Tom Mehrmann Open to Question
Japan as it is currently addressing its rescue and recovery needs in the aftermath of the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear power plant concerns). The economies in Asia are all performing well, all markets are reporting increases in tourism arrivals and retail along with food and beverage spending is up. There are also new theme parks being developed in the region as well as major expansion programmes in existing parks. All of these indicators translate into a healthy and robust demand for theme parks.
IP: Similarly, how important is intellectual property to operators these days? Do you feel IPs bring the perceived benefits one might imagine they would? TM: We introduced our own line of IPs in 2000 and they have made a difference for our guest base to identify with the park and the IPs, as well as the brand, which have become synonymous with quality family fun and education. There is value when they are linked to the park offering and (they) can be inextricably linked with images, references and presentations in print media/collateral, or electronic format.
IP: How important to an attraction’s marketing strategy are new ways of reaching potential visitors – such as email, cell phones, websites, blogs, etc. - compared to more traditional methods? Do they offer ‘must do’ alternatives? TM: It is important for us to use digital media and social marketing/networking as opposed to traditional media, as there is an upward trend in using less traditional methods to provide a better targeting mechanism, real- time feedback and interactive platforms for delivering messages to a new market of users and communicators. Besides, it also projects the park’s creativity and innovation, which are key to attracting and motivating our growing target audience.
IP: What future opportunities for further growth do you see for the attractions industry in Asia generally? TM: There are very positive signs for the theme park industry in Asia for 2011 (except
66 InterPark May-June 2011
IP: How will Ocean Park develop in the future? TM: For the park’s future development, we will always strive to “keep the best and improve the rest.” As the MRP continues toward completion in the coming two years, we will open a host of new attractions, including Rainforest, Thrill Mountain and Polar Adventure, with one goal in mind - combining elements of entertainment, conservation and education into unique experiences for our guests. Through our animal presentations and attractions, we hope to connect guests with nature and inspire conservation actions from the public to protect our environment.
Personally speaking
Not a lot of people know this but I am very good at … Bottoms Yahtzee
The best thing my parents taught me was … to keep things in perspective and control the controllable
The most interesting place I’ve ever been too is … Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
If I could be anyone else for 24 hours I’d be … a guest in Ocean Park
I always laugh at … Arrested Development (short lived US TV comedy)
My favourite musician/band is … Orianthi/ Carlos Santana
To really chill out I …water ski I really dislike …ignorance
If I could, I would … take Ocean Park developments around the world
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