Christchurch is planning a red-carpet welcome for cruise passengers with the help of 55 volunteers who will once again serve as city champions.

These ambassadors have the important role of greeters, navigators and sources of information for cruise passengers who arrive in the central city from the cruise berth at Lyttelton Port.

This season the volunteers will be able to direct passengers wishing to take a tour or experience a tourism product to the official isite (information centre) which will open on 6 November in Cathedral Square’s The Grand.

ChristchurchNZ GM of Destination and Attraction Loren Aberhart said “Christchurch is primed and ready for cruise ship visitors arriving in the city.

By creating a traffic management plan which ensures cruise ship passengers can access Christchurch directly rather than via Lyttelton, a small township which is not set up for large numbers of visitors, we know that both visitors and residents will have a more positive experience in our destination.”

“Central Christchurch is now a vibrant destination and recent openings such as flagship stores for Mecca and Nike have made it even more desirable for cruise passengers.

“It is also a more convenient connection point for those passengers who wish to experience the city’s core attractions such as the tram, gondola, punting or waka on the Avon River, the International Antarctic Centre or Christchurch Adventure Park.

“Many tourism operators are looking forward to welcoming passengers for bespoke tours weaving in both city and regional products and experiences.

 While the central city is ready to be buzzing with international visitors, there have been preparations and work over the last few months to ensure the cruise season is a positive experience for both passengers and local residents in Lyttelton, where cruise ships berth before passengers make their way into the city.”