The tourism industry wants a world-class cruise ship terminal
for Auckland that will meet the new super city's needs for
the future.
Tourism Industry Association chief executive Tim Cossar said
today the industry's preference was for a $97 million cruise
ship facility and public open space on Queens Wharf.
He said the industry was not in favour of a short-term option
or temporary-fix facility that won't meet the long term
demands of the lucrative cruise market.
"The cruise market is being driven by high-spending baby
boomers and is growing faster than any other part of the New
Zealand tourism industry.
"Seasonally, it is worth more than $3 million a day in
foreign exchange earnings, however Auckland - and other New
Zealand ports - are already struggling to cope with the
burgeoning demand," Mr Cossar said.
Cruise New Zealand chairman Craig Harris said about 60,000
international cruise ship visitors had come to New Zealand so
far this 2009/10 season.
Those numbers were expected to increase to nearly 105,000 by
the end of the season from a total of 26 ships making 81
voyages and 421 port calls.
"Next season we forecast New Zealand will welcome a record
133,000 passengers from 31 ships, 88 voyages and 449 port
calls. These are discerning and high-spending visitors who
are making a significant contribution to New Zealand's
economy," Mr Harris said.
Tourism Auckland chief executive Graeme Osborne said with a
quality cruise ship facility integrated with Auckland's
transport network, the city could establish itself as a
cruising "hub" in the South Pacific, enabling it to compete
successfully with Sydney.
Mr Cossar said the tourism industry believed there was an
opportunity for central and local government, port companies
and the private sector to work together to look at ways of
funding better port facilities for cruise ships in Auckland,
and other key ports where facilities were in urgent need of
upgrading in order to reflect New Zealand as the quality
visitor destination it was.
Bookmark/Search this post with:
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.