WELLINGTON, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- Close to 200,000 cruise ship passengers are expected to arrive in New Zealand this cruise season, providing a boost to regional tourism, jobs, businesses and communities, a senior official said Saturday.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston welcomed passengers aboard the Crown Princess as it docked in Auckland, heralding the start of the new cruise season.
"After a challenging few years for the sector, there are encouraging signs of renewed confidence," Upston said in a statement, adding that cruise lines recognized steps taken by the government to make it easier to visit New Zealand and strengthen coordination between the government and industry.
The government has worked with the cruise sector to improve its ability to do business in New Zealand and position the country as a "must-dock destination" for cruise lines and passengers, she said.
The minister said that building a sustainable and resilient cruise sector was identified as a specific action in the Tourism Policy Statement released in June, reflecting the important role cruise tourism plays in New Zealand's economy. ■