Many people flock to Tauranga during the Christmas break to enjoy the many activities we have on offer. The weather is also a major draw card.

The campground at the base of Mauao has been busy and there have been lots of activities occurring around the beaches and city attracting many visitors, friends and family to our city.

Locals and visitors have been spoilt for choice with attractions and activities on offer, such as triathlons, drifting at Baypark, A&P show and cricket matches at the Oval, to mention just a few. Coming up this weekend is the Classics of the Sky – Tauranga City Airshow and ENZED V8 Jetsprint Championship series. The Elms and Brain Watkins house are open on a regular basis – you check out the Historic Walk brochure at the i-Site or library.

Our beautiful beaches and waterways draw thousands of people into the region each year and it is great to see people of all ages enjoying our natural environment.

Opportunities and economic benefit

Elected members have been advised Tauranga City Council needs to invest ratepayer money into events to attract people to Tauranga. Some fantastic events already occur in Tauranga and are financially self-sustainable with no ratepayer input Tauranga must ensure it does not try to clone itself into an Auckland or Wellington.

We need to remember New Zealand is a small country and there is no point replicating events that are already successful in larger cities. One way we can assist is by keeping regulations and rules to a minimum. A larger hotel with conference centre will be helpful in attracting larger events; and this will occur once private enterprise is confident they will get a good return on their investment.

Cruise ship passengers are enjoying all we have on offer and many choose to experience the Mount and Tauranga, especially repeat passengers from Australia and New Zealand. Many will return to the Bay of Plenty in the future, or once they disembark from their cruise in Auckland, as cruising only gives a taste or overview of what cities have to offer. Typically, a cruise ship will arrive at about 8am and depart about 7pm, depending on tides.

The Port of Tauranga has the cruise ship schedule on their website. Recently, as I was walking around the Mount, some people were writing in the sand 'Thanx for coming to Tauranga” and many people were lining Pilot Bay and Mauao to farewell the two cruise ships in Port.

Tauranga rates as one of the top favourite New Zealand ports of call for cruise ship passengers and I am not surprised. Sailing into Tauranga is very scenic; and with shops and beaches only a five minute walk from port, this is a big plus for passengers and crew alike.

Larger cruise ships are now sailing around New Zealand waters and I am confident the cruise ship industry will continue to grow as people realise the value and opportunity cruising offers.

What are tourists looking for? Answer: Authentic tourism

People on cruise ships love to talk to locals and experience local culture and history. Visitors also appreciate our natural environment. Customer service is very important – a friendly welcome will always be remembered.

It is always hard to put an accurate figure on the true economic benefit tourism brings to Tauranga. However, passengers take local tours, buy from shops and eat in our cafes. Many locals are employed in tourism, so it provides extra work during the summer season and there is a flow-on effect as visitors recommend Tauranga to friends and their relatives, who may visit our city in the future, either by cruise ship, car or campervan.

Diamond Princess sails away from the Port of Tauranga.