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Europa-Park hosts IAAPA Industry leaders gather in Germany
It must have been a proud week for IAAPA chairman Roland Mack last month when he welcomed the association’s global board of directors to Europa-Park, Germany. The board convened at the family-run park near Freiburg from June 18 to 20 for three days of strategy meetings, tours and entertainment – or what Europa-Park likes to call “Confertainment.” In attendance were 24 board members, representing attraction operators from the USA, UK, Sweden, Chile, Indonesia and the Philippines. The group also discussed such topics as safety, sustainability, intellectual property rights and the ongoing success of Euro Attractions Show (EAS). “Safety is our top priority and it is important to harmonise international standards. When families in Europe visit theme parks they seek a fun and safe day out, just as they do in Asia, the US or South America,” noted Mack. “In the end an incident, no matter where it happens, will affect the entire attractions industry.” Staying in the onsite Colesseo hotel, IAAPA board members were able to experience the great theming, attractions, shows and hospitality of Germany’s most successful amusement park – as well as getting a behind-the-scenes tour of the new Bell Rock hotel, due to open this month. The week was completed with a visit to the Mack Rides manufacturing facility in nearby Waldkirch.
Sea Life Tower
Merlin Entertainments has launched a sightseeing experience in the English seaside resort of Weymouth. Sited at Festival Pier – close to Weymouth Sea Life Adventure Park – the 174ft-tall (53m) Sea Life Tower offers spectacular views of the Jurassic Coast. “There’s a lovely synergy between the two attractions,” says general manager Craig Dunkerley, “with quite a lot of displays at the Sea Life Park devoted to creatures that live along the coastline or under
the seas which tower visitors will get such great views of.” The German-designed ride was supplied by Huss Park Attractions, with construction of the central column completed in Hungary, while the 69- passenger rotating gondola was made in France. The complete experience lasts around 15 minutes and costs £8.10 ($12.50/€10.20), cheaper online. Located on the south west coast in Dorset (close to Merlin HQ in Poole),
Weymouth will host several sailing events as part of imminent London 2012 Olympic games – and the tower is expected to provide some of the best views.
The latest of a global portfolio of 90 visitor attractions, Merlin chose not to market the tower under its ‘Eye’ brand which, according to chief executive Nick Varney, is reserved for, “Iconic landmark attractions that afford people an inspiring perspective.”
weymouth-tower.com
Taking in the views are Merlin marketing team Raquel Cubillo, Amanda Starmer and Sarah Allsop
16 JULY 2012
The IAAPA board members assemble at Europa-Park
Roland Mack will be a keynote speaker of the EAS conference programme when the show takes place in Berlin from October 9 to 11.
Silver Mountain Experience
The Black Chasm, Woo Hoo Wood, Miners Trail and Silver River Water Play are just a few of the experiences awaiting visitors to a new visitor attraction in Mid Wales. The Silver Mountain Experience opened in May high up in the Cambrian Mountains near Aberystwyth. It was created by Saturn Projects, which despite
theming, designing and building dozens projects for various attraction operators has never operated one of its own – until now. The experience was created by transforming a poorly-performing mine tour, and now Saturn managing director Simon Pickard is hoping the new look attraction will bring in over 30,000 guests a year.
“Whilst we are predominantly a family attraction that has been created for young children, the scarier underground element known as The Black Chasm is available for older children, teenagers and adults. The first of our speciality Fright Nights will commence soon.” Young visitors to the Silver Mountain Experience can meet magical creatures such as the Grovels, Wang Bats & Grubby Groggs as well as enjoying a water play area, gem panning, picnic area, miners trail and exhibition, cafe and shop. The venue is also available for private hire.
The project has been funded by a mixture of private funds and public loans and has so far created four permanent jobs and three seasonal staff positions. Additional employees will be needed for the Fright Nights.
silvermountainexperience.co.uk The Black Chasm
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