Keeping the
Fairytale “We use technology to help tell the fairytale,” said
Sanders. “The coaster uses the latest technology from Great Coasters International, who worked closely with our own engineers on its design. But in the lower age-group we use technology too, in the Fairy Tale Tree, which is situated in the original, forest part of the park and which talks interactively with children.” The Fairytale Tree is new this year, the Bosrijk Village
accommodation is new this year; Joris en de Draak opened only on July 1 this year; it is all part of a continuous programme of updating and innovation. In 2011, said Sanders, the park will open a new open-air arena for park shows and in 2012 it will open Hartenhof (Castle of Hearts), a new ride which will be the largest and costliest (€42.5m) attraction ever introduced to the park. Work will begin on that this year. Raveleijn, the new arena which will house a new administration block, will open next year, with food and beverage facilities to accompany the five shows daily that it will host. “The future for Efteling centres around three very firm
principles: maintaining the habitat, bringing employment to this region (Brabant) and keeping the park a healthy place to be,” states Sanders. Every proposal considered by the park foundation directors begins with these basic principles but they do not hamper the park’s commercial viability. Opening the park all-year-round began only in April of this year and was motivated by major considerations, increasing
magic alive
the number of visitors annually and spreading the visitor ‘load’ factor more evenly over the year. “We also realised that if we wish to remain within the top
three parks in Europe, we have to keep improving the park every year. Opening all year round is just a part of that,” Sanders added. The ambitions of the foundation are still evident
everywhere - maintaining the highest of standards, keeping the park healthy, vibrant and able to compete with alternative entertainment offerings and jealously guarding the park’s high reputation within its local, national and international community.
At a glance
Opened 1952 Owned by Efteling Nature Park Foundation Visitors numbers: 3.2m (2008) 4m (2009) Employees: 993 (2008) 1087 (2009) Turnover: €116.5m (2008) €128.4m (2009)
Entrance fees - free for children up to 3; €29 per person four and over Covers 65 hectares Efteling Hotel opened 1992
Efteling Village Bosrijk Opened April 1, 2010 (125 cottages, 78 apartments)
42
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 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60