Dunedin's infrastructure and ability to cope with large numbers of tourists will be ''tested'' as the city gears up for a rise in cruise ship passengers.
About 205,000 passengers and crew are expected to visit Dunedin this year from early October, bringing $40 million to the local economy.
A 60-strong tourist industry contingent attended a pre-cruise ship season meeting at the Civic Centre yesterday and were addressed by industry experts.
Qualmark New Zealand general manager Tim Keeling outlined Dunedin's attraction and potential as a cruise ship destination.
''Cruise is a very competitive market.
''It's like a drug. We get them [tourists] here, we lock them in,'' Mr Keeling said.
''We achieve that by making it a great experience.
''They are going to come back and they are going to spend more money.''
Port Otago commercial manager Peter Brown emphasised the impact cruise ships had on Dunedin.
''We [Dunedin] are considered a premier cruise ship destination,'' Mr Brown said.
''The whole community will be in on this.''
Although there would be fewer ships docking at Port Chalmers this season compared with last (80 down to 73), Mr Brown said the number of visitors would be up because of the increased capacity of ships.
He pointed to the 2016-17 season being a ''test'' for Dunedin, when 91 ships were due to dock, and about 250,000 passengers and crew likely to visit.
December 22, 2016 would be particularly significant. The new Ovation of the Seas, which carries about 5000 passengers, and Radiance of the Seas are both to dock on that day.
''It is going to put some challenge on Dunedin's infrastructure.
''That's when we will be tested,'' Mr Brown said.
Dunedin City Council business development adviser Sophie Barker said in a statement much work had gone into planning for the upcoming season.
''Cruise is the tip of the iceberg of the visitor industry,'' she said.
''We work hard to make sure the visitor experience for everyone is excellent.''
In preparation, a new i-Site information centre was due to open at the entrance to the Civic Centre in the Octagon on September 28.
I-Site manager Louise van de Vlierd said it made sense to have an i-Site in a central location and was excited as it would be combined with a Department of Conservation hub.
''This is set up and designed as the Dunedin experience,'' Ms van de Vlierd said.
A new ''bus hub'' for the Octagon was also planned but would not be in place until next season.
The first cruise ship is scheduled for October 3.
Cruise Action Group's top 5 tips for retailers.
- Be a good ambassador. Dunedin is often the first NZ port visited. Say ''hello'' and ''kia ora''.
- Consider who the cruise customer is and what they want.
- Be proactive. Have a welcome board with the ship's name on it.
- Have a cafe to recommend, supply free Dunedin maps and know where the nearest public toilets are.
- Impress the crew. They will be back and recommend you to passengers.
- Accept foreign currency and offer to post goods overseas.
Compiled by DCC, Enterprise Dunedin and Otago Chamber of Commerce
