The New Zealand Cruise Association warns that New Zealand stands to “lose millions of dollars” unless the government can confirm the reopening of its maritime borders as soon as possible.

The New Zealand Cruise Association said in a press release that the continued lack of certainty about the future of the cruise industry also puts hundreds of struggling tourism businesses that support the cruise industry across the country at risk.

“The government’s continued silence on the reopening of our maritime borders wastes the huge contribution that New Zealand’s cruise industry could make by providing desperately needed revenue to help regional tourism operators survive until 2023,” said President Debbie Summers.

New Zealand has already lost 250 port calls and around $150 million in revenue due to uncertainty over the border opening.

Cruise lines need time to plan their schedules for the 2022-23 cruise season and time is running out fast, Summers added.

“Over 80 countries around the world are now open to cruises, including Australia. We know there is considerable pent-up demand among travelers for cruises, but international cruise lines are unwilling to enroll New Zealand on their list as we are still closed.