The outlook for the global cruise industry is positive with some
21 new ships expected to be on the water by 2015, says a number of
the United States based cruise operators.
Tourism New Zealand and Cruise New Zealand were in the United
States in March to meet with key stakeholders and attend Cruise
Shipping Miami.
They presented on new New Zealand ports which was met with
interest due to the huge capacity that will be deployed down under.
Cruise line executives see these new ports as having the potential
to offer a point of difference and also act as alternatives in case
of bad weather.
Tourism New Zealand's General Manager Marketing Communications
Justin Watson says a 4.3 per cent increase in voyages and 22.1 per
cent increase in passengers are expected in the 2012/13 cruise
season.
"New Zealand's ability to offer a range of ports, including new
offerings of New Plymouth, Picton, Kaikoura, Akaroa and Stewart
Island, was well received.
Tourism New Zealand and Cruise New Zealand will look to capitalise
on this interest by bringing some of these senior executives out
for a reconnaissance trip later this year.
For more information on the cruise industry including Tourism
New Zealand's role see here.