Strict measures are being enforced on cruise ships docking in Tauranga to mitigate the risk of coronavirus, says Tourism Bay of Plenty.

'Cruise ships docking in Tauranga are visiting under strict health and safety protocols, and host communities should feel at ease about welcoming them as always,” says Toursim BOP chief executive Kristin Dunne.

The cruise industry has extensive experience and protocols for managing the health and wellbeing of their guests, she says.

'We have complete faith in the conditions they've employed.”

Cruise industry leaders have issued an update confirming that the majority of more than 270 cruise ships globally continue to sail unaffected, including within New Zealand – but with strict precautions in place.

The update advised other measures in place, including:

· No cruise ships have travelled directly from China to New Zealand. Many of the vessels operating in this region have been in Australasian waters for some time.

· Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) ocean cruise lines have introduced stringent measures including pre-screening processes to determine a person's travel and contact history. They will deny boarding to anyone who may present an increased risk.

· Cruise lines are in close consultation with health authorities around the world, including the World Health Organization, New Zealand's Ministry of Health, and regional health authorities.

· Reporting procedures are in place to ensure New Zealand authorities are aware of any relevant illness prior to a ship's arrival.

Kirstin says the Bay of Plenty is known internationally as a welcoming destination.

'Visitors tell us frequently how welcoming locals are and I encourage our communities to continue to show cruise ships and their passengers the manaakitanga we are renowned for.”