THE Kiwi cruise industry turned out in force last Fri for the 2023 New Zealand Cruise Association (NZCA) conference, which took place at Otautahi Christchurch’s Town Hall. Attendees included Cruise Lines International Association Managing Director Joel Katz who said it was an opportunity “to witness first hand the energy and...
THE Kiwi cruise industry turned out in force last Fri for the 2023 New Zealand Cruise Association (NZCA) conference, which took place at Otautahi Christchurch’s Town Hall.
Attendees included Cruise Lines International Association Managing Director Joel Katz who said it was an opportunity “to witness first hand the energy and enthusiasm that surrounds the cruise industry in New Zealand”.
Addressing the conference, he said “we have every reason to be optimistic about the future”.
“Cruising may have returned late to this region, but it’s clear we will catch up with other parts of the world swiftly,” he said.
A small-scale resumption last summer is being followed this year with a ramp-up of activity as increasing confidence sees cruise lines schedule a stronger presence in the country for the upcoming season.
“In all, about 55 cruise ships will visit New Zealand over the coming summer season – a level higher than had been planned in 2019-20 before the pandemic,” Katz noted.
“Together they will spend more than 1,200 port days in destinations around the country, which is 14% more than scheduled in that pre-pandemic season…that equates to about 1.8 million passenger days in port, which I think you’ll agree will be a phenomenal contribution to the national tourism economy.”
Katz is pictured at right with Australian Cruise Association CEO Jill Abel; NZCA Chair Tansy Tompkins from Wellington Cable Car; and NZCA CEO Jacqui Llloyd.
