Tourism industry backs world-class cruise facility

The New Zealand tourism industry wants a world-class cruise ship terminal for Auckland that will meet the new 'super city's' needs for the future, says Tourism Industry Association Chief Executive Tim Cossar.

Cossar says the tourism industryâs preference is for the $97 million cruise ship facility and public open space on Queens Wharf, stressing the industry is not in favour of a short term option or temporary-fix facility that wonât meet the long term demands of the lucrative cruise market.

Cossar explained "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."

Cruise New Zealand Chairman Craig Harris says about 60,000 international cruise ship visitors have come to New Zealand so far this 2009/10 season. Those numbers are 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.

Harris advised "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."

Tourism Auckland Chief Executive Graeme Osborne says with a quality cruise ship facility integrated with Aucklandâs transport network, the city could establish itself as a cruising 'hub' in the South Pacific, enabling it to compete successfully with Sydney, adding "that would bring with it major economic benefits, not only for Auckland but also for the rest of New Zealand."

Cossar says the tourism industry believes there is 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 are in urgent need of upgrading in order to reflect New Zealand as the quality visitor destination it is.

Cossar concludes "investing in cruise ship port facilities is something TIA and the tourism industry listed as a priority in our 2008 Election Manifesto for the incoming Government, and something we will continue to advocate strongly for."