AGP Executive Report

WWII Repatriation: The US Defence POW/MIA Accounting Agency has repatriated the remains of American servicemen lost in Papua New Guinea during World War II, with recoveries carried out alongside PNG workers in East New Britain and New Ireland. Bilateral Cooperation: PM James Marape and Niue’s Dalton Tagelagi signed a framework agreement in Palau to deepen development and technical cooperation, including trade, tourism, education, health, agriculture, climate resilience and infrastructure. Sports Tourism Boost: Tourism Minister Belden Namah welcomed NRL star Jarome Luai and more than 120 international golfers for the PNG Open, positioning the event as a major push for sports tourism and international confidence in PNG. PNG Chiefs Spotlight: Luai’s PNG trips and his “Player Number 1” role for the PNG Chiefs are making headlines again, as officials and fans track how the club’s NRL entry is shaping a regional talent pipeline. Hospitality & Careers: Hilton Australia was named Number 1 hospitality workplace, highlighting team travel benefits across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Papua New Guinea. Community & Faith Travel: Australian Muslim convert Musa Stranger helped build a permanent mosque in a remote PNG Highlands village, turning a short visit into a community-built project. Film Industry Momentum: The premiere of PNG feature “Black Python” drew calls for more funding and support for young local filmmakers to build a sustainable industry. Road Access for Local Growth: Pacific Lime and Cement says new bridges are connecting the Kido landowner community to Port Moresby for the first time, signalling progress toward production for PNG’s first integrated lime and cement project.

Sports Tourism Spotlight: Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Belden Namah welcomed NRL star Jarome Luai and 120+ international golfers to Papua New Guinea for the PNG Open, calling it a major boost for sports tourism and a sign of growing global confidence in PNG. NRL Chiefs Momentum: Luai was also officially framed as the PNG Chiefs’ “Player Number 1” during a Port Moresby airport welcome, with the club positioning itself as a Pacific talent pathway ahead of its 2028 NRL entry. Casino Watch: Papua New Guinea is moving closer to its first land-based casino as Pacific Pearl in the Paga Hill SEZ advertises for staff, with licensing still required before opening. Infrastructure & Access: Samarai Island’s “Reset Day” launched a 10-year restoration plan, including seawalls and rebuilding wharves, while also linking tourism and fisheries revival to the island’s heritage. Travel & Hospitality Jobs: Hilton’s Great Place to Work recognition highlights its team-focused programs across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Papua New Guinea, including discounted staff travel rates. Pacific Airfares Push: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. urged a “One Pacific” airline alliance to improve connectivity and lower high fares across the region.

Sports Tourism Boost: Tourism Minister Belden Namah welcomed NRL star Jarome Luai and 120+ international golfers to Papua New Guinea for the PNG Open, calling it proof PNG is gaining confidence as a destination for major sporting events. NRL Chiefs Spotlight: Luai was also formally greeted by PM James Marape at Port Moresby airport and is set as the PNG Chiefs’ “Player Number 1” for the 2028 NRL entry, with more signings announced. Contract & Travel Scrutiny: Wests Tigers officials were reportedly caught off-guard by Luai’s Port Moresby golf trip after social media posts, reigniting debate over how his PNG commitments are managed. Bougainville Culture & Identity: Bougainville Patriotism Day was marked across Buka, Arawa and Buin with parades and community events under the theme “Bougainville Patriots: United for Independence.” Casino Watch: PNG is edging toward opening its first land-based casino, Pacific Pearl in Port Moresby’s Paga Hill SEZ, with hiring underway but licensing still required. Labour Mobility Reminder: A renewed call for fair treatment of PNG workers abroad followed concerns raised by unions and the death of a PNG construction worker in Australia. Madang Security Measures: Madang police tightened rules for Independence celebrations, limiting gatherings and banning school breakup parties to curb crime and social media rumours.

Pacific Summit Fallout: Leaders from Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa, Kiribati and others are skipping the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, with Australia and experts pointing to mounting fears of foreign interference and China-linked pressure. Airfare & Connectivity Push: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. calls for a “One Pacific” airline alliance, floating carriers from PNG, Solomon Islands, Fiji and Nauru to cut high fares and improve routes. PNG Casino Milestone: Papua New Guinea is edging toward opening its first land-based casino, Pacific Pearl in Port Moresby, with hiring underway and licensing still required. Sport Tourism Boost: Prime Minister James Marape welcomed PNG Chiefs foundation star Jerome Luai at the airport, while Australia announced $15.6m for Pacific high-performance sport tied to major events through 2030. Rugby League Spotlight: Luai’s PNG trip drew attention after some club officials learned via social media; meanwhile, PNG Chiefs leadership and World Cup planning stay in focus. Local Travel Safety: Madang police issued strict rules for Independence Day celebrations, including limits on gatherings and bans on school breakup parties. Infrastructure for Visitors: Pacific Lime and Cement says new bridges are completed, improving road access between Port Moresby and its project area—good news for future regional movement.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: The 55th leaders meeting (Aug 30–Sept 1) is underway under “Building Economies: Life. Action. Unity,” but at least six leaders are expected to skip key talks, including Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale (pulled back by a no-confidence motion). NRL & sports tourism in PNG: Jerome Luai touched down in Port Moresby as the PNG Chiefs’ “Player Number 1,” with Marape framing the move as a Pacific youth pipeline; Luai also headlined the PNG Open awards, while Fiji’s Bati coach Mick Potter says the World Cup goal is to beat Australia and New Zealand. Madang security for Independence: Police have tightened rules for holiday celebrations—bans on school breakup parties, limits on group movement, and tighter night-time restrictions ahead of Sept 16. Milne Bay heritage and travel draw: Samarai Island’s “Reset Day” (Aug 26) launched a 10-year restoration plan, including seawalls and rebuilding wharves and historic buildings. Culture festivals: Malagan Festival returns to Kavieng after 30+ years, boosting New Ireland’s cultural tourism; Central CMACF 2026 organizers and police outlined security plans for Sept 11–13. Business & access: Pacific Lime and Cement says new bridges are connecting Kido landowners to Port Moresby for the first time as the Central Lime project nears production. PNG in the spotlight: Dika Toua made Olympic history at her fifth Games, finishing 10th in Tokyo.

NRL & Sports Tourism: Jarome Luai flew to Port Moresby after his Tigers game, rubbing shoulders with PM James Marape and PNG Open winner Josh Armstrong at the Royal Port Moresby Golf Club—while Tigers confirmed he’ll undergo scans on a leg injury, leaving his Sunday match in doubt. Rugby League Legacy: Kumuls coach Jason Demetriou says captain Rhyse Martin won’t retire before PNG’s World Cup campaign, with Martin set to become PNG Chiefs football operations manager next year. Tourism Through Sport: Tourism Minister Belden Namah backed Luai’s PNG Open appearance as part of a push to position PNG as a Pacific sporting powerhouse, with international athletes acting as cultural ambassadors. Infrastructure & Access: Pacific Lime and Cement says two heavy-duty bridges have finally connected the Kido landowner community to Port Moresby by road, signaling phase one of PNG’s first integrated lime and cement project is nearing production. Business & Culture Events: The Malagan Festival returns to Kavieng after 30+ years, boosting New Ireland’s cultural tourism and giving local makers and businesses a major platform. Climate/Regional Travel Context: Pacific leaders head to the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau with climate and development front and centre, shaping how the region’s travel and investment conversations will land.

Olympics Spotlight: PNG weightlifter Dika Toua made Olympic history by competing at her fifth Games, finishing 10th in Tokyo after a long career that began with the first women’s Olympic weightlifting appearance in Sydney 2000. Pacific Travel & Policy: Leaders head to the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau with climate and development front and centre, as the summit tests whether island nations can keep a united voice amid big-power competition. PNG Tourism & Culture: The Malagan Festival returns to Kavieng after more than 30 years, boosting New Ireland’s cultural tourism and giving local businesses a fresh platform to sell crafts, food and community products. Events & Safety: Organisers and police have committed to safe, peaceful security for CMACF 2026 in Bereina (Sept 11–13), with road checks, mobile command posts and action against dangerous behaviour. Business & Infrastructure: PNG signed a revised Papua LNG Project Agreement with a December 15, 2026 deadline for Final Investment Decision, aiming to protect the State’s fiscal interests while improving project viability. Port Moresby Nightlife: A new casino push is underway with Pacific Pearl advertising for staff as PNG prepares for its first casino opening later this year, pending licensing.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders head to the summit with climate and development front and centre, with PNG among members pushing for real emissions action and better control of resources as big powers compete. PNG tourism & culture boosts: The Malagan Festival returns to Kavieng, giving New Ireland a fresh shot at cultural tourism and new business for local makers. Agriculture trade push: PNG’s Agriculture and Trade Festival in Goroka brings farmers, processors and government together to grow market access and investment. Bougainville independence next step: PNG parliament is set to consider the 2019 non-binding referendum results, a major milestone for the region’s future. Infrastructure debate in Milne Bay: The Gurney Airport terminal upgrade sparks a question of priorities—connectivity for tourism and trade, but with pressure to fund basic services too. Security for major events: Police and organisers confirm plans for safe, peaceful Central Music, Arts and Culture Festival in Bereina. PNG business & jobs: Port Moresby moves toward its first casino as Pacific Pearl seeks licensing, while a revised Papua LNG deal sets a clear path to a 15 Dec 2026 FID. Sports spotlight: Josh Armstrong leads the PNG Open at Royal Port Moresby Golf Club, and Jarome Luai lands a new Pepsi PNG sponsorship deal.

Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Leaders from across the region meet Aug 30–Sept 4 to push “Building Economies: Life. Action. Unity,” while major powers compete for influence and Pacific states try to protect control of security and ocean resources. PNG tourism push in Milne Bay: The K76.8m Gurney Airport terminal upgrade is framed as a tourism and trade gateway, with PM James Marape urging customary landowners to keep land, register it properly, and build visitor businesses like guest houses and eco-lodges. Culture returns to the calendar: Malagan Festival makes a comeback in Kavieng after 30+ years, creating fresh spots for local crafts, food and cultural tourism. Trade meets travel: PNG’s Agriculture and Trade Festival runs in Goroka Aug 28–30, linking farmers and businesses with policy talks on standards and market access. Sport with PNG links: The PNG Open continues at Royal Port Moresby Golf Club, while the PNG Chiefs’ growing profile includes new sponsorship buzz around Jarome Luai. Bougainville next step: PNG parliament is set to consider Bougainville’s 2019 independence referendum results, a major political development with long-term regional ripple effects.

Visa & Security: The U.S. State Department revoked the visa of an Iraqi national listed on the FBI Terror Watchlist, ending her ability to enter the United States. Pacific Diplomacy: Australia’s PM Anthony Albanese heads into the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau with a fresh set of regional deals, including deeper defence ties with PNG and stronger security cooperation. Tourism & Culture (PNG): The Malagan Festival returns to Kavieng after more than 30 years, giving local businesses and communities a major boost in cultural tourism. Agriculture & Trade: PNG’s Agriculture and Trade Festival 2026 in Goroka (28–30 Aug) brings farmers, processors, and government together to push market access and investment. Sports Tourism: The PNG Open is underway at Royal Port Moresby Golf Club, with Josh Armstrong leading at the halfway point—another reason golfers and visitors are heading to the capital. Infrastructure & Travel Access: Milne Bay’s Gurney Airport terminal upgrade is framed as a tourism gateway, with leaders urging landowners to develop visitor businesses without selling customary land. Safety at Events: Police and organizers confirm security plans for CMACF 2026 in Bereina (11–13 Sept). Business Travel: PNG and Vanuatu public prosecutors sign an MOU to support capacity building and professional exchanges.

Tourism & Trade: Papua New Guinea’s Agriculture and Trade Festival 2026 is set for Goroka (28–30 Aug), bringing farmers, processors, standards bodies and trade agencies together to push market access and investment. Cultural Tourism: The Malagan Festival has returned to Kavieng after 30+ years, with a three-day programme of rituals, dance, crafts, food and an agricultural show drawing visitors and giving local businesses a sales boost. Travel Promotion: Air Niugini and the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority showcased PNG at the NATAS Travel Fair in Singapore, highlighting culture and nature to tour operators and travellers. Infrastructure & Access: Milne Bay’s Gurney Airport terminal upgrade (K76.8m) is framed as a tourism and connectivity gateway, while locals debate whether benefits will reach everyday services. Safety for Visitors: Police and festival organisers have pledged security for CMACF 2026 in Bereina (11–13 Sept), including road checks and on-site command posts. Business & Leisure: PNG is moving toward its first casino opening in Port Moresby’s Paga Hill SEZ, with hiring underway ahead of licensing. Sports Tourism: The PNG Open at Royal Port Moresby Golf Club is underway, with players and fans adding another draw for visitors.

Tourism & Infrastructure: Milne Bay’s K76.8m Gurney Airport terminal upgrade is officially open, with Prime Minister James Marape urging customary landowners to keep land in families and use it for tourism and small business—guest houses, eco-lodges and visitor facilities—while critics push for a better balance with medicines, schools and policing. Travel Promotion: Air Niugini and the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority showcased PNG at Singapore’s NATAS Travel Fair, featuring local performances and a push to position PNG as a must-visit destination. Security for Visitors: NCD Metropolitan Police rolled out a new Port Moresby security plan for 2027 national elections, saying professional policing is key to keeping the capital welcoming for international visitors and major conferences. Culture & Faith Travel Story: In the Highlands, Musa Stranger helped build a mosque from scratch in Jiwaka, opening it after weeks of work—an uplifting reminder of community-led projects that can shape local visitor experiences. Sports & Events: The PNG Open kicks off the 2026-27 Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia at Royal Port Moresby Golf Club, with players treating the week as a key launchpad for the season.

Milne Bay Tourism Push: Prime Minister James Marape opened the upgraded Gurney Airport terminal in Alotau and urged customary landowners not to sell land, but to register it under ILGs and use it for tourism and small business—guest houses, eco-lodges and visitor facilities—while critics say PNG must also fund basic services so tourism gains reach locals. Port Moresby Security Plan: NCD Metropolitan Police Command rolled out a major strategy to make the capital safer and more welcoming for visitors and upcoming international events, including quarterly operations and clearer enforcement around lawful court-ordered evictions. First PNG Casino on the Horizon: A new casino at Pacific Pearl in Port Moresby’s Paga Hill Special Economic Zone has started recruiting staff, aiming to open later this year pending licensing. PNG at NATAS Singapore: Air Niugini and the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority showcased PNG’s travel scene at the NATAS Travel Fair, with performances highlighting local culture and a stronger push to attract travellers. Bougainville Independence Step: PNG parliament is set to consider results of Bougainville’s 2019 independence referendum, moving the region closer to possible sovereignty. Travel Tech for Local Businesses: Konica Minolta Australia backed BizPrint’s first AccurioPress C12010S installation in the Pacific, boosting local print capability for tourism and business needs.

Bougainville Independence Talks: Papua New Guinea’s parliament is set to begin considering the 2019 non-binding independence referendum results, after voters backed secession overwhelmingly. A final vote date hasn’t been set, but leaders are aiming for greater self-government in 2027 and full sovereignty in 2030—an important backdrop for travellers and business planning in the region. Tourism Infrastructure in Milne Bay: Prime Minister James Marape officially opened the upgraded Gurney Airport terminal, positioning it as a tourism gateway and urging customary landowners to keep land registered and in local hands for guest houses and eco-lodges. Port Moresby Security for Visitors: NCD Metropolitan Police rolled out a security strategy to make the capital “safe, secure and welcoming,” citing tourism and major international events as key reasons for tighter public safety operations. PNG at NATAS Singapore: Air Niugini and the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority showcased PNG’s travel scene at the NATAS Travel Fair, with cultural performances and a push to attract more Asian visitors. First Casino Move: A Port Moresby waterfront casino project (Pacific Pearl) has started hiring and is advertising for staff ahead of a possible late-2026 opening, pending licensing. Transport Boost: Japan handed over 60 Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles to the Royal PNG Constabulary to improve police mobility ahead of the 2027 election.

Tourism & Trade: Air Niugini and the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority returned to Singapore’s NATAS Travel Fair, using the PNG pavilion to push the country’s culture and nature to Asian travellers, with performances from Manus and East New Britain groups. Infrastructure for Visitors: Milne Bay’s upgraded Gurney Airport is being positioned as PNG’s first “tourism airport,” with Prime Minister James Marape urging customary landowners to keep land registered in families and clans and to build tourism businesses like guest houses and eco-lodges. Safety for Travel: Port Moresby’s NCD Metropolitan Police Command rolled out a security plan for the lead-up to the 2027 National General Election, linking law-and-order operations to a safer capital for visitors and investment. Gaming & Hospitality: Pacific Pearl in Port Moresby’s Paga Hill Special Economic Zone has started advertising for staff as PNG moves toward opening its first casino, pending licensing. Local Nature & Community: Researchers rediscovered PNG’s spinach pipefish in the Sepik after nearly 40 years, highlighting how community knowledge can unlock conservation wins. Mobility & Access: Japan handed over 60 Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary to improve police reach to communities ahead of the 2027 election.

Tourism & Local Ownership: Prime Minister James Marape opened the upgraded Gurney Airport in Milne Bay, calling it a tourism gateway but urging customary landowners not to sell land to outsiders and to register properly through Incorporated Land Groups. He said the government will back registered groups with finance for guest houses, eco-lodges and visitor facilities, aiming to turn Milne Bay’s culture and marine attractions into sustainable community income. Travel Market Push: Air Niugini and the PNG Tourism Promotion Authority returned to Singapore’s NATAS Travel Fair, using the event to promote PNG to Asian travellers, with cultural performances highlighting the destination. Infrastructure vs Services Debate: A separate commentary questions whether PNG should prioritise major upgrades like the Gurney terminal over urgent basics such as medicines, repaired schools and better policing—arguing airport benefits must reach everyday communities. Police Mobility Boost: Japan handed over 60 Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles to the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary to improve police reach and operations nationwide. Wildlife Discovery: Researchers rediscovered the spinach pipefish in the Sepik River after nearly 40 years, with local fishers’ knowledge playing a key role. Tourism Season Signal: The Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia kicks off with the PNG Open at Royal Port Moresby Golf Club, spotlighting PNG as a sports travel stop.