As the summer cruise season draws to a close, the Minister got aboard Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Edge, part of Royal Caribbean Group’s fleet, during the ship’s latest visit to Auckland. She was joined by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the New Zealand Cruise Association (NZCA), and cruise line representatives.
The forum also included more than 30 tourism leaders and other port and destination stakeholders, who were given insights into the global cruise sector and its current outlook.
CLIA managing director in Australasia, Joel Katz says the meeting was an opportunity to highlight the cruise community’s commitment to New Zealand and address some of the challenges faced in the region.
‘Cruise tourism generates many millions of dollars for local businesses in New Zealand and supports thousands of Kiwi jobs, so we want to create an environment where cruising can prosper responsibly.’
NZCA CEO, Jacqui Lloyd says creating a successful cruise economy means achieving the right regulatory settings and encouraging close collaboration. ‘We welcome the opportunity to discuss how New Zealand can attract more ships to our waters and reverse the decline, so we can strengthen the economic benefits for local communities around the country,’ she says.
Minister Upston says the meeting provided valuable insights.
‘Our Government has a priority to unleash economic growth. Tourism and hospitality – including the cruise industry – will be key contributors as we get back to 2019 visitor numbers.’
While New Zealand has welcomed more than 40 international cruise ships over the past summer season, the NZCA calculates there has been a 20% reduction in cruise visitors due to reduced cruise ship deployment. Cruise lines have attributed the reduction to rising costs, government charges and regulatory complexities.
