Cruise industry calls on Government to overturn crippling NZ tourism tax
2 Mins Read
August 21, 2024
August 21, 2024 – Cruise lines have called on the New Zealand Government to overturn plans for a 136% increase in cruise visitor fees, which threatens to accelerate an alarming downturn in cruise tourism around the country.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) today warned a multi-million dollar increase in border processing fees planned by New Zealand Customs would worsen a costs crisis that was already harming New Zealand businesses and local communities.
“While cruise tourism is at record levels internationally, New Zealand destinations face a 22% fall in cruise visitors during the upcoming summer season, largely due to high costs and regulatory complexities,” said Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz.
“Cruise lines have been forced to reduce their deployments in New Zealand, which is now one of the most expensive destinations in the world for cruise operations,” Mr Katz said. “Even before this Customs increase, New Zealand communities are facing estimated losses of at least $157 million in reduced tourism over the 2024/25 season.”
Mr Katz said the New Zealand Customs Service proposal would add millions of dollars in costs to cruise operations, despite warnings from cruise lines that existing costs had become prohibitive.
“New Zealand is one of the most desirable cruise destinations in the world and cruise lines have invested heavily over many years to develop international cruise operations in local waters,” Mr Katz said. “Cruise tourism is ordinarily worth more than $500 million a year to communities around the coast of New Zealand, but this is now threatened by a succession of exorbitant cost increases by ports and government agencies.”
CLIA and its cruise line members have called on the New Zealand Government to intervene in the planned Customs fee increase and adopt a whole-of-government strategy to foster a well-managed cruise tourism economy. CLIA has welcomed the National Cruise Strategy announced recently by the New Zealand Cruise Association (NZCA), which aims to increase the economic and social benefits of cruise tourism through collaboration between government, ports and destinations, tourism operators and cruise lines.
Relevant News
Cruise industry looks ahead to European Cruise Week 2025 in Rotterdam, in partnership with local and regional leadership
CLIA returns with the second annual Cruise Week Europe from 12-14 March 2025Cruise Week features the annual European Summit and an Innovation ShowcaseRegistrations to attend Cruise Week Europe 2025 are openInnovation Showcase Exhibition sales are selling fastBrussels, 9 January 2025 - Registrations are open for the highly anticipated CLIA Cruise Week Europe 2025, taking place in Rotterdam from 12-14 March 2025. Held in Europe’s largest seaport, this premier event brings together decision-makers from across the cruise industry, along with policymakers, business partners, and suppliers, to shape the future of cruising.In partnership with the Municipality of Rotterdam, the Port of Rotterdam and Cruise Port Rotterdam, Cruise Week Europe 2025 will bring together top cruise line executives, industry innovators, and political leaders to showcase the industry’s commitment to sustainable and innovative tourism solutions. The event will highlight the cruise industry’s contributions to the European maritime sector and its leading role in environmental and technological advancements.Cruise Week Europe 2025 will feature an Innovation Showcase, a unique platform for companies supplying or interested in supplying the cruise industry, with a focus on maritime innovation, technology, new build and design and hospitality development. New in 2025 will be a platform to connect exhibitors with cruise line buyers through scheduled 1:1 appointments, special promotional sessions introducing new products and services, and a series of workshops for new to cruise sellers.Jason Liberty, global Chair, CLIA, and president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group said: “Rotterdam’s strong maritime heritage makes it an ideal location for Cruise Week Europe 2025. Europe is a leader in maritime technology development and cruise lines are making enormous investments to lay the foundations for a future of low to zero carbon fuels.CLIA’s annual European Summit is anopportunemoment for the industry and our partners to come together to discuss jointissues, share innovations,andagree on a pathway forward.”Mai Elmar, Executive Director, Cruise Port Rotterdam said: “The cruise sector is thriving with innovation, and collaboration is key. Cruise Week Europe is an opportunity for our community to come together to exchange ideas, learn from each other and showcase the best of our sector. We look forward to seeing more of the groundbreaking work being done by companies across the maritime cluster in sustainability and technology at the Innovation Showcase.”Samuel Maubanc, Director General Europe, CLIA, added: “The cruise sector is a key part of the European maritime transport industrial cluster. Cruise lines are driving innovation, investing in the development and use of new technologies and sustainable energy solutions that will apply across the maritime sector. We look forward to constructive and fruitful debates on how cruise can contribute to the competitiveness, sustainability and resilience of Europe’s maritime sector.”For more information, contact: Philomene Bouchon, CLIA, at [email protected] details on how to exhibit at the CLIA Innovation Showcase: click hereOr contact one of our team members: Emanuela @ [email protected] (EMEA); Joe@ [email protected] (Americas, Asia)About CLIA Cruise Week Europe 2025:CLIA Cruise Week Europe 2025 will gather decision-makers from cruise lines, senior representatives of shipyards, classification societies, ports and destinations, as well as government officials, experts in maritime technologies, and existing and potential cruise suppliers. The event will focus on fostering collaboration, sharing intelligence, and exploring new solutions for a sustainable future.For more information about this exciting event and to learn how your company can get involved, please visit www.cliacruiseweek.comThe Innovation Showcase:The Innovation Showcase is an exclusive exhibition organized to support the European Summit as part of CLIA Cruise Week.This premier event brings together cruise industry leaders, policymakers, suppliers, and industry stakeholders from across Europe and beyond to address cruise industry challenges and opportunities, offering participants unprecedented access to: senior industry leadership:Offering direct engagement with decision-makers shaping our industry, including top executives from major cruise brands and ship builders;Networking opportunities - providing focused opportunities to build lasting partnerships with buyers, suppliers, and executives in a single venue;Market insights - delivering first-hand knowledge of trends, innovations, and sustainability initiatives driving future growth in cruising and maritime businesses. 09 January, 2025
Commissioner Tzitzikostas and MEPs engage with the travel and tourism industry for a sustainable and resilient future
Brussels, 10 December 2024 — Today, 10 leading European travel and tourism organisations convened in the European Parliament for a high-level meeting with Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, MEP Daniel Attard and other Members of the Tourism Task Force, as well as European Commission and EU Member States representatives. This meeting builds on the work initiated in Rhodes earlier this year, continuing efforts to foster collaborative dialogue between industry leaders and policymakers, with a focus on advancing the sector’s efforts towards enhanced sustainability, resilience and effective climate change mitigation.The event follows the landmark Joint Declaration EU Tourism: Resilience in the Climate Crisis Era signed in April 2024 by the coalition of 10 industry organisations. Launched in Rhodes, the Declaration spells out the industry’s commitment to decarbonisation, enhancing cross-sector collaboration and deepening engagement with policymakers to achieve a sustainable and competitive future for the travel and tourism sector.On this special occasion, Commissioner Tzitzikostas highlighted the critical role of tourism in Europe and pledged to introduce a Sustainable Tourism Strategy as well as appropriate EU funding to help the sector adapt and mitigate the impacts of climate change.During the discussions, industry representatives detailed their progress towards emission reduction targets. They emphasised the concrete steps being taken to support environmental commitments and drew attention to important challenges for an effective and timely transition.Travel and tourism leaders stressed the importance of maintaining open dialogue between public and private sectors, with the aim of clarifying and reducing compliance reporting requirements, identifying funding opportunities, and sharing effective best practices across industries.MEP Daniel Attard (S&D, Malta), Member of the Tourism Task Force Steering Group, stated: “The climate-related legislative packages have been adopted, and now our focus must shift to implementation. Sustainable targets are essential, but we must also safeguard the competitiveness of the industry. Economic growth and sustainability can and must go hand in hand. It is vital that our policies deliver tangible benefits for workers, businesses, and the environment alike.”Alexandros Vassilikos, President of HOTREC, on behalf of the Coalition, commented: “The industry has already demonstrated its commitment to sustainability through substantial investments across multiple areas. From advancing sustainable aviation fuels and developing energy-efficient technologies to creating comprehensive sustainability certifications and robust emissions measurement methodologies, we have laid the groundwork for meaningful change. Yet, we recognise that realising our full potential requires significant policy support, targeted funding, and engagement with policymakers to ensure that our smallest businesses, the true backbone of our sector, can fully participate in this transformative journey.”Today’s meeting sets the stage for a closer partnership between policymakers and the travel and tourism sector, ensuring that shared goals for a sustainable and resilient future can be achieved together.–ENDS–The organisations mentioned below endorsed the Joint Declaration:Airlines for Europe (A4E)Airports Council International (ACI EUROPE)Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Association (ECTAA)European Exhibition Industry Alliance (EEIA)European Regions Airline Association (ERA)European Association of Hotels, Restaurants and Cafes (HOTREC)The Global Association for the Attractions Industry (IAAPA)International Road Transport Union (IRU)European Federation of Rural Tourism (RURALTOUR) 11 December, 2024
Successful Destination Assessment for the City of Kotor
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the Municipality of Kotor, and the Port of Kotor in Montenegro joined forces for the destination assessment in the historic port city. The agreement was announced during CLIA’s Port and Destination Dialogue in Hamburg, Germany, last year.The GSTC Destination Assessment took place between September 2023 and July 2024 . It was conducted by the GSTC and co-funded by CLIA jointly with the Municipality and Port. The assessment process, which included local stakeholder consultation, helped the city identify priorities with respect to destination management as well as any potential gaps and key risks.Kotor is a key cruise destination in the Adriatic Sea. Nestled against stunning mountains, the city is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With a history that predates Homer, Kotor continues to embody the essence of its ancient past. The assessment aimed to set the foundation for a sustainability action plan for the city.The GSTC Destination Criteria (GSTC-D) covers four pillars of destination sustainability: destination policy and planning, community involvement and benefits, management of cultural assets, and management of environmental and natural resources.The GSTC Destination Assessor, Dr. Ioannis Pappas, conducted an assessment of current tourism activities and management approaches. The assessment included a 4-day onsite visit by the assessor, who interviewed relevant authorities and stakeholders to verify compliance with the GSTC-D through 8 stakeholder group meetings and 20 site visits, concluding on 64 key stakeholders participation, including representatives from national and local government, the private sector, NGOs, academia, and local residents. There was also a kick-off meeting with the mayor and an opening and closing workshop.Dr Ioannis Pappas, GSTC Director for the Mediterranean Region said “As the GSTC Assessor for Kotor, I commend the strong commitment of the local authorities and stakeholders in undertaking this important assessment. The collaboration between the Municipality of Kotor, the Port of Kotor, and CLIA has been invaluable in establishing a baseline against the GSTC Criteria. This assessment provides a clear understanding of Kotor’s current position and identifies the necessary actions to enhance sustainability performance in the coming years. By respecting its unique status as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Kotor is well-positioned to design strategies that preserve its cultural and natural assets while advancing sustainable tourism development.”“I want to congratulate the city and port of Kotor for the successful completion of the destination assessment. The beautiful city of Kotor has a unique cultural heritage, and this study will set the foundation for a sustainable action plan for the city.We are pleased to partner on this study as we believe that collaboration is key to responsible destination management. Cruise tourism brings positive social and economic benefits to communities, and we want to help destinations to manage tourism responsibly so that they remain great places to live and to visit,” said Julie Green, Deputy Director General, Europe, CLIA.Cruise tourism brings positive social and economic benefits to communities, and we want to help destinations to manage tourism responsibly so that they remain great places to live and to visitJulie Green, CLIA Deputy Director General, Europe“As the Mayor of Kotor, I am pleased to say that Kotor is one of the few cities in the region that has undergone an important sustainability assessment process as a tourist destination. Together with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and CLIA, we brought together various stakeholders from public life to gather their input. All participants from public life, city government bodies, state authorities, universities, the civil sector, the economy, and entrepreneurs took part in this process. The assessment results provided us with a clear insight into the impact of tourism on our city, which will help us develop effective strategies for sustainable tourism – that is, how we should move forward regarding tourism. The study also helped us take a much more objective look at our problems, as well as our advantages. This assessment represents a significant step towards improving the quality of life in Kotor and preserving our destination.” said Vladimir Jokić, Mayor of Kotor.Ljiljana Popović Moškov, President of the Board of Directors of the LUKA KOTOR company, pointed out: “The Port of Kotor, as a socially responsible company, was very devoted partner on this important project creating the strategy for the sustainability of Kotor as a tourist destination. Our company wants to raise its services to the highest level of quality that it provides to shipping companies or cruise companies, and this project will help us greatly to do so. Kotor is a city under the protection of UNESCO and I want to express my gratitude to CLIA for recognizing the importance of our destination and including us in what is an extremely important project for us. We expect that implementation of project’s recommendations will be challenging as in its creation, but also in its realization, considering that Kotor is a city located in the most beautiful fjord in this part of Europe, has only 22,000 inhabitants, and with close to 500 cruise ship calls annually, bring over half a million passengers to our city.But no matter the challenges, the most important thing is that with this partnership with CLIA and Municipality of Kotor we want the same thing: to make Kotor a sustainable tourist destination and comfortable for the citizens in the long term. And I am convinced that we will succeed in that.”Download the full report of Kotor’s Destination Assessment here.More information about GSTC Destination Assessment is available here. 22 October, 2024
CLIA Statement regarding Tourism Management Measures in Greece
The cruise sector is a success story for Greece contributing 1.4 billion euros to the economy in 2022. CLIA has long called for more investment in port infrastructure and worked with destinations to implement efficient planning for cruise ship berthing. Any increase in the existing port fee should be fit for purpose, proportionate to the specific port investment needs, and apply across all visitors, with revenues directly reinvested into port operations and the local communities.The cruise industry is keen to continue its close cooperation with the Greek Government to support sustainable tourism activities in the country. CLIA is hoping that any new measures imposed by the Government will be developed in close consultation with the impacted municipalities, ports and tourism stakeholders locally whose livelihoods depend on cruise tourism.Notes to EditorsWe value the strong partnership between the cruise sector and Greece and have called repeatedly for more investment in port infrastructure which benefits the local communities and visitors. Any increase in the existing port fee should be fit for purpose, proportionate to the specific port investment needs, and apply across all visitors. It should also be introduced with sufficient advance notice. Fee revenues should be directly reinvested into port operations to ensure the benefits are felt by the local communities and visitors.The fee should be benchmarked against other port fees in the Mediterranean region, to ensure the Greek ports remain attractive and competitive. Port fees are also regulated by European and national legislation and should align with these principles.We also note the Government’s intent to address tourism management issues during the peak season in some destinations with a potential variation of the fee level.CLIA questions the singular focus on cruise tourism for this proposal. To truly find solutions to tourism management requires a holistic response. Cruise calls are planned years in advance, which allows for use of flow management measures. Indeed, such measures have already been implemented in coordination with local municipalities in Santorini and Mykonos, including berth management systems.CLIA and member cruise lines will continue to work in close cooperation with local authorities to make sure that real and impactful measures are being adopted to strengthen tourism management for a longterm sustainable tourism industry, which benefits visitors and residents alike.CLIA is hoping that any new measures imposed by the Government will be developed in close consultation with the impacted municipalities, ports and tourism stakeholders locally whose livelihoods depend on cruise tourism.ENDSContact: Julie Green: [email protected] 11 September, 2024
Indigenous culture takes the spotlight in New Wave magazine
September 06, 2024 – Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and Big Splash Media have released the latest edition of their annual sustainability magazine New Wave, putting a focus on Indigenous tourism among cruise industry initiatives in destination stewardship and sustainability.The glossy magazine highlights some of the many ways cruise tourism brings social and economic opportunities to communities around Australia and New Zealand, as well as the role cruise lines are playing to support well-managed tourism worldwide. It also outlines the latest environmental advances being made by cruise lines as they work towards net-zero emissions by 2050.CLIA Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz said the fourth edition of New Wave provided insight into some of the many initiatives underway among cruise lines to support the communities they visit.“Sustainability is the single most important issue across the global cruise sector, and this includes being a positive contributor to local communities in destinations around the world,” Mr Katz said. “Cruise lines bring enormous opportunities to the destinations they visit, and many of their initiatives are aimed at creating lasting benefits for local people and cultures.”The cover of this year’s New Wave celebrates the contribution of the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners in the Kimberley region of northern Western Australia, who became the first Indigenous community to act as godparents to a major cruise vessel with the maiden visit of Seabourn Pursuit in July.“Australia’s rich Indigenous culture is being embraced in ways that provide extraordinary experiences for cruise visitors while at the same time creating opportunities for Traditional Owners,” Mr Katz said. “The Wunambal Gaambera are among a growing number of Indigenous people in Australia who are working with cruise lines to share culture with visitors while fostering tourism benefits within their community.”The latest edition of New Wave is the fourth produced in Australasia, outlining cruise line advances including the latest alternative fuels, new sources of clean energy and the latest initiatives to protect the marine environment.It also features wildlife protection projects, marine scientific studies, community development efforts and sustainable food supply initiatives.New Wave is available now and has been produced in partnership with Big Splash Media. It is distributed in the current edition of Cruise & Travel magazine and will be provided to CLIA member travel agents and industry stakeholders as part of CLIA’s Cruise Month initiative in October.The magazine can also be viewed and shared online via CLIA’s sustainability page. 06 September, 2024
New Zealand travellers are ready to set sail
August 15, 2024 – New Zealand travellers are primed for their next ocean cruise – led by younger generations who show the strongest sentiment towards cruising, according to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).Consumer research conducted last month on behalf of CLIA shows that among New Zealanders who have cruised previously, 81% say they will cruise again – a figure equal to the average across top cruise markets internationally.Among New Zealand travellers who have never cruised before, 74% said they were open to taking their first holiday at sea – well above the international rate of 68%,The figures were announced today by CLIA Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz, who addressed the New Zealand Cruise Association (NZCA) conference in Auckland.“These are very positive figures – as strong as any in the world – and they show that New Zealanders are just as passionate about cruising as people in some of our largest cruise markets internationally,” Mr Katz said.“Even among New Zealand travellers who have never cruised before, sentiment is very strong and well above the world average,” he said. “This shows that Kiwis are encouragingly receptive to cruising.”Mr Katz said sentiment was strongest among younger New Zealanders, reflecting a worldwide trend driven by new generations heading to sea.“Younger cruisers in New Zealand reported a higher-than-average intention to cruise,” Mr Katz said. “Among Millennial cruisers, 86% said they will cruise again, while among Gen Z cruisers, 87% said they will cruise again.”Previous figures released by CLIA show the average age of a New Zealand cruise passenger was 49.3 years in 2023, down from 52.4 years in 2019.In his address to the NZCA, Mr Katz highlighted the positive global outlook for the cruise industry, which is forecast to welcome record numbers of passengers internationally during 2024.He outlined the industry’s efforts in pursuit of its emissions goals – including work to perfect sustainable energy sources like biofuels, methanol, hydrogen fuel cells, electric batteries and hybrid systems – and highlighted the industry’s initiatives in responsible tourism management and destination stewardship. 15 August, 2024
CLIA meets Minister of Maritime Affairs & Insular Policy of Greece amidst cruise season 2024
Athens, 1 August 2024 – Represented by Marie-Caroline Laurent, Director General of CLIA in Europe, and Maria Deligianni, CLIA’s Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, CLIA met Mr. Christos Stylianides, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy of Greece. The meeting reaffirmed the constructive dialogue between CLIA and the Ministry and a mutual commitment to cooperate towards the sustainable development of the cruising industry in Greece.“Greece is a destination cruise market of major importance in Europe, and we wish to continue working together with the Greek government to protect the country’s uniqueness, to be a great place to live and to travel. Concretely, we first recognized this need last year when we launched CLIA’s cruise industry Action Plan for Greece, which aims to address challenges and opportunities for the sector for our mutual benefit”, said Marie-Caroline Laurent.Maria Deligianni added, “Recently, thegrowth of tourism in Greece has garnered significant attention, particularly concerning the islands of Santorini and Mykonos. We were pleased to inform the Minister of our proactive engagement with local authorities to enhance cruise tourism practices and develop sustainable tourism strategies for these islands. This includes the commitment by CLIA cruise lines to uphold the daily cruise cap of 8,000 passengers in Santorini and the establishment of a berth allocation systemin Mykonos, a priority for ports experiencing high levels of cruise traffic.”Considering that 57% of cruise tourism in Greece (according to 2023 data) takes place in Piraeus, Santorini, and Mykonos, CLIA discussed with the Minister and the Secretary General of the Aegean and Insular Policy, Mr. Manolis Koutoulakis, the potential for expanding to new destinations elsewhere in Greece. CLIA confirmed the strong interest of cruise companies inenrichingtheir itinerarieswithadditional Greekdestinations given the vast range of opportunities on offer.The improvement and upgrade of port infrastructure and port serviceswas also discussed, and it was noted that homeporting activities represent a great economic opportunity for the country, with around 70% of vessels calling in Greek ports homeporting this yearThe discussion also addressed the importance of the cruise line industry for European shipbuilding, with around 80% of the value of the orderbook of European shipyards represented by cruise ships. The recent revitalization of the Greek shipyards can represent a positive opportunity for the Greek economy with potential business opportunities in the cruise sector including, retrofit, maintenance and refurbishment.Focusing on the decarbonization of the cruise sector, CLIA shared that it has commissioned a “Cruise Investment Plan”, a study which will identify the needs for port infrastructure, and alternative fuelsto achieve our decarbonization goals, to be completed in early 2025.CLIA also emphasizedthe need for a carefully considered adjustment periodin the increase of port dues in Greek ports and for revision of thenational law concerning tender boat operations.The implementation of the EU Regulation establishing an Entry/Exit System (EES) to register entry and exit data and refusal of entry data of third-country nationals crossing the external borders of the Member States, which will enter into force in November this year, was also discussed during a meeting of the CLIA representatives with the Border Protection Directorate of the Greek Ministry of Civil Protection.Marie-Caroline Laurent and Maria Deligianni also met with the newly appointed CEO of Piraeus Port Authority, Mr. Su Xudong, as well as with the CEO of Posidonia, Mr. Theodore Vokos, with whom they discussed the next Posidonia Sea Tourism Forum, scheduled to take place in Heraklion on May 6-7, 2025. 05 August, 2024
CLIA congratulates Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners
July 1, 2024 – Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has congratulated the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners as they become the godparents of the new expedition cruise ship Seabourn Pursuit, marking a historic first in the cruise industry.The Wunambal Gaambera of Western Australia’s Kimberley region became the first Traditional Owners to act as godparents of a major cruise vessel at a ceremony on the weekend, highlighting a focus on preserving the cultural heritage and natural beauty of the destinations cruise ships explore. The Wunambal Gaambera are Traditional Owners of a region that includes the sea country of Ngula Jar Island (Vansittart Bay) and Yirinni (Hunter River), and the freshwater country of Ngauwudu (Mitchell Plateau).CLIA Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz said the Wunambal Gaambera were among several Traditional Owners in Australia who were working with cruise lines to share culture with visitors while fostering tourism benefits within their communities.“Australia’s rich Indigenous culture is being celebrated in ways that provide extraordinary experiences for cruise visitors while at the same time creating opportunities for Traditional Owners,” Mr Katz said. “The Wunambal Gaambera partnership is a great example of how cruise tourism can be harnessed by remote communities around Australia’s coast.”As part its partnership with the Traditional Owners, Seabourn will make a donation to assist Wunambal Gaambera to develop a self-sustaining industry, producing authentic works of art and craft by Wunambal Gaambera artists to sell. In addition, Seabourn will also supply the Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation with various art supplies to foster sustainable, commercial arts and craft initiatives, and will work alongside Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners as they share their Wanjina Wunggurr culture.Contributions by cruise lines, along with funding from Tourism Western Australia, contribute to development of tourism facilities and products for Traditional Owners to live on their country during the dry season when tourism operators can access the vast coastline of the Kimberley region. 01 July, 2024
New Zealand cruise market on track for recovery
April 26, 2024 – The number of New Zealanders taking cruise holidays has risen to more than 80% of pre-pandemic levels, according to new data released today by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).The figures show 86,300 New Zealanders took an ocean cruise during 2023, the first full year of cruise operations within the local region. The result is down on the 106,300 New Zealanders who sailed in 2019, but in line with the cruise recovery seen in other parts of the world.“New Zealand was among the last countries to reopen to cruising, but New Zealanders began heading back to sea in significant numbers once ships returned,” said CLIA Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz. “By the final quarter of 2023, the number of New Zealanders cruising had pushed ahead of the same quarter of 2019, suggesting demand is on track for recovery.”CLIA’s 2023 Source Market Report for New Zealand shows a clear preference for close-to-home itineraries during 2023, with 77.0% of Kiwis cruising in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. Just over a quarter (25.1%) chose itineraries within New Zealand.The figures also show a fall in the average age of New Zealand passengers as cruise lines continued to attract younger generations. The average age of a New Zealand cruiser was 49.3 years in 2023, down from 52.4 years in 2019.Key findings from CLIA’s 2023 Source Market Report for New Zealand include:86,300 New Zealanders took an ocean cruise during 2023, representing 81.2% of the 2019 total of 106,300.The average duration of an ocean cruise taken by New Zealanders in 2023 was 9.2 days, slightly down from 9.6 days in 2019, reflecting an increase in short itineraries offered by cruise lines.The average age of a New Zealand cruise passenger was 49.3 in 2023, down from 52.4 in 2019, reflecting the increasing popularity of cruising among younger generations. Almost a third of New Zealand cruisers (30%) were aged under 40.The most popular cruise destination for New Zealanders in 2023 was the Pacific (39.1%), followed by New Zealand (25.1%), Australia (12.8%), the Western Mediterranean (3.6%), Alaska (3.1%), Asia (2.9%), and the Caribbean (2.3%).The number of New Zealanders cruising within New Zealand was equal to 2019 at 22,000.Worldwide, a record 31.7 million people took an ocean cruise during 2023, breaking the previous global record of 29.7 million in 2019.Mr Katz said although cruising had rebounded internationally, close collaboration was needed in New Zealand to address an anticipated decline in future cruise capacity and support the sustainability of cruise tourism into the future."New Zealand is a highly sought-after cruise destination and Kiwis have shown a passion for cruising in their own back yard, but it is important that the right settings are in place to ensure New Zealand is internationally competitive,” Mr Katz said. “Collaboration among government, ports and destinations is vital, along with balanced regulation and reasonable costs to fostering a thriving cruise economy in New Zealand.” 26 April, 2024
Tourism and government unite as CLIA hosts on-board industry forum
March 8, 2024 – Tourism industry leaders and key government officials had a first-hand taste of this year’s vibrant summer cruise season yesterday, as Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) joined with Celebrity Cruises to host Austrade’s quarterly national Visitor Economy Stakeholder Forum in Sydney.More than 30 representatives from national industry bodies and government agencies boarded Celebrity Edge at Circular Quay, where they gained insight into Australia’s $5.6 billion-a-year cruise industry and its role within the broader tourism sector.CLIA Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz gave an update on the success of Australia’s cruise revival and the global industry’s path to decarbonisation, while Celebrity Cruises Vice President & Managing Director of Australia & APAC Tim Jones hosted a post-meeting lunch and inspection of Celebrity Edge.“Cruising has been the star performer in Australia’s tourism recovery and the current summer season is among the most successful we’ve ever had in this part of the world,” Mr Katz said. “Bringing tourism industry leaders and government agencies on board meant we were able to provide first-hand insight into this thriving industry, while at the same time discussing issues that affect Australia’s wider tourism economy into the future.”The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) Visitor Economy Stakeholder Forum meets quarterly for direct discussions between tourism industry leaders and partners in government. Yesterday’s forum included updates from Commonwealth agencies including Austrade, Australian Border Force, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.CLIA was joined by the Australian Cruise Association (ACA) as well as representatives from the office of the Minister for Trade and Tourism, the Australian Airports Association, Australian Amusement Leisure & Recreation Association, Australian Business Events Association, Australian Chamber of Commerce, Australian Regional Tourism, Australian Tourism Export Council, Australian Tourism Industry Council, Clubs Australia, Ecotourism Australia, International Education Association of Australia, Tour Guides Australia, Tourism and Transport Forum, Welcome to Country, and the Zoo and Aquarium Association. 08 March, 2024
First anniversary of the signature of the Sustainable Cruise Charter in the Mediterranean: The sector presents its first positive assessment and recalls its commitments
CLIA, in partnership with the Interregional Directorate of the Mediterranean (DIRM) is happy to present the results of the Charter for sustainable cruising in the Mediterranean.As the first step in the application of the Charter, the DIRM conducted audits in 2023 aimed at evaluating the performance of cruise companies on the 13 commitments contained in the text.The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) organizes, on the occasion of the trade show for an innovative maritime industry, Euromaritime, a presentation of the results of the Charter for sustainable cruising in the Mediterranean. This Charter, signed in October 2022, between the French Government and the main cruise players, aims to reduce the environmental impact of cruising while promoting innovative technological solutions in the realm of sustainable development.As the first step in the application of the Charter, the Interregional Directorate of the Mediterranean Sea (DIRM) conducted audits in 2023 aimed at evaluating the performance of cruise companies on the 13 commitments contained in the text (see link below). Vessels receiving a compliance rate greater than 80% were awarded a certificate of conformity. These audits were carried out between September 21 and November 21, 2023, by the lead actor for LRQA certification in the presence of an observer from the DIRM and took place in the ports of Marseille, Toulon, Cannes, and Nice.At the end of this work, all 12 CLIA member vessels audited were given a certificate of conformity with the commitments of the Charter. These results are a testament to the numerous efforts made by cruise stakeholders to continually improve environmental practices in terms of emissions and waste treatment and to accelerate their energy transition in favor of achieving our carbon neutrality objectives.The efforts made in recent years by the sector should reach a new key stage next year with the installation of shoreside electrical connections in Toulon and Marseille. A long-time promoter of this solution, the sector has nearly 50% of its global fleet already equipped with such connections which will enable the reduction of emissions and noise pollution to nearly zero when the ships are docked.Marie-Caroline Laurent, Director General of CLIA Europe declared: “This first anniversary of the Charter for sustainable cruising in the Mediterranean is an opportunity to celebrate the collective efforts of the cruise sector to continuously improve its environmental performance. We are very pleased that all CLIA members involved have received the 2023 certification awarded by the authorities. These efforts to reduce our impact on the environment must continue with a closer partnership between public authorities and ports. We are fully committed that cruise becomes an ever more sustainable way of discovering the world.”This first anniversary of the charter for sustainable cruising in the Mediterranean is an opportunity to celebrate the collective efforts of the cruise sector to continuously improve its environmental performance. We are very pleased that all CLIA members have received the 2023 certification awarded by state services.Marie-Caroline Laurent, CLIA Director General EuropeEric Banel, Director General of Maritime Affairs said: “The Sustainable Cruise Charter in the Mediterranean illustrates the capacity of maritime stakeholders to commit to a concrete and ambitious energy transition fully and collectively. We are delighted with the first results of this audit which also demonstrates very fruitful collaboration between the public and private sectors.”Follow this link to get more information on the French Charter: https://mer.gouv.fr/sites/default/files/2022-10/charte.pdf 19 February, 2024