News
Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) reports that the 2017 season will bring a record number of new experiences for the leisure industry in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The development of the United Arab Emirates
Bumper year for attractions, forecasts IAAPA A
s a new season for leisure attractions approaches, the International Association of
(UAE) as a family destination with investment by governments in local tourism, increased investment in intellectual properties, and the continued development of local attractions into multi-day destinations with
accommodations are a few factors behind the growing number of rides and attractions. Middle Eastern investment for the period 2015-2020 accounts for over €10bn including brand new theme parks, attractions and resorts recently opened and still under construction. The average annual investment of more than €500m on new rides in Europe (CAPEX) will be exceeded in 2017 says the industry body.
According to a recent study by IAAPA the Middle East and North Africa area is expected to become the
Innovative Leisure aims high with Universe Science
fastest-growing region globally with a projected attendance to 12.4 million in 2020 from 2.9 million in 2015. The visitor spending at UAE theme parks is expected to grow six-fold from €97.2m in 2016 to €560m by 2020. In Europe, market growth is expected to be six per cent of overall. Trends identified for this season include flying theatres, augmented reality in dark rides, virtual reality (VR) combining with roller coasters, themed accommodations, intellectual properties implemented in children areas, digitalisation and more.
BALPPA summer FEC meet nears, places still available
Meeting at the Grand Pier at Weston Super Mare on 19th June, and still has some free places available. The day will start at 10am and run until 3.30pm with a number of ‘bite size’ information seminars, a networking lunch and the opportunity to try out some of the rides at the pier. BALPPA members can book via the
B
events page on the website or direct enquiries to
tracey@balppa.org or by calling her on 07706945529.
Drayton Manor adds new Thomas ride
I
rayton Manor Park’s Thomas Land has added a new attraction, with the launch of the James and the Red Balloon
ride.The new ride is based on the Thomas & Friends character James and his antics with a red hot air balloon, joining other rides and attractions based on the popular series. William Bryan, managing director at Drayton Manor Park, said: “Since its launch in 2008, Thomas Land has proven to be an extremely popular addition to the park, attracting guests of all ages to experience the magic of Sodor. “The addition of James and the Red Balloon is a continuation of the magic
D
nnovative Leisure has installed a double level Sky Trail Explorer high ropes course at Universe Science Park (Universe) in Nordborg, South Jutland in Denmark. Previously known as Danfoss Universe, Universe is an amusement park where learning is the main focus. With the use of technology and science, the park has been designed to inspire adults and children with a wide range of activities and experiences. The Universe Sky Trail is the first course outside the UK to incorporate Innovative Leisure’s zip line element, Sky Rail. While navigating the course participants are able to seamlessly transfer their slider straight into Sky Rail’s zip cart without having to unhook. Following their ‘zip,’ users continue their Sky Trail adventure by transferring straight back onto the course. Universe’s course is also the first to feature the Sky Rail on the second level, at 11m in height. The course also features two Walk the Plank elements with cameras attached so
participants are able to have a keepsake of their experience. “It has been a pleasure working with Innovative Leisure on this project,” commented
Universe’s COO,Jonas Luttermann. “The course has turned out just as planned and the design process was a perfect co-creation. The timeline and budget on the project was just as agreed and the delivery of the final project was on time. I felt a close connection to all the staff from IL and have a feeling of that I know the people who delivered and created this project. The Sky Trail with the Sky Rail is a perfect match with our guests and they love it already. I can only recommend working with IL and hope to do more projects with them in the future.” Universe Science Park’s Sky Trail opened to the public in April.
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www.globalamusementsandplay.com May/June 2017
that we hope will delight visitors for many years to come. As a family, we’re committed to ensuring each season is bigger and better than ever before and we hope James and the Red Balloon will thrill both the young and the young at heart. The atmosphere here today has been fantastic and we’re really excited about the season ahead.”
ALPPA is gearing up for its FEC Sub Group 2017 Summer
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