Art Deco contributes $12m to the Hawke's Bay economy

The Navy's annual Art Deco cocktail function will be on board HMNZS Otago. Photo / File

The annual Tremains Art Deco Festival in Napier could be set to boost the regional economy by more than $12 million or more - with visits from two luxury cruise liners coinciding with the event.

Hawke's Bay Tourism general manager Annie Dundas said the four-day festival was one of "the few" events nationwide that could truly attract international visitors.

"Tremains Art Deco Weekend is one of the busiest weekends in Hawke's Bay. It brings people from all over the world and New Zealand and is truly one of the few events in New Zealand that draws international visitors specifically for it.

"International numbers are between 12 per cent of all visitors to the weekend and this has grown significantly over time – we had a Major Events grant back in 2015 and 2016 and this was to grow the event to ensure higher numbers of international visitors and this has occurred.

"Spend estimates have the event generating over $12m for the duration of the festival."

However, it was not just the host city of Napier that benefited from the event.

"The festival touches all of Hawke's Bay – accommodation is booked widely throughout and while events mainly take place in Napier, Hastings has a number of events as well.

"The profile of the event has meant that new businesses have emerged and many of these are businesses that can now run year-round as sustainable tourism businesses because the Art Deco story is so strong. Visitors who come at any time of the year can enjoy an amazing Art Deco experience."

The international visitor contingent will also be boosted again this year, with up to 5000 passengers and crew onboard two cruise liners, with the luxury cruise liner Celebrity Solstice, with up to 2850 passengers, and Noordam, carrying up to 1980 passengers, due to dock at Napier Port on February 14 and February 16, respectively.

Those cruise line passengers will also be in an extra close-up of Napier Port's regular Art Deco-themed events.

"For the Celebrity Solstice, we will have vintage cars lined up on the wharf on arrival," Napier Port services manager Bruce Lochhead said.

"For the departure of both vessels, the Twin City Stompers will be playing on the wharf. This is the Art Deco experience we give all cruise vessels.

"Passengers aboard the Celebrity Solstice will be welcomed on the Wednesday by local tourism ambassadors decked out in their Art Deco best, and a vintage car showcase on the wharf.

"We also have the HMNZS Otago and the HMNZS Hawea in port for the festival, and the Navy will be hosting an Art Deco cocktail function aboard the HMNZS Otago."