Sheraton Debuts in PNG: The Stanley Hotel & Suites in Port Moresby has been rebranded as the Sheraton Port Moresby Stanley Hotel & Suites, with a K90m-plus transformation, 394 rooms, major event space and a new Sheraton Club—another big step for PNG’s hospitality scene. Cultural Tourism Boost: East Sepik received K500,000 to strengthen major cultural events in the greater Sepik region, with the goal of preserving traditions and drawing cultural tourism. Festival Funding: SP Brewery chipped in K5,000 toward the 2026 Enga Cultural Show in Wabag (7–9 Aug), backing culture, community unity and visitor interest. Sea Safety Push: A recent East New Britain boat tragedy (27 reported deaths) is reigniting calls for better maritime safety and faster, better-resourced search and rescue—so coastal travel doesn’t keep turning deadly. Green Fee Reset: PNG’s Climate Change and Development Authority has suspended the K50 Green Fee for departing visitors while it reviews the collection process after tourism industry concerns. Regional Travel Outlook: Scenic unveiled its 2028–29 Scenic Eclipse II voyages, including expedition-style itineraries exploring remote parts of Indonesian Papua and Papua New Guinea. PNG–Vanuatu Links: PM James Marape says PNG will send a business delegation to Vanuatu and deepen tourism cooperation, while also backing Vanuatu’s stability and infrastructure. Visa Bond Watch: The US has made its visa bond programme permanent for certain B1/B2 applicants, with Papua New Guinea listed among affected countries—potentially requiring up to US$20,000 as a refundable deposit.