Close to 200,000 cruise ship passengers are expected to arrive in New Zealand this season, a welcome boost for regional tourism, jobs, businesses and communities.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston was buoyed to welcome the passengers aboard the Crown Princess as she docked in Auckland over the weekend, heralding the beginning of a new cruise season.
After a challenging few years for the sector, Upston saw encouraging signs of renewed confidence. Cruise lines have also recognised the practical steps Government has taken to make it easier to visit New Zealand, and the stronger coordination between government and industry.
Upston said the government has taken a new approach to working closely with the cruise sector to improve their ability to do business in New Zealand.
“We’ve worked hard to ensure New Zealand is positioned as a must-dock destination for cruise lines and passengers this season, and for many seasons to come.”
“In April this year I attended Seatrade in the US - the world's largest cruise conference, and in May I brought government and industry together through the second Cruise Forum to help strengthen New Zealand's position on the global cruise map,” said Upston.
“Building a sustainable and resilient cruise sector is a specific action in the Tourism Policy Statement which was released in June. That reflects the important role cruise tourism plays in New Zealand’s economy.”
She was heartened to see broad support for the sector, including Auckland's Cruise Strategy and ambition for more travellers to begin and end their cruise vacations in the City of Sails, the development of Bledisloe North Wharf, and practical solutions to address biofouling requirements.
These improvements have provided greater certainty for operators and made it easier for ships and passengers to come to New Zealand. The return of winter cruising next year and positive signals from cruise lines on future decisions to visit New Zealand shores also pointed to growing momentum.
“I will continue working with cruise lines, ports, local government and the tourism sector to build a more predictable and attractive operating environment and support our goal of doubling the value of international tourism by 2034.”
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