Anthony Van Dam Open to Question
AvD: Attractions will continue to be more interactive and sophisticated. Resort developments are booming in the Asian markets and resort hotels with integrated waterparks - fairly established in the west - are emerging as a major growth opportunity in the Far East.
IP: What challenges do developers of new attractions face at the present time?
AvD: Different challenges in different markets. In the west there is still some hesitation about new development and financing is a major consideration. In many of the emerging industrialised markets, the challenge has more to do with producing a product that will outpace the competition - both today and in the future. The pace of development, and the rapid rise in quality and sophistication, needs to be on the mind of the developer and the designer.
IP: What effects are you seeing the current global economic climate having on the parks and attractions industry?
AvD: North America, Europe and the Middle East have had a difficult year or two but we are seeing signs of a gradual recovery. In China, the major parks have fared better and the market for new development - mixed-use, theme parks, waterparks, resorts, entertainment centres - has never been greater, as developers try to catch up to a surplus of demand for higher quality attractions.
IP: Looking at the theme park sector specifically, the US and Europe are clearly very mature markets compared to other areas of the world, but are they saturated as far as theme parks are concerned or do you think there is still room for more?
AvD: The theme park markets in the US and Western Europe are mature, but is there some room for additional regional parks? We think there is. The European Union is also growing and there is tremendous potential in many of the central and eastern European countries.
IP: What do you think is going to be the next ‘big thing’ for the attractions industry, be it a type of venue, a specific type of attraction, a brand, an intellectual property, etc?
AvD: We are seeing more and more branded properties worldwide, whether it’s a theme park, FEC, a children’s zone or an individual attraction. It seems to be an effective way for an operator to have a competitive edge in recognition and mass marketability, and for IP owners to broaden market awareness.
Personally speaking
Not a lot of people know this but I am
very good at …I’m a reasonable musician
The best thing my parents taught me was …respect
The most interesting place I’ve ever been to is …Mongolia My favourite film is …The Godfather
If I could be anyone else for 24 hours I’d
be …Tiger Woods (only his golf game)
I always laugh at …my golf game
My favourite musician/band is …
Eric Clapton
To really chill out I …read a book I really dislike …ego
If I could, I would …take my family to every
place I’m lucky enough to have seen
All images courtesy of Forrec
47
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52