Proud to Contribute ‘Lion’s Share’ of Economic Activity

MEDIA RELEASE
September 30, 2014

Carnival New Zealand Proud to Contribute ‘Lion’s Share’ of Economic Activity

Cruise industry leader Carnival New Zealand today welcomed new figures highlighting a record cruise contribution to the national economy with forecasts for even further growth.

CEO Ann Sherry said Carnival New Zealand accounted for the lion’s share of cruising activity in New Zealand waters and was on the threshold of another spectacular summer cruise season.

Carnival New Zealand represents five iconic cruise brands in the local market and will account for 271 destination calls from tomorrow (October 1) to the end of April next year.

“New Zealand is a vital part of the world’s most dynamic and fastest growing cruise market in which the economy is benefiting from the long value chain of cruising,” Ms Sherry said.

“The great news is that businesses both small and large and primary producers are benefiting from the surge in cruising.

“It is extremely satisfying to know that beyond the positive economic data are real people; tour operators, cafe and restaurant owners and taxi drivers, all are benefiting from cruise industry growth.

“Carnival New Zealand is proud to be contributing the lion’s share of cruise ship activity in local waters.”

According to the Cruise New Zealand study, the cruise sector contributed a record $365.3 million to the New Zealand economy in the 2013-2014 cruise season.

The sector’s contribution was expected to increase to $421.5 million in 2015-2016 as a result of a surge in passenger numbers to nearly 250,000.

Highlights of Carnival New Zealand’s imminent 2014-2015 cruise season include:

• Carnival New Zealand’s five brands will make 271 calls to New Zealand this cruise season and accounts for half of the ship calls of cruise industry association members
• In total, Carnival New Zealand will have 11 ships across five brands visiting New Zealand
• Cunard Line ships will make 10 calls with all three Queens visiting New Zealand waters
• P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Pearl will make 12 visits (November-December 2014 and then back in April for the start of her record 10-cruise 2015 season)
• P&O Cruises World Cruising (UK) Aurora will make seven calls including her maiden call to Akaroa on March 12
• Princess Cruises will make 242 calls across six ships during cruise season

Editor’s note:
Carnival New Zealand is part of Carnival Corporation & plc, the largest leisure cruise shipping company in the world. Covering the world's most popular cruise brands, Carnival New Zealand represents approximately 50 per cent of the New Zealand cruise market.

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