8 October 2012

Record Cruise Season Sets Sail Today

The arrival of the 2,500 guest capacity Radiance of the Seas has today kicked off what will be another record breaking cruise season bringing approximately 91 cruise ships and over 170,000 passengers to the region.

The cruise season, which runs from October 2012 until the beginning of March 2013, is expected to inject $35 million dollars into the local economy.

PWT General Manager Marketing Sarah Meikle applauded the work done by the city's tour operators and attractions to meet the cruise market's unique needs.

"By offering the right tours at the right times, businesses such as Wellington Rover Tours and Hammonds Scenic Tours are really making the most of the opportunity this continuously expanding sector offers.”

She says the company will continue to facilitate shuttle services for cruise lines without their own services and has also increased the number of Wellington City Ambassadors this season.

"Our army of volunteers helps visitors get the most out of their Wellington experience. Their knowledge and love of all things Wellington ensure visitors have a great time while docked in the coolest little capital in the world."

Ann Sherry, CEO of the region's largest cruise company, Carnival Australia, which operates a combined fleet of cruise ships including P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises and Cunard Line, says "cruise passengers in increasing numbers are choosing to see New Zealand by ship and a visit to Wellington is always a very popular part of any New Zealand cruise itinerary.

"Along with Australia and the Pacific Islands, New Zealand is at the heart of the world's fastest growing cruise market.”

She says "beautiful destinations in New Zealand are fundamental to the growth of cruising in recent years attracting cruise ships based in the region as well as international cruise ships on world voyages."

Cruise ship numbers into Wellington have increased 57% in the last five years.

Ends…/

Notes to Editors:

Positively Wellington Tourism (PWT)

PWT is the regional tourism organisation for Wellington. It is a council-controlled organisation primarily funded by Wellington City Council through the Downtown Levy, a targeted rate paid by commercial ratepayers in downtown Wellington.

Wellington Tourism statistics

• Visitors spend over $2600 in the Wellington region per minute - $1.4 billion every year. (Source: Ministry of Economic Development Regional Tourism Data).

• Over four million visits are made to Wellington every year: 750,000 international and over 3.4 million domestic. (Source: Ministry of Economic Development Regional Tourism Data).

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