Ship visits a major boost

The Timaru Herald says that cruise ship congestion in the NZ’s bigger ports looks set to be Timaru’s gain, with a suggestion by Cruise New Zealand chairman Craig Harris that Timaru could be developed as a cruise port.

The question, if that becomes a reality, is whether Timaru will make the most of it, after the anger expressed by business owners that nothing had been organised in the city for passengers of the cruise liner Statendam, making the first of three visits here tomorrow.

Plainly, the fact that cruise ship traffic around our coastline is increasing, with Timaru hopefully set to reap the benefits of the congestion affecting the bigger ports, is good news for the region. It’s a gilt-edged opportunity to lift the profile of South Canterbury as a destination, to spread the message about what an appealing place it is not only to stop off for a day, but possibly to return to for an extended visit.

Just as clear, though — in spite of the annoyance of Timaru business owners that many passengers set to arrive here tomorrow will be taking trips outside the city — is the fact that one of the most appealing aspects of docking here is the opportunity to get on a bus, head inland and see New Zealand’s highest mountain, along with some other landmarks in the Southern Alps, within the day.

Being on a cruise can mean plenty of time looking at the sea, so when off the ship, there will be a certain appeal about getting into the hinterland, especially given the chance to see one of the country’s most spectacular landmarks.

But that said, cruise ship visits are nonetheless a great opportunity for Timaru businesses to strike while the iron is hot, particularly given the typically well-heeled nature of the passengers, a chance to display their wares, probably in tandem with members of the vibrant and talented art and craft community present in the region.

Closing off Stafford St for a market day would not really be an option, especially as bad weather could literally put a damper on the occasion, but the idea of arranging for those city businesses keen to highlight their goods, along with artists and craftspeople, to set up on the wharf certainly has possibilities.

Taking the goods to the people — and it would need to be high quality stuff — along with some high class entertainment, could have real appeal, leaving visitors with an appreciation of the friendliness of South Cantabrians and hopefully also with some appropriate souvenirs of the area.

It doesn’t have to be a huge event. Indeed, quality would matter far more than size in such a venture. It simply needs a bit of thought and some coordination, which is where Central South Island Tourism comes in.

Why shouldn’t it happen on the Statendam’s next two scheduled visits in a few weeks? After all, opportunities like this don’t come along every day.

A Report by The Mole from the Timaru Herald