Attractions Management Issue 1 2017

www.attractionsmanagement.com

@attractionsmag VOL22 Q1 2017 www.simworx.co.uk [email protected] www.attractionsmanagement.com

@attractionsmag VOL22 1 2017 Matthias Li Meet Ocean Park’s new CEO

BURN BABY BURN Universal’s top creative on Volcano Bay

After Dark Engaging young adults with museum lates

40+ new attractions for 2017 NOLAN BUSHNELL Atari founder breaks into VR www.redraion.com | [email protected]

CLICK TO PLAY VIDEO

DO YOU MANAGE A XD/VR ATTRACTION AND ARE YOU IN SEARCH FOR A NEW MOVIE?

Discover THE MISTAKES YOU DON’T HAVE TO MAKE when choosing new video content!

DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT FOR FREE HERE www.bit.ly/redraionmoviesbit.ly/redraionmovies blog.attractionsmanagement.com

DREAMING OF INCLUSIVITY

Exciting new kit is being used to support people with disabilities ranging from blindness to missing limbs. This opens up the possibility of creating attractions where they can enjoy the experience with friends and family in a way not previously possible

magine being able to create an attraction which is equally with the research and development teams working on these accessible and enjoyable for people with physical or sensory projects in labs and universities around the world. I disabilities and the able bodied. We could enable families Also exciting is the development work being done around and friendship groups with members who struggle with their VR and AR technology, where some truly groundbreaking vision, mobility or senses to enjoy a day out where everyone discoveries are being made in relation to sensory challenges. can fully participate, with all the joy that brings. Oculus Touch, part of the Oculus VR system, is enabling Now that possibility is increasingly within reach, thanks to people born with missing fingers to experience what it’s like to a raft of new technology emerging in the fields of 3D sound, have a full set – the technology tricks the brain, so that actual virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR), robotics and brain sensation can be felt in fingers which have never been there. computer interfaces (BCI). This is thought likely because We, as an industry, feelings of phantom movement need to be paying very It’s possible to foresee a day are modulated by the parts of careful attention to these when this technology gives the brain that deal with sight, developments. so the brain is reorganising in Some of this exciting new designers a set of tools with response to the experience. technology was on show which to design the next Researchers are also finding recently at the world’s first generation of attractions powerful ways to connect Cybathlon, held in Zurich, people with vision impairment Switzerland. This event – to the everyday world around essentially a bionic Olympic them. These include wearable Games – saw severely disabled people competing in a range VR and AR aids which respond to the wearer’s head of different races, challenges and tasks using the latest movement and magnify whatever they’re looking at. These robotics and innovations in prosthetics. This included powered systems have enabled users with limited vision to see more exoskeleton races, powered prosthetics races and BCI races, clearly and, in some cases, to read. where competitors used brain signals both to control avatars Auditory and haptic virtual environments which enable blind in a specially developed computer game and also to control people to experience environments and build brain maps of various devices, such as motorised tractor wheelchairs. them are also being developed using 3D sound technology. Unlike the Paralympics, where athletes are prohibited from It’s possible to foresee a day – once all this wonderful using powered aids, Cybathlon puts technology at the centre emerging technology has been developed and democratised of the competition, showcasing its potential uses in day to through low-cost applications – when designers have the right day life for those with severe disabilities. tools to create the next generation of inclusive attractions. There are many directly transferable ideas for attractions innovators which could be gleaned from strong collaboration Liz Terry, editor. Twitter: @elizterry

Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385 attractionsmanagement.com @attractionsmag [email protected]

©CYBERTREK 2017 AM 1 2017 attractionsmanagement.com 5 IN THIS ISSUE ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT

Q p10 Nolan Bushnell launches Modal VR Q p34 Matthias Li, CEO of Ocean Park Hong Kong, on community, creativity and competition

Q p42 A world-first Marvel exhibition is just one of many new openings in the industry this year Q p66 After-hours events target young adults

05 Editor’s Letter 34 Interview 56 Waterparks Matthias Li Volcanic Activity 10 People Matthias Li, chief executive at Hong Kong’s Universal Creative’s Dale Mason on Meet the people making the news, from Ocean Park, on his response to a changing the inspiration behind Volcano Bay tech legend Nolan Bushnell to Jimmy Fallon visitor profile and rising competition 60 Museums 20 Science Centres news 42 Pipeline A New Home 21 Visitor Attractions news Opening Doors London’s Design Museum has moved. We There’s an array of attractions set to launch. found out about this unusual project 22 Waterparks news We anticipate the hot debuts of the year 24 Theme Parks news 66 Museums 26 Museums & Galleries news 52 Tourism Fashionably Lates 28 Heritage news A Plan for Oman New kinds of programming are engaging 30 Zoos & Aquariums news The Ministry of Tourism’s Maitha Al Mahrouqi younger audiences. Museums Sheffield’s 32 Technology news on Oman’s status as a budding destination Rosie Eagleton shares her research

6 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT ISSUE 1 2017

Q p56 Dale Mason, Universal Creative, on taking waterparks to a new level with Volcano Bay Q p82 Greg Hale on the power of sharing

Q p76 Shaun the Sheep at Skånes Djurpark Q p60 London Design Museum has relocated. We asked the museum director about the move

72 Analysis series 86 Technology The Attractions Business Part 5 Virtual Ventures Consultant David Camp Multi-player VR start-ups like The Void asks the all-important question: how and Zero Latency are set to explode do attractions make money? 90 Themed design 76 Attractions Keeping it Real Flock to it Analysis: authenticity in themed design On the cover: Nolan Bushnell Norwegian operator Lund Group on how Aardman’s Shaun the Sheep helped 96 Attractions-kit.net Subscribe: To subscribe, call: +44 (0)1462 471915 reinvigorate the troubled Skånes Djurpark Product Innovation or visit www.leisuresubs.com Suppliers unveil new product launches Web gallery: 82 Proﬁ le For suppliers of products and 100 Greg Hale Web Gallery services in the worldwide attractions We sat down with IAAPA’s new chairman A source of attractions services industry, turn to page 100

©CYBERTREK 2017 AM 1 2017 attractionsmanagement.com 7 the team

READER SERVICES Subscriptions Denise Adams +44 (0)1462 471930 Circulation manager Choose how you read Michael Emmerson +44 (0)1462 471932 Attractions Management... EDITORIAL TEAM Managing editor Alice Davis +44 (0)1462 471918

Editor PRINT DIGITAL PDF Liz Terry +44 (0)1462 431385 Attractions Management Read Attractions The magazine is also NEWS EDITOR is available in glossy Management free on available as a PDF Tom Anstey print on subscription. You Digital Turning Pages edition for readers +44 (0)1462 471916 can sign up any time at and enjoy extra links who want to read NEWSDESK leisuresubs.com and searchability ofﬂine or on tablet Matthew Campelli +44 (0)1462 471912 Kim Megson OTHER RESOURCES FROM ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT +44 (0)1462 471915 ADVERTISING TEAM Attractions Handbook attractionsmanagement.com Publisher The latest industry stats, trends Attractions Management’s website Julie Badrick and analysis all in one place: The features daily attractions news and +44 (0)1462 471919 Attractions Management Handbook is jobs, as well as access to digital Advertising sales a reference guide and global resource editions of Attractions Management John Challinor for decisionmakers. and links to other Leisure Media +44 (0)1202 742968 QRead it online: magazines and websites. Jan Williams www.attractionshandbook.com/digital QVisit the website: +44 (0)1462 471909 QDownload the PDF edition: www.attractionsmanagement.com WEB TEAM www.attractionshandbook.com/pdf Internet Michael Paramore AM2 +44 (0)1462 471926 Attractions Management E-zine Our sister title focuses on news, jobs Dean Fox The Attractions Management e-zine and training. It has a daily website, +44 (0)1462 471900 brings the best of the week’s www.am2.jobs, an e-zine and instant Tim Nash news and jobs to your inbox every alerts service. +44 (0)1462 471917 Wednesday. Covering everything from QRead it online: Emma Harris science centres and theme parks to www.am2.jobs/digital +44 (0)1462 471921 museums, zoos and planetariums. QDownload the PDF edition: PRODUCTS EDITOR QSign up here: www.am2.jobs/pdf Kate Corney www.leisuremedia.com/subscribe QSign up for the e-zine: +44 (0)1462 471922 www.leisuremedia.com/subscribe DESIGN Andy Bundy attractions-kit.net +44 (0)1462 471924 The search engine for buyers lists Instant alerts & RSS Ed Gallagher contacts and details for 5,000 Get the news as it happens and ﬁnd +44 (0)1905 20198 suppliers. Find all the connections you out about the latest job openings Jack Emmerson need to streamline your buying and and tenders the second they’re +44 (0)1462 471136 get news via the weekly e-zine. posted online, by signing up for FINANCE QVisit the website: our free, customisable instant Denise Adams www.attractions-kit.net news alerts and RSS feeds. +44 (0)1462 471930 QSign up for the e-zine: QSign up here: Rebekah Scott www.leisuremedia.com/subscribe www.leisuremedia.com/subscribe +44 (0)1462 471930

8 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 MORE TO ENJOY... What’s hot in Leisure Media’s magazines

HEALTH CLUB CLADMAG SPA BUSINESS ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT Q Swiss architect Q Linda Evangelista Q John Reed and Peter Zumthor on -- inspiring product Q Ocean Park CEO Cyberobics: new club emotional spaces creation at Biomimetic Matthias Li on dealing concepts from McFIT with rising competition Q Richard Meier on Q Lanserhof’s Nils Q Greg Oliver’s bold protecting public places Behrens and his Q Atari’s Nolan Bushnell plans for growth medical spa brand launches VR company Q Urban planner http://leisuremedia.com/TP_counter.cfm?sitecode=LMD&mag=Health%20Club%20Management&codeID=3043&linktype=homepage http://cladglobal.com/TP_counter.cfm?sitecode=CLD&mag=CLADmag&codeID=3041 http://leisuremedia.com/TP_counter.cfm?sitecode=LMD&mag=Spa%20Business&codeID=3037&linktype=homepage http://leisuremedia.com Q Boutique ﬁtness meets Jan Gehl on building Q Wellness communities Q Using museum lates to mindfulness in the US people-friendly cities – new series starts engage emerging adults

Read all of our latest magazines & back issues online: leisuremedia.com

SPORTS LEISURE SPA OPPORTUNITIES AM2 MANAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES Q Kempinski debuts Q Tourism and consumer Q Dave Ryding puts Q UK Sport defends Havana hotel spa shifts drive expanding skiing in the spotlight value of Olympic medals theme park market Q Cliff-top spa set to Q Chris Grant, CEO of Q Dreamland plans open at historic Lake Q Endowments for arts Sported,http://leisuremedia.com/TP_counter.cfm?sitecode=LMD&mag=Sports%20Management&codeID=3025&linktype=homepage is using sport morehttp://leisuremedia.com/TP_counter.cfm?sitecode=LMD&mag=Leisure%20Opportunities&codeID=3044&linktype=homepage improvements Lucernehttp://leisuremedia.com/TP_counter.cfm?sitecode=LMD&mag=Spa%20Opportunities&codeID=3042&linktype=homepage Swiss resort facehttp://leisuremedia.com/TP_counter.cfm?sitecode=LMD&mag=AM2&codeID=3045&linktype=homepage axe under US for social change president Donald Trump http://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/digital/green/indexLMD.cfm?origin=DIGIpdfLMD&PASScodeID=3025 Qhttp://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/digital/green/indexLMD.cfm?origin=DIGIpdfLMD&PASScodeID=3044 Liverpool ready to host Qhttp://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/digital/green/indexLMD.cfm?origin=DIGIpdfLMD&PASScodeID=3042 WTS designs concept http://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/digital/green/indexLMD.cfm?origin=DIGIpdfLMD&PASScodeID=3045 Q Are temporary structures Commonwealth Games offering for line of Q Stebich named new more sustainable? if Durban backs out Donald Trump spas Smithsonian director

©CYBERTREK 2017 AM 1 2017 attractionsmanagement.com 9 PEOPLE

Attractions People

Years from now it will be possible to jack into the system – like in The Matrix

Nolan Bushnell entrepreneur and businessman

ou’re meeting me in my the device that laid the foundations for the the technology, developed for the higher crazy laboratory,” says formation of the video arcade and modern end of the VR market. the man speaking to me video game industries. Having gone on “We’re focusing strictly on what I call “Y over Skype – exactly the to establish a number of successful commercial capability. That means the sort you’d expect to be an technology businesses, Bushnell is now systems need to be very robust,” says inventor, dreaming up things most people turning his hand to virtual reality – and Bushnell, who at this point has to excuse have never considered, in his “cave” of plans to take the medium to the next level himself to respond to a half-built robot components and wires. “My kids say I could with Modal, a system which uses standing that’s interrupting our conversation. use all this to build a space shuttle.” sensors, combined with a full body- “We can put 10 people into the same VR The man is Nolan Bushnell, best known tracking suit and VR headset. It’s designed construct,” he says, once he has quietened as the creator of the Atari games console, to focus on commercial installations, with the robot. “We can track users over an area the size of a football ﬁeld and we can set up and tear down in 10 to 15 minutes. Put all those things together and it means we can do industrial training, create laser tag installations and entertainment constructs.” “We’re doing really good foundational code so it will be easy for software creators to put their software on top of it,” he says. “We’re going to create an app store. We want to be the nexus, the centre of gravity for all the commercial uses of VR. If you’re a police training company, for example, and want to do something in VR – we’re your guy, we’re the platform.”

Mass appeal The key to the technology’s success, says Bushnell, will be if it can appeal to all customers, not just enthusiasts. He’s planning the same approach he took when developing the ﬁrst games for Atari. “Any time you have a new technology, start out really simple. There are some standard gameplay mechanics that are good places to start. For example, we remade Pong in VR, with the player acting as the bat – there’s nothing simpler.”

Nolan Bushnell founded the game developer and home computer company Atari in the early 70s

10 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 With virtual and augmented reality a Bushnell compares the situation to when relatively new medium –at least to the Bushnell and his team used the a child runs, falls and injures himself in a mainstream – Bushnell believes that medium of VR to create a physical, Chuck E Cheese, the American arcade-style understanding it as a concept will also be interactive game of the iconic Pong FEC chain he founded in the late 1970s. key to its success or failure. “Sometimes parents think we’re “We’re trying to understand VR as a new responsible and occasionally they sue. kind of movie,” he says. “With a movie, VR, of course, raises some challenges Those things are part of the business risk the director controls the point of view. But and these obstacles will rear their heads of doing what you’re doing. People are what happens when the viewer can wander sooner rather than later. much more unpredictable than technology.” around and choose their own standing “The downside of anything new is the An inventor by passion, not just point? They become like a ghost in the rule of unintended consequences – there’s profession, Bushnell has an eye on what’s scene that’s being played out, choosing always going to be a ‘gotcha’ somewhere coming next, with some radical predictions where they stand. Is that fun? Is that down the line,” he says. “What if someone for the not-too-distant future. interesting? We’re trying to work that out.” falls over in a VR construct – who’s liable?” “In 10 years, I think it’s going to be normal for people to have some kind of a brain implant,” he says. “You’ll be able to augment memory, communicate with others and things like that. This will be done by combining wetware, not just hardware.” Chiefly a term drawn from science fiction, wetware uses a model for artificial systems based on biochemical processes. The technology would create messages manifested through chemical and electrical influences that spread across the body, based on the idea that human brain cells act as computer systems. According to Bushnell, as wetware technology is developed, it will advance quickly. “Once you start having those interfaces into your brain and into your nervous system then hijacking that for entertainment is going to be easy,” he says. “Thirty years from now I think it’s In 1976, Bushnell rejected Steve Jobs’ offer of a third of his company, Apple, for $50,000 going to be possible to jack into the

PHOTO: MARK LENNIHAN/PRESS ASSOCIATION LENNIHAN/PRESS MARK PHOTO: system – like in The Matrix.”

©CYBERTREK 2017 AM 1 2017 attractionsmanagement.com 11 PEOPLE

The aim is to inspire the visitor to want to go out and experience the real Everglades for themselves

Ron Magill director of communications, Zoo Miami

oo Miami is in Ron Magill’s blood. As he celebrates his 37th year at the Florida attraction, he’s also celebrating the opening Zof the long-awaited Mission Everglades exhibit, which focuses on the wildlife and habitats of the zoo’s own doorstep. Built with an investment of $33m (€31m, £26m), the 4.5-acre (1.8-hectare) expansion features 60 different species native to the region, including alligators, crocodiles, black bears, the Florida panther and a variety of birdlife. The aim is to give visitors an understanding of the importance of the Everglades and demonstrate that local wildlife is under just as much pressure from loss of habitat as species further aﬁeld. “Florida: Mission Everglades is the culmination of many years of understanding the need to have an exhibit that showcases some of the amazing wildlife that occurs right in our own backyard,” says Magill, director of communications at the zoo. “It’s a condensed trip through this natural MAGILL RON PHOTOS: ALL treasure, providing some amazing up-close Zoo Miami’s Ron Magill, and interactive experiences that would be pictured with one of the extremely rare or impossible in the wild.” attraction’s Komodo dragons Entering Florida: Mission Everglades, visitors ﬁrst experience the aviary and the

Children in the croc tube (left); viewing the bears (above); crossing the rope bridge above the alligators

12 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 The Florida panther is one of the rare species on show at Florida: Mission Everglades, Zoo Miami

©CYBERTREK 2017 AM 1 2017 attractionsmanagement.com 13 PEOPLE

Mission Everglades exhibits inlcude (clockwise from top left) otters, wood ducks, alligators and bald eagles

lake, where they see a variety of indigenous the alligator’s watery den, learn the birds such as blue jays, red-bellied wood story of the zoo’s rehabilitated bald peckers, pelicans, ibis and herons. Next eagles and climb the treehouse to visitors can enjoy the river otter exhibit and spot the bobcat, racoon and grey the crocodile exhibit, both of which feature fox. All this is complemented by underwater transparent viewing tunnels, the cypress-themed adventure playground “The Life Systems Support elements before going on to meet land mammals like and cafeteria and a new boat ride, the alone were the largest ever done at the the black bear and the endangered Florida Lostman’s River Ride. zoo and required a tremendous amount of panther – with live demonstrations between planning and development,” says Magill. zookeepers and animals – and a variety of Threatened ecosystem Magill, who founded the Ron Magill native reptiles and amphibians. “The aim is not to satisfy one’s curiosity Conservation Endowment to support Lastly, visitors enter the boardwalk about the Florida Everglades, but rather conservation of the wild counterparts of where they can take a rope bridge across to ignite a passion for it that will inspire the zoo’s exhibits, says Mission Everglades the visitor to want to learn more and go has received an overwhelmingly positive out and experience the real Everglades response in its fi rst couple of months, for themselves,” says Magill, who started the only complaints being that the Florida his career at the facility as a zookeeper in panther and bald eagle are fairly timid and 1979. “The message is that all of these diffi cult to see and that the boat ride, which natural treasures are directly connected costs $5 per guest, has had mixed reviews. to us in providing not only beautiful wild “With the panther and bald eagle, areas for us to enjoy and visit but also it’s take time for them to become more being our main source of fresh drinking comfortable. With the boat ride, we are water and that to compromise any of currently exploring enhancing the ride as these elements can threaten the entire well as alternative pricing options.” ecosystem which could have catastrophic With this project, Zoo Miami is investing effects on our quality of life.” in its own surroundings to help preserve Due to its many innovations and several the Everglades long into the future. “fi rsts” for the zoo, the project posed a Magill says: “We believe that most fair number of challenges. Some elements visitors will come to the natural conclusion had to be dropped in order that the Everglades is too beautiful and to stay on budget, and the important to lose and will remember the Magill joined the zoo in project was delayed several impact that their visit made on them when 1979. He has also set up times due to the demands it comes to making decisions in the future a conservation charity of the complex engineering regarding the protection and wellbeing of and building needed. this precious environment.”

14 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 www.ecsite.eu PEOPLE

Kim Gladstone Herlev joined Experimentarium in January 2003

Our aim is to be among the ﬁve best science centres in the world

Kim Gladstone Herlev executive director, Experimentarium

enmark’s only science January 2003, where he started as centre has undergone director of communication. a mass redevelopment, “It’s always been a challenge to with its new spiraling be in a building originally intended copper staircase the for different purposes,” says Dcentrepiece of the former brewery. Gladstone. “We became a huge Originally opened in 1991, success in Denmark. Everyone knows Experimentarium, in Hellerup, adopts Experimentarium and because of a hands-on approach, with visitors that we saw the opportunity to do able to try out a number of scientific something really amazing here.” experiments. After starting renovation The building uses the foundations of works in 2014, plans were hampered the city’s old Tuborg beer bottling plant, when the building was largely destroyed retaining the first floor of the brewery by fire, delaying progress for several and building the DKK880m ($126m, months. The centre reopened in €118m, £100m) expansion above it. January with two additional floors added on “We built on top of the history, the top of the 110-year-old building. Experimentarium is located in history of science in fact, because the At the helm is the executive director a former Tuborg beer bottling brewing process is science,” says Herlev. of three years, Kim Gladstone Herlev, plant in Hellerup, Denmark “It has the same footprint on the ground who has been at Experimentarium since but it’s twice the size it was before.”

16 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 A huge spiralling copper staircase is the centrepiece of the renovation of the now three-storey building PHOTOS: ADAM MØRK

Due to its expansion, Experimentarium has room for 16 new exhibitions – all brand new and built over three storeys, following the theme of the centre as “universes”. “The idea is that we are like a ‘city’ and we make small universes within this construct,” says Herlev. “One universe could be themed like a factory of ideas, another could be the cinema, or the good stroke of fortune – been temporarily science city for kids aged one to five years beach, or the harbour. The design of each moved to Papirøen in Copenhagen Harbour, old. We do not have many museums that of these 16 universes is very different. meaning while the building had been gutted cater specifically to children in Denmark so Some will be high-activity areas, some will the majority of the collection was safe. this is a very exciting thing for our country. be reflective areas – that’s the idea.” Rising like a phoenix from the ashes, “Our aim is to be among the five best Herlev has ambitious plans for the reborn science centres in the world within the Phoenix from the ashes Experimentarium science centre. next few years. If you compare us to The 2015 fire, which “more or less “At Easter we will open our rooftop facilities in Europe, Experimentarium completely destroyed” the building, where you can be outside doing open- is different from a lot of other science occurred in the midst of redevelopment. air science experiments, which is very centres,” Herlve says. “We’re able to show Because of the ongoing works, the science exciting,” he says. “In January 2018 we things that have never been shown in this centre’s staff and exhibits had – by a will open the first floor, which will be a context before. It’s very exciting.”

©CYBERTREK 2017 AM 1 2017 attractionsmanagement.com 17 PEOPLE

Race Through New York is a 3D ﬂ ying theatre opening in April at Universal Orlando

You can’t have a ride without puppies and a 40-year-old dressed as a teenage girl

Jimmy Fallon TV host and comedian

immy Fallon’s dream of having as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire a theme park ride based on his State Building as they race against Fallon. personas and TV show is about “It’s like visiting New York City by going J to be realised. on the craziest, awesomest rollercoaster The TV star, who presents simulator and going to the Tonight Show the popular Tonight Show Starring Jimmy all in one ride,” Fallon says. “It’s the most Fallon, came up with the idea for his own amazing thing I’ve ever done. It’s so cool. attraction and pitched it to Universal. It’s the most exciting, fun thing ever.” Now the ride, Race Through New York It’s a multi-sensory experience, so riders Starring Jimmy Fallon, has an offi cial will be getting wet from the river, smelling launch date of 6 April at Universal Orlando, pizza and “fl oating” on the moon. There’ll promising the ultimate Tonight Show also be cameos from some of Fallon’s experience and a wild ride through the city. alter egos, including teenager Sara and her The 3D ride will be a 72-seat fl ying puppies, and Jimmy Tight Pants. theatre, with appearances from show “You can’t have a ride without puppies announcer Steve Higgins as well as and a 40-year-old dressed as a teenage Grammy award-winning band, The Roots, girl,” Fallon says. “You need both of these who wrote the original attraction score. things, or else it’s not an attraction.” Fallon will host his TV show Riders will speed through the streets of Fallon’s career started on Saturday Night at Universal to coincide New York and all the way to the moon and Live in 1998. He’s appeared in fi lms like with launch the new ride back, encountering iconic landmarks such Taxi, Fever Pitch, Ted 2 and the Arthur fi lms.

18 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 THE IMMERSIVE STORYTELLING STUDIO

NSC CREATIVE IS AN AWARD-WINNING UK STUDIO WITH 15 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN IMMERSIVE MEDIA

VR • DOME • THEME PARKS • ATTRACTIONS • MUSEUMS

www.NSCCREATIVE.COMNSCCREATIVE.COM SCIENCE CENTRES NEWS

Science hub under way at Olympic Village INDUSTRY OPINION

Dutch design agency Charming Porto to NorthernLight is working on the redevelopment of provide backdrop to Sochi’s Olympic Village, 28th Ecsite conference which is turning its former media centre from the Mikko Myllykoski 2014 Winter Olympics into a science and art park. More than 1,000 The redevelopment of professionals from

Sirius Park, which has been PHOTO: LIGHT NORTHERN about 50 countries at the heart of Russia’s will get together in talent programme, will Porto, Portugal, for the take place in two phases, 28th Ecsite Annual ultimately becoming Conference from 13 the country’s largest to 17 June. This friendly event is educational attraction at QThe new centre combines art and science galleries open to everybody. The growing Ecsite 50,000sqm (538,000sq ft). family is welcoming and attracting Phase one of the gallery”, according to exhibits will be shown to inspired people from beyond Europe development is scheduled NorthernLight. the public and children will and beyond science centres. to be finished in February Included in the centre be invited to participate Five days of pre-conferencing and 2018, in time for the Fifa will be demonstrations in the testing of the conferencing from 13 to 17 June World Cup, and will include of kinetic art, immersive exhibits. Phase two of will be filled with networking, sharing a 6,000sqm (64,500sq ft) light experiences and bio development will include a ideas, making business and dreaming indoor science attraction. art, while the attraction number of science zones, up future projects. Sessions range The new addition is will also have design, each covering 8,000sqm from experiential design to teenager like a “crossover of an chemistry and bio labs. (86,000sq ft). engagement, from gaming to learning art biennale and science In these labs, future QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=d7s4M_T ecosystems. The social programme takes advantage of Porto’s charms, its Douro river and stunning historic landmarks. More than 60 exhibitors attend the Business Bistro trade fair. Mars the focus for Kennedy Space Center plan There’ll be two keynote speakers. Nina Simon, author of two impactful Florida’s Kennedy Space books about the culture of making a Center is planning a mass difference, The Participatory Museum expansion of its visitor (2010) and The Art of Relevance complex, unveiling a five-year (2016), will question the very core of masterplan to build on the our mission. Simon is an excellent fix success of its hugely popular for Attractions Management readers: PHOTO: KENNEDY SPACE CENTER space shuttle Atlantis exhibit her insight on participation and that opened in 2013. relevance is not limited to the world Mars will be one of the of science – nor just museums. major focuses in the next The other keynote speaker could five years, with a Mars Rover not be more relevant in the so-called attraction in the works, as “alternative facts” era. As the author well as a new attraction that of The Incredible Unlikeliness of Being: will very briefly allow visitors QThe centre has enjoyed success with its Atlantis addition Evolution and the Making of Us (2014) to experience zero-gravity or and professor of public engagement increased G forces similar to The company has also on a simulated mission to at the University of Birmingham, astronauts at takeoff. promised “something Mars, with the facility able Alice Roberts is an expert on making Delaware North, the big” for the Astronaut to accommodate 176 – up evolution understood – a field where company which operates Hall of Fame, which last from the current 94. ignorance is only part of the problem. both the Visitor Complex year moved to the visitor Finally, the Launch There is “life everywhere”, as the and recently relaunched complex’s main campus Complex 39 observation conference theme states, but in June Hall of Fame, say the Mars as the new Heroes and gantry will be transformed there will be much life in Porto. Rover concept vehicle will be Legends addition. into an learning centre with Visit: ecsite.eu/annual-conference. part of a Mars Deep Station Plans also include an a Mars simulation and a attraction, which could open expanded Astronaut Training launch viewing centre. Mikko Myllkoski, experience director as early as 2021. Experience primarily focused QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=f9G2v_T at Heureka, and Ecsite ACPC chair

20 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 VISITOR ATTRACTIONS NEWS

Two Bit Circus plans run of next-gen micro-amusement parks

Entertainment engineering collective Two Bit Circus has announced plans for a portfolio of next-gen micro-amusement parks fuelled with the latest AR and VR technologies. The Los Angeles, California-based Two Bit Circus – founded in 2012 by Brent Bushnell and Eric Gradman – aims to bring the exciting side of engineering and technology to life for a younger generation, inspiring them with lasers, robots, interactivity and gamiﬁcation, and to “convert non-STEM kids into STEM kids”. Each of the new locations, which

will cover approximately 30,000sq ft PHOTO: BIT CIRCUS TWO (2,800sqm), will showcase the latest high-tech entertainment and original content from Two Bit Circus and key brand partners, with its creators envisaging the attractions for malls and retail complexes. The new venture is an evolution of Two QThe new venture is an evolution of Two Bit Circus’ STEAM Carnival concept Bit Circus’ STEAM Carnival – a touring pop- up-style event ﬁrst taking place in October golf,” said Bushnell. “The latest tech has According to Two Bit Circus, the attraction 2014 that gets kids to engage with just blown the doors open on a whole new will include the latest in multi-person VR and science, technology, engineering, art and world, changed what it means to play, and mixed reality, social play experiences, group maths in hands-on fun environment. play together socially. People stress about games, molecular gastronomy, mixology, and “Out-of-home entertainment hasn’t tech pushing people apart, but we love “liberal” use of lasers, ﬁre and robots. changed much since laser tag and mini- watching it bring them together.” QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=j6x5h_T

Doug Stagner named new IAAPA COO and EVP

IAAPA has named attractions veteran Doug Stagner as its new COO and executive vice president – a newly created position designed to help the organisation achieve QThe plan was released on 6 February its goals and handle growth and global infrastructure. Stagner, who has been Development plan for PHOTO: IAAPA a part of the attractions Coney Island unveiled industry for more than 32 years, started his career Coney Island could be about to gain in 1984 as a ride operator QDoug Stagner receives the IAAPA Meritorius Service Award a number of new attractions after the at SeaWorld San Diego. City of New York called for development From there, Stagner worked overseeing the company’s president and CEO Paul of 150,000sq ft (14,000sqm) of his way up the SeaWorld expansion into Asia. Noland, while directly new attractions along its boardwalk. ladder, holding a variety For IAAPA, Stagner sits overseeing management Five parcels of land have been of positions including on the organisation’s board of global membership, allocated for the proposed works, all roles in operations, and is former chair of its communications, education, sitting along the boardwalk near the business development, education committee. In talent and IAAPA’s four Thunderbolt and Wonder Wheel rides, and strategic planning 2013 he was the recipient regional ofﬁces. Additionally, and further out towards MCU Park – and execution. Most of the IAAPA Meritorious he will play a signiﬁcant home to the Brooklyn Cyclones. recently as SeaWorld’s vice Service Award. role in IAAPA’s relocation to QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=y3s8Q_T president of international In his new role at IAAPA, Orlando later this year. operations, Stagner was Stagner will report to QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=f2y2P_T

©CYBERTREK 2017 AM 1 2017 attractionsmanagement.com 21 WATERPARKS NEWS

CA$65m waterpark opens in Quebec INDUSTRY OPINION

The Aquatic Development Invest in your team to Group (ADG) is behind designs for a new waterpark inspire next generation in Quebec, Canada, which of waterpark leaders recently opened its doors. The indoor waterpark, Aleatha Ezra developed at a cost of GROUP DEVELOPMENT AQUATIC PHOTO: CA$65m ($49m, €46m, As we closed the £40m), is the ﬁ rst of its books on another kind in the province. year, it didn’t escape The Polynesian-themed, our notice how many 10-hectare (25-acre) Bora industry leaders and Parc features advanced true innovators we waterpark technologies, lost in 2016. including the FlowRider Truly, our global water leisure system, a 4,000sq ft QThe waterpark has 14 slides and a family area industry has been propelled forward (371sqm) wave pool and an by great men and women who adventure wave river using A part of the Village former president, Guy have each left their mark on the ADG’s WaveTek technology. Vacances Valcartier Resort, Drouin, who died from way waterparks are built and the The facility has a 1,000- Bora Parc was added to cancer just days before experiences these facilities deliver. person capacity, 14 slides the destination to increase its opening. Since 1972, Their passing is both a chance to and a family area with its the average length of stay, Drouin has invested more celebrate their amazing contributions own pool and separate also providing a market than CA$130m ($98m, and a reminder that we need to be activities. Dry options differential to stand out €92m, £79m) in upgrading building up our next generation of include private cabanas and from competitors. the resort and tourist leaders. Our industry cannot break a restaurant terrace with The waterpark was attraction’s facilities. ground in emerging markets without space for private events. the vision of the resort’s QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=K8H4P_T strong leaders ready to take over the highest management positions. We need to spend more time investing in the growth and development of middle managers Six Flags intensiﬁ es China push with waterpark and those who are starting out in the water leisure industry. Fortunately, Six Flags’ rapid overseas there are plenty of resources available expansion is ramping up locally, nationally and internationally – with plans to build a new many of which are accessible online. waterpark next to China’s The WWA has a number of tools

fi rst theme park operating HARBOR HURRICANE FLAGS SIX PHOTO: and programmes dedicated to the under the brand’s banner. development of emerging leaders, Sitting adjacent to from a special membership category Haiyan’s under-development to online learning programmes to a Six Flags Zhejang, the scholarship that allows someone to waterpark will open at the attend the WWA Show at no cost. same time as the theme Visit waterparks.org to learn more. park, with Six Flags Hurricane Attractions Management’s Harbor including waterslides, leisurediary.com is a comprehensive a wave pool, a lazy river and QSix Flags Hurricane Harbor will include a number of slides online directory of professional a water play area for kids. development events. The tool allows The theme park and now under management – in the next 10 years, all in you to search dozens of events taking waterpark are at the heart of is partnering with Six partnership with RIG. place all over the world and narrow a $4.6bn (€4.4bn, £3.7bn) Flags on the mixed-use A franchise model has down by categories like seminar, resort development in development, which is been set up to support training, webinar or exhibition. Hangzhou Bay, with Chinese expected to create more the upcoming parks, with Resources for training abound, so real estate development fi rm than 100,000 jobs. confi rmed plans for two make 2017 a year to invest in your Riverside Investment Group Six Flags CEO John in Vietnam, while further team with the goal of inspiring the (RIG) behind the plans. Duffey recently revealed to Asian expansion could well next great industry leader. RIG – which currently Attractions Management be on the way, with plans has more than $3.5bn plans to build “multiple” rumoured in Malaysia. Aleatha Ezra, director of park member (€3.2bn, £2.5bn) in assets Six Flags parks in China QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=E7w9t_T development, WWA

22 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 EVERY PARK NEEDS A COASTER

We’ve been working hard on water coaster science — we’ve been innovating this technology since we invented the first LIM-powered water coasters more than a decade ago — and we just changed the game.

There’s nothing like it. In the world. Higher, faster and longer. 100% more capacity. 50% less water and energy use.

www.proslide.com/rocketblastWatch this: proslide.com/rocketblast Every park needs a coaster. Do you have yours yet? We should talk.

www.watertoys.com [email protected] 1 866 833 8580 | 905 649 5047 IAAPA BEST NEW PRODUCT & IMPACT AWARD WWA INNOVATION AWARD

©CYBERTREK 2017 AM 1 2017 attractionsmanagement.com 23 THEME PARKS NEWS

Abu Dhabi’s Ferrari World invests in major new attractions

Yas Island’s Ferrari World is receiving investment of AED700m ($191m, €178m, £153m) for developments of new rides and experiences, including its landmark Turbo Track, which will snake out from the heart of the iconic structure through its roof. Yas Island owner Miral is making the investment as it targets more visitors for Abu Dhabi in the midst of a wider push for overseas tourism. Turbo Track – which will reach speeds of 102kph (63mph) and climb 62 metres (203 feet) will open in March – with recently

released images showing the ride climbing PHOTO: WORLD FERRARI out from the middle of the Ferrari World building, entering the Yas Island skyline. In addition to Turbo Track, a Ferrari car simulator will be added to the park, with a total of four new rides to be added by the end of this year and a further four in QThe top of the new rollercoaster extends out through the centre of Ferrari World 2018, bringing the total up to 43. In October, Yas Island announced plans Aldar Properties, with the aim of turning of major developments to be operated for a new business strategy and brand the island into a multi-purpose leisure, by Farah Leisure, which include the identity to establish the development as shopping and entertainment centre. already established Ferrari World and Yas “the world’s ultimate leisure destination.” Most recently, the project broke ground Waterworld. Furthermore, SeaWorld plans Yas Island’s development ﬁrst started on a $1bn (€919m, £820m) Warner to open on Yas Island by 2022. in 2006, initiated by Abu Dhabi-based Bros theme park – the latest in a series QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=S2E3a_T

Japan drives revenue as Universal ﬁgures soar

Comcast’s acquisition of Universal Studios Japan has paid dividends, as the company confirmed a 48 per cent rise in revenue. PHOTO: SARUNYU L / SHUTTERSTOCK SARUNYU PHOTO: Continuing to reflect the inclusion of Universal QThe park could be open by 2018 Studios Japan following its $1.5bn (€1.4bn, £1.2bn) Silay mayor confirms majority acquisition near the end of 2015 and theme park plans the continued success of the new Wizarding Silay City in the Philippines could be World of Harry Potter QThe acquisition of Universal Japan has boosted Comcast about to get a new PHP600m ($12m, attraction at Universal €11m, £10m) theme park after its Hollywood, Universal’s 42 per cent to $640m before Comcast acquired its mayor confirmed development plans theme parks have (€598m, £510m) for the majority share in the park, following months of speculation. reported huge numbers for quarter. For 2016, year-on- pro forma revenue increased Silay City mayor Mark Golez Q4 and 2016 overall. year theme park revenue by 12.7 per cent, reflecting confirmed that the proposed park is Comcast – the parent increased 48 per cent to higher attendance and per expected to open during 2018, with company of Universal – $4.9bn (€4.6bn, £3.9bn), capita spending, as well investors of Enchanted Kingdom – the reported a rise in Q4 theme with operating cash flow as the positive impact of country’s largest park – along with other park revenue of 32 per cent increasing by 50 per cent to a stronger yen, while pro backers, covering development costs. to $1.3bn (€1.2bn, £1bn) $2.2bn (€2bn, £1.7bn). forma operating cash flow QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=e5J9S_T for Q4 2016, with operating Taking into account increased 12.2 per cent. cash flow increasing by Universal Japan’s figures QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=A7X9x_A

24 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 KOLOBOK MIDI SAMBA BALLOON DISCOVERY PEOPLE JUNIOR COASTERPORKIES TRAIN Zodiac Nineverted SKY DROP EXPRESS TruckstopTURTLE TRAINMINI TAGADA’ SUPER Telecombat HYDROLIFTRESCUE 911 Power FLYING MIDI Barnstormer EXPRESS Surge FAMILY MOTO COASTERBARNYARD MINI MOUSE TIGERSSWINGER FAMILY Red Baron SWINGER Rio Grande Sombrero SKY RACECHATTANOOGA TRAIN Air Force Kite DRAGONPOWER GALLEONFlyer AIR RACE Thunderboxe JUNIOR BALLOON COASTERSURGE CRAZY BUS JETCONVOY RACE FERRIS WHEEL MINIE-PUFF TRAIN FERRIS WHEEL Wave Blaster Giant Discovery Bumper Cars SKY MONOPLANE TWISTER COASTER FLYING CAROUSEL TOWER ROTOSHAKE FLASH Family Gravity Super Twister Coaster BACKFLASH SUSPENDED TOWER Coaster JUMP AROUND SOMBRERO WINDSHEAR Hawk SPEEDY ZIP ZAP NORTH POLE COASTER Jumpin' StarSHOCKER RACER CLOWN AROUND Disk’O Turbo Force MINI TEA CUP FERRIS Skater Suspended REGATTAWHEEL DISK’O COASTER Monorail EL PASO CRAZY SURF AEREOMAX ENDEAVOUR SAMBA Jumpin’ Star Discovery Revolution Canoe FLUME TAGA J Z–FORCE VOLARERIDE WINDSTARZ TOWER River Twist&Bounce SPEEDWAY Watermania SURF’S UP MEGABOXE DEMOLITION DERBY VERTICAL PONY EXPRESS Giant Sky ENERGY THUNDERBOLT SWING Pony Chaser STORM TEA Rodeo POLYP SOMBRERITO CUPSuper Mini MERRY GO ROUND Happy Swing DEMOLITION DERBY RIDE JetAERO AERIAL RIDE Spin TOP JET ROCKIN' TUG U-DRIVE PONY TRAINDiscovery MINE TRAIN CHOO CHOO TRAIN Discovery Revolution

www. zamperla.com MUSEUMS & GALLERIES NEWS

Met forced to delay redevelopment for up to seven years

New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art has delayed plans to redevelop its southwest wing by as long as seven years, as the famous institution aims to get its finances in order. Deficits have led the museum to cut $31m (€29.1m, £25.4m) from its annual operating budget, something it has achieved with voluntary buyouts and layoffs, also increasing retail revenue in its stores. PHOTO: METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART With the museum trying to balance its books by 2020, the $600m (€563.4m, £492.4m) plans to develop the southwest wing have been pushed back, meaning they won’t be completed in time for the institution’s 150th anniversary. Money will still be spent on development of the museum however, with the Met prioritising replacing the skylights and QDavid Chipperfield is the architect pencilled in to design the postponed redevelopment roofing system above the European paintings galleries – with work to start in temporarily into the former Whitney The project could also create 2018 and be completed by 2022. Museum – now the Met Breuer. more on-site storage and and an The wing, which houses the Met’s In addition to more gallery space, the overhaul of a number of the museum’s collection of modern and contemporary art, redevelopment could double the size of spaces, including Arts of Africa, will eventually be gutted and redeveloped the Met’s famous roof garden and create a Oceania, and the Americas gallery. by David Chipperfield, with plans to move new entrance from Central Park. QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=j8s7g_T

State takes over Poland’s new WWII museum

The Museum of the Second PHOTO: SOKOLOWSKI/PRESS ASSOCIATION IMAGES CZAREK World War in Poland faces an uncertain future after the country’s Supreme Administrative Court gave permission for the ruling nationalist Law and Justice QHunt replaces director Martin Roth Party (LJP) to take control of the independent museum. V&A appoints British The recently completed $12.3m (€11.4m, £9.8m) MP as new director museum in Gdansk was due to open in February. Labour MP Tristram Hunt However, the LJP – which QPoland’s ruling party will assume control of the museum has stepped down from his since coming into power in parliamentary position in order to 2015 has assumed control The LJP can now legally Machcewicz says that limiting become the new director of London’s of the state broadcaster, take control of the museum, the museum to the defence Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A). civil service and the meaning the government will of Poland would not show Hunt will replace former V&A country’s highest court merge it with the yet-to-open the entirety of the country’s director Martin Roth, who resigned – opposes the museum Museum of Westerplatte and experience of the war. The from his position as director of the because of its approach the War of 1939. court ruling means Glinski V&A in September – a decision to telling the story of the According to Piotr Glinski, will be able to nominate fuelled in part by his disillusionment Second World War, with the minister for culture, the his own director who can at the result of the recent Brexit vote. government’s opinion being merger will focus on Polish change the museum to ﬁt the QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=T2s8V_T the museum should focus aspects of the war, though government’s needs. only on Poland’s history. the museum’s director, Pawel QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=F5z2C_T

26 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 POWERFUL MEDIA SERVING FOR THE WORLD’S GREATEST ATTRACTIONS AND EXPERIENCES

THEME PARKS | ATTRACTIONS | DOMES | 3D | MUSEUMS www.7thsensedesign.comwww.7thsensedesign.com HERITAGE NEWS

Extensive renovations set to guarantee future of Eiffel Tower

France’s most iconic landmark is about to undergo a €300m ($320m, £260m) renovation, with ofﬁcials announcing a massive 15-year project that will preserve the attraction for many decades. The 128-year-old structure, originally designed by Gustave Eiffel as a temporary structure for the 1889 Universal Exhibition, now attracts more than 7 million visitors a year and is a symbol of the French capital. Works will include a full structural analysis, with plans also to replace the structure’s

lighting systems and elevators – some of PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM which use the tower’s original workings. Improvements will also include modernisation of security technology and enhancement of visitor experience through improved facilities. Around €20m ($21.4m, £17.4m) will be invested each year over a 15-year period, an increase from the €13.7m ($14.6m, QThe 128-year-old Parisen landmark attracts more than 7 million visitors a year £11.9m) spent each year on essential maintenance of the tower, which is also operator, the Société d’Exploitation de in 2014 that included a walk over glass repainted every seven years over 20 months. la Tour Eiffel. The renovation proposal floor, shops, restaurant and an events and The announcement coincides with will be presented to Paris council conference space, all on the tower’s first Parisian officials’ plans to host the 2024 at the end of January for final approval. floor. Prior to that, major work had not been Olympic Games and the 2025 World Expo. The tower most recently underwent carried out on the tower since 1986. The project will be managed by the tower’s major works in 2012 – a project completed QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=p2S2R_T

Outrage as Stonehenge tunnel plans ﬁnalised PHOTO: AP/PRESS ASSOCIATION IMAGES Controversial plans for a road tunnel near Stonehenge have been

finalised, with campaigners IMAGES ARCHIVE/PA ISON/PA CHRIS PHOTO: opposing the development claiming it would cause “irreparable damage” to QMany heritage sites have been decimated the surrounding landscape. The plan, which has France gives €28m been created to ease traffic congestion around the to war zone heritage ancient site, would see the a new four-lane 1.8-mile France has contributed €28m ($30m, (2.9km) tunnel built, which QThe move attempts to ease congestion around Stonehenge £24m) towards the protection of the Department for Transport cultural heritage sites during conflicts, says would remove the sight The Stonehenge Alliance and the A303 would signifying the first step in creating and sound of traffic from the – the main body opposing become the largest ever an international wartime fund aimed famous monument. the £2bn ($2.4bn, €2.3bn) human intervention in an at preventing heritage destruction. Among Britain’s top tourist roadworks – say “permanent area revered by over a Created in coordination with attractions, Stonehenge harm” would be done to hundred generations of Unesco, the fund will be used to welcomes more than 1.3 a landscape “considered our ancestors,” said the prevent destruction of historical sites, million visitors annually, the most archaeologically Alliance in a statement on fight illegal trafficking and pay for the but it is only accessible by significant land surface in a petition opposing the restoration of sites damaged in conflict. a series of small country Europe without parallel.” plans, which has more QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=Z2T4P_T roads linking London “All archaeology in the than 22,000 signatures. with the southwest. zones would be destroyed QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=C3R6A_T

28 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 A Global Leader in the Tourism & Leisure Design Industry ®

Tourism & Leisure Zones Theme Parks & Water Parks Themed Resorts & Amenities Cultural Attractions Mixed-Use Retail & Lifestyle Centers MasterPlanning Concept Design Detailed Design Attraction Design Feasibility Study Brand Design

IDEATTACK Inc. 1055 E Colorado Blvd Suite 500 Pasadena, California 91101 U.S.A. Phone 626-204-4087 [email protected] www.ideattack.comideattack.com ZOOS & AQUARIUMS NEWS

SeaWorld San Diego bids adieu to controversial orca show

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment has taken the next big step in its company-wide evolution, with its San Diego park hosting its ﬁnal theatrical orca show, a staple of the entertainment giant for many decades. The live animal spectacular is to eventually be replaced by a natural version of the show – designed to “educate rather than dazzle” – one of the main contributors to the negative public perception of

SeaWorld has been its orca performances. PHOTO: / SHUTTERSTOCK DMITRO2009 “Today the shows are more in the style of Cirque du Soleil,” said SeaWorld CEO Joel Manby, speaking in the Q3 2016 edition of Attractions Management. “The orcas are jumping in unison five at a time and they’re trained to do things that some consumers see as unnatural. Our new orca encounter is more Discovery Channel, more educational. It shares the plight of wild QSeaWorld’s orca shows have been criticised, consequently affecting visitor numbers whales but is still engaging.” The new-style show will be rolled out for causing the death of trainer Dawn “Tilikum had ... a special place in the to SeaWorld Orlando and San Antonio Blancheau in 2010, when she was pulled hearts of the SeaWorld family and the by 2019. The news of San Diego’s final underwater by the 12,000lb (5,443kg) millions of people all over the world that he show was followed by the death of the bull orca. The story became the subject of inspired,” said Manby. “My heart goes out killer whale Tilikum, an icon of SeaWorld the Blackfish documentary that severely to our team who cared for him like family.” for decades. Tilikum was also known damaged the company’s public image. QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=R7e8Y_T

Vancouver Aquarium to end beluga captivity

Vancouver Aquarium has outlined ambitious expansion plans for the next 12 years, which includes the eventual phase out of its captive beluga programme. QVisitors have increased by 12 per cent The aquarium was left reeling last November when Chester Zoo breaks two of its whales died in quick succession, with attendance records Aurora and her daughter Qila dying just days apart, Chester Zoo welcomed more visitors leaving the facility with its QAurora was one of two belugas to die at the aquarium in 2016 than any other UK zoo in signature tank empty. history, with just shy of 1.9 million As part of the CA$100m no longer house whales by accredited institutions to people flocking to see the Cheshire ($76m, €72m, £61m) 2029 – the same year its participate in an expanded attraction’s collection of 20,000-plus expansion, the aquarium is operating license expires. Marine Mammal Research animals. The zoo has had a bumper building a larger enclosure “The aquarium has Programme,” the aquarium couple of years, thanks in-part to both for its Arctic beluga habitat. announced a new 12-year said in a statement. its £40m (US$48.6m, €46m) Islands Up to five belugas currently beluga conservation Beyond 2029 the expansion, and it television exposure in on loan to other facilities programme centred on aquarium will still work BBC drama Our Zoo and the hit Channel are expected to be on a small group of non- with belugas, but says its 4 docu-series The Secret Life of the Zoo. display by 2019, though breeding beluga whales conservation work would QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=W3K6b_T they will be non-breeding that will be brought back continue “further afield”. animals. The aquarium will to Vancouver from peer QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=H3s4p_T

30 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 www.scruffydogltd.com TECHNOLOGY NEWS

Google plans to distribute AR platform Tango to museums

Google’s augmented reality platform Tango is partnering with a number of museums, offering visitors starting at the Detroit Institute of Arts opportunities to interact with works using the technology. Devices capable of hosting Tango utilise sensors not found in most phones, allowing added depth and scale, which in turn allows digital overlays to be applied more accurately over 3D surfaces. Visitors to the museum can request the use of a Lenovo Phab 2 Pro – the ﬁrst Tango- enabled smartphone – using the handset to learn more about different artefacts, with examples offered including revealing the inside of a mummiﬁed body, visualising lost architecture and showing limestone works with their original colouring. Developed by GuidiGo, an app developer that previously created augmented reality QTango-enabled devices can be used to explore museum exhibits in augmented reality museums guides for the currently on-hold Google Glass project, the Tango app will “Museums can be great teachers. From product manager for Tango. “This is just also include quizzes and games. art and science to culture and natural history, the beginning of how you’ll be able to use Following its initial run in Detroit, Tango they educate and inspire us. Still, display Tango to see more, hear more and learn will be rolled out to a number of yet-to-be- signs and audioguides can only convey so more. Stay tuned as we bring Tango to even named museums, enhancing the interactive much. What if you could explore museums more museums around the world.” experience for institutions worldwide. in a different way,” said Justin Quimby, senior QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=R9g4R_T

Hugo Barra joins Facebook to lead VR charge

Facebook has named Hugo Barra its vice president of virtual reality, with the Brazilian tech wizard and entrepreneur to head up the company’s Oculus programme. QThe patent has a number of applications Barra, who previously ran Chinese phone maker Universal planning to Xiaomi’s global division has also served in a number of use drones in parks product management roles at Google in London and Universal is hot on the heels of Disney California, including as vice QBarra joins Facebook as vice president of virtual reality after ﬁling a patent for use of drone president of Android. technology at its parks in the US. During his time at CEO, Mark Zuckerberg. augmented reality will be Universal City Studios – a sister Xiaomi, Barra worked “I’ve known Hugo for a the next major computing division to Universal Parks & Resorts on the company’s own long time, starting when platform. They’ll enable us – published a patent covering “special virtual reality headset, he helped develop the to experience completely effects techniques,” including water, also launching a range Android operating system, new things and be more scent cannons, compressed air blasts, of new smartphones. to the last few years he’s creative than ever before. steam, theatrical smoke or fog, snow, “Hugo is joining worked at Xiaomi in Beijing Hugo is going to help bubbles, confetti, ﬂame effects, or Facebook to lead all of bringing innovative devices build that future, and directional speakers and other audio. our virtual reality efforts, to millions of people. I’m looking forward to QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=B3G7A_T including our Oculus “Hugo shares my having him on our team.” team,” said Facebook belief that virtual and QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=H3s4p_T

32 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 INTRODUCING:

WHERE EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE

Eliminate queue line boredom, inter-connect every attraction making your whole park come alive in peoples’ hands using Holovis real-time, mixed reality, extended experiences.

Transforms passive park activities Deepens guest brand engagement, into active, participative experiences even after their visit, promoting higher return rates Benefits wider park ecosystems by increasing dwell times & Easily scalable, compatible with all monetisation opportunities mobile devices

Proud to have delivered: INTERVIEW MATTHIAS LI

Ocean Park Hong Kong is one of the most established and respected parks on the Asian continent, setting the bar for the industry. How are things shaping up under the new CEO?

Alice Davis, managing editor, Attractions Management

Matthias Li joined Ocean Park Hong Kong theme park in 1994, and took the reins as CEO in 2016

34 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 Ocean Park consists of a marine park, zoo, aquarium, waterpark and theme parks

t was a diffi cult year for Ocean Park Hong Kong. In 2016, the marine theme park reported a near 20 per cent fall in visitors and a HK$241m I ($31m, £25m, €29m) defi cit – highly unusual – for the fi scal year. This was caused by a combination of circumstances that created a perfect storm for the Hong Kong tourism industry. There were several contributing factors. “Hong Kong is currently facing extremely tough business challenges, especially in the tourism sector,” says Ocean Park CEO Matthias Li Sing-chung. “The market is facing some headwinds due to the declining economy, downturning retail environment, depreciation of currencies of other Asian destinations, and change in tourism- related policy. All of this has played a part in eroding Hong Kong’s competitiveness against other regional cities and affected tourist arrivals to the city, as well as to tourist attractions like Ocean Park.” It’s marked an eventful start for the new CEO, who only took the reins from outgoing boss Tom Mehrmann in July. Li’s no stranger, though, having been part of the Ocean Park family since he joined as fi nance director in 1994. If anyone can navigate the tempest, it should be Li. “Over the past 22 years, I’ve developed a deep passion for Ocean Park, not only from working with the entire staff to transform a local recreational facility into an international tourist destination, but also from experiencing up-close the pride locals derive from their park,” Li says. “Now, as CEO, my immediate focus is to face the challenges presented by the changes in Hong Kong’s visitor profi le and the intense competition in the region.” In recent years, tourism to Hong Kong was rising, reaching an all-time high of

©CYBERTREK 2017 AM 1 2017 attractionsmanagement.com 35 INTERVIEW

Through the ups and downs of the past 40 years, we’ve always believed it’s crucial to remain well connected to the community

surge in Mainland visitors is at least partly The next core markets are Taiwan, South to blame. Reports show the number of Korea, India and the Philippines. visitors from China fell 50 per cent in the fi rst half of 2015 as a direct result PEOPLE’S PARK of the protests. Hong Kong’s image as a So, what is Li to do in the face of these hospitable place was tarnished, and many facts and fi gures? Well, fi rst and foremost, Chinese decided to go elsewhere, fl ying he’s not painting a gloomy picture – instead to Thailand, South Korea, Japan, anything but. This year marks Ocean Park’s Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam. 40th anniversary, and there has been a 60.8 million in 2014. However, in the two With 120 million Chinese travelling celebratory mood, especially among the years since, those numbers have taken a abroad each year, it’s a huge piece of the locals. In fact, the attraction’s reputation hit, falling 4.5 per cent from 2015 to 56.7 pie to lose out on. Countries like Japan, as the “people’s park” is one of the million last year. In turn, that’s affected Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the US foundations of its success over the years. Hong Kong’s attractions. lifted visa restrictions on Chinese visitors, It’s a “homegrown” operation that dates In its year ending 30 June 2015, Ocean making trips easier to arrange than those back to 1977, when it was funded by Park welcomed 7.4 million guests, its to Hong Kong, where travel permits and the Hong Kong Jockey Club and built on third-highest attendance on record. That visas are still required. Other factors, too, land donated by the government. In the made it the 15th-most visited park in the infl uenced Mainlanders’ decisions. early 80s, the Jockey Club funded further world, according to the annual TEA/AECOM “Competition from other regional development and rides, until 1987 when report. This was topped off by its second- destinations, the strengthening HK dollar Ocean Park Corporation was formed, highest ever total revenue (HK$1.9bn, against the renminbi and other currencies, a fi nancially-independent, not-for-profi t $243m, £205m, €238m) and a surplus of and slowing economic growth in China organisation with a government-appointed HK$45.2m. However, for the fi nancial year have affected Mainland visitor fl ows to board. Ocean Park reached a defi ning ending June 2016, the park received just 6 the city,” Li says. “The Hong Kong Tourism moment in 2005 with the launch of a million guests, a decline of 18.9 per cent. Association predicts the city will continue HK$5.5bn ($709m, £573m, €665m) to see a 10 per cent drop in the number of Master Redevelopment Plan (MRP), taking THE MAINLAND FACTOR group visitors and 20 to 30 per cent drop the park from a mid-size attraction to a Hong Kong Disneyland was also affected, in the number of FITs [free independent global destination. The master plan doubled attributed to the fall in the number travellers] from Mainland China.” the number of the site’s attractions and of tourists from Mainland China – a In past years, 50 per cent of Ocean rides, included the opening of Old Hong demographic that once made up almost Park’s visitors were Chinese, with 35 per Kong, which recreates the streetscape and eight out of 10 visitors to the autonomous cent from Hong Kong. This demographic ambience of the city 50 years ago. territory. A series of anti-tourist protests has altered, as now about 40 per cent Last year alone, 2.4 million Hongkongers by Hongkongers unhappy with the huge are Chinese and 40 per cent are local. visited Ocean Park, that’s one-third of the

36 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 www.whitewaterwest.com INTERVIEW

domestic population. More than 450,000 of them benefi ted from complimentary or Polar Adventure, cut-price admission, as the park offers free which opened in entry to under threes, over 65s, registered 2012, features disabled and all residents on their birthday. Arctic Blast (top) “Through the ups and downs of the past and South Pole 40 years, we’ve always believed it’s crucial Specatacular to uphold our local appeal and remain well connected to the community,” Li says. locals, Li knows it’s STAYING CREATIVE important to keep The 90-hectare (222-acre) Ocean Park innovating. “As the is situated on the southern side of Hong years go by, it’s Kong Island at a bay called Tai Shue important to stay Wan. Overlooking the South China Sea, creative to win guests over,” he says. making a visit to Ocean Park even the resort consists of two areas, the On that note, there are major more convenient. It will likely facilitate Waterfront and the Summit, connected developments coming down the track. increased guest visitation from both locals by cable cars and the Ocean Express The most exciting must be the brand new and FITs. The opening of the hotels will funicular. The park has over 80 attractions, year-round waterpark on the site of the enable us to extend the visit duration of with the Summit home to a wide variety old Water World facility, opening in 2018. our guests, elevating the appeal of Ocean of thrill and family rides. There are live There are two hotels on the way, the Park. They will also provide a new venue shows at the Ocean Theatre dolphinarium, Ocean Park Marriot Hotel and the Fullerton for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions designed to “educate and entertain”, and Hotel @ Ocean Park. The children’s play and Exhibitions (MICE) event organisers the chance to visit the Ocean Park Tower, zone Whiskers Harbour is also being from around the world, which will be easily one of the tallest observation towers in modernised. And, in December, a transport accessible thanks to the new MTR link.” Southeast Asia. At the link opened, the MTR South Island Line There’s work going on behind the Waterfront, themed areas (East), which connects central Admiralty to scenes, too, as the park strives to include Amazing Asian Ocean Park Station in just four minutes. constantly improve the visitor’s day out. Animals, where some Free resort-wide Wi-Fi has been rolled out, of the continent’s rarest NEW INVESTMENTS and a new mobile app. Special promotions species are on display. “The all-weather Water World will stay open are targeted at specifi c overseas markets To keep people late to offer night attractions for the local with growth potential. Also newly launched, coming, especially for a community and international tourists,” the park’s self-developed proprietary PFlow destination that’s Li says. “The MTR South Island Line guest management system – winner of a dependent on signifi cantly enhances our connectivity GSM Association Asia Mobile Award – is repeat visits from across the entire area of Hong Kong, enhancing how people experience the park.

Demand for leisure activities in the region will continue to grow, given the rising middle class in China and the rapidly increasing income levels

38 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 Water World spans indoor and outdoor areas across three storeys. Themes include the reef, the caves and the beach

The Fullerton Hotel @ Ocean Park will help increase hotel room supply in Hong Kong

“PFlow is a custom-designed integrated WATER WORLD of middle class within Mainland China, and mobile platform that enables timely the rapidly increasing income levels.” collection, analysis and dissemination Li believes the growth of the attractions of guest flow and guest mix information. QWhiteWater West is working on the industry in Asia is helping meet demand The data empowers our management 693,000sq ft project, which is twice for leisure and entertainment and in turn team to make calculated decisions that the size of the original waterpark promoting both short and long-haul tourism can enhance guest experiences, such as in the region. Big players like Disney raise the proactive management of guest flow, Qthe first and only waterfront standards and increase appetite for large- operations and manpower,” says Li. waterpark in Southeast Asia scale destination attractions. Furthermore, Ocean Park’s “Big “The entry of international players Five” seasonal offerings are updated Qdesigned to seamlessly integrate with encourages theme parks in the region to and enhanced, often featuring new its hillside surroundings through a series improve their hardware and software to local elements and strategic brand of terraced platforms and wave pools meet the expectations for high quality, fun collaborations, to ensure Summer Splash, and value-for-money guest experiences, Halloween Fest, Christmas Sensation, Q27 indoor and outdoor attractions, heightening the industry’s standards.” Lunar Lucky Fiesta and Animal Discovery plus dining and retail outlets Fest keep people returning year after year. MANAGING A CRISIS Qexpected to create 2,900 jobs and As Li reflects on a 40-year story, what’s the INTENSIFYING COMPETITION add HK$842 million to the GDP by 2018 greatest challenge the park has faced? The region’s theme park sector is heating “I believe that would be around 2003, up, particularly with Disney opening in the time when SARS hit Hong Kong Shanghai last June. For families who want in Macau, have channelled away, or even, and the region, impacting Hong Kong’s to visit a theme park in the region, the deterred Mainland tourists from visiting economy and the sentiments of locals China resort must be at the top of the list. Hong Kong as they can gain easy access and overseas visitors, not to mention “Ever-intensifying competition posed by to themed entertainment closer to home.” the park’s attendance. That was a big new and existing themed attractions in “However, despite the current downturns challenge for all members of the park and the region, including Disneyland Shanghai, in economy and the industry, the demand for me as the finance director at the time.” Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in Zhuhai, and for leisure activities in the region will Li says that the park’s persistence and numerous family entertainment facilities continue to grow, given the rising number strength in the face of such adversity

©CYBERTREK 2017 AM 1 2017 attractionsmanagement.com 39 INTERVIEW CONSERVATION WORK

Q working with AZA’s SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) to conserve local species, including yellow seahorses, corals and horseshoe crabs

Q collaborating with local universities, government and non- government organisations

Q running a multi-year advocacy campaign called Blue Matters, highlighting 10 at-risk species in the region, including the Hong Kong newt, acroporidae coral, green turtle, Indo- Paciﬁc humpback dolphin, scalloped hammerhead shark, giant panda and golden snub-nosed monkey

Q staff training to empower park employees to be conservation advocates helped the business survive as it looked Q outreach programmes educating to the future with the launch of the highly A Seal Encounter session takes place over 7,200 students from local ambitious MRP, which broke ground in late with a trainer. Guests interact with the schools on conservation matters 2006 and was completed in July 2012. animals by feeding and touching them That year the park became the first Asian Q on-site breeding programmes winner of the IAAPA Applause award. Onsite, Ocean Park has an approach that Q OPCFHK sponsorship for 34 ANIMAL LOVERS aims to facilitate learning through intimate conservation and scientific projects, Ocean Park’s position as a marine and experiences with animals, such as dolphin, helping giant pandas, Chinese white animal attraction should not be forgotten. penguin and seal encounters. But how does dolphins, Malayan tigers, Yangtze finless The company’s mission to educate Li react to criticisms about attractions that porpoises, Eurasian otters and more guests about wild animals has always encourage human-to-animal interaction? For been a central tenet. It became the first example, TripAdvisor recently announced it Q operating the Cetacean zoological park outside North America to be would stop selling tickets to attractions that Stranding Response Team accredited by the Association of Zoos and offer direct contact with wild animals. Is Aquariums (AZA) – and that accreditation is this something that could affect the park? something the park takes very seriously. “We understand TripAdvisor’s decision experience animals in a respectful, safe “All zoos and aquariums have a would encourage animal facilities to put and educational environment. Our guests responsibility to ensure the highest greater consideration into the responsible are touched at their hearts and are taught standard of welfare for all animals in designing of educational programmes that about the need to conserve the animals. their care. The park subscribes to the involve close encounters with animals in The positive effect of our presentations animal welfare ordinances in Hong Kong captivity,” Li says. “While we agree there has been validated time and time again and works closely with the Agriculture, are different ways to raise awareness through third-party research and in-park Fisheries and Conservation Department on animal conservation, we strongly guest surveys,” Li says, though he to ensure that all our exhibits, along with believe that the impact of actually seeing concedes he will continue to “observe any the management practices, are designed and connecting with animals is much changes in the situation”. with the animals’ physical, social and more immediate and far-reaching than “Nothing will ever stop us from constantly psychological needs in mind.” alternative methods, thereby irreplaceable improving ourselves. We understand that This has meant that over the years in inspiring people to make behavioural the world is changing quickly and that’s the Ocean Park’s status has grown. The facility changes in their daily lives to contribute to same for the standards in animal welfare invests in education and scientific research, protecting these precious animals.” nowadays,” says the CEO. “Therefore, works on conservation in the wild through going forward, we shall continue to keep Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Hong CHANGING WORLD our animal facilities and management Kong (OPCFHK) and is now recognised as Li cites some studies by the Alliance of practices up to, or even exceeding, industry an international conservation centre. The Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums standards, in order to offer the best park shares its expertise in sustainable (AMMPA) that found nine out of 10 people possible care to all animal ambassadors breeding programmes which focus on believe children learn more about marine in the park while promoting the important genetic diversity and recently became the mammals at an aquarium or zoo than in a messages of conservation to our guests.” first Asian facility to be certified by the school classroom or from TV programmes. “The key to remaining resilient is we American Humane Association. Meanwhile “In our beliefs, it is important for understand our edge and we never cease the OPCFHK supported 51 conservation accredited facilities, such as Ocean Park, to amuse our guests. We are determined to projects across nine countries last year. to provide opportunities for guests to keep this up under all circumstances.” O

40 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 www.bertazzon.comwww.bertazzon.com [email protected] NEW OPENINGS OPENING DOORS

It’s poised to be an exciting year in the attractions industry. We’ve gathered together the new projects to look out for in 2017

THE AMERICAS

Papalote Children’s Museum Epic Waters Mexico City, Mexico Grand Prairie, Texas The Papalote Children’s Museum is being Epic Waters will anchor a brand re-housed in a forest-inspired building that new mixed-use entertainment promotes fun, exploration and discovery. destination. The waterpark Interactive exhibits encourage children to development will include a learn about art, ecology, science, music retractable roof for year-round use, and human development. multiple slides, a lazy river, kids zone and rental cabanas. IMAGE: MX_SI Dallas-based HKS is the appointed Architect MX_SI says the building is ‘a designer for the Texas project generator for new life and new ideas’

Morgan’s Inspiration Island

San Antonio, Texas

Morgan’s Wonderland – a theme park which caters speciﬁcally to the disabled – is completing a multi-million-dollar expansion that includes the world’s ﬁrst ultra-accessible waterpark.

Waterpark consultants worked with doctors and special needs The park includes raintrees, waterfalls, therapists at the design stage jets, water cannons and tipping buckets

42 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 Pandora - The World of Avatar

Orlando, Florida

Located within Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the highly anticipated Avatar zone is set to include a number of sites unique to the world of the 2009 movie, including ﬂ oating mountains and bioluminescent rainforests.

Rides include the Na’vi River Journey and Flight of Passage over the world of Pandora

National Arts Centre The renovated arts centre offer views Ottawa, Canada across the city

The National Arts Centre is undergoing “an architectural rejuvenation” which will include a new atrium and entrance, and a marquee tower. The grand opening is scheduled to coincide with Canada’s 150th anniversary celebrations.

The zone features six different habitats

Africa Rocks

San Diego, California

San Diego Zoo’s largest expansion to date, Conrad Prebys Africa Rocks will be populated with dwarf crocodiles, spurred tortoises, baboons, vervet monkeys and lemurs, African leopards and penguins,

IAMGE: DIAMOND SCHMITT ARCHITECTS DIAMOND IAMGE: as well as native African plants.

©CYBERTREK 2017 AM 1 2017 attractionsmanagement.com 43 NEW OPENINGS

Museum of the American Revolution

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Several thousand artefacts, manuscripts and artworks tell the story of the American Revolution in this non-partisan museum, designed by Robert AM Stern, that hopes to attract up to 500,000 visitors per year.

The new museum is located in the historic heart of Philadelphia

Museo Maya de América

Guatemala City, Guatemala

Museo Maya de América, designed by Swiss architects Harry Gugger Studio, will be home to collections of artefacts, artworks and textiles from the sophisticated Mayan civilisation.

ALSO LOOK OUT FOR

Q Universal Orlando’s new waterpark Volcano Bay launches in May Q The Poarch Band of Creek Indians’ Owa theme park and resort in Foley, Alabama is expected to open The building centres Q Canada Science and Technology around a lofty courtyard Museum opens in Ottawa, Ontario

44 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 www.sallycorp.com NEW OPENINGS

THE MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA

Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Holy Quran Park Cape Town, South Africa Dubai, UAE

Heatherwick Studio is transforming a Holy Quran Park is a departure disused grain silo into a harbour-side from the region’s more western- culture and leisure space, featuring the style tourist attractions. The modern art museum and a 28-room hotel. Islamic garden will have plant species mentioned in the holy Built in 1921, book and an air-conditioned tunnel the 57-metre-tall depicting events from the Quran. silo is a major presence on Cape Town’s skyline

Plans include a play area, outside theatre, Umrah corner and cycle path

Water ﬂows between the outer areas of the museum and the galleries inside

The park is part of a mall development

Alpine Snow Park

Palm Mall, Muscat, Oman

A next-generation snow and ice amusement park boasts immersive Alpine theming, real-snow snowfall, an ice-skating rink, ice climbing, ropes courses and children’s snow play areas.

Louvre Abu Dhabi ALSO LOOK OUT FOR Abu Dhabi, UAE IMAGE: ARCHITECT ATELIERS JEAN NOUVEL Q KidZania will be opening in Qatar, Doha, and in The long-awaited sister museum to the Johannesburg, South Africa Paris Louvre will be be the anchor for Q Oft-delayed Dubai Safari is the under-development Saadiyat Cultural expected to launch as well District, with the Zayed National Museum as Dubai Crocodile Park and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi to follow. Q Salalah Waterpark is scheduled to open in Oman The Jean Nouvel-designed museum has faced a string of setbacks since 2012

46 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 Musée Yves Saint Laurent

Marrakech, Morocco

The work of French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent will be brought to life in his spiritual home of Marrakech. Clothing, accessories and sketches will be among the artefacts on display. A sister YSL museum is also opening in Paris.

Morroccan accessories at the Berber Museum, located in Jardin Marjorelle, bought by Yves Saint Laurent in 1980

©CYBERTREK 2017 AM 1 2017 attractionsmanagement.com 47 NEW OPENINGS

EUROPE

Ferrari Land LEGO fans can visit the facility to learn Salou, Spain about the company’s history and values PortaVentura is opening Europe’s ﬁrst Ferrari Land theme park, featuring the continent’s tallest rollercoaster at 112m (367.5ft).

LEGO House

Billund, Denmark

Consisting of 21 huge LEGO-style bricks, built on top of one another, the PGAV is working with Ferrari to ensure 12,000sqm (129,000sq ft) LEGO House the design meets the brand’s criteria consists of a museum, café and store. It Paying visitors may access four specially was designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG). designed play zones inside LEGO House

The aerospace museum consists of two refurbished World War I aircraft hangars Postal Museum Bristol Aerospace Centre London, UK Bristol, UK

This new heritage attraction will chronicle The centre will become the permanent ﬁve centuries of social and communication home of the last Concorde to take to history across Britain. The exhibition will the skies. The heritage museum and incorporate varied digital media along with learning centre will be dedicated to the The Heritage Lottery Fund, Royal Mail and traditional artefacts, telling the story of the rich aviation history of Bristol. Post Ofﬁce are funding the new museum people who worked for the postal service.

48 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 Spanish architecture ﬁrm VDR Designs Poema del Mar masterplanned the development Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

The aquarium – developed by Loro Parque, an attraction on the nearby island of Tenerife – will focus on creatures of the Atlantic and aims to boost tourist activity in the area.

The Sill ALSO LOOK OUT FOR Northumberland, UK

Q The Yves Saint Laurent museum A visitor centre and youth hostel by opens in Paris, France Hadrian’s Wall is nearing completion. The Q Comics Station is opening at eco-friendly building boasts a grass roof Antwerp rail station, Belgium and is built from locally-sourced materials. Q In the UK, the British Music Experience in Liverpool opens in February The Sill could attract Q West Midlands Safari park more than 100,000 is launching its waterpark visitors per year Q Aberdeen Art Gallery will make its debut Q In Germany, the Dan Pearlman- designed Panda Enclosure is opening at Berlin Zoo Q BRC’s Jameson Distillery is opening in Dublin, Ireland Q Expansion work continues for the V&A Museum, London Q Tate St Ives’ renovations will be completed (below)

©CYBERTREK 2017 AM 1 2017 attractionsmanagement.com 49 NEW OPENINGS

ASIA & AUSTRALIA

MARVEL Exhibition

Brisbane, Australia

The Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane is launching a world-ﬁrst exhibition, entitled Marvel: Creating the Cinematic Universe.

All Blacks Experience

Auckland, New Zealand 20th Century Fox World

Genting, Malaysia At this visitor centre dedicated to New Zealand’s all-conquering rugby team, visitors will get an insight Twentieth Century Fox is working into the sport while learning about with developer Genting Malaysia. the passion that drives the All IPs will include Ice Age, Rio, Blacks team – and of course about Predator and Night at the Museum. the Haka pre-game tradition. Experiences will include thrill rides, The resort is expected to be at least 25 acres dark rides and water rides.

Expo 2017 Future Energy The expo ﬂies the ﬂag for Astana, Kazakhstan green and sustainable energy

In recognition of the global energy crisis, the focus of the three-month International Recognised Exposition (one that occurs between Registered Expositions) is Future Energy – a scrutiny of innovative yet practical energy solutions and their global impact.

More than 100 countries are expected to participate in the Kazakhstan expo

50 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 Original artwork, props, costumes and comic book pages will be on display

Mughal Museum

Agra, India

Designed by David Chipperﬁeld, the museum, near the Taj Mahal, is dedicated to the history and culture of Northern The design is by Peddle Thorp Architects India’s Mughal dynasty. The museum is part of a larger tourism scheme Cairns Aquarium

Cairns, Australia

d’Arenberg Cube The aquarium will be home to more Fleurieu Peninsula, Australia than 5,000 creatures endemic to the Great Barrier Reef. Its design South Australian winemaker d’Arenberg is inspired by the movement of the is building a visitor centre mimicking a tectonic plates that created the reef. Rubik’s Cube. ADS Architects designed the ﬁve-storey d’Arenberg Cube, which is under construction in the popular McLaren Vale wine region. ALSO LOOK OUT FOR

QMovie Animation Park Studios A landmark tourist destination for (MAPS) is on the verge of the region, the attraction has a opening in Perak, Malaysia wine tasting room and restaurant QChina’s new Maritime Museum is opening in Tianjin QMerlin will open a Madame Tussauds in New Delhi, India and a LEGOLAND in Nagoya, Japan QACTVE in Queensland, Australia, is set to open its waterpark QMACAN art gallery is expected to open in Jakarta, Indonesia

©CYBERTREK 2017 AM 1 2017 attractionsmanagement.com 51 TOURISM Alice Davis, managing editor, Attractions Management A PLAN FOR OMAN

Oman’s tourism strategy is already seeing results, with new hotels, mixed-use developments and attractions planned. Can it boost its visitor numbers from 2.5 million to 5 million by 2040?

ts UAE neighbour has been getting all the attention lately, but Oman has a plan to change that. If the nation can harness growing interest in the Middle I East as a tourist destination and raise its proﬁle, it could be on to a winner. We spoke to Her Excellency Maitha Al Mahrouqi, under secretary of the Ministry of Tourism for Oman, to ﬁnd out more.

What is the strategy for boosting tourism to Oman? The Oman Ministry of Tourism’s 2040 Tourism Strategy is based on a cluster approach that creates a series of unique tourism experiences in different areas of Oman, reﬂecting local culture and heritage. The Ministry is trying to encourage visitors to spend some time in Muscat before escaping to the cool of the mountains, having a true Bedouin experience in the desert or travelling down to Salalah in the south of the Sultanate, which has a different climate entirely. The Ministry is focusing on pushing Salalah’s experiential offering. Salalah is becoming an increasingly popular Her Excellency Maitha destination and the opening of the brand Al Mahrouqi is under new airport in Salalah is playing an secretary of Oman’s important role in tourism development Ministry of Tourism in this region. The multi-product offering, including a pristine coastline, a

52 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 SPECIAL-INTEREST GROUPS CONSTITUTE ONE OF THE FASTEST- GROWING SEGMENTS OF WORLD TOURISM, AND OMAN PERFECTLY CATERS FOR THAT CATEGORY

Increased investment in hospitality is paving the way for a surge in tourism, with openings like the luxury Anantara hotel in Jebel Akhdar; (right) tourists enjoy browsing Oman’s traditional souqs

picturesque mountain chain, and the vast experience. Oman is expanse of the desert presents a variety of witnessing an increase special and unusual experiences. in travel from those Meanwhile, tourism infrastructure consumers with an across Oman is being rapidly enhanced, experiential travel focus. with the planned opening in the near Visitors are interested in future of the new extended Muscat history and culture and International Airport. Furthermore, several activities such as sailing, fi ve-star resorts opened in 2016, including cycling, trekking, golf, the Anantara in Jebel Akhdar and Salalah. diving, spa and wellness Additionally, a refurbished Sheraton and other special interest re-opened in Muscat and construction is groups. It is predicted that these markets designed for visitors from the UAE and underway on Oman’s fi rst W Hotel. will continue to grow as Oman’s product Saudi Arabia. Muscat and Ras Al Hadd The Tourism Strategy has identifi ed offering develops. Special-interest groups near Sur, Al Jabal Al Akhdar and Jabal digital marketing and promotion as the constitute one of the fastest-growing Shams are among the varied destinations most effective platforms to promote segments of world tourism, and Oman offered in the packages. Oman will also Oman as a preferred and top-of-mind perfectly caters for that category. be targeting business travellers and tourism destination. As such, efforts are promoting MICE tourism with the opening being channelled into those particular How many tourists do you hope to of Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre vehicles of communication in order to attract by 2040 and how will you in Muscat at the end of 2016. boost tourism in the destination. reach these predictions? The priority is to ensure that the By 2040, Oman aims to attract more than Is the strategy shaped by upcoming experiential tourism offering in Oman fi ve million international visitors, in addition events in the region, such as Dubai’s continues to develop sensitively, protecting to same-day visitors and domestic tourists, Expo and the World Cup in Qatar? both the physical and cultural environment, making tourism one of the most signifi cant Oman is certainly in a position to and that the destination retains its identity income generators in the Sultanate, at just capitalise on events taking place in the and heritage, while showcasing the country over six per cent of annual GDP. region by offering tourists a seamless and people to an international audience. These fi gures will be achieved by and hassle free multi-centre holiday. Over promoting Oman as a year-round 2,000 new hotel rooms opened in 2016 What is the tourist profi le? destination for tourists – with water sports, alone and Oman will have the capacity to Oman caters for holidaymakers looking mountain escapades and luxury hotels welcome tourists from Dubai and Qatar for a truly authentic, quality Arabian included in a new summer campaign following the Expo and World Cup.

©CYBERTREK 2017 AM 1 2017 attractionsmanagement.com 53 TOURISM

The National Museum of Oman covers more than 2 million years of history

We’ve seen the attractions industry the east coast around the city of Sur, developing rapidly in Dubai. What FAST FACTS hiking and camping in Al Jabal Al Akhdar role does the attractions industry and diving in Masira Island. Muscat is play in Oman tourism? Q2.5 million tourists visited visited more for the culture and heritage Currently, Oman is known for its UNESCO- Oman in 2015, 15 per cent of Oman, with the Royal Opera House and recognised heritage sites, beaches, more than the previous year the National Museum as some of the main mountains, old markets and the Royal QOman has four Unesco World attractions. Jebel Shams and Al Jabal Al Opera House in Muscat. Over the next few Heritage Sites, including Falaj Daris Akhdar are popular for mountain retreats. years, as more resorts open and tourism QThe number of licensed hotels rose increases, it is predicted that there will from 297 in 2014 to 318 hotels in What attractions have opened lately? SOURCE: ITHRAA TOURISM BRIEFING be more developments in the attractions 2015, an increase of 7 per cent The National Museum opened its doors industry in Oman. Plans are underway to QGCC visitors form 46 per cent of total to the public last year, showcasing the build a theme park complex in Barka in visitors to Oman, followed by Asians (23 cultural heritage of the Sultanate from northern Oman [see below]. per cent) and Europeans (19 per cent) prehistoric times to modern day. QTourism could create over What are Oman’s ﬂagship attractions? 500,000 jobs and account for up What attractions are planned? Currently, a lot of tourists are interested to 10 per cent of GDP by 2040 Plans are underway to build a 150 hectare in boat trips and turtle watching along (370 acre) theme park complex in Barka

Sultan Qaboos Waterfront will be a draw for tourists to Oman; Attractions, like this snow park in Muscat, are part of a surge in development

54 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS, AS MORE RESORTS OPEN AND TOURISM INCREASES, THERE WILL BE MORE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ATTRACTIONS INDUSTRY

Watching the camel races is a popular tourist activity in Oman

in northern Oman. The multi-cluster park and the mall are expected to be development is being built by the Muscat ready by the third quarter of 2017. National Development Company and plans include an integrated theme park, wildlife Does the government invest in or drive attraction, waterpark, equestrian centre the attractions industry in other ways? and edutainment centre. The complex will Ithraa, the Public Authority for Investment also feature multiple hotels, a residential Promotion and Export Development, has zone and retail areas. recently published fi ve Briefi ngs papers, The Oman Tourism Development Economic Briefi ngs from Oman, that Company launched the $1.3bn (£1bn, are designed to connect the world with €1.2bn) Mina Sultan Qaboos Waterfront contemporary Oman and its dynamic project aimed at transforming Port Sultan business community. Each of the Briefi ngs Qaboos into a major tourism based provides a snapshot of one sector in the mixed-use waterfront destination. As per Sultanate and the ambitious projects its initial launch in 2015, the project is and innovative business ideas currently planned in four phases. The fi rst phase driving that space. Informative, realistic consists of a fi sherman’s wharf, fi sh and easily digestible, the Briefi ngs are souq, a fi ve-star marina hotel, a four- intended to inspire business owners, star family hotel, residential, destination investors and partners at large to PHOTO: HAMED AL SULAIMI shopping, restaurants, cafes, boutiques, consider the signifi cant opportunities entertainment and cultural facilities, as these sectors present. well as a superyacht and leisure boat marina. It will be completed by 2020. The tourist board is promoting Omani What challenges do you see to An agreement has been signed for traditions and culture to draw visitors tourism to the region, and how could the construction of a new waterpark they be overcome? development in Salalah. The fi rst phase Some forecasts suggest that water of the waterpark is currently under The theme park is a futuristic, alien-themed availability could halve across the region construction. The project will include six indoor attraction, which offers a classic mix within the next 50 years – and these may types of water rides, a restaurant, a coffee of all entertainment elements for the family. not fully account for anticipated tourism shop, parking and green areas. The Sultanate’s fi rst snow park, part of growth. In anticipation of this, Oman has Majarat Oman, the Sultanate’s biggest the Palm Mall Muscat project, will be a joined the Ramsar Convention Wetlands indoor theme park is being built in the new-generation Alpine winter-themed real a year ago to ensure that areas attracting premises of the Al Sawadi Beach Resort snow and ice amusement park. Spread important birdlife, particularly in the south and is planning a soft opening in 2017. over 5,400sqm (58,00sq ft), the snow of the country, are protected. O

©CYBERTREK 2017 AM 1 2017 attractionsmanagement.com 55 WATERPARKS

Universal Studios Orlando is about to open what’s perhaps the most talked about waterpark project in history – Volcano Bay. It’s set to be explosive

Alice Davis, managing editor, Attractions Management

niversal’s “next-generation” Bay is being built near the Cabana Bay waterpark, Volcano Bay, Beach Resort, with guests able to visit the promises to redefine the waterpark as a single experience or as part waterpark experience, with of a three-gate ticket in conjunction with the U everything from the virtual queue operator’s other two Orlando theme parks, line to the park’s immersive Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. theming inspired by the Pacific isles. Volcano Bay replaces Universal’s Wet ’n Featuring 18 attractions across four Wild Orlando, one of the first waterparks in themed areas, the 28-acre (11-hectare) the US, which closed in 2016. Universal is park will be anchored by a 200ft-high (61- yet to reveal what it is doing with the site metre) volcano structure. Universal says on International Drive, although there have the waterpark, which opens on 25 May, been reports that a hotel will be built. will put the focus “entirely on having fun Dale Mason is vice president and and spending time together”. Volcano Q Dale Mason, Universal Creative executive art director for Universal Creative,

56 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 Multi-person raft ride Honu (this picture); Krakatau Aqua Coaster (top right); Ohno drop sllide, that launches guests above the water

Universal Orlando’s Volcano Bay waterpark is centred around the 200-foot-tall erupting Krakatau

where he develops experiences for guests Volcano Bay has been designed by the worldwide. He tells Attractions Management WHAT IS TAPUTAPU? Universal Creative team and will feature about this season’s biggest opening. the same level of detail, immersion and Guests will be able to book ride adventure found in Universal’s other Universal says it wants to redeﬁ ne slots and avoid queuing in the attractions and theme parks. the waterpark experience. How is waterpark thanks to Universal’s Volcano Bay doing this? TapuTapu virtual queuing technology. What can guests expect? Volcano Bay will be ﬁ lled with thrills and Each visitor will be issued with a The park combines exhilarating relaxation where we take waterpark theming wristband device that enables them experiences with hassle-free convenience to the next level. Spanning almost 30 to hold their place in a line, unlock so families can get the most out of their acres, the waterpark features a variety “surprises” around the location and vacation together. The state-of-the-art of experiences that range from daring to trigger special effects like water Krakatau Aqua Coaster will take guests serene. And the best part – guests won’t cannon and illuminations. on an exciting voyage unlike any other. have to wait in long lines to enjoy it. The all-new TapuTapu wearable technology

©CYBERTREK 2017 AM 1 2017 attractionsmanagement.com 57 WATERPARKS

will vastly improve the way guests experience waterparks. Fortunately, they won’t have to stand in long lines or wrestle with tubes before enjoying the unique attractions around the park. Volcano Bay guests will be able to enjoy a variety of experiences – from winding rivers and private, two-storey cabanas, to family raft rides and twisting body slides that launch them above the water.

How did you research the project? To help shape our vision, our team travelled around the world visiting waterparks and tropical resorts. We went to Bali in Indonesia, the Middle East, Europe and all across the United States. Can you tell us about the relevance Kopiko Wai Winding And from there, we started designing what of Krakatau? Why this centrepiece? River, which passes we wanted Volcano Bay to be. And what will it be like? around the volcano and The 200-foot volcano, Krakatau, will lie at through its hidden caves Can you explain the inspiration and the heart of the park, inviting guests to (above); an overview concept for theming at Volcano Bay? venture through its hidden caverns and of the upcoming water Volcano Bay is made up of four highly cascading waterfalls. And by night, the theme park (below) themed areas, all with Polynesian volcano will illuminate with blazing lava. inﬂ uences ranging from Easter Island and We’re excited for all guests to experience Hawaii to New Zealand and more. the centrepiece of the water theme park.

58 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 THE FOUR THEMED AREAS

QKrakatau Inside the volcano, guests Located in River Village, can board specially-designed Stargazer’s Cavern reveals a canoes to ride the Krakatau ‘magical night sky’ above water coaster. The aqua coaster uses leading water ride technology to propel them QWave Village QRiver Village QRainforest Village uphill as well as down. There Situated at the base of the A river meanders through the There are thrills aplenty in are also three waterslides. towering volcano, Wave family-friendly River Village. this zone, including Maku, The Ko’okiri Body Plunge Village features a multi- Guests ﬂoat into the volcano’s a three-saucer ride; Puihi, a plummets 125-feet through directional wave pool, sandy hidden caves where there are multi-passenger raft ride with the centre of the volcano and beach and a selection of special light and water effects a zero-gravity drop; Ohyah tunnels through a swimming cabanas. There’s also a to discover. Tot Tiki Reef is a and Ohno, a duo of drop pool of guests. Kala and Ta calmer pool area, which does toddler play area with Maori slides that launches guests Nui Serpentine offers a dual however offer exciting views fountains and a mini volcano, into the air as it spits them free fall while guests can race of riders speeding through while Runamukka Reef is an out; and Taniwha, four Easter on mats on Punga Racers. the Ko’okiri Body Plunge. aquaplay area for older kids. Island-inspired tube slides. O

©CYBERTREK 2017 AM 1 2017 attractionsmanagement.com 59 MUSEUMS

he Design Museum opened to the public in its new £85m ($107m, €99m) home on Kensington High Street T in London in November, the result of an innovative architectural collaboration. The museum is located inside the city’s former Commonwealth Institute Building, a Grade II* listed structure that had sat dormant for years. The site was being developed to include three new apartment blocks, so back in 2008, the Design Museum – which A NEW HOME had been housed near Tower Bridge on the Thames since it was founded by Sir Terence Conran in 1989 – London’s Design Museum has moved to a renovated building expressed an interest in occupying the revamped 1950s building. in affl uent and leafy Kensington. Kim Megson ﬁ nds out more The attraction has tripled the ﬂ oor space it had at its former riverside about an unusual development and the attraction at its heart home. And thanks to its distinctive copper roof and help from architects OMA and interior designer John Pawson, the Design Museum is sure to stop visitors in their tracks. New facilities include two major temporary gallery spaces, a free permanent collection display, a restaurant overlooking Holland Park, an auditorium, studios, a library, an archive and learning facilities. We spoke to two key individuals involved in realising the project, and paid a visit to the museum ourselves. PHOTO: GARETH GARDNER PHOTO:

that for contemporary “The point of this move is that we’re growing up without architecture and design. growing old. I was hired to grow the museum – to take us What’s your from the edge of the conversation to the centre stage” favourite part of the new building? Deyan Sudjic, director, Design Museum I knew the building as a child, so it’s great to see What impact will the move have What are your goals for the it brought back to life. I think on the Design Museum? new museum? interior designer John Pawson has created We’re still exploring what the move The point of this move is that we’re growing a new building inside the old one, which actually means for the Design Museum. up without growing old. I was hired with a frames the original and almost turns it into We’re just realising the scale of the brief to grow the museum – to take us from an exhibit. I love the way he has made it transformation from Shad Thames to the the edge of the conversation to the centre into a better building than it was before. new facility. With that has come the sense stage. We’ve built a theatre with multiple of excitement, and of understanding just stages, and now our task is to ﬁ ll them What will be the philosophy of how complicated a building is. with a great repertoire. Justin McGuirk, our the museum moving forward? We’re expecting an audience of around curator, has worked hard to achieve that. We see design as borderless. Opening 650,000 a year, as opposed to the The location will bring life back to a museum is a very optimistic thing. We 250,000 we had in Shad Thames. We’ve Kensington High Street, which was once are open to the world and design is a got a building with three times the space, a vibrant and fashionable neighbourhood. way to understand the world. I’ve always we’ve increased our budget so we’ll be Tate Modern turned contemporary art from thought design is too important just to operating on about £11m ($14m, €13m) something that was seen by the tabloids leave to designers, and I think we’re trying a year, as opposed to the £5m it ran on as a joke to something in the mainstream to demonstrate that. I’m sure it’s going to before. It’s growing on all fronts. conversation. We have a chance to do succeed. I can feel it in the building.

60 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 PHOTO: GARETH GARDNER PHOTO: PHOTO: LUKE HAYES LUKE PHOTO:

(Clockwise from left) The Design Museum celebrates industrial, artistic and technology innovations; the large atrium; a view of the roof; retail space on the ground ﬂ oor

kept the main exhibition hall “It was an arranged marriage between housing – really the prize of the architecture because of and a museum; that was the only way the whole the parabolic roof – and project was going to get planning approval” decided a derelict car park deserved a re-landscape. Reinier de Graaf, partner, OMA Our concept was to have Holland Park engulf the whole How did you become it was a Grade II* listed site it had weirdly terrain, and in the space where involved in the project? created a permanent state for something the service wing was, we added three cube- In March 2008 we won a competition relatively provisional. The exhibition hall shaped residential blocks. which had a very interesting brief – to had a service wing that even the original bring back to life a site that was dead. designers referred to as a train crash. What part are you most proud of? The Commonwealth Institute was in a bad The grounds of the site were a registered In an age where there are precious few state and it was landscape because Dame Sylvia Crowe public subsidies, we managed to save a huge burden designed a garden, which was never a listed building, open a major cultural for the council to executed. It was a bizarre situation with a institution and create a community that’s maintain it. modern ruin on a derelict parking lot, and not gated and is a public part of a public It was built both were listed. The only thing to do was park. That’s an impressive achievement as a temporary refurbish the whole thing again. in the context of a public sector which on structure, but now the whole is so passive and has relegated How did you come all the initiative to the market. It was an The project was up with your concept? arranged marriage between housing and a supported by a We decided some parts are more listed museum; that was the only way the whole housing element than others. We took away the service wing, project was going to get planning approval.

©CYBERTREK 2017 AM 1 2017 attractionsmanagement.com 61 MUSEUMS FIRST PERSON ACCOUNTS PHOTO: LUKE HAYES

KIM MEGSON news editor, CLADmag

As a product of an unlikely area it had at its former home, architectural collaboration and the Design Museum has not an arranged marriage between exploited this as it might have. housing developers and a cultural While the entrance is cavernous institution, the most remarkable – something emphasised by John OMA designed the three thing about the new Design Pawson’s typically minimalist housing blocks that stand Museum is that it was built at all. design – several of the exhibition alongside the museum The fact the development team spaces feel strangely cramped. saved a listed building, provided a home All the time I was wandering the otherwise for a major museum and created a new excellent permanent exhibition on the top residential zone in a public park is quite a fl oor I was conscious of being in people’s TOM ANSTEY feat. Architect OMA undoubtedly achieved way. As a result I didn’t linger long. news editor, its goal to “bring back to life a site that Of the temporary exhibitions, by far the Attractions Management was dead” – 100,000 people visited the better is the Beazley Designs of the Year, museum in the fi rst three weeks. a fascinating exploration of innovative The most impressive part of the building new designs, from David Bowie’s last The Design Museum remains its iconic roof, which has been album cover to a teacup designed for an by name should be expertly preserved to form a dominant astronaut. Where this is inventive, fun and a fantastic piece of presence from both inside and out. It’s an thoughtful, I found the other exhibition, architecture and that’s apt centrepiece for a museum focused on Fear and Love, to be dull, pretentious and not in question when design, so don’t forget to look up. impenetrable. But then again, design is you enter the grand hall Less well thought out is the use of subjective – and the 2017 programme stretching from ground space. Despite enjoying triple the surface promises better exhibitions ahead. fl oor to top ceiling. But in this case it might be too much style and not enough substance, as the museum exhibits themselves occupy just a fraction of the mammoth structure. No one could deny the building’s interior is impressive. If this were an opera house or theatre I’d be very impressed. But it feels like the museum itself is the main exhibit, rather than the objects it houses, which are put to one side or relegated to the basement. After ascending to the top storey, you fi nd the corner of the building dedicated to design. These exhibitions are great, very interesting, very eye-catching and detailing the design of many everyday objects or relics of years gone by. But it’s just a small portion. Two paid-for exhibitions add some substance to this – its current ones being Fear and Love: Reactions to a Complex World and Beazley Designs of the Year. One was worth the money, with Beazley Designs of the Year highlighting a number of design aspects in a large white space in the museum’s basement. Fear and Love, however, was a convoluted, confusing ramble that frankly isn’t worth the £14 ticket price. It’s a mixed bag when it comes to the Design Museum. There’s some great content and that’s worth spending time contemplating, but there’s also the feeling that an architect There are two temporary went a little trigger-happy when they heard the gallery spaces and a free

words “design museum”. Certainly visit and GARETH GARDNER PHOTO: permanent collection enjoy, but don’t expect it to take the whole day.

62 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 25 years 5D Castle Theater at Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in Zhuhai (CN) 5D Castle Theater

FROM AUDIO-VISUAL SYSTEM INTEGRATION AND EFFECTS TECHNOLOGY TO 4D THEATER SOLUTIONS - WE ARE YOUR AV SPECIALIST FOR HIGH-QUALITY MEDIA-BASED ATTRACTIONS.

> 4D THEATERS / WATERPLEXX 5D > DARK RIDES > HYBRID DOME THEATERS > IMMERSIVE TRAM RIDES > CIRCUMOTION THEATERS™ > 2D AND 3D DOMES > FLYING THEATERS > TUNNELS / VIRTUAL AQUARIUMS > SUSPENDED THEATERS™ > AND MANY MORE ... > INVERTED POWERED COASTERS

CURIOUS WHAT‘S NEXT? CONTACT US! +43 7242 69269-0 | [email protected] MUSEUMS

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS The museum is currently hosting three exhibitions in its new home

The Beazley Design of the Year Design, Maker, User

Comprising over 70 nominations, the exhibition celebrates the For the fi rst time in the museum’s best designs from around the world in the last 12 months across history, a wide range of its collection six categories: architecture, digital, fashion, graphics, product and is accessible as a free, permanent transport. Designs include a drinkable book, a fl at-pack refugee exhibition. Almost 1,000 items of shelter, a robot surgeon and the last David Bowie album cover. 20th and 21st century design items on show, including a Bible, a Coca- Cola can, a £5 banknote, a pair of rubber gloves, a plastic garden chair, the London 2012 Olympic Torch and an AK-47 assault rifl e. ALL PHOTOS: LUKE HAYES

Fear and Love: Reactions to a Complex World

Eleven newly commissioned installations by innovative and thought- provoking designers and architects explore a spectrum of issues that deﬁ ne our time, “including networked sexuality, sentient robots, slow fashion and settled nomads.” Fashion designer Hussein Chalayan, architect Neri Oxman and OMA are among the contributors.

64 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 FUTURE EXHIBITIONS The following exhibitions, explained here by the Design Museum, will take place in 2017

California

24 MAY 2017 – 15 OCTOBER 2017

While California’s mid-century modernism is well documented, this is the ﬁ rst exhibition to examine the state’s current global reach. Picking up the story in the 1960s, the exhibition charts the journey from the counterculture to Silicon Valley’s tech culture, revealing how this design and tech culture “made us all Californians”.

Imagine Moscow: Architecture, Hella Jongerius: Propaganda, Revolution Breathing Colour 15 MARCH – 3 JUNE 2017 28 JUNE – Marking the centenary of the Russian 24 SEPTEMBER 2017 Revolution, this exhibition explores Moscow as it was imagined by a bold We see the world in colour new generation of architects and but rarely do we appreciate designers in the 1920s and early 1930s. how colour shapes what Large-scale architectural drawings are we see. Drawing on years supported by artwork, propaganda and of research, designer publications from the period. Hella Jongerius presents Breathing Colour; an installation-based exhibition that takes a deeper look at the way colour behaves, exploring shapes, materials, shadows and reﬂ ections.

©CYBERTREK 2017 AM 1 2017 attractionsmanagement.com 65 MUSEUMS FASHIONABLY LATES

Museums and galleries are entering a new era of bold and provocative programming. Rosie Eagleton, events producer at Museums Sheffield, considers how cultural venues are repositioning themselves in order to attract emerging adult audiences

s the funding landscape for must emerge as inviting hubs of learning many cultural institutions and community if they are to be relevant to looks less and less healthy, the next generation. pressures on museum A services to grow audiences, Make, do and mingle increase income and Cultural services are increasingly cultivate visitor giving have increased. becoming “department stores” of Many museums and galleries are culture. Audiences expect a menu seeking to redefine themselves as of opportunities to engage with, social venues in order to appeal to from exhibitions and collections the upwardly mobile “emerging adult” through to digital, social and online, audience. This new audience of tech- events, networking, external community savvy, identity-seeking adults is shaping engagement, education and retail. the future of the cultural sector and, in the The often elusive emerging adult age of digital competition and experiential audience is typically aged 18 to 34, desires, museums and galleries must dynamic, often going through a period respond and define their offer accordingly. Rosie Eagleton studied the success of of change (jobs, romantic partners, The sustainability and financial lates events at museums in the US relocation), with upward earning resilience of arts services may rely on opportunity, few responsibilities and, tapping into this audience. Programming critically, no children. These experience plays a central role in delivering these can be profitable, widen participation and seekers are intentionally impressionable essential outcomes – event programmes help to shore up our financial future. and looking to define their place in the Emerging adult audiences demand varied, world. The connections they make during inspiring and interactive programming. these culturally formative years may well Museums cannot remain purely vaults of develop into lifelong relationships with the knowledge: they need to live, breathe and institutions they choose to champion. be part of the communities they serve. The most successful institutions are Although exhibitions and collections remain always looking to the future – developing at the heart of the cultural offer, our spaces a sustainable programme of activity,

Craft Jam Live Lates at the Millennium Gallery in Shefﬁeld features workshops, demonstrations, live music – and a bar

66 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 Regular highlights of Science Museum Lates include a silent disco and a pub quiz; (below) Late Shift at the National Portrait Gallery, also in London

Working with emerging adults allows us to understand who our community influencers are, opening up access to the pressing issues in the wider community cultivating donors and growing a culture and attractive timeframe for our emerging visitors, which may translate into lifelong of openness and invitation. Though adult visitors who work during the day. donors and advocates in the future. there are myriad routes to engagement, As a museum events and engagement Working alongside emerging adults science centres, art galleries and professional, I’ve been developing a allows us to understand who our museums around the world are turning programme of Museum Lates over the community influencers are, which in turn more frequently to evening programming past three years. From art gallery-based opens up access to the pressing issues to offer their emerging adults the burlesque performances to ancient in the wider community and increases opportunity to visit their venues out of Egyptian “After Life” parties (complete with understanding of our audiences. The hours for something more “grown up” – an silent disco), evening events are just one institution becomes a hub for access, opportunity to make, do and mingle. way in which cultural organisations respond learning, networking and community. to the demands of new audiences. For the visitor, we offer dynamic, Understand influencers Out of hours programming offers many challenging and unique experiences in Museum Lates are on the rise in the UK, benefits for both institution and audience. unusual venues. Events offer informal with Late Shift at London’s National Portrait The institution can benefit from new, learning opportunities which can boost Gallery and Science Museum Lates leading more diverse audiences, become more self-confidence and interpersonal skills, the pack. Museums Sheffield’s Live Lates visibly visitor-facing as an organisation supporting attitudinal shifts arising from are also developing a great reputation as and explore more dynamic and reactive exploring difficult ideas and deeper social an alternative Friday night out. Evening programming. Financially, events issues. Evening programming also offers programmes offer an opportunity to visit programmes can generate critical income social opportunities – meeting like-minded the museum out of hours, a more practical and help foster a culture of giving in its people, ownership of a shared civic space

©CYBERTREK 2017 AM 1 2017 attractionsmanagement.com 67 MUSEUMS PHOTOS: GAYLE EXPLORATORIUM LAIRD©

and a sense of being part of something bigger. Offering adult-only events gives Exploratorium’s implicit permission to the audience to Outdoor Gallery, “play”, an opportunity to remove inhibitions San Fransisco, and engage more deeply with collections. California; (right) visitors play with Embrace fandom the Turntable So with so many benefits and the exhibit during an opportunity to genuinely keep our finger After Dark event on the pulse of current trends and social issues, what prevents organisations from jumping on the Lates bandwagon? For eating and playing with the museum’s vast The Exploratorium is an interactive, institutions, barriers come in the form of array of interactive science experiments. scientific playground. Evening events cost, risk and buy in. Often there is a fear offer a level of exclusivity, a chance to of not knowing where to start, or a lack Be authentic explore, challenge your friends, laugh and of staff or resources to be able to deliver. After Dark is specifically targeted at casual learn through play. It offers the audience For audiences, barriers are less tangible; visitors and emerging adults. The singular permissions that they may not feel during perceptions of museums services as theme of the event – the week I went, the normal gallery opening hours when “not for me” or elitist, lack of relevance theme was Citrus – is explored through children take priority on the interactives or resonance with their day-to-day lives or talks, activities and staff presentations and and self-consciousness may reign. simply too much competition. grounded in material and collections that “Our goal from these events is to How to get started? The choices you are already on site. Cocktail bars are set up develop self-efficacy, identity and interest make about what’s on offer at your late around the building and visitors are free to and encourage lifelong learning,” says Josh event are crucial to its success. Let your engage with any of the activities. Gutwill, director of visitor research and audience drive the programming. Look After Dark events average 2,500 visitors evaluation. “We want to empower people to to social media to find things that are per month and the flagship events often make sense of the world themselves.” And relevant and resonate with the emerging sell out. I spoke to Melissa Alexander, what better way to learn than through play? adult audience; sometimes the most director of public programming at the innovative, edgy or polarising topics will Exploratorium to find out why the After Explore the zeitgeist have the best outcomes. Don’t be afraid Dark sessions were so popular amongst Other organisations move away from to jump on the current trends, embrace the emerging adult demographic. evening activity grounded purely in its fandom or let partners contribute to the “These events are, and should be, collections or exhibitions into the world content. Evening programmes work best all about the audience development of niche fandom and popular culture. It’s when they are themed. Look to exhibitions, and growing young learners into lifelong a polarising topic. Thought of by some as pop culture or niche fandom for inspiration. learners. A success is if someone goes “jumping on a bandwagon” and moving Bringing different disciplines together will home and reads something or Googles away from the core mission statement of be more dynamic for visitors, so look at something,” Alexander says. the organisation, for others “zeitgeist” your theme from different approaches. The events do turn a profit, though events or appealing to “niche fandom” I visited Exploratorium in San Francisco, making money isn’t the principal goal of the form core site programming. California, during a Thursday night adult- series. Alexander stresses how important “You don’t have to just be a museum,” only After Dark events. The place was it is for an organisation to “be authentic to says Heidi Reitmaier of the Museum of buzzing with groups, couples and singles itself and give the audience a safe space Contemporary Art Chicago in Chicago, anticipating an evening of fun, learning, to explore the difficult ideas on offer.” Illinois. “We can position ourselves as a

68 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 Sometimes the most innovative, edgy or polarising topics have the best outcomes. Don’t be afraid to jump on current trends or look to exhibitions, pop culture or niche fandom for inspiration PHOTOS: NATHAN KEAY, © MCA CHICAGO

Prime Time: Ascend at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, Illinois ©CYBERTREK 2017 AM 1 2017 attractionsmanagement.com 69 MUSEUMS

cultural institution which discusses the zeitgeist, current trends and issues.” Through furthering the notion of permission to play and exploring cross- disciplinary themes, institutions around the world – notably the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) in Seattle, Washington, the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, California, and MCA Chicago – explore pop culture and current music trends, geek chic and mash-ups to engage their emerging adult audiences. Marc Mayer, senior educator of contemporary art at the Asian Art Museum believes it’s all about leveraging modes of expression that are happening anyway: “It’s not filling a gap; it is of its time therefore relevant and necessary.” MoPOP has an impressive collection of music, film, science fiction and fantasy memorabilia. From the Myth and Magic Fair to Dr Who’s 50th anniversary celebrations, the organisation attracts up to 3,000 visitors with its daytime programming. More interesting successes show an understanding of the emerging adult audience – the Fashionably Undead Prom Nightmare featured a Buffy the MoPOP’s Fashionably Undead Prom Nightmare Vampire Slayer-themed murder mystery, appealing to the children of the 90s, featured a Buffy the Vampire Slayer-themed murder while the Sound Off! Battle of the Bands mystery, appealing to the children of the 90s competition taps into the musical vein of Seattle and is the flagship event. The Asian Art Museum had considerable Gritty. Neighbourhood mascots. Michael and families alike. The programme, success programming their China’s Jackson. You get the drift,” Meyer says. reimagined by director of education Terracotta Warriors late-night launch Reitmaier three years ago, holds firmly with event, holding an old-school mash-up Find partners the vision statement of the organisation party inspired by the China Terracotta Whatever the theme and inspiration as: “an artist-activated and audience- Warriors and cult 70s movie, The Warriors. behind evening programming, engaged contemporary art museum.” The “Think greasy. Sweaty. Subterranean. partnerships offer opportunities to gallery’s flagship evening programmes experiment with your spaces. Working which have shown the greatest upsurge in with nontraditional partners can open the new audiences: MCA Prime Time. doors to innovation; a museum space “Prime Time is an after-hours series can be enlivened and enriched whilst that taps into the creative pulse of still remaining true to its position as Chicago with an eclectic mix of live music, a cultural institution. Partnerships performance art, film screenings and can widen participation, build interactive programmes that transforms relationships with hard-to- the museum in spectacular ways … the reach groups and activate series is an electrifying social experience the development of micro- that provides a platform for artists and key communities within your cultural groups in the city.” existing audience. I was able to meet with Reitmaier MCA Chicago has a rich during the planning stages of last year’s culture of partnership- Prime Time R event. The evening working which has featured a high-profile partnership with revitalised its cultural online music magazine Pitchfork and programming, drawing in promised “new ways of being refreshed emerging adult audiences through a variety of live performances, art activations, and food and drink.” By working with and giving a platform Prime Time at MCA taps into to established and emerging artists, the creative spirit of Chicago musicians, videogame designers and

70 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 An evening launch event inspired by the cult 1970s movie The Warriors was held to celebrate the exhibition China’s Terracotta Warriors at PHOTOS: JAY JAO PHOTOS: the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco

art collectives, MCA positions itself not multiple opportunities to grow relationships just as an art gallery, but as a cultural with the communities they represent organisation with a responsibility to It’s true that, by many, events can be further artistic endeavour and innovation. seen as throwaway fun and less valid than Reitmaier and her team consider content formalised learning within an institution, that has resonance and relevance to a but it is possible for museums and wider audience and encourage dialogue galleries to be redefined as attractive between visitors and communities. destination venues for emerging adult visitors whilst maintaining integrity and Have a bold voice validity. There will always be pressures Partnership events are a civic exchange. on museums services to grow audiences, They allow us to develop creative and increase income, develop philanthropic cultural relationships, bring in communities, programmes and cultivate visitor giving. widen participation and extend our reach Programming plays a central role in as an organisation. Set within an evening delivering these essential outcomes – a event programme, partnerships open robust public programme can succeed in up institutions to a wider, more diverse being profitable and help to shore up the audience base. Working with partners helps financial future of our institutions. us recognise trends, drivers and influencers In the museum world, we must accept in the emerging adult demographic. that change is inevitable. We need to With competition both online and in the are comfortable and passionate they move and adapt to suit our visitors who real world, cultural institutions can still offer spread the word about our institutions and demand innovative, bold programming. a lone bold and provocative voice for young become advocates for what we do. We need to be fluid, malleable and people. From social justice issues to Dr Many organisations are now building responsive to the emerging adult Who, innovative and responsive museums advisory committees made up of this audiences who will inevitably become the are more successful with emerging adults. crucial emerging adult audience. Through donors, directors and creators. We cannot It’s time to move away from the membership schemes, focus groups and stay still and hope that what we have will cathedralisation of knowledge and work traditional advisory boards, these diverse be good enough. The world is moving fast with partners and communities to raise groups work with cultural institutions and we need to hop onboard. O awareness that our institutions are there for to help direct programming, move everyone to enjoy. By building exciting new young people through different levels Rosie Eagleton’s full report was supported by relationships with community leaders and of engagement and grow the leaders, the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust. Evolving advocates, we can reach new audiences, influencers and donors of the future. Museums: Redefining cultural programming facilitate conversations and be a hub of Committee members all have their own for an emerging adult audience is available to cultural and civic exchange. When people sphere of influence and advocacy, offering download here: http://lei.sr?a=U0o0L

part five THE ATTRACTIONS BUSINESS Driving revenues

In part ﬁ ve of our series, David Camp looks at a range of revenue streams and the various pitfalls they can sometimes present

David Camp he evaluation of potential markets with deep discounts can struggle revenues at attractions is to achieve yields of 50 per cent. critical, yet this is often Per caps and yield measurement exclude SERIES ROADMAP over-estimated by people the impact of VAT, which must also be T planning new attractions allowed for. While a few countries do not as there is little published charge VAT and US attractions typically add This eight-part series outlines information. In this article we discuss sales tax to tickets, most operators need to the patterns and dynamics attraction revenue streams. absorb the 20 per cent or so VAT rates that that defi ne every attraction The most important revenue source for are common around the world. – from visitor behaviour and visitor attractions is admissions. Ticket Thus, an attraction that has a full adult guest spending to operating revenues typically account for more than admission ticket of £20 including VAT and costs and profi tability half the income from visitors and the achieves a 60 per cent yield would only measure of this income is as an admission achieve an admission per cap of £10 once CONTENTS per capita, also known as per cap. VAT and discounts are factored in. Changes 1. An overview Admission per caps are infl uenced by in VAT rates – as experienced in Spain in 2. How are you perceived? ticket prices, discounts, season pass 2012 when VAT increased from a reduced 3. Benchmarking sales and visitor mix. They are compared rate of 8 per cent to the full rate of 21 per 4. Planning a new attraction to the full adult admission price in a cent – are hard to pass on to customers. 5. Driving revenues measure known as admission yield. Spanish operators had to absorb this 6. Controlling costs Strong performing attractions that offer increase which directly impacted profi ts. 7. Is it worth it? limited discounts can achieve admission 8. Benefi ts and impacts yields of 80 per cent or more. Visitor Setting the right price attractions that operate in competitive The importance of admission revenue means that setting ticket prices appropriately is critical. While visitors Ollivanders Wand commonly complain about prices, they Shop is a clever do have a feel for an appropriate value merchandise per hour of entertainment. Typically, adult offering at Universal admission to attractions in the UK are equivalent to between £5 and £7.50 per hour although there are exceptions for unique or short stay attractions. For example, the Shard and London Eye charge the equivalent of more than £30 per hour while a visit to the Harry Potter Studio Tour costs £13 per hour. Once prices are established, it is diffi cult to make signifi cant increases without a major investment in the attraction product. This price pressure has led to a surge in the number of upcharge activities such as VIP or fast passes, behind the scenes tours and animal encounters offered in recent years. These can be expensive, and while the appeal lies in a limited number

72 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 Upcharge activities such as fast passes can boost admissions income by 10 per cent

“Once prices are established, it is diffi cult to make signifi cant increases without a major investment in the attraction product” being available, they can serve to increase need to provide a variety of offers from stay at theme parks leads to stronger F&B admissions income by up to 10 per cent. small pocket money items to more spending than at other attractions while expensive gifts, the range should be of a cultural attractions are able to generate a Secondary spends manageable size to avoid excess stock. greater proportion from merchandise. Food and beverage is an important Most attractions look to create a visitor In general, a strong performing attraction secondary income stream. F&B spending is fl ow that exits guests through a retail can look to achieve a total per capita related to the visitor length of stay and the outlet. This is a sound business decision. revenue equivalent to the full adult availability of alternative offers. Attractions Back in 1997, we worked with the Royal admission price. So using the earlier where guests spend up to two hours Armouries Museum in Leeds, UK. Initially, example where the £20 adult admission typically generate spending on a drink and/ the guests exited past the shop but not ticket yielded an average admission per or snack on-site, unless the attraction is directly through it. We suggested altering cap of £10, adding on F&B, merchandise located in an urban area with a range of the fl ow so that all guests exited through and other visitor revenue could lead to a alternative branded F&B offers. At larger the shop and retail turnover increased by total per cap of around £20. attractions, with a dwell time of four hours 25 per cent as a result. As with admissions, VAT is applicable or more, guests often have a meal on site. Other visitor-related income can include across most of these secondary income Merchandise is also an important parking fees, games, photos and videos. streams and importantly there is the cost source of income. While retail outlets of goods to take into account. These costs Revenue mix have similar ratios across attractions and In terms of the mix of revenues across are generally 20-40 per cent for F&B and Different types of attractions have a different types of attractions, the pie charts 30-50 per cent for merchandise. different revenue split. For example, (below) show the typical split for theme The ever-increasing use of credit and fun attractions make more from F&B parks, wildlife attractions and gated cultural debit cards also has an impact on revenues attractions. As shown, the greater length of as attractions have to pay credit card fees

Fun Attractions Wildlife Attractions Cultural Attractions

Other Other Other 6% 6% 3% Merch Merch Merch 9% 11% 17%

F&B F&B F&B 15% 23% 13%

Adm Adm Adm 62% 68% 67%

Singapore’s River Safari capitalises on its popular Giant Panda Forest exhibit with the House of Kai Kai and Jia Jia shop and Mama Panda Kitchen

to the card issuers. While these have been benefi t from substantial grant income. conferences, capped in recent years, they can still have Donations, friends and memberships exhibitions, concerts, an impact on the business, particularly can also be important sources of income, parties, corporate events those with strong online ticket sales. particularly to cultural and wildlife and sleepovers. The goods sold generally equate to 10 attractions. For groups such as English While most attractions look to operate to 20 per cent of total visitor revenues, Heritage in the UK, Fondo Ambiente Italiano their own F&B and merchandise outlets, depending on the guest spending mix. in Italy, and National Trusts in Australia, some rent out these activities to third- Canada and the UK, memberships provide party operators, receiving an annual rental Other forms of income a vital source of income to support the stream. Although this generally leads to a There are several other non-visitor income maintenance and restoration of the large lesser income than would be achieved by streams. The most common is grants. numbers of properties entrusted to them. the attraction running the facilities directly, Many museums that offer free entry rely Attracting signifi cant income from as the catering/retail company needs to almost entirely on grant aid from national, sponsorship is challenging. While make a profi t from the business, it does regional or local governments, as do most landmark attractions such as the Coca make life simpler for the operator. national and regional parks. A number of Cola London Eye and British Airways A number of large theme parks and gated cultural and natural attractions also i360 in Brighton, UK, have been able to other attractions have developed on-site attract naming rights hotels and other accommodation to sponsorship, and create resorts and extend the length KidZania generates of stay of their guests. While these are strong sponsorship typically operated as separate business income from its activity units, they obviously have a signifi cant partners, these are impact on the total resort incomes. exceptions. Most Typically, commercial attractions sponsorship income generate in excess of 80 per cent of their achieved by attractions income directly from visitors. At wildlife and is of a modest value or cultural attractions non-visitor income often via in-kind sponsorship represents more than 50 per cent of total from beverage, revenues. As we have shown, assessing technology or other revenues at attractions is a complex area suppliers. with lots of income streams to consider. It is therefore critical to obtain experienced Events and advice and input when undertaking accommodation business planning in this area. O Hosting events and activities is another David Camp, D&J International Consulting source of income. email: [email protected] Membership is a vital income source for Italy’s Fondo Ambiente These can include website: www.djintcon.com

World’s best interactive experiences!

Booth Booth U201 2-B111

Dark rides • Outdoor rides • Upgrades

www.lagotronicsprojects.com

©CYBERTREK 2017 AM 1 2017 attractionsmanagement.com 75 VISITOR ATTRACTIONS Tom Walker, journalist, Attractions Management FLOCK TO IT

“

ne of the strengths of our When Norwegian attractions operator Lund Group company is that we’re good at turning around ailing took over the troubled Skånes Djurpark wildlife park businesses,” says Håkon in Sweden in 2015, it needed a new flagship attraction OLund, CEO of Lund Gruppen Holding (Lund Group), a to lead the rejuvenation. Enter Aardman Animations family-owned, Norway-based attractions operator. “We’ve become good at taking and its much loved Shaun the Sheep character over and improving destinations which have lost their strategic focus and are struggling different owner-operators and was under with investment and visitor numbers.” the control of a creditor, a Norwegian bank. One of the first “turnarounds” the “The park had gone bankrupt three company took on was the Kongeparken times,” Lund says. “While the market in theme park located on the west coast which it operated was relatively small of Norway, close to the city of Stavanger. – around 300,000 inhabitants – there had The park was first opened by a group of been significant investments in the park’s attractions entrepreneurs in May 1986 with infrastructure and we saw an opportunity an initial investment of around NOK250m. to develop it into a world-class attraction. It immediately faced issues and was “We realigned it and turned it into a declared bankrupt just months after family-focused theme park based on launch. In the following years the attraction six values – learning, playing, sharing, continued to struggle and changed hands exploring, magic and excitement. We regularly. By the time Lund Group became Håkon Lund is CEO of Lund Group, invested in a number of unique attractions interested in acquiring the park – in 1997 which operates Skånes Djurpark and gradually developed it into one of – Kongeparken had gone through three Norway’s top five most popular attractions.”

76 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 Skånes Djurpark in Skånes, Sweden, is a zoological attraction with animals native to the region; A new Shaun the Sheep zone has diversiﬁ ed the offer

A FAMILY AFFAIR shows, but also had parks in Oslo, Berlin play zones and a small waterpark. “It’s a Kongeparken now attracts more than and Ireland. He set the company’s focus wonderful setting, you are quite literally 260,000 visitors per year and employs on providing excellent guest experiences, surrounded by wild nature,” Lund says. around 450 staff. It has won a number something we still take great pride in.” Owned and operated by the non-proﬁ t of awards for its visitor experiences Lund adds that because of the nature Skånes Djurpark Foundation, the attraction – including Themed Entertainment of a family business, there are beneﬁ ts was in trouble and relied on taxpayers’ Association (TEA) awards for its Barnas when planning for the future. money to keep it ticking over – mainly due Brannstajon (Children’s Fire Station) “One of the strengths of a family to visitor numbers lagging behind targets. and Gråtassland (branded tractor ride) business is that you can think very, very According to Lund, the low numbers were a attractions in 2012 and 2014. long term,” he says. “We don’t think symptom of a bigger problem. Today, Kongeparken is one of the main ahead in terms of quarters or 12-month “The foundation’s main challenge was elements in Lund Group’s parks and resorts or even 10-year periods. We work to that it hadn’t really decided what type arm, one of the three divisions which make horizons of 30 to 50 years for each of the of visitor attraction it wanted to run – a up the company. As well as the parks projects that we take on.” traditional zoo or a wilderness park,” division, it has a highly successful festivals Lund says. “It was also unsure whether and events business, which operates ANIMAL ADVENTURES the park should just have Scandinavian everything from music festivals and cultural One of the projects that recently appeared animals or have exotic ones too.” events to Christmas markets. The third on the Lund Group’s horizon was Skånes After a particularly bad two years strand, a travelling fairs businesses, dates Djurpark wildlife park in Sweden – another between 2011 and 2013 – when the park back to the foundation of the business. destination in need of a turnaround. lost 150,000 visitors – Lund Group was “Lund Group is a family business First launched in 1952 and located in contacted by the Skåne region’s governor to currently in its fourth generation,” Lund a picturesque setting in Sweden’s Skåne see if it could help. A feasibility study was says. “The company dates back to 1895 region, the vast attraction, covering nearly conducted and in June 2014 the company with my great-grandfather, also called 100 hectares (247 acres), housed an signed a deal to take over. Lund Group Håkon, a showman who had travelling eclectic selection of wildlife, nature trails, began operating the park in January 2015.

Lund Group chose the Shaun the Sheep IP as it ﬁ tted with Skånes Djurpark’s family appeal and the natural setting of the park

Having a strong story and a strong brand on board as a partner has proven to be key to the success of this park

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES says. “Not a plastic-fantastic universe, but According to Lund, the addition has The fi rst thing Lund Group installed at something that would fi t in the picturesque been a hit with guests. “The feedback has the park was a clear vision. A decision setting. We were very conscious of making been 100 per cent positive,” he says and was made to turn Skånes Djurpark into sure that any addition wouldn’t create a adds that Shaun has played a big part in the world’s largest showcase of purely huge contrast with the rest of the park. the recovery of the park. Scandinavian animals – a conscious choice “Our focus was to fi nd an IP that was “In the fi rst year since we took over we made with the target audience in mind. ‘real’ and to do with animals. We created had a 15 per cent increase in attendance. “The location of the park means that if a list of things we wanted – the animal in 2016, when Shaun was introduced, we you travel up from Germany or Denmark, it aspect being a key one – and visited achieved a 30 per cent increase. Having a will be the fi rst place you will come across a number of different IP owners and strong story and a strong brand on board authentic Nordic nature and its wildlife,” developers. We shortlisted fi ve, cut it down as a partner has, I think, proven to be key Lund says. “The idea is that you can come to two and in the end chose UK-based to the success of this park.” to Skåne, in the south of Sweden, and you Aardman Animations as our clear winner.” can meet all the animals you would see NEW EXPERIENCES later on if you would continue to travel to SHEEPING AROUND The turnaround of Skånes Djurpark has northern Sweden, Finland or Norway.” Famous for its old-school, stop-motion clay got off to a good start, but Lund says there As part of the plans to breath new animations, Aardman has a burgeoning is no room for complacency. “Continuous life into the offering, Lund Group looked IP portfolio of animal characters and a investment in a destination is key for at adding an intellectual property (IP)- decision was made to utilise one of them, developing it and that is true at Skåne, led themed attraction. It was a method Shaun the Sheep, at Skåne. Following an too,” he says, adding that there will be new Lund Group had deployed successfully investment of £5m ($6.2m, €5.9m), the features for guests to enjoy in 2017. in the revival of Kongeparken, where it family-oriented Shaun the Sheep Land “We are continuing our investment had installed the €2m (£1.7m, $2.1m) offi cially launched in June 2016. programme and this year we will be Gråtass (Little Grey Fergie) attraction based Visitors to the attraction are welcomed looking at the way we introduce people to on a popular Norwegian TV character. into a traditional Swedish country fair, the wilderness aspect of the park.” The concept for Skånes Djurpark where there’s a meet-and-greet with Shaun He remains tight-lipped about the exact needed to be carefully considered, and a chance to explore his home at details, however. “Lets just say that we’re however. “We realised early on that any Mossy Bottom Farm. Guests take a tractor looking at different types of technologies themed attraction at Skåne – especially ride, helping Shaun to fi nd his misbehaving, and transport solutions in order to come a branded one – needed to feel natural lost fl ock before the farmer wakes up and up with a different way to giving people a in the surroundings of the park,” Lund fi nds out his sheep are missing. nature experience with animals.”

We welcome you to meet with us! Booth 2B-114 DEAL DUBAI 2017

27, 28, 29 March 2017 Dubai World Trade Center, UAE

WWW.VEKOMA.COM

S C H A A P W E G 1 8, 6 0 6 3 B A V L O D R O P - T H E N E T H E R L A N D S T E L + 3 1 ( 0 ) 4 7 5 - 4 0 9 2 2 2 W W W . V E K O M A . C OM

D J WILLRICH LTD FOR THE TECHNOLOGY BEHIND YOUR STORY

CONSULTANCY AV SYSTEM DESIGN SHOW CONTROL DESIGN LIGHTING DESIGN INTERACTIVES SUPPLY & INSTALLATION SERVICE & SUPPORT

+44 (0)1590 612603 [email protected] www.djwillrich.com

NGAIO HARDING-HILL quis es aut mo senior manager, attractions and live vellabo. Nemquis quoditatus es aut experiences, Aardman Animations mo vellabo. mo vellabo. What was the process What’s your strategy that led to Shaun the concerning partnerships Sheep Land at Skåne? with attractions? We were invited by the We have great ambitions for Lund Group to visit them this area of our business and at Kongenparken in 2014. from a brand perspective, They presented their plans our strategy is to work with for Skånes Djurpark, which partners which share and they had just acquired, and understand the values of our expressed an interest in company and brands. Our partnering with an IP that mission is to create highly shared similar values to engaging entertainment using theirs. We pitched a range of strong, funny characters concepts that integrated the in compelling stories for brand into the attraction and worldwide family audiences. they liked them. For Aardman, In comparison to some of and was created in concepts for a Shaun the Skånes Djurpark was an our competitors in the world partnership with Heritage GB. Sheep family entertainment ideal location for Shaun’s of animation, we have the Shaun the Sheep Land at centre and an Aardman fi rst international attraction – ability to be creatively nimble Skånes Djurpark is Shaun’s Experience – and we’d love beautiful parkland fi lled with and highly responsive and fi rst international attraction. to create an Aardman Land wild animals. so we seek out partners that Adding to these, we have a with the right partner. have the highest creative large portfolio of international Nick Park’s new fi lm, Early How closely did you ambitions for their visitor touring exhibitions, live Man, releases early next work with Lund Group experiences. Quality is also experiences and touring year. It provides a whole on the attraction? integral to everything we do stage shows featuring new cast of characters We worked very closely with and is a priority focus in our Aardman brands – such as and adventures to launch them all the way through partnerships with attractions. Wallace and Gromit’s Musical into the world of visitor the project. We recognised Marvels, Shaun the Sheep attractions so there are our shared commitment to How many attractions Stage Show and Shaun the loads of really exciting telling a great story and that has Aardman worked on? Sheep’s Championsheeps. projects on the horizon for we both had our own areas Our fi rst attraction was this area of the company. of expertise. Wallace and Gromit’s Are there any One area that really Thrill-o-Matic ride at plans to expand What are the benefi ts benefi tted from the creative Blackpool Pleasure the attractions and opportunities you partnership was optimising Beach, which operations? see in the sector? the pre-opening visitor opened in 2013. Yes, we have Attractions provide a new experience. Working together The fi rst Shaun- ambitions to gateway for audiences to be we created a narrative branded attraction develop Aardman’s introduced to our characters that told the story of the – Shaun the Sheep presence within and brands. As our fl ock’s journey to the park Experience the sector. We attractions portfolio expands, from Mossy Bottom Farm. – opened at have exciting it’s exciting to anticipate Using bespoke animation Land’s that attractions may be the and a PR campaign that End in fi rst interaction people have captured the fl ock’s journey 2015 with our brands, rather than in online postcards at iconic through the more traditional landmarks, visitors were screen-based experience. able to share the fl ock’s Fantastic new developments journey in real-time. in attractions technology, It really built up like VR and AR, also offer anticipation for the great opportunities opening. for us to continue to combine our core Aardman has a talents as fi lmmakers portfolio of well-loved and storytellers with characters, including the world of visitor Wallace and Gromit experiences.

80 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 Guests ride in cars themed like Wallace’s slippers on the four-minute Thrill-O-Matic at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, UK

We have exciting concepts for a Shaun the Sheep FEC and an Aardman Experience - and we’d love to create an Aardman Land

At Land’s End (or Lamb’s End), UK, visitors must try to cure Shirley the Sheep’s hiccups. Shaun the Sheep Experience is a joint Wallace and Gromit’s venture between Musical Marvels was Aardman Animations ﬁ rst performed at the ©CYBERTREK 2017 AM 1 2017 and Heritage GB attractionsmanagement.comBBC Proms in 2012 81 PROFILE

Disney’s chief safety offi cer Greg Hale stepped into his new role as IAAPA chair in November. Attractions Management sat down with Hale and asked what he hopes to achieve with the organisation GREG HALE

t’s a busy time for IAAPA, with the Greg Hale developed organisation moving its headquarters Disney’s Access to Orlando, Florida, and preparing for device, which is I its centenary in 2018. Greg Hale is now in use at US overseeing the exciting year ahead. National Parks sites and other attractions What elements of your background will be useful in your role as chair? I’ve been at Disney for 28 years. I started out in ride and show engineering. In 2002, I became the company’s ﬁ rst chief safety ofﬁ cer worldwide. I’ve developed technologies like Disney’s FastPass, where I’m one of the original patent holders, and Disney Access, a hand-held device that provides captioning, audio descriptions or assistive listening to help guests who are visually impaired or hearing impaired. One of the beautiful things that Disney allowed me to do was to share this technology and a lot of our safety technologies with the rest of the industry. We want to help make the world safer and more accessible and not keep those types of things as a competitive advantage. I look for advanced technologies and best practices that we can apply to safety worldwide and all of that experience helps with my role with IAAPA. All IAAPA members have learnings and practices they can share with each other.

82 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 I’ve never seen another industry so open to that, where competitors will teach or even Trade shows and conferences encourage others to adopt their business, are a great platform for sharing marketing and safety practices in order to industry knowledge, Hale says help make each other stronger. My focus now as chair is to really encourage that sharing to make this whole safety inspections, to inspect industry more efﬁ cient, safer, with better tracks and structures and not technology and innovation and better guest put people at risk of falling from service. I’ll be pushing for everyone to a rollercoaster. There were over 100 chair and one year as chair, which gives come forward and share what they know sessions like this at IAAPA. you the chance to watch and learn from with emerging parks and others who are the current chairperson. trying to get into this business. That’s what What did you learned from outgoing I’ve worked with John for 20 years in makes this industry unique, the way we IAAPA chair John McReynolds? different ways but I really admired how he work together to a common goal. It’s very helpful that IAAPA has a rotation managed the board. He’s very decisive system so you spend two years as a vice and a real driver for getting things done. Do you have examples? His area of expertise was government Disney’s Access device is now in use relations and he had a huge hand in in National Parks and museums all working with government ofﬁ cials when across the US and it’s starting to go into we were deciding whether to move IAAPA’s China and Japan and other countries. headquarters to Orlando, Florida. They Ride accessibility is another area where are welcoming us with open arms and people are sharing their experiences, providing assistance to make that move. where we’re seeing a tremendous amount of collaboration between operators, When do you plan to move? ride makers, experts and guests with We will start relocating some of the disabilities. It’s good to see people coming functions to Orlando in 2017, but it will together to allow guests with disabilities to take some years to complete. We’re participate and have that experience. leaving our government affairs group back We had sessions at IAAPA sharing in Washington, DC. The rest of the staff Former IAAPA chair John McReynolds information about using drones to do will all move as quickly as possible.

©CYBERTREK 2017 AM 1 2017 attractionsmanagement.com 83 PROFILE Facility tours, keynote speeches and networking events are always well attended at IAAPA

Park safety has sadly been very much senior people in the industry, and we are in the public eye with a few high profi le “We’re investing more always adding more components to that. incidents over the past 18 months. How When we started 10 years ago it was really do you respond to this situation? in data so we can be a series of facility tours, but today we bring IAAPA has always had safety as one of the premiere go-to a true educational component with breakout its core values and has continued to sessions, guest speakers and facility visits. increase its outreach to help others with resource for statistics best practices for safety. They can learn and information on the What are your thoughts on diversity in through the IAAPA Safety Institute and attractions industry” the organisation? other educational programmes that we hold I was on the Strategic Planning Committee all over the world. Often in these emerging many years ago when we decided we markets, IAAPA is able to reach out to wanted to not just embrace diversity operators before they even open their fi rst but ensure it was central, as we were park, showing them how to implement the growing into this truly global organisation. great safety practices that industry leaders Diversity was written into the byelaws have developed over the years. That makes so we would have a blend of different the whole industry safer around the world. types of attractions from all over the world. Huge diversity is built in. We also How can you and how can IAAPA see many entrepreneurs, many family- support the industry if something owned or multi-generational companies, does go wrong like it has recently? husbands and wives or fathers and IAAPA doesn’t get directly involved in daughters starting up businesses and Hale is a fl agbearer for safety standards an accident that happens, as that’s the we get a blend of that on the board. We responsibility of the local and regional need to represent the whole of the global authorities. Again, our goal is to put in We are also investing in data so we industry and not overlook anyone. place practices to prevent accidents ever can be the premiere go-to resource when happening. When something bad happens, people need statistics and information on What global challenges are the good that comes of it is learning how the attractions industry. We have a multi- pressing for the industry? to prevent it from happening somewhere year plan to provide good economic and The industry is booming on a sustained else. By having so many members there benchmark data and we want to invest in level and all three of IAAPA’s trade shows is lots of data we can pool together, so that area to provide a strong service. We last year were recordbreaking. In fact, the people all over the world can learn from should be the one-stop-shop for credible demand for entertainment is growing so incidents that have happened as well as information on the industry. We’re putting a much that it’s a challenge for the suppliers best practices and standards. We are lot into research, surveys are going on and and manufacturers to keep up. It’s a good preventing accidents around the world lots of different things to collect that data. problem to have, but it’s true that in some and we make the best of those rare bad cases our members are booked up with situations by using that knowledge to What else is happening? work for the next six or seven years. prevent accidents in the future. There are our anchor events. For example, for the past 12 years we have held a Did you enjoy the 2016 IAAPA Expo? Are there any new standards harmonisation meeting with It was phenomenal. People see friends they initiatives in the works? government offi cials, operators and have known for 25 years, in some cases 40 We pilot things and when they are manufacturers to try to reach a common or 50 years. It’s part of the passion people successful we expand them, such as the set of safety requirements, whether it’s the have for this industry. You can put smiles Safety Institute, which has been held in EN, ISO or ASTM, that are used all over the on faces and help create experiences that Dubai, Vietnam and Japan in the past few world and the critical safety learnings are will be lifetime memories. People put their months and earlier in the year in Latin embedded in all of them. hearts and souls into this industry. They America, Asia and other places. Those are Our Leadership Conference is a long- want it to be successful and want others in going to continue to grow and develop. standing annual event focused on the most the industry to be successful too. O

84 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 WHOLESOME THE WHOLESOME FOODS YOUR VISITORS AND STAFF WANT . . . THE HEALTHIER BOTTOM LINE YOU WANT

The #1* Franchise is a great fit for your location. The SUBWAY® restaurant chain has more than 50 years experience and has made it possible for thousands of individuals to build and succeed at their own businesses. The chain offers access to WORLDWIDE PARK/REC PROGRAM a well-structured and effective system that has been developed and perfected over several decades. There are two options available: You can join the team and become a SUBWAY® franchisee. You can earn rental income by leasing space to one of our experienced franchisees.

Contact Liz Smethurst Call 203.877.4281x1398 E-mail: [email protected] www.subway.com

Ghostbusters: Dimension at Madame Tussauds VIRTUAL VENTURES Multi-player VR experiences are bringing people together in both physical and virtual worlds. Meet two companies leading the way in a new form of gaming-style midway attraction

Alice Davis, managing editor, Attractions Management

irtual reality is making countless enemies as they search experiences accessible to an apartment building. people and theme parks and The multi-layered, The Void developed its museums have been among multi-sensory VR own Rapture hardware, V those quick to harness its experience uses The which includes this Head potential. The major criticism Void’s proprietary Mounted Display (HMD) of VR that’s made by attractions Rapture hardware – an professionals, however, is that the HMD, “backtop” backpack experience is too isolating – and that’s at that contains a computer, 22-point haptic developed before,” says Ken Bretschneider, odds with the social and interactive appeal feedback vest and shooting device, and CEO and co-founder at The Void. “We of attractions. But two companies, Zero Leap Motion’s hand-tracking technology started by literally strapping laptops to our Latency and The Void, have addressed – as well as real-life props and effects, backs and wearing clunky headsets while that problem by developing team-based, so that when guests touch an object, for walking down hallways to test the mapping communal VR experiences where all example, they get a corresponding tactile of digital worlds over physical spaces.” players interact and work together or sensation. There’s a $20 supplementary While Bretschneider is looking into compete against each other. ticket price, but since its July 2016 launch, working with other partners in a similar Instead of VR being an extra element Ghostbusters: Dimension has been well way to Madame Tussauds, soon the guests can try out at a theme park or received, attracting more than 30,000 company will open its own facility to the a museum, these innovative start-ups visitors so far. public. The idea is to roll out the concept are making VR facilities strong enough “Nothing like this had ever been in locations around the world. The media to stand alone as attractions in their own right. Both game-focused and story- focused experiences are possible. “NOTHING LIKE THIS COMPANY: THE VOID HAD EVER BEEN

The Void, a Utah-based tech ﬁ rm on DEVELOPED BEFORE. WE the brink of opening its ﬁ rst VEC (Void Entertainment Centre) in Linden, has already STARTED BY LITERALLY worked with Merlin Entertainments and Sony STRAPPING LAPTOPS TO Pictures to launch Ghostbusters: Dimension at Madame Tussauds in New York City. OUR BACKS TO TEST THE

Who you gonna call? MAPPING OF SPACES” Part of the Merlin attraction’s new Ghostbusters zone, guests enter a virtual Ken Bretschneider, CEO, The Void world where they must trap supernatural

86 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 The Void experiences are a combination of physical set, real-time interactive effects and virtual reality narrative

The Void’s 7Fun Centre in Madrid, and Main Event co-founders Ken in Orlando, Florida. Zero Latency is also Bretschneider and coming to Kalahari Resorts’ Wisconsin James Jensen with the Dells and Pocono locations. director of the original Ghostbusters fi lms, On the right track Ivan Reitman (centre) When Vandonkelaar, Smith and Ruse started developing a multi-person VR experience where the users could move around, content can be changed or rotated to When it comes to the future of virtual they found the tracking systems that were encourage repeat visits, while the social reality, Bretschneider sees a multitude of on the market could not meet aspect of the experience remains central. possibilities. their demands. “The Void’s hyper-reality is very different “We envision applications spanning “We got started on from at-home virtual reality,” he says. the gamut of what’s currently possible, developing our own tracking “We’re especially passionate about creating ranging from entertainment to education system and spent the social experiences for groups of people.” and further practical applications,” he better part of a year getting In fact, Bretschneider has long been says. “Within entertainment, we anticipate it working for a single player inspired by the attractions industry and has creating a variety of experiences from before trying to scale it a passion for haunted attractions, fantasy action, to adventure, exploration and horror. up for more than that,” worlds and interactive theatre experiences. Regarding education, we see applications says Ruse, CEO at Zero In 2008, he began hosting a haunted which go beyond edutainment with the Latency. “Our fi rst run Halloween experience, which grew in size ability to teach – through experience – started as modestly and popularity until it was attracting 10,000 complex things such as empathy. as mounting an people. From here, his idea for Evermore, a “Innovation is clearly feeding, and automotive backup vast fantasy theme park with high-tech and developing, technology, and this is spilling camera on a piece immersive elements, was born. into all areas of life,” he says. “I’m of wood, before personally excited about advances in we ordered better Endless applications medical-related science, as many aspects equipment for the As he began to plan Evermore, taking of our current system seem archaic and development phase. Void co-founders Curtis Hickman and limited. I fi nd AI fascinating and believe But our patent- James Jensen on board, it became clear advances in that area will benefi t The Void.” pending tracking that virtual reality was a necessary part system has made of the park. They focused on developing COMPANY: ZERO LATENCY all the difference. a free-roam VR attraction, and began to It allows us to see its business potential. The Void was Meanwhile, on the opposite hemisphere, create a large-scale too big to be simply an attraction inside another trio of tech entrepreneurs was multiplayer experience Evermore: it had legs of its own. developing a warehouse scale, free-roam, that is cost-effective with “I think it was fate. There were too many six-player game arena. Scott Vandonkelaar, negligible latency, which good things that had to come together in Kyel Smith and Tim Ruse set up Zero order for us to create this new reality,” he Latency’s fi rst venue in Melbourne, Zombie Survival is a says, though Evermore is a dream he still Australia, quickly followed by installations multiplayer VR experience hopes to realise some day. at Joypolis amusement centre in Tokyo, the from Zero Latency

88 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 Zero Latency VR players are equipped with HMDs, backpack PCs and controllers, which act as virtual weapons

“OUR PATENT-PENDING TRACKING SYSTEM ALLOWS US TO CREATE A MULTIPLAYER EXPERIENCE THAT IS COST EFFECTIVE WITH NEGLIGIBLE LATENCY” Players work together to unlock new levels in Engineerium, Zero Latency’s kid-friendly puzzle game Tim Ruse, CEO, Zero Latency

is essential. The booming mobile tech ready to share exact costs and says that another can be playing in the arena, and industry is also giving us a boost, as investment varies depending on factors a third is gearing down after their game, it drives the availability and pricing of such as the size of the arena and whether plus an extra set of gear charging and important technology for our free-roam it’s a freestanding attraction or part of an ready to go. That way there is very little experience, such as battery life.” existing facility, the model is structured to downtime on the arena fl oor.” target a return on the initial investment Zero Latency uses OSVR HDK 2.0 Profi table model in about a year. All the partner needs is a headsets, backpack PCs by high- They moved to a 4,000sq ft (370sqm) 2,000sq ft (185sqm) space. performance gaming company Alienware, space in Melbourne and continued the R&D, Razer microphone and headphones and a eventually opening the doors to the public. Versatility custom-built game controller that serves “We had no idea how popular it would be, The Zero Latency experience can easily be as the virtual weapon in some games. but when we brought in over AU$100,000 completely revamped with new content. Ruse says that as the technology in fi rst few weeks, despite being located in “We currently have three complete develops, the resolution will improve and a remote industrial area, we knew we were games in operation and plan to develop they’ll be able to increase player numbers. on to something,” Ruse says. at least one new game every year, along “We’ve successfully tested 16 players at While the Melbourne arena is self- with new levels for existing games. Plus once, but deploying that will require some owned and operated, Zero Latency works we’re in discussion with some customers re-engineering of our gameplay to keep all with partners in the other locations, who want exclusive custom content,” players challenged and entertained.” installing the VR arena into existing Ruse says. “Each venue can customise Things are certainly busy for Zero attractions. It should be a profi table aspects of the games, such as how long Latency as they continue to enhance the VR model, promising potential partners low each session runs, to best serve their experience, develop new content and roll set-up costs and simple maintenance with local markets. They can be as short as out the concept with partners worldwide. high demand and high ROI. Although Zero 12 minutes or run well over half an hour. Tech start-up investor Carthona has recently Latency, which won the People’s Choice We provide enough sets of game gear so injected a further AU$7m into the company Award at the IAAPA Expo 2016, is not that one team can be suiting up to play, to help them scale up to meet demand. O

How do we create authentic experiences in themed environments and immersive spaces? Cultural researcher Scott A Lukas investigates

n the mid-90s, while working at them. Does it matter if a themed attraction form of authenticity is conveyed by the Six Flags AstroWorld, I witnessed like the Mayan Mindbender is accurate or idea of something natural, without artifice. an interesting conversation about authentic? Is it even possible for them to The ghost town of Bodie, California, one of the park’s newest rides. be accurate or authentic? looks the way it used to thanks to the I It was the Mayan Mindbender, an The issue of the sources used to practice of “arrested decay”, which indoor rollercoaster that was being create a themed ride like the Mayan attempts to preserve its structures but repurposed from its previous use in another Mindbender ultimately relates to the topic not in an overt or artificial way. Related park through means of a Mayan theme. of authenticity. This topic has relevance for to this idea is authenticity as an accurate The conversation was initiated by a lead the worlds of media, consumer society and, reflection of something. Visitors to a site ride operator who expressed concerns especially, themed and immersive spaces. of historical reenactment like Colonial about the park’s latest ride and the specific Authenticity is one of the most discussed Williamsburg might wonder how much of foundations of its Mayan theme. The glyphs and debated topics of the contemporary what is told and performed at the site is an and symbols, he had determined after world. Yet, despite its significance, it accurate or honest reflection of past times. some research, were all wrong. “Some of remains a rather elusive concept. Authenticity is also often tied to ideas of them aren’t even Mayan,” he said. tradition, heritage and history that convey While a number of those present Meanings of authenticity that a person, place or thing is the result of were curious about his criticisms of the There are many meanings of authenticity something that came before it. In the bard theming, a few were surprised by his level which reveal to the designer of themed or griot cultures of West Africa, for example, of concern. Why get so wrapped up in the and immersive spaces the true challenges epic songs and performances are passed sources of an attraction’s theme? They of undertaking any project. For example, down from one praise singer to the next are – like all immersive spatial design – an authentic thing, person or place is with the assumption that later singers will engineered to please visitors, not educate something that’s true to itself. Another accurately reflect the traditions of the past.

A community of American Civil War reanactors in the US plays out the Battle of Chancellorsville Bodie State Historic Park, a ghost town and visitor attraction, receives 200,000 visitors a year

The ghost town of Bodie, California, looks the way it used to thanks to the practice of “arrested decay”, which attempts to preserve its structures but not in an overt or artiﬁ cial way

Perhaps the most signifi cant meaning divide emerged between those whose An important issue that emerged from of authenticity is implied by the real. The primary interest was theme parks and this particular controversy is that of aura. original, pure or genuine suggests the those who focused on museums and We may refl ect on the important work of “real thing” or at least related enough interpretive spaces. Differences in opinion philosopher Walter Benjamin who once to the “real thing” that it doesn’t cause centred on what many of the participants wrote of the situation in which a work of distraction or concern by the viewer. A deemed to be an issue of “getting it right.” art loses its aura – its presence, tradition, visitor to the British Museum would have One professional historical reenactor authority, specifi c time and place – as a a much different reaction to the Rosetta had witnessed a reenactment event – result of being caught up in modern means Stone were he or she to discover that it involving knights and jousting – that took of reproduction, such as through forms was a replica and not the original. place in front of a Pizza Hut in a small of technology. As an example, we might In terms of themed and immersive town. After he showed us a photograph of imagine how different the Mona Lisa is as design, these meanings of what is the event, the assessment was that this an original object that sits in the Louvre and authentic and what is not have interesting, particular reenactment event had got it all as a reproduced image on a coffee mug. if not vexing, ramifi cations. As with the wrong. People could not appreciate the Mayan Mindbender, any space may be performance, he said, because the context The aura of a space interpreted – by another designer, a was inappropriate and the whole tone of the The aura, then, suggests something quite guest, a worker, a cultural critic – as event was therefore one of inauthenticity. important in terms of originals, copies inauthentic. The reasons each individual As the conference continued, some or other new versions. Many themed perceives something as being authentic of the museum professionals seemed spaces, such as themed casinos, attempt or inauthentic are the result of different to assert that those from the theme to reproduce the aura of other places by expectations, varying understandings and park world could not get certain topics using design, architecture, sensory means, divergent personal contexts. right – notably those of a historical or material culture, technology, performance How, then, can authenticity be heritage character – while theme park and other approaches in their new understood in such a way that it will have professionals offered that the museum versions. Social critics often comment on a meaningful application in the themed professionals were displaying elitism and these reproductions of other places and and immersive space industries? an inability to use appropriate techniques cultures and cite a lack of authenticity of entertainment and immersion to better as an important issue with such places. Getting it right engage guests and audiences. Of course, we should remember that the Some years ago, I took part in a conference The divide between these two camps of concerns stated by such critics often have in Freiburg, Germany, that brought together theming professionals was not resolved by to do with things unrelated to the principles designers and academics who studied the end of the conference, but the analogy behind the various designs of the sites. themed and immersive spaces. By the that it provides suggests to us both the The artist Anna Halprin spoke of middle of the conference, an interesting challenge and the promise of authenticity. authenticity as an involvement of people

Civil War reenactors often differ in in her aesthetic environments such opinion on the level relations reminds the worker that that they could experience “life lived of authenticity they the experiences of guests are not whole”. This view from the art world of need to achieve the same as those of designers, art challenges simplistic assumptions of managers or industry workers. As social critics in terms of the problem of in so many aspects of themed and aura in spaces like themed casinos. immersive entertainment design, In fact, other artists remind us that we discover the curious problem aura is likely something that is not stable in which one guest’s idea of or fi xed, but is something that can move authenticity differs from the next. and be transformed. Andy Warhol’s iconic The same is true of differences in Campbell’s Soup Cans uses images of perceptions of authenticity among originals but takes on new meaning and one of many auras of Paris and France. designers and social critics. new values as it suggests an entirely As architect Peter Eisenman said, new The eye of the beholder problem should different sense of the aura of art. forms of architecture and design can not be seen as something stifl ing; in fact, The same can be said of themed create news auras or “the possibility of a it can be an issue that actually expands casinos. The Paris in Las Vegas, Nevada, presentness of something else.” This is the possibilities of authentic design. uses reproductions and new versions especially relevant when we consider that In an interview with Gordon Jones, Civil of iconic landmarks from the French the etymology of “aura” relates to breeze, War reenactor, curator and historian at capital, as well as associated forms of wind and air – the traces, images and the Atlanta History Centre, this point was human performance, décor and sensory new versions of a previous form. Thus, we made very clear. In terms of the immersive stimulation to create an ambiance of Paris might concur that authenticity never rests environments of Civil War reenactment, and French culture. In a small space it in any one place, time or context. “to be effective at stimulating a ‘rush,’ cannot reproduce every detail of Paris or historically themed environments need not French culture, so certain details, symbols The eye of the beholder be ‘true’ in any historical sense; they need or archetypes are chosen for the spaces In terms of the aura that might be felt only be ‘real’ in the eye of most beholders.” of the hotel and the casino, and these are when a guest enters a themed casino like Within his work in reenactment used to connect guests with those spaces. The Paris in Las Vegas, we should again environments, he discusses the roles Aura is present in such spaces, but it is not recall the fact that visitors’ perceptions that trust, commitment and disagreement the same aura that one would fi nd in Paris. of the space will vary greatly with the play in the creation of communities that Perhaps the important reminder here particularities of each guest. simultaneously refl ect the desire of is that while the authenticity This eye of the beholder problem reenactors to “get the past right” and to of themed and immersive reminds me of the ways that we come to consensus as to whether they spaces is tied to notions workers within the theme park succeeded. The fact that people disagree of aura, there is more than industry were accustomed about the degrees to which themed and one way to experience Paris with dealing with concerns, immersive spaces are indeed authentic and France. As controversial issues and interpretations of may lead to powerful forms of community as it may sound, the guests guests that were often lost in which individuals discuss the differences who visit the Paris in Las on us. A few days working of their interpretations and, along the way, Vegas are experiencing in guest services or guest create new forms in the process. PH O T O : JO

Andy Warhol gave soup cans – NATHAN M on display here at MoMA in New York – new meaning and values U ZIKA R

92 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 Aura is present in such spaces, but it is not the same aura that one would ﬁ nd in Paris or other parts of France

Reproductions from Paris are used to engage guests at The Paris casino in Las Vegas, Nevada PHOTO: FLICKR / KEN LUND

Factors in authenticity specifi cally, the perception of time – and itself refl ects back on perceptions that The values of openness, feedback and create spaces that resonate with guests. guests have in terms of authenticity. experimentation in terms of guests and their roles in spaces that aim to be Detail Revision authentic are supplemented by additional The ways in which a space expresses While the designer may be excited with values that also emerge in relationship itself through the ideals of the designer the fi nal version of a themed or immersive with the guest’s view of space and are connected with the nature of the environment, he or she should remember connect to important design principles details in that space. In themed spaces, that spaces must change with the times that are rooted in the intentions of microtheming or attention to the smallest and be in line with the desires of the designers (and operators) of spaces. elements of detail – even those that the guest. Thus, revision is key to authenticity. guest may not see immediately – may This is even more true as a changed Process result in spaces that are more organic space will remind the guest that behind Spaces that show they evolved over time and holistic in nature. The example of the scenes a whole team of designers is offer the idea of authenticity as they Hidden Mickeys or hidden representations dedicated to making sure that the space is suggest that they were not produced of iconic Disney characters or images – never fi nalised and is always on the move. haphazardly or quickly. The example of a notably Mickey Mouse’s ears – in Disney patina on the surface of a historic building theme parks may also remind us that Refl exive loops, design anxiety is a reminder of how spaces evolve over details are not always to be found on the The educational and entertaining time. Even in a new space, the idea of surface or in immediate view of the guest. Chautauqua tradition in the US is a form process can be conveyed by aspects of of performance in which skilled performers architecture, design and material culture. Intent take on the dress, mannerisms, speech The idea of intent in design is akin how patterns and affect of famous historical, Time a novelist uses setting, characterisation, military, artistic fi gures from the past. Related to process is time. Archaeologist action and plot to create dramatic, As a form of reenactment, Chautauqua Cornelius Holtorf reminds us that spaces believable and evocative effects in the involves attention to detail, accuracy and don’t have to be historically old to appear reader. Designers may use combinations believability and is thus tied up in the old, suggesting the notion of “pastness” of process, time and detail to indicate to tricky politics of authenticity. to convey an idea of the past. Immersive the guest that what has been offered in Chautauquans perform for large space designers have opportunities terms of the space’s design is thoroughly audiences and one of the most interesting to playfully work with time – or more planned out. Intent suggests care, which aspects of their performances occurs

during the question and answer session. The anxiety here is the realisation that O T O

The performers fi rst take questions from Visitor centres at big brands – like the themed and immersive spaces do not : ENDA the audience while in character and then Guinness Storehouse – are leading the exist in a vacuum. They are bound up in C later drop their character and answer way in authentic experience design the many versions, visions, interpretations AVANA questions as the performer. During a that have come before the current GH performance as Thomas Jefferson, for project in terms of other designs and example, the audience would ask the wonderful presentation by members of realisations, will come in the present as former US president how he justifi ed owning design fi rm WATG who were working on the imagined space is realised and used slaves; following this the audience would a new resort project in Luxor, Egypt. The by guests, and will be found in the future then interact with the performer out of most telling part of their presentation was in which that space is altered and in character and discuss this issue of slavery. when the designers fully admitted that in which other spaces – perhaps copies or What makes this aspect of Chautauqua designing their new vision for Luxor they new versions of it – will emerge. signifi cant is the sense of the “refl exive had to consider what had come before— loop” that it provides for both the performer most notably, the versions of Egypt and Authenticity and philosophy and the audience. Very simply, a refl exive the Luxor that are known due to the Luxor In these contexts of design, we see loop implies that one think about the thing hotel and casino in Las Vegas. that authenticity is much more than a at hand (very deeply) and then alter his or Such openness, honesty and refl ection simple matter of sorting out originals her view of it based on that refl ection. on the design of themed and immersive and copies and we note additional ways In terms of themed and immersive spaces suggest a certain sense of in which philosophers have considered spaces, refl exive approaches have a key anxiety that accompanies the quest for authenticity. German philosopher Friedrich role to play. Some years ago, I heard a authenticity in architecture and design. Nietzsche, for example, viewed an authentic person as one not afraid to refl ect on his or her deepest anxieties Addressing the challenges Feedback: Another Experimentation: of life. Similarly, the French existentialist of different perceptions 2 important facet of 3 The traditions of philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre offered that of authenticity in themed authentic spaces in terms many art, architecture authenticity related to the responsibility and immersive spaces of the guests’ needs and design movements that one accepts for his or her existence. relates to the ability of a illustrate the importance of We also fi nd an interesting point Openness: The Italian space (and its designers experimentation in terms of connection to the work of German 1 writer Umberto Eco and operators) to receive of authenticity. Too often, philosopher Edmund Husserl who spoke once spoke of the idea constant feedback about sometimes in response of authenticity in reference to a community of an open work as one that space. Nina Simon to social critics, designers of love or Liebesgemeinschaft. Such a whose meanings are and others in the Museum of themed and immersive community would, says Husserl, refl ect left open to individual 2.0 movement have been spaces are focused on common language, values and important interpretation. Openness especially concerned reproducing expectations forms of empathy. Perhaps the anxieties of has a strong role in with creating experiences instead of cultivating conscious design could be tempered with creating authentic themed within museums and experimentation. When we the realisation that the future discussions and immersive spaces. interpretive centres that think of authentic spaces of authenticity in themed and immersive Instead of closing off are more open to the through the idea of means spaces may include more communal, meaning in the design of needs and desires of the and not ends – process, not participatory and critical engagements by a space, the designer may guest. Such ideas remind fi nal product – we imagine designers, guests and social critics. O focus on open-ended works designers and operators new forms of creativity and or even works that will to remain vigilant in terms aesthetic experimentation Scott A Lukas is a researcher, change and evolve with the of what the guest desires resulting in spaces that anthropologist and author who times and guests’ needs. from the space. guests truly enjoy. specialises in immersive worlds, theming and cultural remaking.

STORYTELLING ARCHITECTURE TECHNOLOGY EXPERIENCE

Cultural and Historic Futures Making the stories of the past relevant for future generations

Thursday & Friday, May 4th–5th, 2017 8:30AM – 5:00PM National Motor Museum, Beaulieu

SATE returns to Europe and in full SATE style! The conference will feature speakers from across the industry sharing unique perspectives on questions including: ' How do great museums and historic houses best tell their stories? ' Should we integrate the experience into the architectural space or re-invent it in a new visitor attraction? ' What unique challenges do theme parks face in a culturally-rich visitor attraction landscape? ' What part do technology and new story-telling techniques play in attracting new audiences?

SATE will use Storytelling + Architecture + Technology = Experience to explore how all the elements that come together to create a truly great environment for guests can be applied to developing the future for cultural visitor attractions.

For more information and to book tickets visit our events page at teaconnect.org ATTRACTIONS-KIT.NET

For the latest supplier PRODUCT INNOVATION news and company information, visit Suppliers tell Attractions Management attractions-kit.net about their latest product, design and technology launches

OExtraordinary Voyages Adventure Dining takes guests on a journey into space, under the sea, back in time – or on any fantasy experience

TPG’s Edward Marks on combining dining, adventure and theme park thrills

he Producers Group (TPG) guests are taken into fl oors and furniture, copper T has unveiled a turnkey space, or on a time travel fi nishing, seamlessly integrated attraction that combines the expedition, or an underwater technology, ambient lighting and dark ride with the dining room. expedition,” says Marks. complete attention to detail. “If “It’s an absolutely immersive The adventure itself takes you look in any direction, you dining attraction, and what I place in a 80-seat dining vehicle, are there. There are no clues to mean by that is you’re on a ride the Centurion, manufactured by say you are anywhere else.” eating dinner,” says Edward coaster maker Premier Rides. Scenes and themes can be Marks, co-CEO at TPG. Looking out of the “windows” customised. Passengers could The Extraordinary Voyages passengers feel immersed in be taken on a whistlestop tour Adventure Dining (EVAD) destination-inspired scenarios. of world cities, back in time or experience is centred around “It’s like travelling on an to any imagined – or branded – OEdward Marks, a highly themed space where aeroplane or a train ride. It world. In this turnkey package, The Producers Group guests buy their tickets, have a doesn’t exert high levels of which was designed originally drink at the bar, browse in the movement apart from at very for mega-malls, everything is shop and explore and interact specifi c show moments which included except the kitchen. with their surroundings. we control,” Marks says. “We chose a Jules Verne No efforts have been spared ATTRACTIONS-KIT KEYWORD steampunk theme for the in the design and creation of the TPG base station. On the ride, ride and its theming, with wooden

96 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 Captioning and audiodescription made easy with STACK, says Matt Barton at 7thSense Design

att Barton, 7thSense a dark ride, or a person with M Design’s managing director, seeing diffi culties can enjoy runs a scout group for audiodescription as they enjoy children with special needs. He the experience. This is simply says he’s taken the group to a managed through the STACK number of theme parks and seen show control framework in Delta. how inaccessible they can be. “It works well on rides “It’s important to me that because the smart device always we develop our technologies knows where the rider is in the in a way that can help improve experience and what scene they inclusivity in the industry,” are watching, so the captioning says Barton. “At 7thSense, we and audio is kept in sync with were asked by a major client OMatt Barton, 7thSense Design the media,” Barton says. “This The STACK show control to develop a solution taking could be extended in the future system can be used to send advantage of the latest AR subtitles for content we’re with location-based services AR captions to a museum or technologies to provide closed serving from the 7thSense Delta that would know exactly where a park visitor’s smart glasses captioning while maintaining the Media Server. We can also play guest is in a museum and display immersive nature of dark rides. audio fi les through that device.” the right subtitles or audio track.” In answer to this challenge, This means someone with “Choice of language is built in we have developed an Android hearing diffi culties can wear to this system so you can also application which could run on a pair of smart glasses and have two people sitting beside ATTRACTIONS-KIT KEYWORD a tablet, phone or a pair of AR captions will be overlaid on the each other enjoying an experience 7THSENSE glasses, allowing us to display screen as they move through in two different languages.”

MULTMEDIA /AV CASE STUDY Kunstkraftwerk’s Devon Miles chooses Optoma

recent art installation at A a power plant in Leipzig, Germany, used 55 short- throw Optoma Proscene projectors to incorporate contemporary art with the industrial structure, creating a hugely immersive experience where guests feel like they’re moving through the artwork. Devon Miles, who oversees immersive video art at Kunstkraftwerk, says the artist Gianfranco Ianuzzi warned him not to “lose a pixel”. “I knew that we had to preserve as many pixels as "We chose the EH503 because OGianfranco Ianuzzi, possible,” Miles says. “Some it offered the most complete set the artist, did not want parts of the video content are of features in that price range. a single pixel to be lost 17000 x 1920 pixels. We were The network feature especially heavily relying on the lens shift came in handy and enabled us feature since the projectors to change various parameters were to be mounted at very on all projectors at once.” steep angles to achieve the maximum projection area.” ATTRACTIONS-KIT KEYWORD OPTOMA ODevon Miles, Kunstkraftwerk

attractionsmanagement.com 97 ATTRACTIONS-KIT.NET

Stephen Hamelin on using multiple engaging experiences to bring Vortex Splashpad to life

anda Xishuangbanna W International Resort in China’s Yunnan Province worked with Vortex Aquatic Structures International to design an enormous 30,000sq ft (2,787sqm) Splashpad – the largest Vortex Splashpad to date. OVortex supplied its largest Splashpad to date for a Wanda waterpark “When you’re trying to make such a big space engaging, you need to work with a and encourages a wide range of dumps water on the waiting company that has a wide experiences to appeal to all ages, kids below – usually something OSteve Hamelin, Vortex and varied product range to from toddlers to seniors. Gentle the older ones enjoy,” says offer myriad experiences,” misting spray loops, tall leaves Hamelin. “There are also some says Stephen Hamelin, CEO and ground sprays invite younger cause and effect products, like at Vortex. “You also need a children and their families to our Cascades products. These company that understands play play in a safe environment. enable kids to turn buckets and experiences, and what attracts “Some areas have gentle pull dams up and down to alter and engages the different water effecters with waterplay the course of the water. A lot age groups and abilities who features that are lower to the of kids ﬁ nd this engaging.” will be using the area.” ground for younger kids, while With 140 Vortex interactive other areas have a more thrilling ATTRACTIONS-KIT KEYWORD features, the Splashpad boasts experience with cannons to shoot VORTEX diverse waterplay environments water and a Superwave which

Accesso’s Steve Brown reveals Prism, the next-gen smart park wearable

here was an important that was relevant for 2017, factors to keep in mind,” Brown T starting point for Prism, an entire decade later? says. “Nobody wants to wait says Steve Brown, Accesso “We realised we had a little in line. No one wants to worry CEO. Its predecessor, Qbot, was bit of catching up to do in terms about wallets or deal with released back in 2007. How of our hardware, but we also cash in their pocket. We want would they create a product realised some basic consumer easy access, without keys or complicated codes. And we live in a real-time society.” Accesso took its observations OSteve Brown, Accesso along with its clients’ needs and developed Prism, a in a virtual queue, buy food touchscreen wearable with from a kiosk, receive updates messaging, park photography or promotional offers from the and virtual queuing capabilities. operator and manage their ride “This is truly the new standard and park photography. Prism in smart park technology. It’s collects data on guest behaviour a standalone device. It has in real time, which can be extended battery life of up to 200 used for marketing strategies days. The device is brandable. It and to gather feedback to has a Gorilla Gl Glass lens – it’s improve guest experience. not going to break. And it works with NFC, Bluetooth or RFID.” ATTRACTIONS-KIT KEYWORD Guests simply swipe the ACCESSO OGuests simply swipe the touchscreen to join a virtual queue touchscreen to take a place

98 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 WHEREWHERE THETHE BUSINESSBUSINESS OFOFFUN FUNBEGINSBEGINS ...AND LEISURE IS AT ITS BEST

THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF AMUSEMENT PARKS AND ATTRACTIONS PRESENTS EURO ATTRACTIONS SHOW 2017 Messe Berlin Exhibition Center | BERLIN, GERMANY CONFERENCE: 24–28 Sept. 2017 | TRADE SHOW: 26–28 Sept. 2017

Join us as the leaders of the leisure, attractions, tourism, and entertainment industries come together to showcase innovative products and services. Visit with more than 500 exhibitors on the trade show floor, learn industry best practices at 20+ education seminars, and network with 11,000 industry professionals. REGISTER EARLY AND SAVE!

www.IAAPA.org/EAS | [email protected] DIRECTORY

ATTRACTIONS SHOW AND EXHIBITION CREATIVE DESIGN AND BUILD

EURO ATTRACTIONS SHOW 2017 SAVE THE DATE BERLINGERMANY

Messe Berlin Exhibition Center Berlin, Germany

Conference: 24–28 Sept. 2017 Expo: 26–28 Sept. 2017

www.iaapa.org/eas www.joravision.com

4D RIDES & ATTRACTIONS CREATIVE DESIGN AND BUILD

Europe’s Largest Creative Design and Build Company

www.paragon-creative.co.uk

www.trio-tech.com www.paragon-creative.co.uk

IMMERSIVE RIDES & ATTRACTIONS VIRTUAL REALITY & 5D FILM

DO YOU MANAGE A XD THEATRE OR SIMULATOR & ARE YOU LOOKING FOR NEW EXCITING MOVIES? We’re working for you!

www.holovis.com www.redraion.com

100 attractionsmanagement.com AM 1 2017 ©CYBERTREK 2017 JOIN THE nation Come together with your peers and be inspired at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2017 to infuse something fresh, bold, and unique for your attraction. Whether you are imagining an all-new ride, an operational transformation, or 21st-century marketing mix, the opportunities available in Orlando are only limited by your creativity. CONFERENCE: NOV. 13–17 TRADE SHOW: NOV. 14–17 ORLANDO, FL, US 2017 www.IAAPA.org/IAAPAAttractionsExpo

REGISTRATION OPENS IN MAY. EXPERIENCE