Ever keen to get superyacht owners to cruise the waters of New Zealand, rather than simply pass through having built or refitted their yacht there NZ Marine has join forces with government bodies to promote the country as a superyacht destination.
‘Destination New Zealand Superyacht Attraction Initiative’ is a new partnership between Tourism New Zealand, Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED), New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and NZ Marine.
Creating awareness around the logistics and benefits of coming to New Zealand will be the core goal for the group, supported by presence at key international boat shows and regular interactions with industry media and influencers.
Focus will be on three key areas: promoting New Zealand as a cruising destination for private and charter yachts; promoting the expanding infrastructure and facilities within NZ and overseas; and promoting the capabilities of the refit, repair and manufacturing sectors.
Support for visiting superyachts and cruising yachts is well-founded. In 2013, it is estimated that superyachts brought $185 million dollars of marine industry spend and $95 million dollars of tourism spend to the country. The goal now is to increase marine industry spend to $352 million and tourism spend to $190 million by 2018.
In 2013, 35 superyachts visited the country and the group is seeking to double these numbers by 2018, and increase numbers of cruising yachts from 625 in 2013, to 750 in 2018.
Recent developments such as the extension of the Temporary Import Entry from 12 months to 24 months are important steps towards increase the attraction of visiting New Zealand for yachts.