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Impact of cruise-ship visits under scrutiny
A study looking at the value of cruise ship tourism to Stewart Island and Fiordland is under way.
The study, commissioned by Venture Southland and Destination Fiordland, will identify issues affecting the hosting of cruise ships from a commercial, and other, perspectives.
It is also expected to determine the capacity, willingness and ability of southern businesses to cater to cruise passengers.
The results would be used to help assess the contribution of cruise ship tourism to the region, and the potential for growth in the sector.
The number of visits and the size of the cruise ships in the south have increased in recent years.
The carrying capacity of those ships has meant that the number of cruise-ship passengers visiting Southland’s coast has increased from about 6300 in 2001-02 to about 110,000 passengers in 2011-12. This does not include crew numbers.
An online survey taking less than five minutes to complete is part of the research effort.
A link to the survey form can be found at venturesouthland.co.nz.