Open to Question Ocean Park
InterPark Editor Andrew Mellor talks to Tom Mehrmann, Chief Executive of Ocean Park Corporation in Hong Kong, about this world famous venue which offers guests a unique mix of conservation, education and entertainment, and other aspects of the attractions industry
IP: When did you get involved in the theme park/ attractions industry and how? What is your current position/title? TM: Like many in the industry in the States, my career began as a seasonal job at Knott’s Berry Farm as a sweeper. While still in high school and looking for extra money to pay for gas and save for college, it evolved into a career that spanned 21 years at Knott’s and led to progressive opportunities of growth in management roles, capital development and expansion of the brand and property. Now, it has been 34 years and opportunities have allowed for international assignments in Europe and Asia, which have been beneficial for enhancing cultural awareness and global perspective. I currently serve as Chief Executive of Ocean Park Corporation in Hong Kong.
IP: Who owns Ocean Park and are there any other business interests within this organisation? TM: Ocean Park is a not-for-profit statutory body, wholly owned by the Government of Hong Kong. The government appoints representatives who sit on the Board of Directors and participate in the conceptual design process of the Master Redevelopment Plan, as well as the necessary actions to “sell” and promote the plan to garner funding and Legislative Council support. The park was developed on the principles of providing a recreational place for the community, which focuses on conservation, education and entertainment. Our vision is to connect people with nature through the world-class offerings we have within the park. The government’s support and belief in the park has allowed various animal gifts from neighboring nations to be placed under the care of Ocean Park, such as giant pandas, red pandas, Chinese salamanders, Chinese sturgeon and koalas.
IP: When did Ocean open and what were its main attractions at that time? TM: Ocean Park was officially opened in January 1977 by the then Governor of Hong Kong, Sir Murray MacLehose. It was built at a cost of HK$150 million
64 InterPark May-June 2011
(US$19.3 million) million funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club with land provided for free by the Hong Kong Government. It had a number of attractions such as Cable Car, Ocean Theatre (featuring a dolphins and sea lions show), Wave Cove (which has now become the Pacific Pier), Atoll Reef (our former aquarium), Bird Theatre, Garden Theatre show, an otter exhibit and an animal farm when opened. Between 1982 and 1984, the Hong Kong Jockey Club allocated a further HK$240 million (US$31 million) to fund the park’s second phase of development, which included facilities at Tai Shue Wan (a second entrance point to the park) and thrill rides at the Headland. The objectives were to diversify the park’s attractions, increase its popularity and revenue and utilise more fully the land granted by the Government, as attendance was increasing and more international tourism was developing in Hong Kong.
IP: What have been some of the Ocean Park’s most recent projects and what have you added in 2011? TM: In March 2005, Ocean Park announced a Master Redevelopment Plan (MRP) to build the world’s best marine-based theme park, doubling the amount of animal exhibits, rides, shows and attractions from 35 to over 70 and firmly establishing itself as a world- class, must-see landmark that will further strengthen Hong Kong as a premier tourist destination. The groundbreaking for the MRP took place in November 2006, signaling the start of this HK$5.55 billion (US$ 707 million) project, which will be completed in six years (in 2012/13) over eight phases while the park remains open throughout. As of now, Sky Fair, Amazing Asian Animals, Ocean Express, Sea Life Carousel, The Flash and Aqua City have been opened and in operation since 2009. New attractions such as the Rainforest and Thrill Mountain are due to open later this year.
IP: What do you feel have been the most significant changes and developments in the Asian theme park industry in the past five years, and the wider visitor attractions industry in general in this part of the world? TM: There is a growing awareness and sophistication within the market for guests and their expectations have grown substantially for the level of service, quality of attractions and world class nature of presentations. Over the last seven years we have witnessed the entry of over 20 world-class entertainment and destination
Tom Mehrmann
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