Cruise New Zealand 2015 to look at China market opportunities

A major focus of the conference, which was held in Napier last year and will move to another regional port in 2016, will be to look at the opportunities the Chinese market offers New Zealand’s cruise sector.

Tan also announced two major international keynote speakers—Simon Douwes, director of deployment and itinerary planning for Holland America Line, and Steven Young, director of port services and government affairs for Carnival UK.

With more than 20 years’ experience at sea and 13 years creating itineraries for Holland America, Douwes will discuss the multifaceted perspectives of deployment and itinerary planning.

Young has a port background and manages Queen Mary 2, currently the largest ship to visit New Zealand. He will contribute to discussions around port infrastructure and port operations.

Themed ‘Cruising Towards 2025,’ the conference will look at infrastructure requirements for New Zealand to handle big ships and Auckland’s potential as a turnaround port.

Cruise New Zealand will also be releasing its latest economic impact research and cruise forecasts.

‘This is the one event on New Zealand’s cruise calendar that all cruise and tourism stakeholders cannot miss,' Tan said.

Major sponsors are Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED), Ports of Auckland, Auckland Museum, ID New Zealand and Tourism New Zealand.