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Vekoma defies
economic climate
Coaster manufacturer stocked with orders
New trains are scheduled for the Corkscrew in
Genting Highlands, Malaysia, the Double Loop
Corkscrew in Gardaland, Italy, and the Boomerang at
Carowinds in the US. Accept our apologies for
repeating some of these projects from last issue, but we
can now offer clearer information.
Besides the many installations due above, Vekoma
ihas revealed that it will be building a signature
attraction in one of the largest theme parks to open in
Southeast Asia in 2010. Details of the park and its
large number of coasters and attractions will be
ABOVE: The Stingray in China
announced in the near future. “Being part of this
How does one rollercoaster salesman view the outlook prestigious project is of great significance to Vekoma
right now in the amusement industry? According to Rides Manufacturing," notes president Henk
Vekoma Rides Manufacturing's Peter van Bilsen, Roodenburg. “Our team is excited and determined to
compared to last year many existing parks are make this project a huge success, which will once
continuing with their plans for new attractions, while in again prove Vekoma to be one of the top
emerging markets people are withholding plans manufacturers in the world.”
because financing is unsure. In this economic climate,
Vekoma is stocked with orders.
The Dutch company, with manufacturing facilities in
Modest industry
China and the Czech Republic, has supplied a mine
train and Suspended Looping Coaster to OCT's new
growth predicted
Happy Valley park in Chengdu, the new generation
Stingray flying coaster to Suzhou Giant Wheel Park, a
Global growth in the theme park market is
custom-designed 1,837ft-long family coaster to
forecast to be moderate during through until
Powerlong in Qingdao and a 2,001ft-long custom
2010, according to a new report by Global
indoor motorbike launch coaster to an unnamed
Industry Analysts of California.
Chinese park.
The study, entitled Theme Parks: A Global
Strategic Business Report, predicts the market is
Meanwhile an unnamed Taiwanese park/mall
forecast to be worth $28.7 billion by 2012.
will introduce a custom designed 1,322ft-long five-
“As the market recovers poise in the upcoming
story indoor family coaster and a thrill coaster. A
years, growing popularity of mass entertainment,
Giant Wheel and 1,099ft-long family coaster is and the tendency of families to spend a large
destined for the Innovative Film Studios in portion of their discretionary free time on outdoor
Bangalore, India.
fun will continue to drive growth,” says a GIA
Tibidabo in Barcelona, Spain, adds a custom
spokesperson. “With governments in developing
designed family coaster, while a custom-designed
countries focusing on promoting tourism and
mine train is due at last after a number of delays for
entertainment, the upcoming years are expected
Isla Magica in Seville, in the south of Spain.
to witness growth in places such as Korea,
Taiwan, Hong Kong, India and China.”
Kolmården wildlife park in Sweden is adding a
Other factors expected to impact the market
1,099ft-long family coaster. Themepark Rome (not
include a spike in aging population and persistent
necessarily its full name) will take delivery on an 80-
park modernisation and improvements.
person Madhouse, Sky Shuttle and Mine Train.
CNL sees promise
fuel core operating strategies such as property
improvements," observes Curt Caffey, who oversees
In a relatively short time, CNL Lifestyle Properties the attractions portfolio on behalf of the REIT.
has become America's third-largest gated "CNL Lifestyle Properties is well-positioned to
attractions owner. The real estate investment trust respond to these types of market changes since it
(REIT) has invested more than $500 million in has a strong balance sheet and low leverage,
theme parks, waterparks and FECs since 2005, enabling it to provide capital for new investments."
building a portfolio of 25 properties across the US. CNL has formed relationships that it believes
So what do its executives make of the current benefit the owners, operators and those who visit
economic climate in the leisure industry? "Recent attractions. Long-term lease structures offered by
volatility in the credit markets has made it difficult CNL enable operators to use their capital in more
for some operators to access the capital needed to effective ways.
JANUARY 2009 17
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