Fears were also rising this country could be left off the upcoming cruise season itinerary.
Tourism Bay of Plenty chief executive Oscar Nathan said New Zealand would be playing catch-up to compete for 2022/2023 summer cruise passengers who may already be focused on other routes.
It was already planning forward to recapture some of the $89 million the sector pumped into the region prior to Covid.
However, Nathan acknowledged the pain for some operators solely focused on cruise passengers has been real.
Those sentiments were echoed by Destination Rotorua chief executive Andrew Wilson who said the city traditionally hosted large numbers of cruise ship visitors while they berthed in Tauranga.
The Government said the decision on the maritime border was still under review and it would reopen safely and in steps.
In my view, they need to get their act together and give a firm indication of when this will happen.
Radiance of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas confirmed it would visit New Zealand in the 22/23 season. The first Tauranga stopover was on November 22.
So does this indicate Royal Caribbean which owns these cruise ships knows more than those at the coalface?
As leaders have rightly pointed out, it won't be like flicking on a light switch. Preparation is key and passengers will be expecting once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Yes, there are some plans afoot but how can you successfully roll out the red carpet when the rug is still locked up in the cupboard?
Lucky Kiwi tourism operators are experts at pivoting because when the flood gates open it's their faces that will represent our nation.
