CLIA New Zealand study finds strong cruise interest among younger generations

The research targeted New Zealanders who travel internationally, including both cruisers and non-cruisers, CLIA Australasia MD Joel Katz told the New Zealand Cruise Association's annual conference.

It found 81% of Kiwis who have cruised before said they will cruise again.

‘It shows that New Zealand cruisers are just as passionate about cruising as people in some of our largest markets,’ Katz said.

Younger generations

‘Interestingly, that sentiment is strongest among New Zealand’s younger generations.

‘Among millennial cruisers, 86% said they will cruise again and among Gen Z cruisers, 87% said they will cruise again,' he continued.

‘Even among New Zealander travellers who have never cruised before, sentiment is very strong, with 74% open to taking their first cruise.

‘Importantly, about 50% of those who cruised in the past three years said they returned to a destination first visited on a cruise, which highlights that the benefits to destinations from cruise are not just about the immediate ship visit.’

New economic impact report

Katz also revealed that in coming months a new report will be released on the economic impact cruising has in communities around New Zealand.

He said this is being produced in partnership with the NZCA and its CEO Jacqui Lloyd and will provide the first comprehensive analysis of the New Zealand cruise economy in the post-pandemic era.

He said it will be an enormous asset in explaining the economic contribution cruising makes around the country.

Grassroots campaign

Katz added that, after an initial research and analysis process involving key stakeholders and the NZCA, CLIA is working with a New Zealand creative agency to launch a grassroots campaign aimed at educating the wider community on cruising and the enormous benefits it brings to New Zealand.

It will be called 'Oceans of Opportunities' and is aimed at reshaping NZ’s perceptions of cruising.

‘We aim to garner more support for the industry and therefore encourage more thoughtful decision-making from government,’ he said.

Katz said New Zealand is one of the most extraordinary cruise destinations on earth and needs the right regulatory settings to overcome the current challenges and forge a path to an even brighter future.