Senior New Zealand Government ministers have met with cruise industry leaders in Wellington as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s cruise economy and attract more ships to the region.
Representatives from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the New Zealand Cruise Association (NZCA), Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Group and Heritage Expeditions attended the forum, which was convened by New Zealand Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston.
The meeting also included Minister for Climate Change, Local Government and Auckland Simon Watts, Minister for Customs and Associate Minister for Immigration Casey Costello, Minister for Biosecurity Andrew Hoggard and Minister for the South Island and Associate Minister for Transport James Meager.
The discussions continue engagement that began in July 2025 focused on supporting the future growth of cruise tourism across New Zealand.
Cruise industry highlights economic value
CLIA Executive Director in Australasia Joel Katz said closer collaboration between government and industry was essential to improving New Zealand’s competitiveness as a cruise destination.
“Cruise tourism is worth NZ$1.23 billion a year to the New Zealand economy and supports more than 8,000 jobs around the country, but action is needed to create an environment in which cruising can thrive,” Katz said.
“By working together across all areas of government and industry, we can focus on lifting New Zealand’s competitiveness as a cruise destination and encourage more ships to visit.”
NZCA Chief Executive Officer Jacqui Lloyd said the discussions recognised the significant contribution cruise tourism made to communities throughout New Zealand.
“Cruising not only brings enormous visitor spending, but it also supports a complex supply chain of New Zealand businesses that benefit from cruise operations – both in the major cities as well as smaller towns and regional destinations,” Lloyd said.
