Businesses in central Auckland are in favour of lifting a ban on foreign cruise ships sailing between New Zealand ports to boost domestic tourism. Currently, domestic cruise travel is permitted as long as the ships are local, but the industry cannot operate under these conditions as it requires foreign ships. Data shows foot traffic to central Auckland is down 27 per cent, and businesses believe restarting the cruise industry could help the economy. NZ Cruise Association Kevin O’Sullivan said there was a market for Kiwis who want to cruise around New Zealand. “The ban on foreign-owned vessels shuts out effectively close to 100 percent of the cruise ships that are likely to come to NZ,” he said.

Source: Stuff July 12, 2020 04:18 UTC