KIA Ora and Bula
Pacific Explorer has blazed a welcome home trail across the Pacific in the past week — first in New Zealand and now in Fiji.
As the first cruise ship back to Aotearoa New Zealand in two years, she was greeted by beaming smiles all round and brought not only passengers but a renewed sense of hope for the local economy which relies heavily on cruise ship calls.
This first visit will be followed by an expected 42 cruise ships before the end of 2023 — 20 of which will arrive this year bringing dollars and jobs back to communities.
We commend the work of CLIA and our partner organisation, NZCA who have done wonderful work around cruise resumption to this market.
Continuing its good news journey, the ship has now arrived in Lautoka in Fiji and was greeted by a traditional performance.
Government and industry representatives there have welcomed the long-awaited return of cruise which before the pandemic was estimated at FJ$44m representing a significant part of the country’s economy which relies heavily on tourism.
As our neighbouring countries re-open to cruise, I am excited to report that Australian port bookings are also continuing to increase, and we are all feeling more optimistic as a result.
We are looking forward to charting the future of cruise at ACAs upcoming Conference in September and discussing the next phase of port infrastructure and destination experiences.