Launch of new cruise e-commercie initiative for New Zealand
22 August 2013
Thousands of Kiwi businesses are getting behind CruiseBubble, a cruise specific tourism information website and
e-commerce market place which will launch at the beginning of October ahead of the summer cruise season.
Managing Director Deborah DeNard said that the goal has been to sign up 2,500 New Zealand businesses before the launch,
and CruiseBubble is on target to exceed that.
The unique initiative has been developed by Deborah and cruise industry expert Wendy London over the past two-and-a-half
years. It will significantly enhance the visitor experience for the growing number of cruise passengers coming into New
Zealand ports – by connecting them with many more Kiwi businesses and attractions.
It will also contribute to the growth and sustainability of cruise tourism, building on the reputation that makes New
Zealand a desirable and memorable cruise destination
“Our research has shown that cruise visitors are seeking a quintessential Kiwi experience, to go beyond organised
tours,” said Deborah.
“Curious cruise visitors want more than driving past your shop or business in a big coach. Coach tours work for those
passengers who want just an overview of the destination they are visiting, but more and more passengers – especially
repeat cruisers – want to delve beyond the surface.
“They want to meet local people, try our wines and craft beers and browse and buy from a really good selection of Kiwi
art, craft and jewellery. Or they may simply want to take the opportunity to play golf on a New Zealand course or visit
the dentist, hair salon or bank while in port.
“By enabling them to do that CruiseBubble will maximise the economic potential for many more individual businesses in
New Zealand.
“The reason we are getting such a fantastic uptake is that Kiwi businesses want to put their products and services in
front of cruise passengers. For the vast majority that is not happening and we have come up with a solution.”
CruiseBubble’s first approach is to work in partnership, building positive relationships with local business,
government, tourism agencies and organisations and ultimately international travel partners and cruise lines.
It uses technology and social media to create innovative solutions to connect the passenger to the business,
CruiseBubble will also provide a range of other cruise-passenger-focused facilities including a phone app with a reward
system, cluster offers which can be used at different destinations throughout New Zealand, and a concierge driver
service so passengers can, if they wish, design their own tailored time onshore.
Through the CruiseBubble.com online store, visitors can also browse and order products from many other creative Kiwi
businesses and artists’ right across New Zealand.
Participating businesses will reap a series of benefits and will be provided with detailed analytics at the end of each
cruise season to help them plan for the next one. This will include information on how many visitors used that business,
how much they spent, where they came from and what they bought.
‘We’re proud to represent businesses, organisations and individuals under our CruiseBubble banner,” said Deborah.
“We share a collective passion and commitment to offer the unique and authentic, with quality, value and service - we
welcome our international cruise passengers and inspire them to explore their best holiday experience in New Zealand.”
For more details on CruiseBubble and how to register see www.CruiseBubble.com
ENDS