The future of the struggling Kiwi cruise industry was under the spotlight in Wellington last night—at a meeting between cruise industry representatives and government ministers.
The discussions set the scene for longer-term collaboration on the development of international cruise tourism, says Cruise Lines International Association. “This is a valuable opportunity to consider the many areas of government that support cruise operations and lay the foundations for greater collaboration between government, industry and local communities,” says CLIA md Australasia Joel Katz. “Cruise tourism is worth more than $1 billion a year to the New Zealand economy and supports almost 10,000 jobs around the country, so it’s important that we achieve the right settings for cruising to thrive.” Katz says the cruise sector welcomed the opportunity to examine New Zealand’s cruise economy from multiple viewpoints.
. . . From The NZCA
NZCA chief executive Jacqui Lloyd adds that a whole-of-government strategy was essential to fostering a prosperous and well-managed cruise sector. “It’s important to consider all functions of government and all areas of regulation, so we’re pleased to have this opportunity to speak with multiple government leaders as we look to the future.”
. . . Govt Response
Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Louise Upston says the meeting set the sails ‘for more collaborative and coordinated engagement with the sector to explore future opportunities for cruise in New Zealand while safeguarding our natural assets’. “Cruise is a crucial part of our tourism eco-system. It supports local businesses, jobs and the wider New Zealand economy. With tourism’s goal to double export value by 2034, cruise will play a key role.”
. . . Pictured
The line-up at last night’s meeting is, from left, Peter Little from Carnival Corporation (and CLIA Australasia chair); Celebrity Cruises’ Tim Jones; Minister for Customs & Associate Minister for Immigration Casey Costello; Minister for Tourism & Hospitality Louise Upston; Minister for the South Island & Associate Minister for Transport James Mea-ger; Minister for Auckland Simeon Brown; Minister for Biosecurity Andrew Hoggard; Deb Corbett from Ponant and NZCA’s Jacqui Lloyd.
