Big berthers bring thousands

The 88,500 gross tonne Carnival Legend will join the growing flotilla of cruise liners heading to Hawke's Bay.

Napier's inclusion on two new cruise-ship itineraries next season will add about 6000 extra visitors to the region.

With 49 arrivals scheduled between October and next May, about 80,000 passengers will arrive - the number boosted by two new visits by the giant liner Carnival Legend, which carries 2124 passengers, and the arrival of the Pacific Pearl, which will head to Napier for the Tremains Art Deco Weekend with 1700 visitors aboard.

House of Travel Hastings & Havelock North owner Jenny Nilsson said the increase in cruise ships including Napier on their itineraries was good news for businesses and tourism operators.

"It is great to see Hawkes Bay's food, wine and sunshine being showcased to both international and domestic travellers, and it's a fantastic opportunity for those who provide services and experiences for passengers when they visit," she said.

The Art Deco architecture was a strong drawcard for Napier, with the region also boasting boutique wineries, fresh produce from local orchards, good shopping, and the southern hemisphere's largest mainland gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers.

"There is something for everybody, and we hope these people, once they have had a little taste of Hawke's Bay, will return for a longer holiday in the future - New Zealand is about more than just Auckland, Wellington, Rotorua and Queenstown."

She said recent figures showed the Bay economy was given an economic boost of about $19 million.

House of Travel general manager of cruise Linda Halliday said that, globally, it was estimated 23 million people would take a cruise this year, with about $4 billion invested in new ships and 20,000 beds added to ocean and river cruising.

"In New Zealand, that trend is definitely having an effect," she said.

Passenger figures had jumped by 23 per cent in 2013 on the previous year, which was stronger than other key markets, including Australia and North America.

The increase also has a longer-term benefit, with research showing about a quarter of passengers return within a year of their cruise for a more in-depth visit.

Tourism operators spoken to at the conclusion of the 2014/15 season said it was one of the best they had experienced.

David Brock-Jest, from Vintage Car Hire, had seen a number of return customers.

Napier i-Site manager Jane libby said it was also seeing a lot more repeat visitors.