There were benefits for the city other than the obvious economic ones, Mr Brownless said.
"Aside from the economic benefit of introducing fresh money to the city, there is the social and goodwill aspect of their visit.
"Many locals enjoy interacting with the passengers, pointing them in the right direction and hearing their views on our city."
Jane Debenham of Mount Mainstreet said the cruise ship season was "very good for the region".
How much passengers spent varied but people often spent more at the end of their voyage, she said.
Alan Sciascia, Hospitality New Zealand's Waikato and Bay of Plenty manager, agreed the cruise ship visits were good for the region, but said the catering on board ships limited the amount passengers would spend on hospitality in Tauranga.
"Generally they are well-catered for on the ship," he said.
"They're only here for the day and have breakfast and dinner on the ship."
Passengers' spending was distributed around the region, Mr Sciascia said, with many getting on buses to visit attractions in Rotorua.
Those staying on in Mount Maunganui or the Tauranga area usually did not spend a lot on food and drink, he said.
"It might just be limited to a light lunch or even a coffee and a muffin."
The large number of cruise ship passengers generated some business, Mr Sciascia said, and the visitors could only be positive for the hospitality trade.
About 150,000 passengers visited Tauranga over the cruise season, which started in October, and 64,000 crew members.
This season was the first time ships had stayed in port overnight.
Market nights were arranged for these visits and retailers were encouraged to stay open late.
Tourism Bay of Plenty chief executive Kristin Dunne said the overnight stays were the highlight of the season.
"The success of the overnight stays and the overall picture of the cruise ship season shows a vote of confidence for the Bay of Plenty tourism sector."
Eighty cruise ships visited Tauranga during the season, including Ovation of the Seas, the world's fourth largest cruise ship.
The 348m long ship, which can carry nearly 5000 passengers, visited Tauranga three times.
The last cruise ship visit of the season will be this Monday when the Sirena was due to come into port.
Next summer, 95 ships were "tentatively scheduled" to visit, Ms Dunne said.
The first visit by RMS Queen Mary 2 was planned for March next year.