The Government is keen to have a cruise ship terminal and an international conference centre in Auckland, Prime Minister John Key has told a Tourism Auckland conference.
Mr Key, who holds the tourism portfolio, said research showed the number of cruise ships visiting New Zealand was expected to grow by 53 percent from the season gone to the 2011/2012 season.
"And although a lot of this research is based on estimates due to gaps in our knowledge of the cruise industry, we need to make sure we can cater for this increase. That is why the Government supports, in principle, developing a cruise terminal at Queen's Wharf."
Mr Key said the Government was working with the relevant authorities to "deliver this as soon as possible".
He said there was also a big market for international conferences, conventions and exhibitions.
"We want to attract as many of these events as possible to New Zealand," Mr Key said.
"The Government is supportive of a national convention centre being developed in Auckland, and we will make an announcement on our progress in due course."
He said the developments would create jobs in the short term and offer long term benefits to the tourism industry.
Mr Key also touched on progress being made with the national cycle trail and urged everyone to make the most of opportunities presented when New Zealand hosted the rugby World Cup next year.
That included accommodation providers, some of whom have been criticised for overcharging as demand peaks for the tournament.
"I encourage all accommodation providers to help us maintain our excellent reputation as a tourist destination," Mr Key said.
"The message we want to send to potential visitors is that we will have plenty of accommodation available next year, and there will be something for all budgets."
