How much are cruise ship tourists contributing to the economy? Photo: GREG WOOD / AFP
The cruise ship industry is being challenged to show its workings following a report it issued claiming cruise tourism injected $1.37b into the New Zealand economy in the last financial year.
The report, commissioned by Cruise Lines International Association Australasia and New Zealand Cruise Association, has not been released widely. However, a press release and infographic released by the organisations reported direct spending by passengers, crew and cruise lines reached $637 million last financial year with an indirect benefit to the local economy of $729.2 million and that close to 10,000 local jobs were supported by cruise tourism, providing $425.9 million in wages.
But not everyone is buying the benefits. Kathryn speaks to Peter Nuttall and Alison Newell. Peter is the scientific and technical advisor at the Micronesian Center for Sustainable Transport - the group behind a push for the International Maritime Organisation to implement a worldwide carbon levy on shipping.
Alison Newell is a Chartered Environmentalist, director of Sailing for Sustainability based in Fiji, advisor to the Micronesian Center for Sustainable Transport and a freshwater policy specialist for the Northland Regional Council.
Kathryn also speaks with Jacqui Lloyd the chief executive of the New Zealand Cruise Association.
