Cruise ship comeback
A $20m tourism tap is turned on again
The pre-cruise season hui provided a good
opportunity for stakeholders and the
wider business community to reconnect
and restart cruise conversations, focusing on how we can approach the return of cruise by working together
Irwin Wilson, FNHL
The first cruise ship since Covid-19 border closures was welcomed back to the region yesterday. The Majestic Princess’ arrival in the Bay of Islands, marks Taitokerau’s first international cruise visit in two and a half years.
“Prior to Covid-19, the cruise industry was worth over $20 million to the Far North economy. The return of cruise to Northland provides positive economic benefits which ripple across the region,” Far North Holdings Ltd (FNHL) cruise representative Irwin Wilson said.
Substantial planning has been undertaken around the upcoming cruise season, with hui facilitated by FNHL and supported by Northland Inc, bringing together MBIE policy and tourism teams, Maritime NZ, Customs, MPI, NZ Cruise Association and local hapū and business community to discuss upcoming cruise ship season operations.
Discussions also covered aspects such as health and biosecurity management, and environmental protection.
“The pre-cruise season hui provided a good opportunity for stakeholders and the wider business community to reconnect and restart cruise conversations, focussing on how we can approach the return of cruise by working together”, Wilson said.
The cruise industry has made commitments to give back to the destinations on itineraries through a renewed focus on destination management and previous support of local restoration projects such as Bay Bush Action and Project Island Song.
Such future-focussed commitments from industry, highlight the opportunity which exists for the region, communities and cruise operators to generate positive and sustainable impact, Northland Inc general manager of destination
Tania Burt said.
“Cruise to the region is highlighted within the Taitokerau Northland Destination Management Plan as a good example of where our region simultaneously needs efforts to manage impacts, develop opportunities and share benefits. Through collaboration, the cruise industry can bring vibrancy through additional visitation and benefits can extend beyond the initial economic boost.”
The arrival of the Majestic Princess opens the summer cruise season, with 53 port calls expected to arrive in the Bay of Islands between this month and June next year.
To mark the return of cruise ships, a pōwhiri welcomed the first tender to shore in the early morning.
Waitangi’s Te Tii Marae chairman Ngati Kawa Taituha, said: “We have appreciated the new and ongoing conversations in the lead up to cruise returning to the region, where we have expressed the importance of protection of te taiao and looking after our people”.
“We look forward to extending our manaakitanga with a pō whiri to welcome visitors to our shores on Monday.”
— More information on the 2022/23 cruise schedule can be found at: fnhl. co.nz