October target for cruises to return

• Published date: 24 February 2022
• Publication title: Otago Daily Times (New Zealand)

When the 100% Otago Regional Council-owned company presented its half-yearly report to councillors yesterday, Port Otago chief executive Kevin Winders said port staff were anticipating the return of cruises in October this year

The cruise industry could bring $75million a year into the regional economy and was a significant industry for the port company as well, Mr Winders said.

With 70% of cruise ship visitors coming from Australia it was encouraging the Australian cruise sector appeared to be planning to restart in a matter of months, he said.

The date cruise ships would return to New Zealand ports was subject to agreement with the Government, Mr Winders said.

But the New Zealand Cruise Association had been working with the Government to allow for the return of cruise ships shortly after the Australian market swung back into action, he said.

‘‘We’re well under way in preparing for cruises to return. It won’t be in this financial year, but we’re expecting it to be in this calendar year,’’ Mr Winders said.

‘‘We’re all targeting October 2022.’’

Cr Kate Wilson challenged the port company to justify its ‘‘reliance’’ on the industry and its hopeful attitude towards its...