & Policy: PNG and Niue signed a framework agreement covering development and technical cooperation, including tourism and people-to-people exchanges. Aviation Costs: Singapore deferred a green jet fuel levy for air cargo for a year, while passenger SAF levies continue on departing flights. Culture & Film: NCDC-backed premiere of PNG feature film “Black Python” highlights growing local filmmaking potential.
Police Accountability: RPNGC Deputy Commissioner Samson Kua has been arrested and charged by ICAC over alleged misuse of official travel funds, including tickets for family members, with the case set for mention at Waigani Magistrates Court. Health Access in Remote PNG: HIV coordinator Daniel Pais says people in far-flung areas still can’t access treatment because lower-level facilities lack trained staff; a new five-day training package is being developed for nurses and primary health workers. Tourism & Community Travel: A 50-day tour of parishes (plus missions and retreat centres) has wrapped up, with the bishop noting travel logistics were easier before the snowbird rush. Regional Connectivity & Jobs: PM James Marape and NZ PM Christopher Luxon agreed to deepen cooperation on education, technical training, employment and transport links to prepare more Papua New Guineans for work at home and overseas. Bilateral Development: PNG and Niue signed a framework agreement covering development and technical cooperation, including trade, investment, tourism, education, labour mobility, renewable energy, digital connectivity and people-to-people exchanges. Budget Pressure: Deputy PM John Rosso says belt-tightening for the 2026 supplementary budget is necessary amid rising prices, fuel pressures and El Nino impacts. Aviation Costs: Singapore deferred a green jet fuel levy for air cargo for a year, while passenger SAF levies continue on a set schedule. Sports Tourism: PNG U-16 women’s team arrived in Honiara aiming for the semi-finals of the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship, with qualification spots for the 2027 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup at stake.
Rugby & Sports Tourism: Wallabies great Wycliff Palu is coaching a First Nations and Pasifika side against Tonga President’s XV in Nuku’alofa, with the match streamed and backed by PacificAus Sports—while PNG’s own rugby momentum keeps building toward the PNG Chiefs NRL launch in 2028. Budget & Travel Costs: PNG Deputy PM John Rosso says belt-tightening in the 2026 supplementary budget is necessary to protect people from rising prices, fuel pressure and El Nino impacts, including travel relief via fuel subsidy measures. PNG–Niue Cooperation: Papua New Guinea and Niue signed a framework agreement covering development and technical cooperation, with areas including trade, investment, tourism, education, labour mobility, renewable energy, digital connectivity and people-to-people links. U-16 Women’s Football: PNG’s U-16 women’s team arrived in Honiara targeting semi-finals and a spot at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, with Group B featuring New Caledonia, Samoa and Tonga. Aviation & Green Levies (Regional): Singapore deferred a green jet fuel levy for air cargo for a year, while its passenger SAF levy rules continue to roll out—relevant for travellers connecting through the hub. Sports Tourism Spotlight: PNG Tourism officials highlighted Jarome Luai and international golfers at the PNG Open as proof of growing global confidence in PNG for major sporting events.
Pacific Islands Forum diplomacy: Taiwan says it wants to keep attending the Pacific Islands Forum, but New Zealand’s PM Chris Luxon is non-committal on whether Taiwan officials will be welcomed at the 2027 host summit, as China warns of “consequences” and several leaders skip key talks in Palau. PNG-US ties: PM James Marape met US Deputy Secretary Landau to discuss energy, investment and visa-bond charges affecting Papua New Guineans travelling to the United States. Development cooperation: Marape and Niue’s PM Dalton Tagelagi signed a framework agreement covering trade, investment, tourism, education, health, agriculture, climate resilience and infrastructure. Sports tourism in PNG: Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Belden Namah welcomed Jarome Luai and international golfers for the PNG Open, calling it a boost for sports tourism and a sign of growing confidence in PNG as a destination. U-16 football arrivals: Teams including Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji and New Zealand have begun arriving in Honiara for the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship 2026, with matches set to kick off Sunday. Hospitality and travel jobs: Hilton Australia was named No.1 hospitality workplace, with the brand’s certification spanning Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Papua New Guinea. Heritage and community: Bougainville marked Patriotism Day with parades and unity messages ahead of future political decisions.
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