Cruise terminal vital to tourism economy

A new study on New Zealand’s cruise industry supports the need for a world-class, international cruise ship terminal on Auckland’s waterfront.
The New Zealand Cruise Industry Study prepared by Market Economics confirms that Auckland received over $163 million of total cruise industry direct expenditure during the 2009/10 cruise season. This is almost 60 per cent of national direct spend, and generated another $63 million through value-added services.

“In a difficult economic climate, there is substantial opportunity for Auckland to benefit further from the cruise ship industry,” says Mike Lee, ARC Chairman.

“The cruise industry has shown continued growth over the past 10 years. Our Australian neighbours are enjoying the cruise offer and Australia has quickly become the most important country for the cruise industry.

During the 2010/11 season 87 cruise ships are expected, carrying 138,200 passengers and 56,400 crew. This equates to almost $305 million being injected into New Zealand’s economy and around $177 million into Auckland specifically. The bookings for the season commencing in 13 months time will see 199,900 passengers and 88,000 crew visiting Auckland.

“Auckland clearly needs a new attractive fit-for-purpose international cruise ship terminal. Auckland has to take this opportunity seriously,” says Mr Lee.

The study confirms that opportunity exists to capture more value added investment, for example New Zealand food and wine provisions for the visiting ships. However the report also states that a cruise terminal with greater integration is required to achieve greater economic benefit.

“A new, purpose-built cruise terminal on Queens Wharf will boost both the region’s and New Zealand’s economies,” says Councillor Michael Barnett, ARC’s deputy chair.

“Most of the capacity constraints relate to port-side activities and transport to and from the waterfront. We can overcome this by building a world-class terminal on Queens Wharf.

“Auckland is the country’s front-door for cruise passengers and we all know that you do not get a second chance to make a first impression. The experience they have here will shape how the feel about New Zealand, and will affect the cruise industry over the long term.”

The cruise industry has grown by an average of 14 per cent each year since the 1996/97 cruise season.

ENDS

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