AGP Executive Report

French Tourism & Luxury Hotels: Atout France has unveiled the 2026 “Palace” hotels list, renewing 27 properties and adding six new ones to bring the total to 33—an above-five-star badge meant to spotlight the best of French hospitality. New Travel Links for the Caribbean: Air Caraïbes and LIAT have launched an interline deal for single-ticket journeys from Caribbean islands to Paris-Orly, with checked baggage through to the final destination—making it easier for travelers from Saint Barthélemy and nearby islands to connect. Saint Barthélemy on the Cruise Calendar: Emerald Cruises announced a December 13–20, 2026 Caribbean sailing aboard Emerald Sakara, featuring celebrity chef Rachel Hargrove and stops including Saint Barthélemy, Martinique, Guadeloupe and Antigua. Local Lifestyle & Retail Buzz: Marina St Barth marked its 20th anniversary with a new Southampton boutique opening and a celebration bringing its Saint Barthélemy resort-wear style to the Hamptons. Business & Regulation: France has enacted a merger-control threshold increase that takes effect September 1, 2026, aiming to cut the number of deals reviewed by the competition authority and speed up approvals. Celebrity Note: Camila Cabello and Henry Junior Chalhoub have reportedly ended their relationship after more than a year, with past trips including Saint Barthélemy.

Tourism & Retail: Marina St Barth marked its 20th anniversary with a Memorial Day weekend celebration for its new Southampton boutique, bringing the brand’s Saint Barthélemy resort-wear style to 54 Jobs Lane and spotlighting its growing presence across the U.S. Travel Connectivity: Air Caraïbes and LIAT launched an interline single-ticket deal linking Caribbean islands to Paris-Orly, with checked baggage through on one booking—opening easier routes for travelers from Saint Barthélemy and nearby islands. Cruise & Food Tourism: Emerald Cruises announced a December 13–20, 2026 “Culinary Collection” sailing on Emerald Sakara with celebrity chef Rachel Hargrove, featuring a Leeward Islands itinerary that includes Saint Barthélemy. Hospitality Watch: France named six new “Palace” hotels for 2026, bringing the total to 33—adding major Paris, Riviera, Alps, and Champagne properties to the top-tier French list. Business/Policy: A French merger-control threshold increase takes effect Sept. 1, 2026, aiming to cut the number of deals reviewed by the competition authority and speed up approvals.

Saint Barthélemy Style & Tourism: Marina St Barth marked its 20th anniversary with a celebratory launch of its new Southampton boutique, bringing the brand’s island-elegant resort wear vibe to the Hamptons at 54 Jobs Lane. Caribbean–France Travel: Air Caraïbes and LIAT rolled out an interline single-ticket option connecting multiple Caribbean islands to Paris-Orly via one booking, with checked baggage through to the final destination—explicitly including Saint Barthélemy among the routes. Cruise & Culinary Spotlight: Emerald Cruises announced a December 13–20, 2026 “Culinary Collection” sailing on Emerald Sakara, hosted by chef Rachel Hargrove, with stops including Saint Barthélemy alongside Martinique, Guadeloupe and Antigua. French Hospitality Watch: France named six new hotels to its 2026 “Palace” list, bringing the total to 33—highlighting the continued pull of top-tier French stays for luxury travelers.

Caribbean Travel Boost: Air Caraïbes and LIAT have launched an interline agreement for a single ticket linking multiple Caribbean islands to Paris-Orly, effective June 1, with baggage checked through and fewer separate bookings. Saint Barthélemy in the Mix: The new route options include connections from territories such as Saint Barthélemy, alongside Dominica, Saint Vincent, and Saint Lucia. French Hospitality Spotlight: France has named six new “Palace” hotels for 2026, bringing the total to 33, with Paris adding Bulgari Hotel Paris, Cheval Blanc Paris, and Fouquet’s Paris. Local Tourism Flavor at Sea: Emerald Cruises will host chef Rachel Hargrove on an 8-day “Culinary Collection” sailing aboard Emerald Sakara (Dec 13–20, 2026), with stops including Saint Barthélemy. Business & Regulation: 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. Celebrity Note: Camila Cabello and Henry Junior Chalhoub have reportedly ended their relationship after more than a year.

Caribbean Travel & Connectivity: Air Caraïbes and LIAT have launched an interline deal that lets passengers book a single ticket to connect Caribbean islands with Paris-Orly, with baggage checked through—starting June 1. The move is expected to make travel easier for routes that include Saint Barthélemy. Luxury Hospitality: France has named six new “Palaces de France” hotels for 2026, bringing the total to 33, including Paris additions like Bulgari Hotel Paris, Cheval Blanc Paris, and Fouquet’s Paris. On-Island Tourism Spotlight: Emerald Cruises is rolling out a December 13–20, 2026 “Culinary Collection” sailing on Emerald Sakara, with celebrity chef Rachel Hargrove, and an itinerary that includes Saint Barthélemy alongside Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Antigua. Business & Regulation: France’s merger control thresholds are set to rise on September 1, 2026, aiming to cut the number of deals reviewed by the competition authority and speed up approvals. Arts & Culture: Art Basel Paris returns to the Grand Palais October 23–25 (previews Oct 21–22) with 206 galleries from 41 countries and territories, including nearly 30 first-timers. Celebrity Watch: Camila Cabello and Henry Junior Chalhoub have reportedly ended their relationship after more than a year, with no reason given.

Caribbean Travel Boost: Air Caraïbes and LIAT have launched an interline deal that lets passengers book a single ticket to connect Caribbean islands to Paris-Orly, with baggage checked through—starting June 1. The partners say it will make routes from places including Saint Barthélemy easier for residents, tourists, and business travelers. Luxury Hospitality Watch: France has added six new hotels to the “Palaces de France” top-tier list for 2026, bringing the total to 33—three in Paris (Bulgari Hotel Paris, Cheval Blanc Paris, Fouquet’s Paris) plus Four Seasons Resort Megève, Hotel Martinez Cannes, and Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa. Art Scene: Art Basel Paris has announced 206 exhibitors from 41 countries and territories for its October 23–25 run (preview Oct. 21–22), the first edition under director Karim Crippa, with a bigger main Galeries section and a record 12 joint booths.

Caribbean–France Travel: Air Caraïbes and LIAT have launched an interline deal that lets passengers book one ticket to connect multiple Caribbean islands to Paris-Orly, with baggage checked through and fewer separate tickets needed—starting June 1, and opening smoother routes for travelers from places including Saint Barthélemy. Luxury Hospitality: France added six more hotels to its prestigious “Palaces de France” list for 2026, bringing the total to 33; new entries include Bulgari Hotel Paris, Cheval Blanc Paris, and Fouquet’s Paris, plus Four Seasons Resort Megeve, Hotel Martinez Cannes, and Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa. Island Culinary Spotlight: Emerald Cruises is bringing celebrity chef Rachel Hargrove to the Caribbean for an eight-day “Culinary Collection” sailing aboard Emerald Sakara (Dec 13–20, 2026), with stops including Saint Barthélemy, and a food-focused program built around her signature style. Art Basel Paris: Art Basel Paris announced 206 exhibitors from 41 countries and territories for its Oct 23–25 fair at the Grand Palais, with preview days Oct 21–22 and a first edition under new director Karim Crippa.

Travel & Connectivity: Air Caraïbes and LIAT have launched an interline deal that lets passengers book a single ticket to connect multiple Caribbean islands to Paris-Orly, with baggage checked through end-to-end starting June 1—making trips from places like Saint Barthélemy simpler and less hassle. Luxury on the Water: Emerald Cruises is partnering with celebrity chef Rachel Hargrove for an exclusive December 13–20, 2026 sailing aboard Emerald Sakara, with a Caribbean itinerary that includes Saint Barthélemy and other Leeward Islands stops, built around chef-led dining experiences. Business & Regulation: France has increased merger control thresholds, effective September 1, 2026, aiming to cut the number of deals reviewed by the competition authority and speed up approvals. Arts & Culture: Art Basel Paris has announced 206 participating galleries from 41 countries and territories, returning to the Grand Palais October 23–25 under new director Karim Crippa. Mobile Roaming: Sky Mobile UK is doubling roaming destinations to 120 for £2 a day across the EU/EEA, USA, Australia and more, including places like Barbados and Jamaica.

Air Travel Connectivity: Air Caraïbes and LIAT have launched an interline deal that lets travelers book one ticket to connect Caribbean islands to Paris-Orly, starting June 1. The change means fewer separate bookings and through-checked baggage for routes that previously required multiple tickets—opening smoother options from places including Saint Barthélemy. Luxury Travel & Dining: Emerald Cruises is partnering with celebrity chef Rachel Hargrove for a December 13–20, 2026 “Culinary Collection” sailing on Emerald Sakara, with stops including Saint Barthélemy, plus Martinique, Guadeloupe and Antigua. Caribbean Business Travel: The new LIAT network coverage (about 20 Caribbean destinations) plus Air Caraïbes’ long-haul Paris service is positioned as a stronger gateway for residents, tourists and business travelers heading to and from the French Caribbean. Art Market Watch: Art Basel Paris has announced 206 galleries for its October 23–25 fair at the Grand Palais, with preview days October 21–22 and a new director, Karim Crippa.

Caribbean Tourism & Luxury Travel: Celebrity chef and former Below Deck star Rachel Hargrove is set to host an exclusive 8-day “Culinary Collection” sailing aboard Emerald Sakara from December 13–20, 2026, with the itinerary taking in the Leeward Islands and stops including Saint Barthélemy, Martinique, Guadeloupe and Antigua. The trip is part of a new multi-year partnership that brings chef-led dining and destination-inspired events to Emerald’s luxury yacht and river cruise guests. Competition Policy: France has enacted higher merger control thresholds, effective September 1, 2026, aiming to cut the number of deals reviewed by the French competition authority and speed up approvals. Arts & Culture: Art Basel Paris has announced 206 participating galleries from 41 countries and territories, returning to the Grand Palais October 23–25 (previews Oct 21–22) under new director Karim Crippa, with a bigger main section and a record number of joint booths.

Caribbean Tourism & Luxury Travel: Celebrity chef and former Below Deck star Rachel Hargrove is set to host an exclusive “Culinary Collection” sailing aboard Emerald Sakara from December 13–20, 2026, with a Leeward Islands route that includes Saint Barthélemy plus Martinique, Guadeloupe and Antigua. The weeklong trip is part of a new multi-year partnership bringing chef-led dining and destination-inspired experiences to Emerald’s yachts and river cruises. Business & Regulation (France): France has enacted higher merger-control thresholds, effective September 1, 2026, aiming to cut the number of deals reviewed by the competition authority and speed up approvals. Arts & Culture (Paris): Art Basel Paris has announced 206 participating galleries from 41 countries and territories for October 23–25 (previews Oct 21–22), returning to the Grand Palais under new director Karim Crippa. Mobile & Travel Connectivity (UK): Sky Mobile UK says it’s doubling roaming destinations to 120 for £2 a day via its Roaming Passport Plus, including stops such as Barbados and other popular travel markets.

Caribbean Luxury Travel: Emerald Cruises is launching a new multi-year culinary partnership with celebrity chef and former Below Deck star Rachel Hargrove, with an 8-day “Culinary Collection” sailing aboard Emerald Sakara from December 13–20, 2026. The itinerary will include Saint Barthélemy along with Martinique, Guadeloupe and Antigua, pairing destination-inspired dining and chef-led events with intimate, personalized onboard experiences. French Competition Watch: France has enacted higher merger control thresholds, set to take effect September 1, 2026, aiming to cut the number of deals reviewed by the French competition authority and speed up approvals. Art & Culture: Art Basel Paris has announced 206 participating galleries from 41 countries and territories for its October 23–25 fair (preview Oct 21–22), returning to the Grand Palais under new director Karim Crippa, with nearly 30 first-timers and a strong French presence.

Caribbean Travel & Luxury Yachting: Celebrity chef and former Below Deck star Rachel Hargrove is partnering with Emerald Cruises for an exclusive 8-day “Culinary Collection” sailing aboard Emerald Sakara (Dec 13–20, 2026), with destination-inspired dining and chef-led events across the Leeward Islands—stops include Saint Barthélemy, plus Martinique, Guadeloupe and Antigua. French Business & Regulation: France has enacted a bill raising merger control thresholds, effective Sept 1, 2026, aiming to cut the number of deals reviewed by the French competition authority and speed up deal execution. Art & Culture (Paris): Art Basel Paris has announced 206 participating galleries from 41 countries and territories for Oct 23–25 (preview Oct 21–22), returning to the Grand Palais under new director Karim Crippa, with nearly 30 first-timers and a record 12 joint booths. Mobile Connectivity: Sky Mobile UK is expanding its roaming “Passport Plus” from 55 to 120 destinations for £2 a day across EU/EEA, USA, Australia and more, including places like Barbados and Jamaica (with fair-use limits).

Regional Air Service Shock: Air Antilles has been liquidated after a court ruling in Pointe-à-Pitre, following mounting liabilities of over €56 million and continued losses, leaving islands across the French Caribbean—including Saint Barthélemy—facing a sudden gap in inter-island flights. Arts & Culture: Art Basel Paris is set to return to the Grand Palais on October 23–25 (previews Oct 21–22) with 206 galleries from 41 countries and territories, including nearly 30 first-timers and more than 60 French exhibitors, under new director Karim Crippa. Competition Policy Watch: France has enacted a bill raising merger control thresholds, effective September 1, 2026, aimed at reducing the number of deals reviewed by the FCA and easing administrative load for companies. Sports (Giro d’Italia): Jonas Vingegaard seized the Giro’s pink jersey after a solo Stage 14 win to Pila, with Visma-Lease a Bike controlling the race as the Alps delivered a major GC shake-up.

French Competition Policy: France has enacted higher merger-control thresholds that will cut the number of deals reviewed by the FCA, with the change taking effect September 1, 2026—aimed at easing paperwork for companies and letting the authority focus on the most competition-sensitive cases. Art & Culture: Art Basel Paris has announced 206 galleries from 41 countries and territories for its October 23–25 fair at the Grand Palais, including nearly 30 first-timers and a strong French lineup, with the event now under new director Karim Crippa. Regional Travel: Air Antilles has been liquidated after a court ruling, following mounting losses and a suspended operating certificate—leaving islands across the French Caribbean, including Saint Barthélemy, facing a sudden gap in regional air service. Sports (Giro d’Italia): Jonas Vingegaard seized the Giro’s maglia rosa after a solo Stage 14 summit win to Pila, completing a hat-trick of stage victories and setting up a strong run toward the final week.

Regional Air Links: Air Antilles has been liquidated after a court ruling in Pointe-à-Pitre, leaving fewer options for travelers across Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, Saint Barthélemy, Saint Lucia, Barbados, Antigua and San Juan as inter-island connectivity remains vital for tourism and daily life. Tourism & Partnerships: Nevis Premier Mark Brantley led a delegation to Saint Barthélemy to promote Nevis as special guest destination at “Saveurs Caraïbes 2026,” aiming to strengthen tourism ties, improve regional air connectivity, and grow Nevis’ presence in experiential Caribbean travel. Art Market Watch: Art Basel Paris announced 206 participating galleries from 41 countries and territories, returning to the Grand Palais Oct. 23–25 (preview Oct. 21–22) under new director Karim Crippa, with nearly 30 first-timers and 60+ French exhibitors. Sports (Giro d’Italia): Jonas Vingegaard seized the maglia rosa with a solo Stage 14 summit win to Pila, after a team-led push that left rivals with no response on the final climb.