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16 MAY 2018 ISSUE 104 www.attractionsmanagement.com Saudi Arabia's US$13.3bn investment plan

Saudi Arabia's government has revealed plans to invest SAR50bn (US$13.3bn, €11.2bn, £9.9bn) into entertainment, health, sports and education initiatives, as the country attempts to modernise and improve its citizens' quality of life.

Announced on 3 May by the Kingdom's General Entertainment Authority (GEA), it is understood that the investment will generate upward of 300,000 jobs by 2020. “Government spending on the initiatives will total around 60 per cent of the investment, with 40 per cent from the private sector,” QSaudi Arabia wants to reduce it reliance said Ahmed al-Khatib, GEA chair. on oil with new entertainment ventures “The entire benefi t from this big spending will be for the private By 2030, Saudi Arabia wants to have sector, and this supports the 2030 more than 450 clubs providing a Vision that strengthens its role.” variety of cultural activities and events, The entire benefi t from In the announcement, Khatib listed with the aim of doubling household this big spending will be three theme parks, a waterpark, museums spending on recreation to 6 per cent. for the private sector and more cinemas as part of the initiative. MORE: http://lei.sr?a=p8a3u_T Ahmed al-Khatib, GEA chair

VISITOR ATTRACTIONS ZOOS EARNINGS Themed Entertainment Major renovation for Results improving for Association names president brand new Safari SeaWorld with strong Q1 Michael Mercadante to p3 Dubai Safari closing for work p11 Will 2018 be SeaWorld's p12 succeed David Willrich just 6 months after opening comeback year? Attractions people

SeaWorld targets British tourists as interim CEO John Reilly plans to reclaim lost visitors

ollowing an impressive but we're really focused on F first quarter, which saw execution in that market. In a surge in attendance the past, we may not have at its attractions (see p12), executed as well as we could SeaWorld Entertainment is have on sales, marketing, casting its eyes overseas, and the communications particularly to the British side, and we're redoubling market, in an attempt to our efforts there." draw back lost customers. For Florida – a market Two of SeaWorld's that has traditionally been traditionally stronger markets more heavily influenced by are Latin America – specifically international visitors and is Brazil – and the UK. Both have home to SeaWorld Orlando been affected in recent times, – last year 1.44 million Brazil by its worst recession QJohn Reilly is the current interim CEO at SeaWorld people from Britain visited since 1930 and Britain by the state – a 10.4 per cent continued uncertainty over "For the UK specifically, we believe decline on the previous year. Brexit. To that end, SeaWorld is we have a strategic opportunity "For the UK specifically, we putting its international focus there to drive better results" believe we have a strategic on Britain to try to recapture opportunity there to drive better its international . international visitors in the CEO following the recent results," said Reilly. "We have "On the international front, first quarter," said John Reilly, departure of Joel Manby. "We a significant effort underway to we did see an increase in who is SeaWorld's temporary did see a decline in the UK, improve performance there."

Public artist Steed Taylor creates 'world's longest' street mural in West Palm Beach

ublic artist and designer "If roads are considered the skin of a P Steed Taylor has community, then a road has a similar completed the largest relationship to the public body as continuous street mural in skin does to the private body" the world, spanning the full length of Downtown West community-based, tattoo- as skin does to the private Palm Beach in Florida. inspired, public artworks on body. As people mark their The mile-long ‘road tattoo’ roads. They are a result of my skin for commemoration, is called Genii Loci, or ‘the investigation into repurposing communication and ritual, protective spirits of a place'. a common public space for then a road can be marked Local people were invited to art and a desire to bring for the same reasons." paint parts of the mural – which socially engaging art to where Genii Loci, which was QTaylor created the work with takes the form of interweaving people live," said Taylor. created during the city’s help from the local community three-colour Celtic knots and “If roads are considered recent West Palm Beach Art emphasises community. the skin of a community, Affair festival, is projected to “My road tattoos are then a road has a similar last three years, before it will commemorative, site-specific, relationship to the public body fade as nature takes over.

2 attractionsmanagement.com ©Cybertrek Ltd 2018 ISSUE 104 JOBS START ON PAGE 27 >>>

MANAGEMENT NEWS Contents issue 104

04 Investment paying off Cedar CEO Richard Zimmerman is leaning on new ride developments to buoy the company's profits in 2018

06 Free for all China's government is allocating US$86m in an effort to make some of the country's top science museums free to visit

12 Results improving for SeaWorld with strong Q1 Will 2018 be SeaWorld's comeback year?

14 Down Under in California QMercadante is president of Main Street Design San Diego Zoo set to debut US$17.4m Australian Walkabout "I look forward to continuing to advance the vision for TEA and building on the 16 A horticulturist's haven excellent work of David Willrich" Sir David Attenborough opens Kew Gardens' painstakingly restored Temperate House Michael Mercadante to succeed 18 Nou venture from Camp Nou David Willrich as TEA president FC Barcelona strikes deal to launch Barça attractions around the world ichael Mercadante, on the TEA's North American M president of board, helping to extend the Massachusetts- organisation's presence in CLASSIFIED & JOBS based experience design the Northeast. In addition to firm Main Street Design, his service with TEA, he has Job opportunities 27 will lead the Themed also served on the Program Entertainment Association Committee of the Association (TEA) as its new president of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Sign up to Leisure Opportunities: from November this year. Mercadante replaces Online: www.leisuresubs.com Serving on the TEA board David Willrich, who Email: [email protected] since 2012, Mercadante completes his second term Tel: +44 (0)1462 471930 has carried out numerous as president after taking Annual subscriptions: UK £34, roles for the organisation the position in 2016. UK students £18, Europe £45, RoW £68 since joining, spending time "I look forward to Leisure Opportunities is published 26 times a year by The Leisure Media on the Executive Committee continuing to advance the Company Ltd, Portmill House, Portmill Lane, Hitchin, Herts SG5 1DJ, UK. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author and do of the board for five years, vision for TEA and building not necessarily represent those of the publisher. All rights reserved. No and most recently acting as on the excellent work of part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by means, electronic, mechanical, recorded or treasurer and head of the TEA David Willrich, and TEA past otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright holder, Cybertrek Finance Committee. Prior to president Steve Birket before Ltd. Printed by Warners Midlands PLC. Distributed by Royal Mail Group Ltd and Whistl Ltd in the UK and Total Mail Ltd globally. ©Cybertrek Ltd 2018 that, he spent three years him," said Mercadante. ISSN 0952/8210 (Print). ISSN 2397-2394 (Online).

ISSUE 104 ©Cybertrek Ltd 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 3 Attractions people

New ride investments to drive Cedar Fair profits for 2018, says CEO Richard Zimmerman

edar Fair CEO Richard "New attractions is expand our C Zimmerman is leaning on audience, enhance repeatability new ride developments and improve value perceptions" to buoy the company's profits in 2018 following a drive urgency," he said. "The "As we head into our core successful first quarter. appeal of new attractions is operating season, we remain For the first three months that they expand our audience, enthusiastic about our plans, of the year, the company saw enhance repeatability and progress and potential - driven revenues increase by US$7m improve value perceptions." by our 2018 initiatives and the (€5.8m, £5.1m). Driven by New additions to the highly talented associates at increases in both attendance operator's parks for 2018 our parks," said Zimmerman. and average in-park guest per include Cedar Point's "Many of our investments QZimmerman became capita spending, Zimmerman Steel Vengeance, Knott's have already debuted with Cedar Fair CEO on 1 January credited the results to Berry Farm's HangTime, exceptional responses, new ride investments. Great America's RailBlazer giving us great confidence "We always feel large-scale and Twisted Timber at in the consumer demand attractions such as coasters Kings Dominion. for our products."

New York's Museum of Modern Art names Rob Giampietro as director of design

ew York's Museum of "MoMA is an institution N Modern Art has named that has shaped my Rob Giampietro as appreciation of art, design its new director of design, and creativity at every stage with the former Google of my life," said Giampietro. man taking charge of the "I am honoured to lead the institution's design output. two talented designers here as A member of MoMA's part of this new team during this newly-formed creative team, exciting and important moment Giampietro will help to in MoMA’s development." "extend MoMA’s identity as With more than 17 years of a dynamic and progressive experience, Giampietro was cultural institution physically most recently design manager rooted in New York City, for Google's Research and with a global reach and QGiampietro has more than 17 years of design experience Machine Intelligence team. impact on modern and Since 2006, he has also contemporary art and design." "MoMA is an institution that has shaped taught at the Rhode Island Working closely with the my appreciation of art, design and School of Design, where he museum's director of marketing creativity at every stage of my life" is currently a senior critic. and creative strategy, Rob Giampietro was previously Baker, and collaborating with Giampietro's team will build for MoMA. He will also help principal at Project Projects, director of editorial and content new strategic applications for define and drive the creative leading brand and interactive strategy, Leah Dickerman, an integrated brand identity vision for the MoMA brand. projects for cultural clients.

4 attractionsmanagement.com ©Cybertrek Ltd 2018 ISSUE 104 JOBS START ON PAGE 27 >>> MEET THE TEAM

For email use: [email protected]

Editor Liz Terry +44 (0)1462 431385

Managing editor Tom Anstey +44 (0)1462 471916

Publisher Julie Badrick +44 (0)1462 471971

Advertising sales Paul Thorman +44 (0)1462 471904

Advertising sales Sarah Gibbs +44 (0)1462 471908 QWonderwall principal architect Katayama Masamichi

Advertising sales "This project gave me great pleasure Chris Barnard and an opportunity to relearn, revisit +44 (0)1462 471907 and reevaluate Japan's aesthetics"

Advertising sales Simon Hinksman Katayama Masamichi designs +44 (0)1462 471905 London's Japan House Advertising sales Gurpreet Lidder new cultural destination The design of the whole +44 (0)1462 471914 A in London, celebrating space has been described as Japan and funded by its minimalistic, also refl ecting government, has announced the diverse range of activities its public opening date. it will host. A spiral staircase, Attractions Management Alice Davis Called Japan House spanning three levels will be at +44 (0)1462 471918 London, the new attraction its heart, with the piece built in will offer visitors authentic Japan and shipped to London. Japanese encounters when "This project gave me Newsdesk Tom Walker it opens on 22 June, with great pleasure and an +44 (0)1462 431385 the best in the nation's opportunity to relearn, revisit art, design, gastronomy, and reevaluate Japan's innovation and technology. aesthetics and the mindset of Newsdesk Kim Megson Wonderwall principal architect our people," said Katayama. +44 (0)1462 471915 Katayama Masamichi created "I wanted to create a the interior design features, purposeful and meaningful space which include hand-made which can be a stage and provide Circulation kawara fl oor tiles from Awaji a spotlight to the very broad Joe Neary Island and authentic products and creative programme on +44 (0)1462 471910 sourced from Japan. offer at Japan House London."

ISSUE 104 ©Cybertrek Ltd 2018 leisureopportunities.co.uk 5 news JOBS START ON PAGE 27 >>>

SCIENCE CENTRES US$86m for free science museums in China

China's government is allocating – are not included as part of CN¥545m (US$85.8m, €72.2m, the package, with attractions £63.2m) in an effort to make such as the China Science some of the country's top and Technology Museum science museums free-to-visit. already nearing capacity. The money, allocated by the China has more than 3,500 Ministry of Finance, will "ensure" museums – including over 3,000 free entry into a number of state-owned museums. Among science museums across China. its most popular in the science The move is the continuation category are the China Science of a policy launched in 2015. and Technology Museum in Between 2015 and 2016, , which welcomes around CN¥897m (€119m, £104m) 4 million visitors each year, was split between 123 selected and the Shanghai Science and QChina is making many of its science museums free to visit science museums, with entry Technology Museum, which fees for those institutions draws upwards of 3.5 million scrapped. In 2017, a further people annually. Outside CN¥553m (US$87.1m, of Beijing and Shanghai, €73.3m) was granted to 138 Chongqin's Science and The money, allocated by the Ministry of selected science museums Technology Museum welcomes Finance, will ensure free entry into a number for the same reason. more than 2.8 million people of science museums across China Popular destinations – through its doors each year. primarily in Beijing and Shanghai MORE: http://lei.sr?a=n6u3v_T

WATERPARKS Waterpark opens at Dubai's newest waterfront destination

Dubai's new beachfront leisure destination, La Mer, has opened its latest offering, with the launch of a major new waterpark. Opened on 12 May, the Laguna QThe new waterpark is the second La Mer features more Waterpark will feature five main phase development of La Mer than 130 shops, cafés, attractions, two of which are restaurants and beach firsts for the Middle East. The waterpark is the latest addition activities stretched The park includes the region's only to La Mer – a Meeras development along a waterfront WaveOz 180 FloRider, which utilises which opened in October last year. promenade latest ride surface technology over Covering 1.24sq km (0.47sq mi), La Mer 7,000sq ft (650sq m) to create a features more than 130 shops, cafés, 180-degree continuous wave for surfers. restaurants and beach activities stretched It also features the region's first Manta along a waterfront promenade. family raft ride and an Aqualoop. MORE: http://lei.sr?a=r2M2M_T

6 attractionsmanagement.com ©Cybertrek Ltd 2018 ISSUE 104 www.intaminworldwide.com news JOBS START ON PAGE 27 >>>

VISITOR ATTRACTIONS Singapore's leisure-fi lled airport attraction

Construction is nearing with travelators, which will completion on “a world-class, overlook the waterfall. signature lifestyle destination” Occupying a 3.5 hectare at Singapore’s Changi Airport, site on a former car park, the which has been designed 10-storey project will have to boost the city-state’s fi ve basement fl oors housing appeal as a stopover point an estimated 300 retail, for global travellers. food and beverage outlets. Conceived as the world’s "For tourists, we envisage most ambitious airport leisure Project Jewel to be a must- attraction, the complex, called visit Singapore attraction," The Jewel, is being built inside said Lee Seow Hiang, CEO an enormous glass dome of Changi Airport Group. covering a 40m-high indoor "For Singaporeans, it will QThe Jewel is being built inside an enormous glass dome waterfall and a fi ve-storey be an exciting world-class ‘forest valley’ with 2,500 destination right here at trees and 100,000 shrubs. home, where they can relax The building – which is and enjoy with their loved 75 per cent complete – will ones, again and again.” For tourists, we be connected directly to According to airport envisage Project Jewel the airport’s Terminal 1 and offi cials, The Jewel is on to be a must-visit linked to Terminals 2 and 3 track for a 2019 opening. Singapore attraction via air-conditioned bridges MORE: http://lei.sr?a=N7h9v_T Lee Seow Hiang

THEME PARKS Legoland Florida announces Lego Movie expansion plans

Merlin has announced the largest expansion for Legoland Florida since it opened in 2011. Coming in Q2 2019, the new world, based on The Lego Movie, is the theme park and resort's biggest investment in its history. QThe 2014 Lego Movie was a commercial success Three new rides will feature in the new world, with character meet and greets and a manager of Legoland Florida Resort. giant playscape also included. Additionally, "We know kids come from all over the the expansion will see the park's existing world to meet the stars of the movie The sights and sounds Quest for Chi interactive boat ride rethemed and we can’t wait to see their faces will be fully immersive to become part of Lego Movie World. light up as they interact within the Rex Jackson “The sights and sounds will be fully imaginative world of Bricksburg." immersive,” said Rex Jackson, general MORE: http://lei.sr?a=U2j3u_T

8 attractionsmanagement.com ©Cybertrek Ltd 2018 ISSUE 104

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WATERPARKS Expansion for 's biggest waterpark

Southeast Asia’s largest destination with sports waterpark is about to get even tourism, and this is good bigger, after the US$46m for the image of Pattaya. It (€38.6m, £34m) Ramayana also goes in harmony with Waterpark in Pattaya, the policies of the Thai Thailand, announced further government and Tourism investment plans in an effort Authority of Thailand of to boost the region's tourism. establishing Thailand as Ramayana's director a family destination. The of marketing and sales, Ramayana Waterpark is ready Johannes Patterman, to answer to this policy." confirmed the expansion Incorporated into its plans, which will include initial design, Ramayana investment in amusement reserved a third of its land QThe waterpark opened in 2016 facilities as well as organising for future expansion. events that cater to a “This will not only allow a larger number of tourists. growing number of visitors "The tourism industry of to enjoy the park without Pattaya, as well as of Thailand waiting times, but also offer The tourism industry of Pattaya, as as a whole, is expected to the latest thrills and rides,” well as of Thailand as a whole, is grow continuously," he said. said Patterman, speaking to expected to grow continuously "Pattaya’s tourism is Attractions Management News. Johannes Patterman also changing into a family MORE: http://lei.sr?a=s3d9N_T

ZOOS Dubai Safari to close just six months after opening

Despite only opening in December, the AED1bn (US$272m, €227m, £201m) Dubai Safari will close its doors for five months to undergo Our landmark improvements, says its operator. destination will help The Dubai Municipality, which has a QThe park closed its doors on 15 May attract even higher management deal with prolific developer numbers of tourists to Meraas, appointed to interactive and educational experience Dubai once it reopens oversee the day-to-day operations of the for our visitors,” said a statement from after the summer 119 hectare (0.48sq km) attraction, which the park, which closed on 15 May. hosts 2,500 animals of 250 species. “We are confident that our landmark Dubai Safari “In line with our commitment to destination will help attract even offering a superior customer experience, higher numbers of tourists to Dubai the upgrades seek to provide a better once it reopens after the summer.” habitat for our animals, and a more MORE: http://lei.sr?a=n9j9K_T

ISSUE 104 ©Cybertrek Ltd 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 11 earnings report JOBS START ON PAGE 27 >>>

EARNINGS Results improve for SeaWorld in first quarter

SeaWorld could finally be cent to 3.2 million visitors – an about to turn a financial increase of 400,000 guests. corner, after the operator Adjusted earnings before reported a strong start interest, taxes, depreciation, to the year with its first and amortisation (EBITDA) quarter results. significantly improved Following a series of poor year-on-year, with a loss financial results after several for the quieter quarter of years of decline stemming US$100,000 (€84,000, from the Blackfish controversy, £74,000) – an improvement SeaWorld's cost-cutting of US$30.2m (€25.4m, initiatives and new focus £22.3m) over last year's Q1. on experiences that matter "Despite this strong start seems to be taking effect. to the year, we know we have QSeaWorld is focused on 'experiences that matter' For the first three months of significant opportunity for the year, the operator reported further improvement," said revenue increases of US$30.8m interim CEO, John Reilly. (€25.9m, £22.8m) compared "We are driving additional to the same period in 2017, attendance, revenue and We know we totalling US$217.2m (€182.9m, adjusted EBITDA through our have significant £160.6m) for the quarter. enhanced communications opportunity for Attendance has also trended activities and new rides." further improvement positively in Q1, up 14.9 per MORE: http://lei.sr?a=y3N2D_T John Reilly

EARNINGS Disney delivers as park revenues increase

Profits at Disney's parks and resorts division continue to go up and up, with the operator reporting a buoyant start to the year, as net income surged more than 13 per cent for the last quarter to US$4.9bn (€4.1bn, £3.6bn). Recording profits for the quarter of QDisney's theme park division continues to thrive US$1bn (€841m, £736m) – an increase of 27 per cent year-on-year. Increases at Resorts and Studio businesses," said its international parks were attributed to Disney chair and CEO, Bob Iger. growth at Disneyland Paris and higher For the the quarter – Disney's second Our parks continue to occupied room nights and attendance of the year – the company as a whole drive growth through at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. reported quarterly revenue of US$14.6bn operational excellence "We're very pleased with our results (€12.3bn, £10.75bn), up 9 per cent. Bob Iger in Q2, especially in our Parks and MORE: http://lei.sr?a=2v4G2_T

12 attractionsmanagement.com ©Cybertrek Ltd 2018 ISSUE 104 OFFER YOUR CUSTOMER A CHOICE OF AWARD-WINNING ADVENTURES!

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Going Down Under in California

San Diego Zoo set to debut US$17.4m Australian Walkabout

alifornia's San Diego Zoo will later this month open a brand new US$17.4m (€14.6m, £12.8m) Australian enclosure, which Cis to debut on 25 May. Called Walkabout Australia, the immersive walkthrough 3.6 acre (14,500sq m) experience will feature a range of native Australian animals and will be themed around Australia’s rural landscapes, with a selection of plants and signs of human habitation encountered along backcountry roads. In the experience, guests will be able to explore four different types of Australian habitats: grassland, rainforest, wetlands and desert. In the opening grassland area, visitors will be able to walk through a meadow, which is home to western gray kangaroos, red-necked wallabies and brush turkeys. While visitors must QThe rainforest habitat offers remain on the path, the cageless views of the endangered experience allows them to get up double-wattled cassowary and close with the animals as they journey through the enclosure. After leaving the grassland, the "Aussie Animal Station" gives visitors It adds another dimension to an up close look at wombats, echidnas, San Diego Zoo global’s efforts blue-tongued skinks, woma pythons and sugar gliders. Accompanied by a keeper, to save endangered species, special encounters with the animals will such as the cassowary be available multiple times each day.

14 attractionsmanagement.com ©Cybertrek Ltd 2018 ISSUE 104 QThe new walk-through kangaroo exhibit will let visitors meet kangaroo species up close and personal

Not only does Walkabout Australia allow us to connect people to Australia’s fascinating wildlife, but it adds another dimension to San Diego Zoo global’s eff orts to save endangered species

The new attraction will also teach cassowary, which will also take part in visitors about water, exploring the a breeding programme dedicated to connection between it and the animals saving the species from extinction. and people that depend on it. A stream The fi nal area – desert – is a recreation runs through the grassland area, pooling of Australia's deviled marbles. From there, in a billabong pond. Its source is a the area opens up to different parts of larger wetland pond, where guests will the zoo, taking visitors to either the World see radjah shelducks, freckled ducks Gardens or Ridge parts of the zoo. and magpie geese. In this area children “Australia is an extraordinary can play in the water's shallows, with a place and we are thrilled to provide special area to also watch the birds. a snapshot of some of the wonders A rustic building representing a wool from Down Under,” said Lisa Peterson, shearing shed called Zuest follows. director at San Diego Zoo. Acting as a restaurant, the building "Not only does Walkabout Australia also teaches visitors about the various allow us to connect people to Australia’s techniques and traditions of sheep fascinating wildlife, but it adds QLisa Peterson, director ranching and wool production practiced another dimension to San Diego Zoo at San Diego Zoo in Australia for more than two centuries. global’s efforts to save endangered The rainforest habitat offers views species, such as the cassowary of the endangered double-wattled and Matschie’s tree kangaroo.”

ISSUE 104 ©Cybertrek Ltd 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 15 Insight

QKew Gardens in London has completed the largest restoration project in its entire history A horticulturist's haven

Sir David Attenborough opens Kew Gardens' painstakingly restored Temperate House

ew Gardens in London has be cleaned, repaired or replaced. The completed the largest res- structure’s intricate ironwork and ground toration project in its entire paving were carefully repaired and history: a redevelopment of thousands of panes of glass replaced. the iconic Temperate House, The Temperate House – show-house Know home to 10,000 plants, including of the Gardens’ largest plants – was some of the world’s rarest. designed by architect Decimus Burton The long and painstaking repair of and opened to the public in 1863. the historic glasshouse, overseen by During the Second World War the Donald Insall Associates and costing glasshouse suffered indirect structural Q Sir David Attenborough re-opened £41m (€46m, US$54m), saw 400 damage, causing leaks and corrosion the Temperate House on 5 May staff and contractors remove 69,000 that persisted despite repairs. A fi rst individual elements from the building to restoration was completed in 1980,

16 attractionsmanagement.com ©Cybertrek Ltd 2018 ISSUE 104 QUsing 21st century materials, the building has been carefully restored to its original design

but by 2011 the government warned that nowhere else does. If you want that new repairs were required within to identify something, this is the three years. The attraction was closed ultimate authority worldwide. It’s the in August 2013. Over the following It’s a breathtakingly most important botanical institute in fi ve years, the building has been the world and occupies a very special carefully restored to its original design. beautiful space. place in the science of Botany. Famed naturalist and broadcaster These plants are “In some circumstances, the only way Sir David Attenborough re-opened you can prove that a particular species the Temperate House on 5 May. wonderful, and is that species, is to come to Kew and “It’s a breathtakingly beautiful here they are, compare what you have with what is space. These plants are wonderful, here. This is why people come from all and here they are, safe from peril," safe from peril over the world to the Kew Herbarium, he said. “Kew does all sorts of things and to these great glasshouses.”

ISSUE 104 ©Cybertrek Ltd 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 17 Insight

Parques Reunidos will help us to project our image in strategic territories, offering our supporters a 100 per cent Barça experience Manel Arroyo, vice president, FC Barcelona Nou venture from Camp Nou

FC Barcelona strikes deal with Parques Reunidos to launch Barça-themed attractions around the world

panish football giant FC Barcelona has reached a deal to open a number of Barça- themed “experience spaces” around the world. SClub president Josep Maria Bartomeu has signed a five-year agreement with leisure park developer Parques Reunidos to get the ball rolling on the project, which will see indoor parks, between 3,000 and 10,000sq m in size, opened in “busy shopping malls and iconic establishments in the centres of cities with high numbers of pedestrian traffic.” Each will be dedicated exclusively to FC Barcelona, with visitors able to enjoy immersive, varied experiences “based on the history, values, players and memorable moments QNew Barcelona visitor experiences of the club, blending interaction, new will appear across the world technologies, education and fun.” To begin with, five of the attractions

18 attractionsmanagement.com ©Cybertrek Ltd 2018 ISSUE 104 QExperiences blend interaction, new technology, education and fun

Parques Reunidos will help us to project our image in strategic territories, off ering our supporters a 100 per cent Barça experience

will be built in strategic regions for company to offer, hand in hand with one of the club, with the fi rst scheduled to the best teams in the world, an innovative open in the US and Asia in 2020. and thrilling sport and leisure experience for “The agreement with Parques Reunidos football lovers in Asia, the US and Europe”. will help us to project our image in strategic The developer has a total of 61 parks territories, offering our supporters a 100 in 14 countries. Its properties include per cent Barça experience, and at the same , Parque Warner generating a major source of income,” Madrid, , said club vice president Manel Arroyo. and . “Parques Reunidos are a leading FC Barcelona, which won Spain’s La company in their sector, and they have Liga championship this year, is also worked with and Lionsgate currently developing a vibrant district on indoor entertainment parks like the dedicated to the club and its brand QFC Barcelona won won Spain’s ones that Barça will have. That means around a redeveloped Camp Nou La Liga championship this year we’ll be able to continue to set new stadium, with the city council recently trends in the entertainment industry”. greenlighting its ambitious plans. Fernando Eiroa, the delegate councillor Meanwhile, the team’s star player, for Parques Reunidos, added: “Our Lionel Messi, has inspired a new theme company is constantly looking for new park in Nanjing, China, with a consortium opportunities to expand in order to offer of developers, including China’s Phoenix unforgettable experiences for all the Group and Spanish conglomerate Mediapro, family. At these centres, we will be the fi rst backing the “unique global experience.”

ISSUE 104 ©Cybertrek Ltd 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 19 For the latest supplier PRODUCT INNOVATION news and company information, visit attractions-kit.net Suppliers tell Attractions Management News about their latest product, design and technology launches

O26 infl atable compartments are used to simulate pressure and force

Disney Research ups virtual reality game with haptic jacket

isney's research arm is aim- growth, a force strike from a haptic actuation over large areas D ing to take virtual reality to snowball and a snake wrapping with a relatively low number the next level, developing a itself around their body. of actuators, as compared to new haptic technology to simu- "Immersive experiences conventional techniques." late impact on the human body. seek to engage the full sensory Combined with the jacket, Dubbed the "Force Jacket", system in ways that words, a haptic effects editor 26 infl atable compartments pictures, or touch alone allows designers to create are used to simulate pressure cannot," said a research specifi c haptic effects, and force, adding a physical paper headed by research building a library of haptic response to the VR realm. associate Alexandra Delazio. sensations for use in VR. Disney Research led the "The primary motivation "Ultimately the Force Jacket OThe research paper was project, working alongside MIT of this research was to provides a new haptic actuation headed by Alexandra Delazio and Carnegie Mellon University enhance the entertainment method that can deliver far to develop the wearable value of HMD-based visual more immersive experiences tech, which can stimulate a VR experiences in games by engaging the whole body," wide range of sensations. and movies, by providing the paper concluded. In a video showcasing the on-body force feedback. ATTRACTIONS-KIT KEYWORD jacket, Disney shows users "This system offers the DISNEY experiencing sudden muscle unique capability of delivering

20 attractionsmanagement.com ©Cybertrek Ltd 2018 ISSUE 104 Polin releases details of major company restructure

aterpark specialist Polin W has released details of a major company restructure that will see the it consolidate all of its brands into one of four different divisions OThe company will operate as four different divisions – Amusement Attractions, Composites Manufacturing, the Composites, Fipol and "This change recognises Park Development and Futuraform companies. Park the new role that our company Funtastic Parks – under one Development includes Design plays in the industry today," brand name, Polin Group. Studio, Park Services, Project said Basar Pakis, CEO of Polin OBasar Pakis, CEO Amusement Attractions Development, and Invest Group. "We expect that our of Polin Group encompasses Polin Waterparks, Planning and Management, company can become even Attractions, Game Technologies, and Funtastic Parks comprises more successful in the future." Polin Aquariums, Safari Parks of Funtastic Aquariums, ATTRACTIONS-KIT KEYWORD and Theming. Composites Funtastic Waterparks and POLIN Manufacturing incorporates Funtastic Amusement Parks.

Ride installation Triumph for Alterface as Bazyliszek opens at Legendia

azyliszek (Basilisk) It features a queue and and are taken on an immersive B Alterface's next generation preshow, created by Dutch adventure. The ride culminates dark-ride has opened at experiential design fi rm Jora in a fi erce battle between the Legendia theme park in Poland. Vision, designed to immerse riders and the Basilisk. Riders are Billed as a one-of-a-kind guests in the experience equipped with Hunter experience, Basilisk takes riders from the moment they set Guns – a 'weapon', designed on a thrilling adventure inspired foot in the attraction. by Alterface, which uses light by stories from traditional Polish During the preshow, guests and mirror technology to create folklore, and is the fi rst attraction enter the headquarters for the a laser-like effect – to defend of its kind to open in Poland. Monster Hunters Guild, where themselves, and score points. "Our goal was to build a OLegendia CEO Pawel Cebula high-level dark ride around a well-known Polish legend, and they are informed that the at an affordable budget", said peaceful village of Kurkowo is Legendia CEO Pawel Cebula. being terrorised by monsters, "With the new Basilisk ride we including the fearsome Basilisk. offer an advanced mixed-media Riders are given a special attraction that will appeal to young task, which they must carry and old. We have all truly enjoyed out during the ride in order to building this ride," he added. defeat the Basilisk. They then ATTRACTIONS-KIT KEYWORD board Monster Hunter vehicles, ALTERFACE OAlterface served as the main contractor on the ride designed by ETF ride systems,

ISSUE 104 ©Cybertrek Ltd 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 21 MANAGEMENT NEWS Diary dates

16-17 MAY 2018 Museums + Heritage Show Olympia, London, UK Completely free to attend, the Museums + Heritage Show offers two jam-packed days featuring more than 50 free talks, QLearning opportunities and networking events are available at MuseumNext 150 suppliers and consultants and a raft of special features. The show is 18-20 JUNE 2018 to hear inspiring presentations, pick the perfect place to discover new ideas MuseumNext Europe up career skills in expert hosted and opportunities to explore new ways The Royal Geographic workshops and network with fellow of working, all designed to make your Society, London, UK delegates. organisation bigger, better and stronger. Bringing together delegates from more Tel: +44 1912 573 439 Tel: +44 1905 724 734 than 40 countries, MuseumNext offers Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] the museum community the opportunity www.museumnext.com www.show.museumsandheritage.com

5-8 JUN 2018 5-9 JUNE 2018 23-30 JUNE 2018 IAAPA Asian Attractions Ecsite Annual Conference International Symposium Expo 2018 Natural History Museum of on Electronic Art Hong Kong Convention Geneva, Switzerland Durban, South Africa and Exhibition Centre More than 1,100 professionals will be ISEA is one of the world’s most prominent Join colleagues and industry leaders getting together for Ecsite – the largest international arts and technology events, for the premier international business science communication conference in bringing together scholarly, artistic, and event for attractions industry Europe. It features two keynote speeches, scientifi c domains in an interdisciplinary professionals in the Asia-Pacifi c region. 350 speakers, 60 exhibitors, two discussion and showcase of creative Tel: +1 703 836 4800 dedicated tinkering and gaming labs and productions applying new technologies in Email: [email protected] three evening social events. art, interactivity, and electronic and digital www.iaapa.org/expos Tel: +32 2 649 7383 media. Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 1273 643 042 6-7 JUNE 2018 www.ecsite.eu Email: [email protected] Attractions Africa www.isea-international.org Gold Reef City, Johannesburg, 7 JUNE 2018 South Africa Museum Tech 2018 9-12 JULY 2018 Attractions Africa is dedicated to advancing Museum of London, London, UK RISE Conference the visitor attractions industry in Africa Museum Tech 2018 presents some of Hong Kong Convention and through the sharing of knowledge. The the latest digital experiences, tools and Exhibitions Centre, Hong Kong Attractions Africa Conference provides an projects developed for the museum sector Speakers from some of the world's largest opportunity for attractions professionals and beyond. This interactive seminar companies and most exciting startups will at every level to participate, learn and features case studies, keynotes and share their stories and experiences. They’ll network. The conference is a two-day event practical demonstrations that sheds light be joined by major global media, hundreds especially designed for visitor attraction on how technology can be used in many of investors and thousands of attendees for professionals. diverse areas of museum practice. three days of networking events. Tel: +27 21 683 2934 Tel: +44 2075 667 840 Tel: +353 1 443 3029 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.attractionsafrica.co.za www.museumsassociation.org www.riseconf.com

22 attractionsmanagement.com ©Cybertrek Ltd 2018 ISSUE 104 4 October 2018 Registration www.vacevents.comOpen!

Official Publication: Thursday 4 October 2018 - The QEII Conference Centre, Westminster, London.

The essential event for owners, managers and marketers of a visitor attraction, for opinion formers and tourism or heritage professionals. Supported by: VAC is a national conference organised by the industry, for the industry where you can: • Get involved in a unique forum for industry professionals. • Network and share experiences. Don’t miss this opportunity to: • Understand your business in the context of the wider visitor attractions market. • Keep up to date and find new directions for your business. Register on line now. Early bird and multiple booking discount registration rates apply. www.vacevents.com www.anviovr.com [email protected]

www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/livechat

CREATOR AND MARKET LEADER IN FUN CLIMBING

#clipnclimb Find great staff ™

Jobs start MANAGEMENT NEWS here Recruitment headaches? Looking for great people? Attractions Management News can help

Tell me about Attractions Management News I hear you're part of Leisure Media Whatever leisure facilities you're responsible for, Yes, we give you access to Leisure Media's the AM News service can raise your recruitment entire network of print, digital, online and social to another level and help you find great people. brands, enabling you to build your profile as an Employer of Choice™ via Leisure Opportunities, How does it work? Health Club Management, Sports Management, We work in partnership with you to get Leisure Management, Attractions Management, your job vacancies in front of qualified, and Spa Business/Spa Opportunities. experienced industry people via specially customised recruitment campaigns. What packages are available? We off er everything you need, from rolling There are loads of recruitment Powerpack campaigns which earn you extra job services, how is AM News special? marketing goodies and discounts, to targeted AM News is the only recruitment service in the ad hoc campaigns, reputation management industry off ering job marketing in print, on digital, promotions, executive job marketing and open social, email, via an online job board and on video, so day and schools and apprenticeship marketing. you get the best of all worlds for one competitive price. Is there more? What are the most powerful features? Yes, we also off er a range of HR services through our We positions your job vacancy listings right next sister company, HR Support, such as cv screening, to our popular industry news feeds, so your career shortlisting and interviewing to final shortlist. opportunities catch the eye of those hard-to reach candidates who aren't currently job hunting. What now? In addition, to celebrate the 100th issue We have packages to suit all budgets and of AM News, we've also relaunched the requirements and we'd love to talk to you about website with fantastic enhanced search how we can partner to bring inspirational people functionality which enables you to target into your organisation to give you that competitive the best candidates with a laser focus. advantage you know will make a diff erence.

Meet the Attractions Management News recruitment team

Liz Terry Julie Badrick Paul Thorman Sarah Gibbs Chris Barnard Simon Hinksman Gurpreet Lidder

Hope to hear from you soon on +44 (0)1462 431385 or email [email protected]

ISSUE 103 ©Cybertrek Ltd 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 27 TO ADVERTISE call +44 (0)1462 431385 email: [email protected] www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/livechatlive chat: click here

Head of Food and APPOINTMENTS

Beverage

Location: Millennium Centre, Cardiff, Wales, UK Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 Hours: Full time

Wales Millennium Centre seeks to inspire our nation, impress the world – we wish all our delivery to be world leading. For us, food and beverage is an integral part of the experience, it’s an opportunity to showcase our innovative work and to use the amazing quality of produce H]HPSHISLPU>HSLZ>OL[OLYP[»ZHJ\WVMJVɈLLHTLHSILMVYLHZOV^VYHKYPURPU the interval – we want it to be exceptional. Are you passionate about driving an exceptional food & beverage experience in a creative and cultural environment? Are you a motivational leader who promotes a sense of pride, enthusiasm and excellence amongst your team? Would you thrive in the knowledge that you and your team make a vital contribution to creating inspirational and life-changing experiences that broaden horizons at Wales’s national performing arts centre? ARTS & CULTURE We’re searching for a dynamic individual to lead our talented food & beverage team [VTH_PTPZLZHSLZYL]LU\LZKLSP]LYJVUZPZ[LU[L_JLSSLUJLHUKYLÅLJ[[OLJYLH[P]L and inspirational work of the Centre. You’ll be responsible for developing sustainable plans to ensure growth within our food & beverage business; recruiting and retaining customer experience focused talent and collaborate across the organisation to nurture innovative promotions and PTWYV]LTLU[Z[OYV\NOV\[V\YMVVK IL]LYHNLVɈLYPUN If this is you – we’d love to hear from you. For full details and to apply, please click link below and send your CV along with a covering letter describing your skills and why you are suitable for the role. We welcome applications in Welsh or English. If you apply for a role at the Centre in Welsh, your application will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Apply now - http://lei.sr?a=e8a5y

28 Q HUNDREDS MORE JOBS ONLINE AT: www.attractionsmanagement.com ARTS & CULTURE

pennaeth Bwyd a Diod

Location: Canolfan y Mileniwm, Caerdydd, Cymru, UK APPOINTMENTS Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 Hours: Full time

Apply now - http://lei.sr?a=e8a5y

29 TO ADVERTISE call +44 (0)1462 431385 email: [email protected] www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/livechatlive chat: click here

Namco UK Ltd. is part of the Bandai Namco group of companies a listed company that operates across the globe. The main business units of the worldwide group are toy and hobby products, game software and amusement facilities however in the UK Namco UK Ltd operates leased large scale multi leisure facilities and signifi cant revenue share contracts. Opportunities to work within a diverse leisure business working at the busy Flag Ship site Namco Funscape The Traff ord Centre Operating in the leisure environment the business opens and operates daily 364 days a year with key trading times being evenings, weekends and school holidays. As a result, the roles demand fl exibility. APPOINTMENTS

Senior Bowling Technician Food & Beverage Manager Location: Manchester Location: Manchester Salary: Competitive + Benefi ts Salary: Competitive + Benefi ts

Within the role your responsibilities will Within the role your responsibilities will include: include:

O Daily routine maintenance of the GX98 O Increasing current F&B sales on site and pinsetters pushing the business forward O Training and Development of the current O Training and Development of onsite staff technical team O Improving the delivery and standards of the O Instil and maintain high standards of F&B operation pinsetter maintenance O Full P&L accountability of F&B sales O Ensure the pinsetters remain operationally O Managing Costs of Sales to ensure sound especially during peak periods profi tability remains in line with company O Ensuring Health & Safety procedures are targets adhered to at all times O Weekly stocktakes & line cleaning O Organisation of the workshop area O Health and Safety compliance ENTERTAINMENT O Working with a set budget for spares and O EPOS/Stock review and variance analysis ordering of replacement parts Previous experience of working within a busy Previous experience working with GX F&B operation is essential. pinsetters would be advantageous but not essential. You will be an excellent communicator, having the ability to drive and inspire the onsite team You will be an excellent communicator, having to push and maximise F&B sales. the ability to drive and inspire the technical team to achieve high maintenance standards. With a ‘hands-on’ approach you will acquaint yourself with all processes within the F&B With a ‘hands-on’ approach you will acquaint operation on site making effi ciencies and yourself with all processes within the Bowling increasing eff ectiveness wherever possible. operation on site making effi ciencies and increasing eff ectiveness wherever possible.

CLOSING DATE FOR BOTH ROLES: 20TH MAY 2018 APPLY NOW: http://lei.sr?a=l7G6w

30 Q HUNDREDS MORE JOBS ONLINE AT: www.attractionsmanagement.com WATERPARKS

Anglian Water is more than just pipes and pumping stations. Did you know we are also responsible for some of the area’s most popular recreational sites in England? Our Recreation Team manages over 4,000 hectares of parkland, woodland and reservoirs including Rutland Water. These areas provide valuable open space offering high-quality leisure APPOINTMENTS opportunities ranging from international triathlons, sailing regattas to fi shing competitions. We want our visitors to experience and enjoy our great leisure facilities and to be as passionate and proud of our environment as we are. Set in 4200 acres of open countryside, Rutland is the central rural attraction in England’s smallest county of Rutland and offers activities for all the family. LIFEGUARD/SENIOR LIFEGUARD OOAKHAM, RUTLAND, UK OCOMPETITIVE SALARY We are looking for Lifeguards to make sure our visitors If you thrive with extra responsibility and feel that are safe when on our inland beach at Sykes Lane. you have the skills to lead and supervise a team of Hundreds of people visit Rutland Water Park every year lifeguards, you could be our next senior lifeguard. and we need dedicated lifeguards and senior lifeguards This is a seasonal opportunity (June – October), and who take a vigilant approach and respond with urgency you will be employed on a fl exible, 0 hours contract. and effi ciency to any swimmers and visitors in distress. Spend your summer, helping the public, in a beautiful You’ll be the fi rst point of contact for our visitors so lake setting. you’ll need strong communication and social skills. It’s essential that you hold the National Pool Lifeguard Qualifi cation (NPLQ) and have previous experience in a similar outdoor environment. WATERSPORTS INSTRUCTOR OOAKHAM, RUTLAND, UK OCOMPETITIVE HOURLY RATE We are looking for Watersports Instructors to work You will receive in-house training, an annual car at Rutland Water and provide tuition and general parking pass to use at our Water Parks and discounted assistance to our visitors. rates on many of the activities at the Park. Our visitors can hire rowing boats, canoes and kayaks Requirements: and take part in raft building and power boating. As OYou’ll have a keen interest in watersports and have a Watersports Instructor, your key responsibility is to experience in a similar role and want to share your ensure all visitors are enjoying their time at the Park enthusiasm with our visitors. whilst remaining safe. O It’s advantageous if you have a First Aid qualifi cation and/or watersports qualifi cations. Working on a casual basis during busy periods, mainly at the weekends and during school holiday periods, If successful you would be issued with a fl exible zero hour you will be paid a competitive hourly salary and contract, therefore shift patterns and rotas vary, depen- become part of the great Rutland Water Team. dent on the need of the Water Park and your availability.

Closing date for both positions: 27th May 2018 Apply now: http://lei.sr?a=g9J5g 31 Visitor Experience Manager Competitive Salary + Benefits Closing Date: 25th May

Woburn Abbey forms part of the Bedford Estates and is a leading visitor attraction and the private residence of the Duke and Duchess of Bedford. We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Visitor Experience Manager to be responsible for the successful management of the Abbey visitor services team.

The Visitor Experience Manager will be accountable for managing all operational activities whilst ensuring the delivery of an exceptional visitor experience including managing, planning and delivering events. In addition, the role will be instrumental in the delivery of the Abbey master plan, a planned multi-million pound refurbishment programme for the Abbey and visitor services. The ideal candidate should be able to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, be performance driven and possess excellent organisational and planning skills. In addition, they should be educated to degree level and have previous experience within a similar role.

Benefits O Free entry into the Woburn Abbey and O Discounted food at The Woburn Hotel, Safari Woburn Safari Park Park, Golf Club and the Duchess Tea Rooms O Courtesy rounds of golf at The Woburn O Annual leave entitlement increasing with Golf Club, subject to availability and service handicap O Venue hire discount at the Sculpture O Discounts on selected items within the Gallery, subject to availability retail areas of the Abbey, Safari Park and O Health Cash Plan with Simply Health at Golf Club preferential rates O Life Assurance Cover

For more information and to apply: http://lei.sr?a=j8b8X