Asia/Pacific News
Auckland Sees "Exponential Growth" in Cruise Traffic
Cruise ship calls to Auckland, New Zealand have experienced "exponential growth" from just one visit in 1991 to 101 in the 2012/2013 season, according to Wayne Mills, general manager of multi-cargo and marine at the Ports of Auckland.
"This season, we will be welcoming around 256,000 passengers and crew resulting in a direct spend of about $300m and $115m value added to Auckland's economy," Mills said.
The industry provides over 1,500 jobs in Auckland, which is one of only two South Pacific hub ports for cruise, along with Sydney.
Cruise growth is likely to continue, given the growing economies of Asia and Australia, according to Craig Harris, chairperson of Cruise New Zealand.
Auckland is now building a new cruise facility on Queens Warf, which should be ready for the 2013/2014 season and will double the size of the current facility, according to John Dalzell, chief executive of Waterfront Auckland.
Cruise industry leaders say the Asia-Pacific region is poised for growth, which would naturally increase bunkering opportunities in the area, and if the appropriate infrastructure was put in place could pick up 300 million passengers with just a 1 percent market penetration.
