Finding common ground - Akaroa and the Cruise industry

Finding common ground - Akaroa and the Cruise industry

Akaroa welcomed more than 130,000 cruise ship visitors in the 2014/15 season. Whilst there’s no denying the numbers are great news for the region’s economy,
catering to the needs of the visitors should work in junction with the needs of the local residents.

“It’s widely acknowledged that cruise tourism provides a much-needed economic boost to both Akaroa and to Christchurch and Canterbury” says Akaroa District Promotions Executive Officer, Hollie Hollander. “But in order to ensure we remain a sustainable destination of choice, we need to have the entire community on board, so to speak. We’re committed to working with residents and local visitors to ensure we manage the impacts of increased cruise ship visitors on our natural and cultural resources and our infrastructure.”

Whilst Ms Hollander acknowledged there will be some in the community – “the vocal minority” who will never embrace cruise ship visits, she said the majority of residents and business operators were enjoying the benefits derived from the industry. “92% of respondents to the Lincoln survey supported the cruise ships in Akaroa. And there are a number of businesses who acknowledge they simply wouldn’t survive without them [cruise visitors].”

Ms Hollander says local government, tourism bodies and the business community have committed to engaging with the community about the future of the cruise ship industry in Akaroa to ensure everyone can form a balanced view.

There are plans afoot to upgrade the wharf and a greater focus on ensuring infrastructure services, including public amenities and rubbish services are sufficient to cope with periods of increased demand.

“We make every effort to ensure residents and local visitors are informed about the visits so they can plan activities ahead of time - for example if they want to avoid crowds at the local shops and amenities. We’ll also work with council to ensure people are more informed about how and where cruise ship levies are used so they understand that they’re not being burdened as ratepayers to invest in infrastructure and facilities for the exclusive use of these visitors” said Ms Hollander.
The coming season will see a reduction in ship numbers in Akaroa with 64 scheduled berths. However, due to increased vessel sizes, passenger and crew numbers look set to increase slightly.
“It’s great to have that level of certainty – knowing when and how many people are likely to be onshore on any given day. It helps businesses plan ahead and it helps the community to be prepared.

But the future of the industry in Akaroa is uncertain. Our time as the primary port for cruise ships in Canterbury is limited, we know that. We’re hoping that once Lyttelton is back on its feet, Akaroa will still retain some cruise ship visits. They’ve become vital to our business community and they’ve enabled a strong, diverse range of retail, experience and hospitality businesses to grow and thrive here. The fact that we are rated so highly by passengers, means it’s likely we’ll retain a number of regular berths” said Ms Hollander.

ENDS

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