Tomorrow is an exciting moment for Tauranga Moana and local business, as the first cruise ship will dock up at our port after two-and-a-half years.
At 5.30am on Saturday, October 15, the Majestic Princess cruise ship will arrive at the Port of Tauranga, carrying more than 3500 passengers.
After borders closed in 2020, the cruise's arrival is even more special as it's the first cruise to arrive in all of New Zealand for the summer.
Tourism Bay of Plenty general manager Oscar Nathan thinks it's a privilege that our region will be the first host of summer cruise guests.
'After a pause in cruise ships coming into our waters due to Covid-19, to see tourism pick up again in the Bay of Plenty is a significant milestone for everyone involved in the tourism and cruise industries – locally and nationally,” says Nathan. He adds that the buzz that cruise guest bring will make the Bay of Plenty more vibrant for everyone.
‘'With approximately 171,000 cruise ship manuhiri (visitors) and almost 73,000 crew members expected for the 2022/23 season, more people will be shopping, dining, and adventuring in the Bay of Plenty, which will be fantastic to see.”
In total, there will be 103 cruise ships that will dock at the Port of Tauranga this cruise season, with the last full summer cruise season contributing $89m to our local economy.
Members of Mount Maunganui Business Association Destination are eager to see the cruises return and excited to see how this season will turn out, says marketing manager Claudia West.
With the changes that Covid cause for business, Claudia says they are keen to see how the make-up of cruise guests will spend their time while here.
'Regardless of what they choose to do, there is so much on offer – from experiencing the delights of the coastal Bay of Plenty, wandering the Mount Mainstreet shops and cafés, learning to surf at the main beach, or stand up paddle boarding at Pilot Bay – we want to provide tourists a taste of our slice of paradise.”
In celebration of cruise ships return, locals are encouraged to farewell the Majestic Princess from spots around Pilot Bay and Mauao when it leaves port at 5.30pm on Saturday, October 15.
1 comment
Challenging
Posted on 14-10-2022 13:02 | By Let's get real
I wish all of the local coachlines all the best as I imagine they will be struggling to run a viable service with bus drivers now looking for higher wages ($28 per hour for drivers working for our council) How can our small independent operators survive when they are competing with ratepayers money funding a service that has never covered its own costs, let alone shown a single dollar in profit. The struggle for the local companies will be to find quality drivers that are able to host the visitors and give a commentary about the local area to provide the type of experience that is available in other parts of the country. I expect a return to dissatisfied visitors and stressed coach companies. Thanks WBOPRC
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