Opportunity for new New Zealand ports

The outlook for the global cruise industry is positive with some 21 new ships expected to be on the water by 2015, says a number of the United States based cruise operators.

Tourism New Zealand and Cruise New Zealand were in the United States in March to meet with key stakeholders and attend Cruise Shipping Miami.

They presented on new New Zealand ports which was met with interest due to the huge capacity that will be deployed down under. Cruise line executives see these new ports as having the potential to offer a point of difference and also act as alternatives in case of bad weather.

Tourism New Zealand's General Manager Marketing Communications Justin Watson says a 4.3 per cent increase in voyages and 22.1 per cent increase in passengers are expected in the 2012/13 cruise season.

"New Zealand's ability to offer a range of ports, including new offerings of New Plymouth, Picton, Kaikoura, Akaroa and Stewart Island, was well received.

Tourism New Zealand and Cruise New Zealand will look to capitalise on this interest by bringing some of these senior executives out for a reconnaissance trip later this year.
For more information on the cruise industry including Tourism New Zealand's role see here.