Tourist attractions and shops count cruise coin
About 166,000 cruise ship passengers have poured $59 million into Wellington over the past seven months.
The departure of Radiance of the Seas on Saturday marked the end of the 2017/2018 cruise season in the capital. That same cruise ship also kicked off the season in October.
New Zealand Cruise Association chief executive Kevin O’Sullivan said the passengers spent their money in shops along Lambton Quay, as well as at museums and attractions around the city. Te Papa, the Cable Car, Zealandia and Weta Workshop were all popular.
In February, figures presented to retailers and stakeholders at an OurCBD meeting showed cruise visitors spent $25m with Wellington CBD retailers last season.
O’Sullivan said Wellington was one of New Zealand’s primary cruise ship destinations and was ‘‘very important to the country’s cruise industry’’.
Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency spokesman David Perks said the ‘‘exceptional weather’’ this summer contributed to the 2017/2018 cruise season being the best yet.
‘‘It’s well known that the cruise industry adds tens of millions to the capital’s retail, hospitality and tourism sectors, but lesser known is the spread of that spend. It’s not just fashion boutiques, gift shops, cafes and restaurants that benefit but also shops such as pharmacies and electronics retailers.’’
Many passengers returned to stay longer in the region as independent travellers.
CentrePort chief executive Derek Nind said Wellington welcomed 15 per cent more visitors this year, who arrived on 82 ships.
The port’s biggest day was Sunday, February 11, with nearly 7000 people flocking to the capital on the Ovation of the Seas and the Pacific Jewel.
O’Sullivan said the 2018/19 cruise season was shaping up to be ‘‘bigger than ever’’, with 110 cruise ship visits booked.