Pacific Islands News Roundup – October 17 – 23, 2025

Political Leadership and Regionalism, Peace and Security Outspoken Former Malaita Premier Daniel Suidani Passes Away (In-depth Solomons) New Caledonia: FLNKS concerned about the postponement of provincial elections, “satisfied” with the green...

Troubled road in New Caledonia fully reopens after eight-month closure

Mont-Dore motorists waiting to drive through corridor across Saint Louis under tight security Photo: NC la 1ère The main provincial road linking New Caledonia's capital, Nouméa, to the south of the main island will be fully reopened to motorists...

DFAT lowers travel advice for New Caledonia as country prepares for tourism return

The update represents a major lift for New Caledonia’s hopes of rebooting mainstream tourism and a boost for Aussies looking for a tropical getaway on Australia’s doorstep. The update follows the lifting of the nation’s curfew on 2 December,...

SPTE 2025 Media Session Sets the Stage for a New Chapter in Pacific Tourism

Tourism in the Pacific continues to evolve and adapt in a post-COVID world, as regional destinations redefine what it means to travel with purpose, authenticity, and sustainability. This year, the South Pacific Tourism Exchange (SPTE) 2025 kicked...

Full list of the countries where rabies is 'high risk' after UK tourist dies

A woman has tragically died in the UK after becoming infected with rabies in Morocco. She is said to have contracted the fatal viral disease while coming into contact with a stray dog during a visit to Morocco, the UK Health and Security Agency...

Brits Should Avoid Travelling To These Countries In 2025 – According To Foreign Office

One of the most useful things Brits can do before taking an overseas trip is checking whether the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has deemed that country as safe to travel to. The FCDO says they help tens of thousands of British...

Life-threatening disease erupts on Australia's doorstep as urgent travel warning is issued

Deadly dengue fever outbreaks have been rising amongst Australia's Pacific neighbours, prompting a travel warning for holidaymakers. The Cook Islands declared the most recent outbreak of the disease after 19 cases of the disease, including two...

Over 10,000 left New Caledonia

Many skilled Fijian construction workers with experience abroad are returning to Fiji to help build Vatu Talei – The Jewel, a luxurious resort set to open in late 2026. The $230 million project on Denarau Island in Nadi is creating over 450 jobs...

Third time lucky in New Caledonia?

By Nic Maclellan When France’s overseas minister, Sébastien Lecornu, announced that New Caledonia’s third self-determination referendum will be held this December, he created a major challenge for the main independence coalition, the Front de...

New Caledonia’s pro-independence movement struggling to maintain united front

The FLNKS political bureau held a press conference in Nouméa on Friday 15 November. Photo: LNC As two of the four pillars of New Caledonia's pro-independence movement have now announced their intention to distance themselves from the FLNKS...

New Caledonia: Authorities extend territorywide curfew through at least Dec. 2, and other restrictions through Dec. 20 amid risk of unrest /update 24

Multiple Italian labor unions plan to stage a general strike nationwide Nov. 29. Union leaders will denounce the government's recent budget and demand increased wages for their members. The strikes will impact multiple sectors, which will likely...

Carnival Cruise Line Expands Footprint in Australia and New Zealand

Carnival Cruise Line has announced plans to sail from more homeports than ever before in Australia and New Zealand in 2027-28, according to a press release. Deployment includes year-round sailing from Sydney and Brisbane, as well as Carnival...

Trump's travel bans: How are they different from travel advisories?

Former President Trump issued a full travel ban for foreign nationals from 12 countries, citing national security risks. The travel bans go into effect on June 9, 2025 and impact how foreign nationals enter the U.S. The U.S. Department of State...

Carnival Cruise Line Adding New Homeports for 2027-2028

Carnival Cruise Line released new itineraries for 2027-2028 that will see them sailing from more homeports in Australia and New Zealand than ever before. These new cruises include Carnival sailing their first-ever seasons from Adelaide and...

'Harmful' bug discovered in Tenerife as tourists told to 'remain vigilant'

The 'invasive' bugs have been found in a popular tourist town on the island. Holidaymakers visiting Tenerife are being warned to 'stay vigilant' after a 'harmful' bug was discovered in a popular tourist resort. Holidaymakers should be on alert for...

What is a travel ban? What is a travel advisory? Learn the difference

President Trump announced a travel ban on 12 countries, citing national security risks. Seven additional countries face partial travel restrictions. The State Department issues travel advisories with four levels, separate from the ban. The...

EXCLUSIVE: New Caledonia is ready to welcome Australian travellers again – here’s what it’s really like right now

At the end of 2023, New Caledonian authorities had every reason to be optimistic about the Australian tourism market for the year ahead. The Pacific island nation had just welcomed its highest-ever number of Aussie visitors, more than 30,000 for...

Man dies in shark attack in New Caledonia

Beach in Noumea, New Caledonia Photo: AFP A man has died following a shark attack off the small town of Koumac, on New Caledonia's main island, Grande Terre. While his family were out on a picnic on a nearby beach, the father of two had gone spear...

Shark attack claims life of fisherman in New Caledonia

A man died after a shark attack near Koumac, on New Caledonia’s main island, Grande Terre, on Thursday afternoon. The father of two was spear fishing near the islet of Kendek while his family picnicked on a nearby beach. Witnesses reported he was...

Exploring New Caledonia Through a Sustainable Lens: The ‘New Cal Specialist’ Programme

In the heart of the Pacific, New Caledonia’s pristine beauty is not just a destination; it’s a commitment to sustainability. Since its launch in 2020, the ‘New Cal Specialist’ training and loyalty programme, developed by New Caledonia Tourism...