AGP Executive Report

PNG–Solomon Investment Push: Prime Minister Matthew Wale opened the inaugural PNG–Solomon Islands Investment Conference in Honiara, urging both countries to turn Melanesian ties into a “structured, bankable economic partnership,” with speakers pointing to existing PNG business presence and new direct air connectivity. SME Showcase: Day 2 featured Solomon Islands small and medium enterprises displaying locally made products, with the two-day forum also targeting sectors like agriculture, fisheries, tourism, infrastructure and energy. Tourism & Hospitality Boost: Sheraton Hotels & Resorts debuted in Papua New Guinea with the opening of Sheraton Port Moresby Stanley Hotel & Suites, a 394-key property near Jacksons International Airport and Vision City Mega Mall. Community & Safety for Visitors: Police stepped up patrols for the 66th Mt Hagen Culture and Agriculture Show, helping manage crowds and respond to clashes as international visitors and cultural groups attended. Remote Access by Air: A missionary pilot story highlights how PNG’s mountain airstrips help deliver the “last mile” for Bible translation work to remote communities. Working Holiday Visa Shock (Regional): Australia paused working holiday-maker visa processing for 24 countries including PNG, raising concerns for agriculture and regional tourism operators. Travel Tech Note: Ncell introduced a 60-second pulse rate for international outgoing calls to 198 countries from Aug 18, 2026.

PNG–Solomon Investment Push: Prime Minister Matthew Wale opened the inaugural PNG–Solomon Islands Investment Conference in Honiara, urging both countries to turn Melanesian ties into a “structured, bankable economic partnership,” with a focus on sectors like agriculture, fisheries, tourism, infrastructure, energy and financial services. Business & Tourism Angle: Organisers say PNG firms already operate across banking, telecoms, transport, hospitality and more, and the conference is also showcasing Solomon Islands SMEs to delegates and visitors. Connectivity & Communications: A new report raises concerns about Pacific communications sovereignty, pointing to submarine cable dependence and global tech control over what people see online. Defence & Safety for Communities: PNG and Australia are deepening defence cooperation through Operation Render Safe, with PNGDF personnel helping clear unexploded wartime ordnance to make provinces safer and support development. Events on the Ground: Police stepped up security for the 66th Mt Hagen Culture and Agriculture Show, while Milne Bay held a remembrance ceremony for victims of the ENB/MBP boating tragedy. New Hotel for Travellers: Sheraton Hotels & Resorts debuted in PNG with the opening of Sheraton Port Moresby Stanley Hotel & Suites, adding 394 rooms near Jacksons International Airport. Working Holiday Visa Shock (Tourism Risk): Australia paused working holiday visa applications from 24 countries, including PNG, raising concerns for regional tourism and agriculture that rely on backpacker labour.

PNG–Solomons Investment Push: Prime Minister Matthew Wale opened the inaugural PNG–Solomon Islands Investment Conference in Honiara, urging both countries to turn Melanesian ties into a “structured, bankable economic partnership,” with more than 50 PNG firms already investing about PGK1b/SBD1.8b across banking, telecoms, transport, agriculture and hospitality, plus a new direct air link between Honiara and Port Moresby. Energy Watch: A final decision on the long-delayed $20b Papua LNG project is expected by year-end, with Santos saying community engagement is back on track and feedback from the development forum has been positive. Tourism & Transport: PNG Tourism Promotion Authority is reviving a dormant Port Moresby ferry to expand marine tourism, create new products and boost private-sector involvement. Events & Safety: Police stepped up patrols during the 66th Mt Hagen Culture and Agriculture Show to keep crowds safe, after clashes were reported on day one and day three. New Hotel for Travellers: Sheraton Hotels & Resorts debuted in PNG with the opening of Sheraton Port Moresby Stanley Hotel & Suites, a 394-key property near Jacksons International Airport. International Travel Signals: A new South African passport mobility ranking puts it at 86th globally, while Ncell in Nepal rolled out a 60-second pulse rate for international outgoing calls—both small reminders that travel access and connectivity keep shifting.

New Hotels & Stays: Sheraton Hotels & Resorts has officially debuted in Papua New Guinea with the opening of Sheraton Port Moresby Stanley Hotel & Suites, a 394-key property near Jacksons International Airport and Vision City Mega Mall—built for both business and leisure travellers. Marine Tourism Push: PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) is reviving a dormant Port Moresby Harbour ferry through a new partnership, aiming to expand marine tourism products and add more visitor experiences beyond land. Culture & Visitor Safety: Police stepped up patrols during the 66th Mt Hagen Culture and Agriculture Show to keep crowds and visitors safe, after clashes were reported in parts of the city. Tourism Through Community: A new cultural group from Jiwaka made its first appearance at the Hagen Show with support from Redfern Ecotourism Lodge, helping share local culture with international visitors. Sports Spotlight: Professional boxer John Ume has signed his first PNG commercial partner—The Sanctuary Hotel—set to host him for recovery and training in Port Moresby and future East New Britain visits. Regional Connectivity: All Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected to global undersea cable networks, with PNG set to benefit from improved telecom resilience. Humanitarian Access: World Vision says access is the biggest challenge for humanitarian workers across the Pacific, including PNG, where responses often rely on boats and small planes.

Sheraton Opens in PNG: Sheraton Hotels & Resorts has officially debuted in Papua New Guinea with the opening of the Sheraton Port Moresby Stanley Hotel & Suites, a 394-key property near Jacksons International Airport and linked to Vision City Mega Mall—bringing more options for business and leisure stays. Marine Tourism Boost: PNGTPA is reviving a dormant Port Moresby Harbour ferry through a new partnership, aiming to restart safe operations and expand marine tourism products and sightseeing. Working Holiday Visa Pause Impact: Australia has paused working holiday-maker visa applications from 24 countries, including Papua New Guinea, with industry groups warning of knock-on effects for regional tourism and agriculture. PNG–Solomons Investment Push: Prime Ministers James Marape and Matthew Wale will open the inaugural PNG–Solomon Islands investment conference, with talks spanning sectors like tourism, infrastructure, energy, fisheries and transport connectivity. Port Moresby Events & Travel Culture: Divine Word University kicked off its 30th anniversary with a major Port Moresby motorcade, while the Mt Hagen Culture and Agriculture Show continues to draw international visitors and new cultural groups. Rugby League World Cup Coverage: Exclusive UK broadcast rights for Rugby League World Cup 2026 are confirmed, with PNG set to play in the tournament schedule. Earthquake Alert: A magnitude 5.8 earthquake struck Papua New Guinea’s north coast; no immediate damage reports were shared.

Marine Tourism Boost: PNG Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) has partnered to revive a dormant Port Moresby ferry, aiming to get the vessel back on the water for sightseeing and new marine tourism products. Cultural Tourism, With a Twist: The 66th Mt Hagen Culture and Agriculture Show welcomed 500+ international visitors and 100+ groups, but day-one clashes caused commotion as police moved in. Connectivity Upgrade: All Pacific Islands Forum members are now connected to global undersea cable networks, with PNG set to benefit from improved telecom resilience. Travel Disruption: Air Niugini runway rehabilitation at Mt Hagen, Hoskins and Kiunga will keep some routes limited to smaller aircraft until late 2026, with schedule changes for travellers. New Hotel Opening: Sheraton Port Moresby Stanley Hotel and Suites has opened, bringing a major Marriott brand debut to PNG. Earthquake Alert: A 5.8 quake struck near PNG’s north coast; no immediate damage reports. Visa Bond Watch: The US Visa Bond Programme is set to include Vanuatu permanently, raising questions for Pacific travellers and tourism planning. Sport & Tourism Tie-In: Boxer John Ume has signed The Sanctuary Hotel as his first PNG commercial partner, with the hotel as his Port Moresby base for recovery and training.

Mt Hagen Show: The 66th Mt Hagen Culture and Agriculture Show opened with more than 500 international visitors and over 100 groups, including a first-time Koinambe Waire Brukim Kumul Group from Jiwaka supported by Redfern Ecotourism Lodge—though day-one clashes in parts of the city were reported and brought under control by police. Marine Tourism Boost: PNGTPA has partnered with Happy Soles Ltd and Marine Contract Management to revive a dormant Port Moresby ferry, aiming to bring safe sightseeing and new marine tourism products to the capital’s coastline. Air Travel Disruptions: Air Niugini runway rehabilitation is forcing temporary aircraft limits at Mt Hagen, Hoskins and Kiunga, with Dash 8 operations at Mt Hagen until October and schedule tweaks including more Port Moresby–Goroka flights. New Hotels & Sports Tourism: Sheraton Port Moresby Stanley Hotel and Suites has opened, while The Sanctuary Hotel has become John Ume’s first PNG commercial partner—both adding fresh reasons to visit Port Moresby. Visa Costs Watch: PNG is seeking dialogue over the US$20,000 visa bond programme after concerns it could hit travellers and tourism. Safety & Nature Notes: A 5.8 earthquake struck PNG’s north coast with no immediate damage reports, and communities along the Motu-Koitabu coastline are calling for action on rising rubbish and plastic pollution.

Undersea Connectivity: All Pacific Islands Forum members are now linked to the global undersea cable network, with Australia helping deliver 10,300+ km of new cables—good news for PNG’s digital reliability and future trade and tourism services. Visa Shock for Travellers: PNG is pushing for visa reciprocity after the US made a refundable US$20,000 bond permanent for some countries, with PM Marape saying PNG will review charges and entry rules to match partners. Tourism & Marine Moves: PNG Tourism Promotion Authority has partnered to bring a ferry back into service in Port Moresby Harbour, aiming to restart sightseeing and build new marine tourism products. New Hotel Opening: Sheraton Port Moresby Stanley Hotel and Suites has opened, adding major meetings and hospitality capacity near the airport and Vision City. Air Niugini Disruptions: Runway rehabilitation is forcing temporary aircraft limits at Mt Hagen, Hoskins and Kiunga, with schedule changes expected until late 2026. Safety & Health: Communities along the Motu-Koitabu coast are calling for action on rising rubbish and plastic pollution, while PNG is also seeing a rise in eye disease risk, including cataracts linked to diabetes. Travel Alerts: A 5.8 quake struck PNG’s north coast; no damage reported yet.

Earthquake Alert: A 5.8 magnitude quake struck Papua New Guinea’s north coast at 8:59pm AEST, with no immediate damage reports. Hotel & Sports Tourism: The Sanctuary Hotel in Port Moresby has signed on as John “The Ring Monster” Ume’s first official PNG commercial partner, with stays also planned at Rapopo Plantation Resort for training. Cricket Development: PNG Garamuts head coach Kila Pala is heading to Kuala Lumpur for an ICC Level 3 coaching course. Marine Tourism Boost: PNGTPA has partnered to bring a ferry back into service in Port Moresby Harbour, aiming to restart sightseeing and help develop new marine tourism products. Travel Disruption: Air Niugini runway rehab is forcing temporary aircraft limits at Mt Hagen, Hoskins and Kiunga, with Dash 8 operations in place while upgrades run through September/December. Visa Policy Watch: PM Marape says PNG will review visa reciprocity after the US made a refundable K88,000 bond permanent for PNG travellers. Road Trip Tourism: Improved Connect PNG road access is opening Milne Bay to more travellers, with a recent 509km Port Moresby–Alotau expedition highlighting the region’s tourism potential. Health & Safety: Communities along the Motu-Koitabu coastline are calling for action on rising rubbish and plastic pollution affecting public health and marine life. Wildlife Conservation: A bird long thought extinct—the black-naped pheasant-pigeon—was rediscovered on Fergusson Island after researchers tracked sightings from local hunters. STEM Scholarships: PNG’s STEM overseas scholarship programme has expanded to 360+ students studying in the US, China, India, Fiji and Malaysia.

Visa Reciprocity & US Visa Bond: PM James Marape says PNG will review visa rules and consider reciprocity—if other countries charge PNG citizens, PNG may apply similar charges—after the US made a refundable K88,000 (US$20,000) visa bond permanent for 50 countries, a move that’s already worrying the travel industry. Air Niugini Disruptions: Runway rehabilitation at Mt Hagen, Hoskins and Kiunga is forcing temporary aircraft limits (Dash 8 only in some periods) and schedule changes, with upgrades expected to restore larger aircraft later in the year. Marine Tourism Boost: PNGTPA has partnered to bring a ferry back into service in Port Moresby Harbour, aiming to expand sightseeing and new marine tourism products. Tourism by Road: Milne Bay is getting easier to reach by improved Connect PNG road links, with a recent Port Moresby–Alotau drive highlighting fresh tourism and investment potential. Sports & Travel: Rugby League World Cup pay rules confirm PNG players will receive match fees plus prize-sharing, while the PNG Chiefs’ Brian To’o continues to draw attention ahead of the franchise’s build-up. Community Concerns: Coastal communities around Motu-Koitabu are calling for action on rising rubbish and plastic pollution affecting health, marine life and livelihoods. Education & Skills: STEM overseas scholarships have expanded to 360+ students studying in the US, China, India, Fiji and Malaysia, supporting the next wave of PNG professionals.

Tourism Boost: PNGTPA has partnered to bring a ferry back into service in Port Moresby Harbour, aiming to restart marine sightseeing and build new coastal tourism products. Transport Disruption: Air Niugini runway rehabilitation at Mt Hagen, Hoskins and Kiunga is forcing temporary aircraft limits and schedule changes, with Dash 8 operations in place while works continue. Travel & Investment: A Port Moresby–to–Alotau road trip under Connect PNG impressed business leaders, highlighting Milne Bay’s tourism potential as road access improves. Visa Policy Watch: PM Marape says PNG will review visa reciprocity after the US introduced a refundable K88,000 bond for PNG travellers, with a possible matching approach for other countries. Environment & Health: Coastal communities around Motu-Koitabu are calling for action on rising rubbish and plastic pollution, linking it to public health and marine impacts. Culture & Design: PNGIA is reviving the Dulux Design Excellence Awards after an eight-year break, with the event set for October 17 at Hilton Port Moresby. Health Reminder: Eye specialists warn cataracts remain widespread and preventable, with diabetes flagged as a growing risk.

Air Travel Updates: Air Niugini runway rehabilitation is forcing temporary aircraft limits at Mt Hagen, Hoskins and Kiunga, with Dash 8-only operations at Mt Hagen until around October and Hoskins restrictions easing mid-September, plus more Port Moresby–Goroka flights. Tourism & Marine: PNGTPA has partnered to bring a ferry back into service in Port Moresby Harbour, aiming to restart sightseeing and build new marine tourism products. Road Trip Tourism: A 509km Port Moresby–Alotau road expedition shows Milne Bay is becoming more accessible by land under Connect PNG, with travellers calling it a tourism and investment unlock. Visa Policy & Travel Costs: PM Marape says PNG will review visa reciprocity after the US made a refundable K88,000 bond permanent for PNG travellers, warning PNG may mirror visa-on-arrival or visa charges depending on partners. Health for Travellers & Locals: Pacific International Hospital highlights a large cataracts burden in PNG and warns diabetes could drive more early cases, with eye camps and surgeries planned via partners. Culture & Fashion: PNG Fashion Week spotlights designer William Bray’s international runway path, pushing more local creatives onto regional stages. Coastline Cleanliness: Motu-Koitabu communities urge government action over rising rubbish and plastic pollution along the Port Moresby coastline.

Commonwealth Climate Talks: PNG PM James Marape met King Charles III at Buckingham Palace, passing condolences and discussing climate action, rainforests, and the need for carbon-emitting countries to remunerate PNG for forest preservation. Coastline Cleanup Call: Motu-Koitabu coastal communities around Port Moresby are urging government support to tackle rising rubbish and plastic pollution affecting beaches, mangroves, health, marine life, and livelihoods. STEM Scholarship Spotlight: A Central/Milne Bay student is heading to India for electrical engineering after STEM support shaped his path—highlighting how unreliable rural power limits study and opportunity. Road Trip Tourism Boost: Improved road access under Connect PNG is opening Milne Bay to more travellers, with a recent 509km Port Moresby–Alotau drive showing the province’s tourism and investment potential. Air Niugini Runway Disruptions: Runway rehabilitation is forcing temporary Air Niugini changes at Mt Hagen, Hoskins, and Kiunga, limiting aircraft types and reshaping schedules until projects finish in coming months. Visa Reciprocity Push: Marape says PNG will review visa reciprocity after the US introduced a refundable K88,000 bond for PNG travellers, aiming for mutual respect while still encouraging tourism and business travel. Marine Tourism Move: PNGTPA has partnered to bring a ferry back into service in Port Moresby Harbour, aiming to expand sightseeing and new marine tourism products. Health Alert: Pacific International Hospital warns cataracts are widespread and may rise with diabetes, urging prevention and eye camps/clinics. PNG Chiefs Momentum: Brian To’o’s strong form continues as the PNG Chiefs build for their NRL push, with attention on how the franchise is shaping up.

Road Access to Milne Bay: A 509km Port Moresby–Alotau road trip under Connect PNG has convinced business and officials that Milne Bay’s “air or sea only” image is fading, opening fresh tourism and investment routes. Air Niugini Airport Disruptions: Runway rehab is forcing temporary Air Niugini limits at Mt Hagen, Hoskins and Kiunga, with Dash 8 operations at Mt Hagen until October and similar Hoskins restrictions easing mid-September. Marine Tourism Boost: PNGTPA has partnered to bring a ferry back into Port Moresby Harbour, aiming for safer sightseeing and new marine tourism products. Visa Bond Pressure on Travel: PM Marape says PNG will seek dialogue with the US over the K88,000 refundable visa bond, pushing for reciprocity while urging travellers to follow visa rules. Rugby League World Cup Pay Gap: International Rugby League says PNG and other Pacific players get AU$2,550 for three weeks (with higher amounts for top finishes), while Australia’s players receive a much higher flat payment—raising fairness concerns ahead of PNG hosting matches. Health & Safety for Travellers: Pacific International Hospital warns cataracts are rising, with diabetes a growing driver—eye camps and clinics are expanding. Culture on Screen: Bougainville communities are celebrating the restored return of film Tukana after more than 40 years, supported by Australia.

Health & Wellness: Pacific International Hospital says about 1.2 million people in PNG live with preventable cataracts, warning diabetes-linked eye disease could rise as processed foods and soft drinks become more common. Fashion & Culture: PNG Fashion Week spotlights designer William Bray’s international run from Brisbane to Fiji and back home, pushing local creatives onto regional and global stages. Road Safety: The Road Traffic Authority responds to media criticism, stressing road safety is its core job and highlighting steps to reduce cash handling during enforcement. Tourism & Marine Travel: PNGTPA signs a deal to revive a ferry in Port Moresby Harbour, aiming to restart sightseeing and build new marine tourism products. Visas & Travel Costs: PM James Marape says PNG will seek dialogue with the US over a refundable US$20,000 visa bond for PNG travellers, while also floating visa reciprocity principles. Border Updates: PNG tightens entry with a mandatory Digital Arrival Card for all incoming travellers before boarding passes are issued. Sports Travel: Rewa FC urges fans to travel to Ba for a must-win OFC Men’s Champions League clash against Lae City. Education Tourism Link: Divine Word University marks 30 years with celebrations across PNG, including a major Port Moresby campus event. Food Safety (Global, but relevant): A US parasite outbreak story highlights how hard it is to trace contamination through fresh produce supply chains. Creative Tourism: PNGTPA reaffirms support for cultural events as a tourism driver.

Visa Rules Update: PM James Marape says Papua New Guinea will review visa reciprocity after the US made a refundable US$20,000 (K88,000) bond permanent for PNG business and tourism travellers, stressing it’s about mutual respect and people-to-people links. Investment Push: Marape opened the 2026 PNG Investment Conference in Brisbane, urging Australians to “get entrenched” as opportunities expand beyond resources into tourism, ICT, agriculture and infrastructure. Border Tech: PNG is tightening entry with a mandatory Digital Arrival Card for all travellers before boarding passes are issued. Tourism & Culture: PNGTPA reaffirmed its support for cultural events as a tourism driver, while Bougainville communities celebrated the restored return of the film Tukana after more than 40 years. Sports Tourism: The PNG Chiefs secured NRL winger Brian To’o on a three-year deal for PNG’s inaugural NRL season in 2028, a move expected to boost travel and hospitality interest. Food Safety Curiosity: Scientists linked “tiny people” hallucinations to a specific wild mushroom species, a reminder to cook local foods thoroughly.