Record levels of cruise expenditure revealed by Stats NZ highlighted the enormous opportunity that cruise tourism presents for the economy of New Zealand, according to CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association).
The latest Stats NZ's Cruise Ship Traveller Expenditure report shows total cruise ship expenditure in New Zealand was NZD 569.8 million (~USD 363,5 million) to June 30, 2019, or an increase of 28% over 2018.
In 2019, New Zealand welcomed around 322,000 cruise tourists (24% increase over 2018) with the Australians representing over 2/3 of the overall total.
According to CLIA Australasia's Managing Director, Joel Katz, the figures demonstrated "the huge contribution cruise tourism makes to the New Zealand economy."
He added that the investment of New Zealand in new infrastructure would further help develop the cruise economy of the country and allow NZ to cater to the new generation of cruise vessels entering the world fleet.