Nelson Cruise Ship Numbers To Rise

Mayor Miccio today says he expects the number of cruise ship visits scheduled to visit Nelson to increase two hundred per cent with 9 visits predicted to arrive over the next two years. Last summer the region hosted two cruise ships. He says cruise ships are an opportunity to boost the local economy and showcase Nelson as an international visitor destination.

“Nelson Tasman Tourism and Port Nelson have done a great job in helping to attract more cruise ships to our region. There are four secured for the 2013/2014 season with seven visits confirmed for the 2014/2015 season and two confirmed at this stage for the 2015/2016 season. Numbers for the 2015/2016 season are expected to increase,” says Miccio.

He continues “My aim is to work with local retailers, Uniquely Nelson, Port Nelson and Nelson Tasman Tourism to see if we can put together some packages that encourage visitors to stay within the CBD, and revitalise that economy.”

Lynda Keene, CEO of Nelson Tasman Tourism, says Nelson is increasingly becoming a viable competitor with other national ports. “Nelson is renowned internationally as a premium tourist destination, and attracting more cruise ships to the region has been high on our list of priorities,” says Ms Keene.

“We have been strategically partnering with key cruise ship operators and we are pleased to be making significant progress in this area. Yesterday we hosted one of the largest inbound tour agencies in the region to help with cruise ship package development and the agent was very impressed with what the region has to offer. The region is targeting the smaller luxury boutique ships at the moment however plans are in place with Port Nelson to look at hosting larger ships in the future. We have to grow our profile and build our reputation as a key Port destination and we’re thrilled after eighteen months working in the market we’ve had such a positive response. ”

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