AGP Executive Report

Air Travel Shock: Eleven airlines have collapsed or entered administration in 2026, with holiday trips cancelled for passengers; the latest reported casualty is European Cargo, based at Bournemouth International Airport, with about 180 job losses expected. Fuel Cost Pressure: Industry groups warn jet fuel spending could jump by $100bn this year, with fares “inevitably” rising as 2026 fuel costs are projected to be up about 70% after disruptions tied to the Strait of Hormuz. Caribbean-to-Paris Access: Air Caraïbes and LIAT have launched an interline agreement for single-ticket journeys to Paris-Orly from across the Caribbean, including Saint Barthélemy, with checked baggage through to the final destination. St Barts Tourism Calendar: SeaDream Yacht Club announced new winter 2028 and New Year 2029 sailings, featuring multiple overnight stays in Gustavia and New Year’s Eve in the harbour. Local Lifestyle & Retail: Marina St Barth marked its 20th anniversary with a new Southampton boutique opening and brand celebration. Regional Food Security: The Dutch Caribbean Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Alliance held its 2026 conference in Sint Maarten, renewing cooperation on sustainable farming and fisheries across the six islands.

Air Travel Shock: Eleven airlines have collapsed or entered administration in 2026, leaving holidaymakers facing cancelled trips; the latest reported casualty is European Cargo, based at Bournemouth International Airport, with about 180 redundancies expected. Fuel Cost Pressure: The airline fallout is tied to soaring jet-fuel costs after the Iran-linked oil supply disruption, with Iata warning 2026 profits could be cut in half as fares rise “inevitably.” Caribbean-to-Paris Access: Air Caraïbes and LIAT have launched an interline deal for single-ticket travel from Caribbean islands to Paris-Orly via connections, including Saint Barthélemy, with checked baggage through to the final destination. St Barts in the Spotlight (Travel & Lifestyle): SeaDream announced new winter 2028 and New Year 2029 Caribbean sailings that put Gustavia front and center with multiple overnights and late departures. Local Business/Branding: Marina St Barth marked its 20th anniversary with a new Southampton boutique opening, bringing its Saint Barth resort-wear vibe to the Hamptons. Fashion Watch: CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund named its 2026 finalists, including Zoe Gustavia Anna Whalen.

Gustavia & Tourism: SeaDream Yacht Club has unveiled its Fall 2028 Caribbean season and New Year 2029 voyages, with 13 trips from November 2028 to January 2029 that put St. Barths (Gustavia) front and center through multiple overnights and extended late-night departures, plus New Year’s Eve in Gustavia harbour. Travel & Connectivity: Air Caraïbes and LIAT have launched an interline deal for a single booking to connect Caribbean islands to Paris-Orly, with checked baggage through to the final destination—an easier route for travellers including from Saint Barthélemy. Hospitality & France: Atout France has added six new hotels to its prestigious Palace list for 2026, bringing the total to 33, including new Paris entries like Bulgari Hotel Paris, Cheval Blanc Paris and Fouquet’s Paris. Local Business & Lifestyle: Marina St Barth marked its 20th anniversary with a new Southampton boutique opening, bringing its resort-wear style to the Hamptons. Regional Food Security: The Dutch Caribbean Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Alliance (DC ALFA) held its 2026 conference in Sint Maarten, renewing a MoU to boost cooperation on food security and sustainable farming across the islands. Off-Island Celebrity Buzz: A high-profile relationship between Camila Cabello and Henry Junior Chalhoub has reportedly ended, with past trips including Saint Barthélemy.

Caribbean Food Security Push: The Dutch Caribbean Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Alliance (DC ALFA) wrapped its 2026 conference in Sint Maarten, bringing together about 90 officials, fishermen, farmers and partners from Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Eustatius and Sint Maarten to share best practices and renew a cooperation deal aimed at stronger food security and sustainable farming and fisheries. St Barts in the Spotlight for Visitors: SeaDream Yacht Club is planning winter 2028 and New Year 2029 sailings with multiple overnight stays in Gustavia, longer late-night departures, and New Year’s Eve in the harbour—plus calls at smaller ports around the Virgin Islands, Anguilla, St Kitts and Nevis and more. Travel Made Easier to Paris: Air Caraïbes and LIAT launched an interline agreement for single-ticket connections to Paris-Orly, with baggage checked through—opening smoother routes for travellers from islands including Saint Barthélemy. Luxury Hospitality Update: Atout France named six new “Palace” hotels for 2026, bringing the total to 33 across France, including new Paris additions. Fashion Fund Names Finalists: The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund revealed its 10 finalists for 2026, with the winner set to be announced Oct. 20 in New York.

Caribbean Food Security Push: The Dutch Caribbean Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Alliance (DC ALFA) wrapped its 2026 conference in Sint Maarten, bringing together about 90 officials, fishermen, farmers and partners from Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Eustatius and Sint Maarten to boost cooperation on sustainable agriculture, fisheries and livestock, ending with a renewed MoU. Travel Ease for St Barts Visitors: Air Caraïbes and LIAT launched an interline agreement from June 1 that lets travelers book a single ticket connecting Caribbean islands to Paris-Orly, with checked baggage through to the final destination—explicitly including Saint Barthélemy in the regional network. St Barts on the Cruise Calendar: SeaDream announced fall 2028 and New Year 2029 Caribbean sailings, with Gustavia featuring prominently via multiple overnights and extended late-night departures, plus New Year’s Eve in Gustavia harbour. French Luxury Hotels Update: Atout France unveiled the 2026 “Palace” hotels list, adding six new properties and bringing the total to 33, including new Paris entries like Bulgari Hotel Paris, Cheval Blanc Paris and Fouquet’s Paris. Fashion Fund Spotlight: The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund named 10 finalists for 2026, including Zoe Gustavia Anna Whalen, with the winner set to be announced Oct. 20 in New York. Island-Style Dining at Sea: Emerald Cruises announced a December 13–20, 2026 Caribbean sailing on Emerald Sakara featuring celebrity chef Rachel Hargrove, with the itinerary including Saint Barthélemy among other Leeward Islands stops.

Tourism & Hospitality: Atout France has unveiled the 2026 “Palace” hotels list, raising the total to 33 properties with six new additions for the first time in seven years—an upgrade that includes new Paris names like Bulgari Hotel Paris, Cheval Blanc Paris and Fouquet’s Paris. Caribbean Travel: SeaDream Yacht Club is plotting a fall 2028 Caribbean season and New Year’s 2029 sailings, with 13 voyages that put Gustavia (St Barths) front and center via multiple overnights and late departures, plus time in smaller ports. Local Business & Lifestyle: Marina St Barth marked its 20th anniversary with a Southampton boutique celebration, bringing its Saint Barthélemy resort-wear vibe to the Hamptons. Air Connectivity: Air Caraïbes and LIAT have launched an interline deal for single-ticket travel from Caribbean islands to Paris-Orly via connections, with checked baggage through to the final destination—explicitly including Saint Barthélemy in the network. On-Island Dining at Sea: Emerald Cruises is teaming up with chef Rachel Hargrove for a December 13–20, 2026 Caribbean “Culinary Collection” sailing aboard Emerald Sakara, featuring stops including Saint Barthélemy.

Travel & Tourism: SeaDream Yacht Club has unveiled its Fall 2028 Caribbean season and New Year’s 2029 voyages on SeaDream I and II, with 13 routes running from November 2028 through January 2029 and featuring multiple overnight stays in Gustavia/St. Barths plus extended late-night departures. Yachting Experience: The line says the itineraries are built for a slower pace—overnights, smaller harbors, and more time in port—highlighting stops across the Virgin Islands, Anguilla, St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and more, including New Year’s Eve in Gustavia harbour. Local Business & Lifestyle: Marina St Barth marked its 20th anniversary with a celebration for its new Southampton boutique, bringing the brand’s Saint Barthélemy resort-wear style to the Hamptons. Regional Air Access: Air Caraïbes and LIAT announced an interline agreement for single-ticket travel from Caribbean islands to Paris-Orly via Paris-Orly, with baggage checked through—opening easier connections for travelers including those from Saint Barthélemy. On-Island Culinary Tourism: Emerald Cruises is partnering with celebrity chef Rachel Hargrove for an 8-day “Culinary Collection” sailing aboard Emerald Sakara (Dec 13–20, 2026) that includes Saint Barthélemy among other Caribbean stops.

Yachting & Tourism: SeaDream Yacht Club has unveiled its Fall 2028 Caribbean season and New Year 2029 voyages on SeaDream I and II, running from November 2028 through January 2029 with 13 itineraries across the Virgin Islands, St. Barths, Anguilla, St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and more. The line is pitching an intimate pace with overnight stays, smaller harbors, and extra time in Gustavia, including multiple overnights and extended late-night departures, plus New Year’s Eve in Gustavia harbour for waterfront celebrations and fireworks. Resort Fashion: Marina St Barth marked its 20th anniversary with a celebration for its new Southampton boutique in the Hamptons, bringing its Saint Barthélemy-inspired resort wear chic to 54 Jobs Lane. Travel Connectivity: Air Caraïbes and LIAT announced an interline agreement letting passengers book a single ticket connecting Caribbean islands to Paris-Orly via Paris-Orly, with baggage checked through to the final destination—opening new options for travelers from territories including Saint Barthélemy. On-Island Culinary Spotlight: Emerald Cruises is partnering with celebrity chef Rachel Hargrove for an 8-day “Culinary Collection” sailing aboard Emerald Sakara (Dec 13–20, 2026), featuring destination-inspired dining with stops including Saint Barthélemy.

Travel & Tourism: SeaDream Yacht Club has unveiled its winter 2028 and New Year 2029 Caribbean sailings, with 13 voyages featuring overnight stays in Gustavia and late-night departures, plus New Year’s Eve in Gustavia harbour for fireworks and waterfront celebrations. Air Connectivity: Air Caraïbes and LIAT are launching a single-ticket interline deal linking Caribbean islands to Paris-Orly from June 1, letting passengers book one itinerary and check baggage through to the final destination. Business & Regulation: France is raising merger control thresholds from Sept. 1, 2026, aiming to cut the number of deals reviewed by the French competition authority and speed up approvals. On-Island Travel Tips: A new guide highlights what visitors often miss about getting to St. Barts—the short, sloped Gustaf III runway approach—and practical ways to arrive and move around once on island.

Yachting & Tourism: SeaDream Yacht Club has unveiled its winter 2028 and New Year 2029 Caribbean sailings, with multiple overnight stays in Gustavia and extended late-night departures—plus New Year’s Eve in Gustavia harbour for waterfront celebrations and fireworks. Travel Connectivity: Air Caraïbes and LIAT have launched an interline deal for a single booking to connect Caribbean islands to Paris-Orly (effective June 1), with through-checked baggage and fewer separate tickets. Business & Regulation: France is raising merger control thresholds from September 1, 2026, aiming to cut the number of deals reviewed by the French competition authority and speed up approvals. Local Visitor Tips: A first-timer guide highlights how arriving via St. Maarten (then a short hop to Gustaf III) and the island’s short, sloping runway make the landing part of the experience. Culture & Lifestyle: Emerald Cruises is partnering with celebrity chef and former Below Deck star Rachel Hargrove for a December 13–20, 2026 “Culinary Collection” sailing that includes Saint Barthélemy.

Local Travel & Connectivity: Air Caraïbes and LIAT have launched an interline agreement letting passengers book one ticket to connect Caribbean islands to Paris-Orly, with checked baggage through to the final destination—an easier route for travelers from places including Saint Barthélemy. Tourism & Hospitality: France has named six new “Palaces de France” hotels for 2026, bringing the total to 33, highlighting the country’s top-tier, state-regulated luxury stays. Business & Regulation: France’s merger control thresholds are set to rise from Sept. 1, 2026, aiming to cut the number of deals reviewed by the competition authority and speed up approvals. On-Island Visitor Tips: A first-time guide to St. Barts focuses on what matters beyond the yacht-and-villa image—especially the short, dramatic landing at Gustaf III and the practical reality of getting around (including car rental). Fashion Spotlight: The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund has revealed its 10 finalists for 2026, with the winner set to be announced Oct. 20 in New York. Cruise & Food: Emerald Cruises will host celebrity chef Rachel Hargrove on an 8-day “Culinary Collection” sailing aboard Emerald Sakara, with stops including Saint Barthélemy. Entertainment: Camila Cabello and Henry Junior Chalhoub have reportedly ended their relationship after more than a year.

Travel & Connectivity: Air Caraïbes and LIAT have launched an interline deal that lets passengers book one ticket to connect Caribbean islands to Paris-Orly, with baggage checked through and fewer separate bookings—an easier route for travelers including those coming via Saint Barthélemy. Island Tourism: A new Emerald Cruises “Culinary Collection” sailing (Dec 13–20, 2026) will feature celebrity chef Rachel Hargrove and includes a stop in Saint Barthélemy as part of a Leeward Islands itinerary. French Hospitality Spotlight: France’s tourism agency has named six new hotels to the prestigious “Palaces de France” list for 2026, bringing the total to 33—highlighting top-tier French stays that may draw more high-end visitors to the region. Local Travel Reality Check: A first-time guide to St Barts focuses on what visitors often miss—especially the short, hillside runway approach into Gustaf III and the practical limits of getting around without Uber or reliable public transport.

Air Travel & Tourism: Air Caraïbes and LIAT have launched an interline agreement that lets passengers book one ticket to connect multiple Caribbean islands to Paris-Orly, with June 1 start and through-checked baggage—making it easier to reach the French gateway from places including Saint Barthélemy. Local Travel Insight: A first-time visitor guide highlights what people often miss about getting to St. Barts, from the short, sloped runway at Gustaf III to the practical reality of using a rental car since there’s no Uber and limited public transport. Business & Regulation: France’s merger control thresholds are set to rise, taking effect September 1, 2026, aiming to cut the number of deals reviewed by the French competition authority and speed up execution. On-Island Culture & Lifestyle: A Caribbean sailing promotion spotlights a December 13–20, 2026 Emerald Cruises trip with celebrity chef Rachel Hargrove, with an itinerary that includes Saint Barthélemy.

Air Travel & Tourism: Air Caraïbes and LIAT have launched an interline agreement from June 1, letting passengers book one ticket to connect Caribbean islands to Paris-Orly, with checked baggage through to the final destination—an easier route for travelers from places including Saint Barthélemy. Luxury Travel: Emerald Cruises is partnering with celebrity chef and former Below Deck star Rachel Hargrove for an eight-day “Culinary Collection” sailing aboard Emerald Sakara (Dec 13–20, 2026), with the itinerary including Saint Barthélemy alongside Martinique, Guadeloupe and Antigua. Local Travel Reality Check: A first-time visitor guide highlights how getting to St. Barts is part of the experience—typically via St. Maarten’s Princess Juliana Airport and a short flight into Gustaf III, with a ferry alternative when seas allow. Business & Regulation (France): France is raising merger control thresholds effective Sept 1, 2026, aiming to cut the number of deals reviewed by the French competition authority and speed up execution. Culture (Fashion): The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund has named its 2026 finalists, with the winner set to be announced Oct 20 in New York.

Fashion & Business: The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund has named its 2026 finalists, including Aisling Camps, Amir Taghi, Terrence Zhou (Bad Binch Tongtong), Emily Dawn Long, Jamie Haller, Julia Ferentinos (Juju Vera), Zane Li (Lll), George Inaki (Milamore), Claire Sullivan (Miss Claire Sullivan) and Zoe Gustavia Anna Whalen, with the winner set to be revealed Oct. 20 in New York and taking home $300,000. Travel & Hospitality: Emerald Cruises is partnering with celebrity chef and former Below Deck star Rachel Hargrove for an 8-day “Culinary Collection” sailing aboard Emerald Sakara (Dec. 13–20, 2026), with the itinerary including Saint Barthélemy plus Martinique, Guadeloupe and Antigua. Local Tourism Tips: A first-timer’s guide highlights what visitors often miss about getting to St. Barts—typically via St. Maarten’s Princess Juliana Airport and a short, steep landing at Gustaf III, or by ferry when conditions allow. Competition Policy (France): France’s merger control thresholds are set to rise on Sept. 1, 2026, aiming to cut the number of deals reviewed by the French competition authority and speed up approvals.

Yachting & Tourism: Emerald Cruises is launching a new multi-year partnership with celebrity chef Rachel Hargrove, with an exclusive 8-day “Culinary Collection” sailing on Emerald Sakara from December 13–20, 2026. The itinerary through the Leeward Islands includes a stop in Saint Barthélemy, alongside Martinique, Guadeloupe and Antigua, with chef-led dining, destination-inspired meals and onboard events. Business & Regulation: France has enacted higher thresholds for merger control review by the competition authority, set to take effect September 1, 2026, aiming to cut the number of deals reviewed and speed up approvals. Visitor Guide: A first-timer’s look at St. Barts highlights the practical reality behind the glamour—getting in via St. Maarten’s airport and a short, steep Gustaf III landing, plus the usual advice that getting around often means renting a car.