Attractions Management Issue 2 2018

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ART IN A DAMIEN DIGITAL AGE HIRST Tokyo collective of Artist takes over 'ultra-technologists' country estate opens museum

Multi-Oscar-winning director on the power of VR Alejandro González Iñárritu Sanrio Hello Kitty Town, Malaysia Happy Magic Watercube, China

Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort, Thailand Qingdao International Tourist City, China

Wanda Nanchang, China

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Page Attraction Management.indd 1 23/02/18 15:16 Editor’s letter

a New hotel geNre

Attractions operators are discovering the profits that can be made from selling accommodation of all types – from hotels and resorts, to shared ownership. Early adopters have led the way and now the wider market is poised for growth

recent visit to the wonderful Europa Park in Germany Personally, I can’t wait for someone to create a Harry Potter gave me serious pause for thought, as the scale of hotel – can you imagine how amazing it would be to actually stay Roland Mack’s hotel aspirations became clear. at Hogwarts? Occupancy would be 100 per cent year-round. A We did a hard hat tour of the park’s new hotel With such strong catalogues of IPs to use as the basis which is under construction, and it’s ambitious – the size for themed hotels, attractions owners and operators are of the project is such it seems Europa Park is pivoting to ideally placed to either go it alone and own, build and operate become a hotel operator with a theme park attached, rather themselves, or to do so in collaborate with hotel investors and than a theme park operator with hotels on the side. hotel operating companies. The opportunity is there within the This will be the park’s sixth hotel. Called Krønasår, it will open industry to roll out a wide range of accommodation offers. in 2019 and have 276 rooms These could be in any kind and 28 family suites, as well of attraction which is regional, as conference and banqueting national or international in facilities and restaurants. The I can’t wait for someone to scale and has a suitable entire place will be themed as create a Harry Potter hotel – catchment area and available a natural history museum. can you imagine how amazing it land with the right consents. The Mack family, who own The hospitality sector is and run Europa Park, have would be to stay at Hogwarts? experiencing strong growth, and more land and early work is hotel operators and investors underway on a seventh hotel. are looking for partnerships Hotels and attractions are to bring new developments becoming closer bedfellows and the trend is all positive. With their to market: the visitor attractions sector is a great fit, given it experiential skills and theming expertise, attractions designers brings with it an existing clientele, marketing firepower, land and are capable of creating the most amazing places to stay – as far good travel links. Attractions operators also make great joint removed from the dull, cookie-cutter monotony of your average venture partners because they understand the service economy hotel as it’s possible to get. Accommodation also adds significantly and have strong, consumer-facing brands. to the guest experience, as demonstrated by the occupancy rates Themed hotels already exist, but we think the experience and being achieved by operators who have taken the leap. immersion can be taken to a new level with the next generation The new AECOM/TEA Theme Index highlights this trend by of properties to be built, to create a new genre of hotel. logging important new hotel developments at Parc Asterix in Without serious accommodation portfolios, larger scale Paris, Ocean Park Hong Kong and the Xcaret Park in Mexico, as attractions will never fulfil their true potential, so building out well as the much anticipated Star Wars themed hotel at Walt this side of the business is the next stage in our evolution. Disney World Resort and Marvel hotel at Disneyland Paris. Liz Terry, editor. Twitter: @elizterry

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

©Cybertrek 2018 AM 2 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 7 IN THIS ISSUE ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT

Q p12 Pioneering British artist Damien Hirst Q p74 Getting engaged: using science capital to empower science communicators and visitors

Q p58 Iceland is investing in its tourism industry with a focus on quality above quantity Q p34 Sultan Al Dhaheri on Abu Dhabi

07 Editor’s Letter 34 Interview 50 Rides Sultan Al Dhaheri Need for Speed 12 People With the launch of Warner Bros World and Five multi-million-dollar rollercoasters, Meet the people in the news, with the Louvre in Abu Dhabi, the Department including Wicker Man and Time Traveller British artist Damien Hirst and movie of Culture and Tourism’s Sultan Al Dhaheri director Alejandro González Iñárritu explains how investing in attractions is 58 Tourism helping the emirate meet its tourism goals Red Hot, Ice Cold 20 Science Centres news Kath Hudson finds out how Iceland’s 21 Visitor Attractions news 42 Animal sanctuaries tourism and attractions industries 22 Theme Parks news Paws for Thought are growing up side by side 24 Waterparks news The UK’s Big Cat Sanctuary is the subject 27 Museums & Galleries news of a recent BBC documentary. Managing 66 Museums 28 Heritage news director Giles Clark explains how the Doing the Honours 31 Zoos & Aquariums news facility works – and introduces Maya A look at the projects that featured on 32 Technology news the jaguar and Willow the cheetah the Museum + Heritage Awards shortlist

8 attractionsmanagement.com AM 2 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT ISSUE 2 2018

Q p42 Paws for thought with Giles Clark and Maya the jaguar from the Big Cat Sanctuary Q p66 Tim Peake’s space descent in VR

Q p50 Five hot new rollercoasters Q p80 Meet Japanese collective teamLab as they open a ‘world-first’ digital art museum

74 Science centres 86 Sponsored brieﬁ ng

Getting Engaged Professionalising Your PART TWO Researchers Dr Amy Seakins and Attractions Security Team Dr Heather King explain how science In part two of a three-part series, capital empowers science centres NW Security Group’s Nigel Peers looks at to engage wider audiences in STEM, training and managing an effective team plus European initiatives in action

92 Show preview On the cover: Alejandro Iñárritu 80 Digital art Asian Attractions Expo Light Fantastic The Asian edition of IAAPA’s trade show Subscribe: Tokyo-based digital art collective teamLab is returns to Hong Kong. Here’s what to expect To subscribe, call: +44 (0)1462 471915 or visit www.leisuresubs.com on a mission to change the way we interact Web gallery: with and experience art. Magali Robathan 96 Attractions-kit.net For suppliers of products and reports on the group’s installation work Product Innovation services in the worldwide attractions and their upcoming museum launch Suppliers on their latest product launches industry, turn to page 100

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 2 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 9 the team

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10 attractionsmanagement.com AM 2 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 MORE TO ENJOY... What’s hot in Leisure Media’s magazines

HEALTH CLUB CLADMAG SPA BUSINESS ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT Q Alison Brooks on Q Henri and Dominique Q David Cooper, bridging the gap between Chenot on new growth Q Artist Damien Hirst co-founder of Gymbox, architects and the public for the Chenot Group collaborates with on his fresh approach historic stately home Q Odile Decq on Q Iceland’s Blue Lagoon Q Depression: should women in architecture launches lava spa Q Alejandro Iñárritu GPs prescribe exercise? wins praise for VR ﬁlm Q Check out some Q ISPA’s inaugural Qhttp://leisuremedia.com/TP_counter.cfm?sitecode=LMD&mag=Health%20Club%20Management&codeID=3043&linktype=homepage Maria Sharapova’s ofhttp://cladglobal.com/TP_counter.cfm?sitecode=CLD&mag=CLADmag&codeID=3041 the world’s most Workforcehttp://leisuremedia.com/TP_counter.cfm?sitecode=LMD&mag=Spa%20Business&codeID=3037&linktype=homepage Study Qhttp://leisuremedia.com Japan’s teamLab foray into design gorgeous gyms debunks industry myths opens digital art museum

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SPORTS LEISURE SPA OPPORTUNITIES AM NEWS MANAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES Q Tented relaxation Q Saudi Arabia £13bn Q Former rugby star Q Report: UK ﬁtness makes its debut at growth plan includes Laurence Dallaglio uses industry worth £5bn Capella Ubud spa theme parks and more sport to help youngsters Q Xercise4Less Q Cambridge to get Q SeaWorld eyes Qhttp://leisuremedia.com/TP_counter.cfm?sitecode=LMD&mag=Sports%20Management&codeID=3025&linktype=homepage Are councils asking secureshttp://leisuremedia.com/TP_counter.cfm?sitecode=LMD&mag=Leisure%20Opportunities&codeID=3044&linktype=homepage foreign funding botanicalhttp://leisuremedia.com/TP_counter.cfm?sitecode=LMD&mag=Spa%20Opportunities&codeID=3042&linktype=homepage spa Britishhttp://leisuremedia.com/TP_counter.cfm?sitecode=LMD&mag=AM2&codeID=3045&linktype=homepage tourists too much of operators? for expansion http://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/digital/green/indexLMD.cfm?origin=DIGIpdfLMD&PASScodeID=3025 http://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/digital/green/indexLMD.cfm?origin=DIGIpdfLMD&PASScodeID=3044 Qhttp://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/digital/green/indexLMD.cfm?origin=DIGIpdfLMD&PASScodeID=3042 LivNordic launches Qhttp://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/digital/green/indexLMD.cfm?origin=DIGIpdfLMD&PASScodeID=3045 New York’s MoMA hires Q Everyone Active’s Q Global Wellness Day ‘world’s longest spa Google’s Rob Giampietro Stephen Hulme reﬂects 2018 to focus on kids break’ at 245 days as director of design

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 2 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 11 PEOPLE

Attractions People

It felt right to show them somewhere historic rather than in a conventional gallery space

Damien Hirst artist

PHOTO: DAMIEN HIRST AND SCIENCE LTD / DACS 2018 / BILLIE SCHEEPERS / BILLIE 2018 LTD / DACS SCIENCE AND HIRST DAMIEN PHOTO: amous for a tiger shark preserved in formaldehyde and a diamond-encrusted skull sculpture, Turner Prize-winning British artist Damien Hirst has Fpartnered with a stately home in Norfolk, UK, to exhibit a series of spot paintings. A rather unusual backdrop for the contemporary artworks, Houghton Hall was built in the early 1700s for Britain’s de facto first prime minister, Sir Robert Walpole. Now an attraction, visitors this summer will find the family portraits that adorned the walls of the State Rooms have been replaced by 46 new and previously unseen paintings from Hirst’s Colour Space series, while nine of his large-scale bronze sculptures scatter the gardens. Colour Space is an evolution of the Britart pioneer’s iconic Spot Paintings, the first of which he painted in 1986. “The Spot Paintings … always look happy, although there’s an unease there too because the colours don’t repeat when you expect them to,” says Hirst. “I originally wanted the Spots to look like they were painted by a human trying to paint like a machine. Colour Space is going back to the human element, so instead you have the fallibility of the human hand in the drips and inconsistencies. There are still no two exact colours that repeat in each painting,

Damien Hirst, one of Britain’s best known contemporary artists, is exhibiting works at Houghton Hall

12 attractionsmanagement.com AM 2 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 PHOTOS: DAMIEN HIRST AND SCIENCE LTD / DACS 2018 / PETE HUGGINS / PETE 2018 LTD / DACS SCIENCE AND HIRST DAMIEN PHOTOS:

Clockwise from top left: Damien Hirst’s Colour Space series; The Virgin Mother; Myth and Legend outside Houghton Hall; Sensation in the grounds PEOPLE

Clockwise from top left: Charity; Hirst in the Saloon; Wretched War - The Dream is Dead; Colour Space series in the White Drawing Room

which is really important to me. I think of furnishings, and were designed to impress them as cells under a microscope. Walpole’s important guests. “It felt right to show them somewhere “We’re delighted to have this opportunity historic rather than in a conventional to show Damien Hirst’s new paintings in gallery space and Houghton’s perfect. It the State Rooms at Houghton, together feels totally right,” the artist says. with some of his best-known sculptures Visitors to Houghton Hall can also enjoy in the grounds,” says Lord Cholmondeley, the walled garden, restaurant and shop who owns the property. “It is the first time and experience the Soldier Museum, which that Hirst has shown a significant body of contains the largest private collection of work in a classical country house setting.” model soldiers in the world. The State Damien Hirst at Houghton Hall: Colour Rooms themselves are richly decorated, Space Paintings and Outdoor Sculptures is filled with opulent furniture and sumptuous open to the public until 15 July.

14 attractionsmanagement.com AM 2 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 Voletarium at Europa-Park, Rust (DE) | (c) Frank Baudy (DE) | (c) Frank at Europa-Park, Rust Voletarium

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Alejandro González Iñárritu is an Oscar-winning director PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/ANDREA RAFFIN PHOTO:

t the 90th Academy Awards VR requires a new way, held in March this year, the Mexican film director Alejandro González Iñárritu and I don’t know if it’s – winner of best director AOscar for The Revenant in 2015 and for Birdman in 2014 – collected a special anti-narrative, but it award for a virtual reality installation. Special Oscar awards are rarely should be much more presented, but the Academy said Iñárritu was being honoured for Carne y Arena (Virtually present, Physically invisible) unexpected – a new way because the six-minute experience was “a visionary and powerful experience in storytelling”. It marks the first Oscar with a new language awarded to the medium of VR. The director, writer and producer, whose other acclaimed films include Rudo y Cursi, Alejandro González Iñárritu 21 Grams and Babel, created Carne y Arena to look at the plight of migrants crossing the film director Sonoran desert of Arizona and California.

16 attractionsmanagement.com AM 2 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018

Iñárritu directs Carne y Arena; Iñárritu and actor Leonardo di Caprio (below) PHOTO: CHACHI RAMIREZ CHACHI PHOTO:

It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival think is exciting about it. What I call it is in May 2017, before spending six months a ‘narrative space’. There’s a narrative Iñárritu directs Yoni from El Salvador, at Fondazione Prada in Milan, Italy, followed but it’s more of a spatial, atmospheric who is dressed in a motion-capture by six months at Los Angeles County narrative than a traditional narrative.” suit (top); a poster for Carne y Arena Museum of Art (LACMA) in California. Carne He comments that the drawbacks y Arena is currently open to the general include the quality, the weight of the public at a location in Washington, DC. headsets and that it tends not be a In an interview with Variety magazine, collective experience, but that the medium Guests put on their VR headsets to Iñárritu discussed the potential and is being developed to overcome these. become completely immersed in a refugee’s challenges of VR as a medium, saying it He adds: “VR is really amazing. It journey, based on real-life accounts, has elements of theatre, documentary challenges your conception of time and with the solo experience made all the and physical installation. “It’s many space in a way that nothing does.” more realistic through the use of cool different arts combined.” The Academy of Motion Picture Arts temperatures, breezes and sandy ﬂ oors. “VR has the potential to change the and Sciences president John Bailey “During the past four years in which this landscape of museums and galleries explained the reason for the special Oscar project has been growing in my mind, I had because you can go into the mind of an statuette: “Iñárritu’s multimedia art and the privilege of meeting and interviewing artist. I think great artists will be able to cinema experience is a deeply emotional many Mexican and Central American create amazing pieces where you will really and physically immersive venture into the refugees. Their life stories haunted me, so walk into their brain, and that will be life- world of migrants crossing the desert I invited some of them to collaborate with changing. The experience is huge,” he says. of the American southwest in early me in the project,” Iñárritu says. “Narratively, I think it will require dawn light. More than even a creative “My intention was to experiment with VR the new generation to bring a new breakthrough in the still emerging form of technology to explore the human condition way to approach it. We should not be virtual reality, it viscerally connects us to in an attempt to break the dictatorship contaminating this with old narrative arts the hot-button political and social realities of the frame, within which things are of theatre or cinema. I think this is its of the US-Mexico border.” just observed, and claim the space to own beast. This requires a new way, and Iñárritu worked with longtime collaborator allow the visitor to go through a direct I don’t know if it’s anti-narrative, but it and cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki, experience walking in the immigrants’ feet, should be much more unexpected – a new producer Mary Parent and ILMxLAB, under their skin, and into their hearts.” way with a new language. That’s what I Lucasﬁ lm’s VR entertainment laboratory.

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 2 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 17 PEOPLE

Kouneva wrote the music for Heroes and Legends at the Kennedy Space Center in Orlando, Florida

The objective is to create music that helps us remember viscerally the entire experience

Penka Kouneva composer

enka Kouneva has worked as a composer on blockbuster movies and video games that have grossed some $15bn worldwide. Millions will have Pheard her music without ever realising it. Kouneva, who was one of the first female lead orchestrators in Hollywood, has recently been branching out into the world of attractions. She wrote the score for the $30m immersive exhibit Heroes and Legends, which opened in late 2016 at the Kennedy Space Center, near Orlando, Florida, composing music for the 3D films, installations and multimedia. “The NASA exhibit, Heroes and Legends, was the most unique composing job I’ve had,” Kouneva says. “It tells the stories of the space missions Mercury, Gemini and Apollo. I wrote music that celebrates the American heroes and heartswelling orchestral themes with arrangements to express our fascination with space.” Kouneva worked closely with experience designers Falcon’s Creative, especially senior sound designer Rick Morris and media editor Jesse James Allen, but reveals hurdles arose when composing for Penka Kouneva has composed soundtracks for films, exhibitions and VR experiences an exhibit environment for the first time.

18 attractionsmanagement.com AM 2 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 “The main 3D film is viewed in a spherical space and the acoustics were Music for the VR shooter game very challenging,” she says. “The music The Mummy: Prodigium Strike itself had to create a variety of emotions – required a thoughtful approach heroic; noble; danger, for a malfunctioning rocket; awe, for the Earth seen from space; regret, for a failed mission; hope. invested most of her time in developing a New frontiers “The objective is similar when composing strong and individual musical style before In the realm of attractions, Kouneva scored for an attraction or a film or a video game: she started to gradually pick up work. the soundtrack for Universal’s location- to create deeply emotional, engaging, “I came to LA with almost no money, so based VR shooter game, The Mummy: memorable music that helps us remember I had to work a lot, but that meant many Prodigium Strike. “My objective in scoring viscerally the entire experience. The credits, relationships and experience. VR was for the music to blend with the differences are in technology – how the Although I didn’t have a business plan, sound design and voiceover. Since VR is music is implemented, how long the pieces I’ve always been intuitive and felt that such a new frontier, it takes a thoughtful, need to be, the arrangements, and so on.” my greatest capital was my music, my innovative approach.” friendships, my people skills and my Among many others, Kouneva has Road to success health. When opportunities fell on my lap, I composed for the Prince of Persia: Growing up in Bulgaria, Kouneva’s father, jumped and made the best out of them.” Forgotten Sands, Transformers and World an engineer, gave her books about Kouneva built her reputation and is now of Warcraft: Legion video games and science, space and astronauts, so one of the field’s great talents, but working worked on movies including Elysium, Matrix working on the Kennedy Space Center as a freelancer still poses difficulties. Reloaded, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: project was a special experience. “Getting a substantial job that propels Out of the Shadows and Devil’s Whisper. “Space symbolised freedom for me. me forward takes much hustling and These projects are reflective of her Science fiction was huge in Eastern Bloc patience. Understanding the tastes and music, “orchestral mixed with electronics countries because it’s about longing for a expectations of my collaborators is not – dramatic and haunting” and suits genres more just future, or offering a critical view easy, but with experience it gets easier. like action, horror, fantasy and sci-fi. of society packaged as a futuristic story.” Also, the balance between being in a She has also penned three solo award- When she arrived in Los Angeles, creative zone, with running the business, is winning concept albums, including The California, almost 20 years ago, Kouneva challenging. I run a tight ship,” she says. Rebirth of Id and The Woman Astronaut. O

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 2 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 19 SCIENCE CENTRES NEWS

Chinese science centres scrap admission INDUSTRY OPINION

The Chinese government Pride in STEM: new has announced it its allocating CN¥545m International Day to ($86m) in an effort promote LGBT in field to make some of the country’s top science Andrea Bandelli museums free to visit. SHUTTERSTOCK.COM PHOTO: The money, allocated by Is science too the Ministry of Finance, straight? This was the will “ensure” free entry provocative title of an into a number of science article published by museums across China. Boston University last The move is the year, revealing how continuation of a policy the STEM field has launched in 2015. Between a problem when it comes to sexual 2015 and 2016, almost QChina is making many of its science museums free to visit orientation and gender identity. Shaun CN¥900m was split between O’Boyle, a science communicator 123 selected science Shanghai – are not included China has more than from Ireland, puts it clearly: “While centres and museums, as part of the package, with 3,500 museums – including the scientific process treats all data with entry fees for those attractions such as the China over 3,000 state-owned equally, science does not treat all institutions scrapped. In Science and Technology museums. Among the scientists equally.” For LGBT+ people, 2017, a further CN¥553m Museum already nearing most popular is the China studying and working in a STEM was granted to 138 selected capacity. Such a move, says Science and Technology organisation often means lying about science museums for the the government, means more Museum in Beijing, which their sexual and gender identity, being same reason. popular museums could not welcomes around 4 million afraid of coming out, and missing Popular destinations accommodate the “drastic visitors each year. out on mentorship and support. And – primarily in Beijing and surges” in visitor numbers. QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=n6u3v_T research shows LGBT students in STEM are less likely to finish their studies compared to their peers. Yet it is well documented that more diversity and inclusion in STEM Snøhetta look to stars for Norway planetarium means better science. Science engagement organisations already International architecture play a fundamental role to strengthen firm Snøhetta has designed diversity and inclusion in STEM edu- a new planetarium and a cation and are at the forefront when visitor centre for Norway’s it comes to developing innovative PHOTO: SNØHETTAPHOTO: largest astronomical approaches to gender balance, social facility, studying the night inclusion and widening participation. sky for design inspiration. Science engagement organisations Nestled in the dense get in direct contact with millions forest of Harestua, 45km of young people and provide profes- north of Oslo, it will be the sional development opportunities. largest solar observatory This is why Ecsite, together with North of the Alps. Its some of the world’s leading science original observatory was institutions and societies, supports built by the University of QThe solar observatory is currently under development the first ever International Day of Oslo for the total solar LGBT in STEM on 5 July. The day is eclipse of 1954. “an intellectual, visual reception, café and an opportunity and an instrument to The planetarium will and tactile journey into exhibition area are also celebrate all LGBT+ people working be 1,500sqm in size, the realm of astronomy,” planned, while a gently and studying in STEM, to give visibility and situated next to the according to Snøhetta. swirling ramp will lead to the community and to be part of a observatory’s original A 100-seat auditorium up to an exhibition global push to increase diversity and research tower. It will be will feature inside the mezzanine and an inclusion. Anybody can take part. It’s orbited, like the sun, by the planetarium, from which outdoor roofscape. Below one day that can change a lifetime. ‘planet’ cabins. visitors can watch ground, there will also prideinstem.org/lgbtstemday/ O The visitor experience, realistically projected be a large, bowl-shaped which will accommodate stars, planets and children’s activity centre. Andrea Bandelli, executive director, up to 118 guests, will be celestial objects. A QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=N4s6Y_T Science Gallery International

20 attractionsmanagement.com AM 2 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 VISITOR ATTRACTIONS NEWS

Saudi Arabia to invest billions in lifestyle culture destinations

Saudi Arabia’s government has revealed PHOTO: GEA plans to invest SAR50bn ($13bn) 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,” said Ahmed al-Khatib, GEA chair, speaking to Reuters. “The entire benefit from this big spending will be for the private sector, and this supports the 2030 Vision that strengthens its role.” Part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan QSaudi Arabia’s King Salman inaugurates the Qiddiya entertainment project – which, like much of the Middle East, is aiming to reduce the economic reliance Al-Khatib listed three theme parks, a Among projects announced, on oil – includes a relaxation of the rules waterpark, museums and cinemas as part of Six Flags has confirmed plans to that govern its entertainment sector in an the initiative. By 2030, Saudi Arabia wants develop its first theme park in Saudi area which traditionally has been widely to have over 450 clubs offering cultural Arabia as part of the Kingdom’s new seen as ultra-conservative, particularly in activities, with the aim of doubling household entertainment destination in Qiddiya. relation to women’s rights. spending on recreation to 6 per cent. QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=p8a3u_T

Former petrol station to become arts space

A disused petrol PHOTO: LIDDICOAT AND GOLDHILL station adjacent to the BBC’s former London headquarters will be transformed into an arts and culture space as part of a multi-million-pound QThe attraction sat on Maine Wharf regeneration of the area. Starting in Q3, members Science centre in of Elephant magazine will curate a series of shows Portland to close at the redeveloped White City site – now called The city of Portland in Maine has lost Elephant West – which QArchitects Liddicoat and Goldhill designed the concept its science centre after just three years, will feature exhibitions owing to poor ticket sales. and performances from garden area are also artists, strengthening our The Portland Science Center made emerging young artists. included in the plans. support for the careers its grand debut in September 2015, Architects Liddicoat “Our aim is to bring of exciting young artists,” bringing Gunther von Hagens’ famed and Goldhill designed together exciting makers said Elephant. Bodyworlds exhibit to the city. the concept for the arts of all stripes to create new Last year, designers Craig Its owner – The Gold Group – space, which will also multimedia works that and Karl turned the petrol has closed the attraction, which act as a meeting place break down the traditional station into an immersive art it said has suffered from lagging and hub for performance, barriers between different piece, using vibrant colours attendance in recent months. discussion, ﬁlm screenings, art forms, commissioning and geometric design to QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=6f9h6_T talks and workshops. A an ambitious programme create the unique work. café, shop and outdoor of installations by emerging QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=Q3r2r_T

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 2 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 21 THEME PARKS NEWS

To inﬁ nity and beyond with launch of Disney’s Toy Story Land

Disney chief Bob Iger was on hand in PHOTO: DISNEY Shanghai, China, on 26 April, to launch the company’s latest landmark attraction – the world’s ﬁ rst Toy Story Land. Also coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios park in Orlando, Florida, later this year, the all-new lands shrinks visitors “to the sizes of Woody and Buzz and the other toys in Andy’s collection as they explore Andy’s backyard”. Covering 10 acres, the new attraction is the ﬁ rst major expansion for Shanghai Disney resort since it opened in 2016. It features the popular Toy Story Mania ride, Rex’s Racer, and a Slinky dog-themed family rollercoaster. The new land also features meet and greet areas for Toy Story characters, and immersive shopping and dining experiences created by the team at Walt Disney Imagineering. “We’re grateful to the people of China for wholeheartedly embracing Shanghai QThe all-new land shrinks visitors ‘to the sizes of Woody and Buzz’ Disney Resort, for truly making it their own and also making it one of the most our Chinese guests even more to explore hotel in the world, which opened in successful theme parks we’ve ever and enjoy at the resort with the addition 2016, with the park also already opened,” said Iger, speaking at the launch. of a spectacular new land based on featuring Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue, “We’re incredibly proud of the Pixar’s beloved Toy Story characters.” which the most advanced targeting success of this one-of-a-kind, world-class Shanghai Disney resort already system for the ride at any Disney Park. destination, and we are thrilled to give boasts the only Toy Story-themed QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=6p3v9_T

Jurassic Park undergoing evolution at Universal

At Universal Studios PHOTO: UNIVERSAL Hollywood in Los Angeles, California, the iconic Jurassic Park attraction is getting a redesign, with the attraction reopening in 2019 with a new theme QHundreds of parks are in development based around the movie Jurassic World. China clamps down Scheduled to close on 3 September, the park’s on theme park boom popular water ride – inspired by the original 1993 China’s central planning body has Jurassic Park movie – will QThe iconic Jurassic Park attraction is getting a revamp warned developers about the country’s be rethemed to reﬂ ect the ongoing theme park boom, raising newer Jurassic World movie. “With the introduction The ride opened in 1996 concerns over unpayable debts and low The new version will include of never-before-seen and was manufactured by grade or copycat developments. all new audio-animatronics dinosaurs, enhanced Vekoma, with a design from When it comes to future plans, and special effects. storytelling, lush scenic Universal Creative. Following the body says that developers “This next-generation design, an entirely new its success, duplicate rides should involve the government more thrill ride will be a fully colour scheme and were built at Islands of in planning developments, with reimagined iteration of the uncompromised state- Adventure and at Universal particular care for those worth more ground-breaking adventure, of-the-art technology, the Studios Japan. A river rapids than CN¥1.5bn ($237m). elevating every facet of the ride will capture elements version opened at Universal QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=R9W3R_T experience,” said Universal never experienced Studios Singapore in 2010. in a statement. within a theme park.” QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=V8p7g_T

22 attractionsmanagement.com AM 2 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 AIR RACE

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Laguna Waterpark opens in Dubai INDUSTRY OPINION

Dubai’s new beachfront What can your water leisure destination, La Mer, has added to its offering, leisure facility do to with the launch of a major be a force for good? new waterpark. Opened on 12 May, the Aleatha Ezra Laguna Waterpark features fi ve main attractions, two Being a great of which are fi rsts for the community partner Middle East region. has proven to be The park includes the a powerful tool for region’s only WaveOz 180 waterparks and FloRider, which utilises lat- aquatic venues est ride surface technology looking to raise their over 650sqm to create a QThe waterpark is the second phase development of La Mer goodwill profi le. There are a couple of 180-degree continuous ways to launch a charitable initiative wave for surfers. It also infi nity pool, also offering – a Meraas development that can make a difference in your features the region’s fi rst direct beach access and which opened in October community while elevating your brand. Manta family raft ride and rentable cabanas. Guests last year. Covering One way is to create your Aqualoop. Other slides will also be able to visit the 1.24sq km, the La Mer own charitable programme from include Constrictor, Freefall surf club for food and drink, neighbourhood features scratch. For example, in 2008, and Mad Racer. and they can also dine on more than 130 shops, Merlin Entertainments founded A children’s zone with a the waterpark’s rooftop cafés, restaurants and Merlin’s Magic Wand, a charitable splash pad and aquaplay balcony, which offers views beach activities. organisation that enables seriously rainfortress accommodates of the Arabian Gulf. The waterpark took two- ill, disabled and disadvantaged younger visitors. Plus, the The waterpark is the and-a-half years to build. children to enjoy a day out at a Merlin park has a lazy river and latest addition to La Mer QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=r2M2M_T attraction. Over the past decade, this program has helped more than 377,000 children and their families make precious happy memories. A second way is to fi nd a well US’s largest indoor waterpark breaks ground respected partner and put your full support behind them to raise Kalahari Resorts and money or awareness. Since June Conventions has fi nally 2016, Center Parcs has partnered broken ground on its with Together for Short Lives, a UK

$550m African-themed KALAHARI PHOTO: charity that raises awareness and waterpark and resort funds for children’s hospices. Center in Round Rock, Texas – Parcs matches fund donations made Kalahari’s ﬁ rst venture in by guests and donates 25 breaks a the southwest of the US year to the charity. As well as national and fourth property overall. support, each Center Parcs village Opening in 2020, the fundraises for their local children’s resort will at its heart hospice, allowing them to make a real feature a waterpark, which difference to their local community. at 20,700sqm will be Both examples have merit, However, the largest in the US. An QThe resort has broken ground and will open its doors in 2020 if creating your own programme adventure park is also seems daunting, the second option included in the offering, with made up of one, two and on adding amenities that can be a more manageable way the 7,400sqm space set three-bedroom suites everyone can experience forward. Whether you choose to host to include thrill rides, ropes and residential suites. A and enjoy – not only our a duck race in your leisure river to course, climbing walls, 18,600sqm convention overnight guests,” said raise funds for your local children’s indoor zipline, bowling, centre will also be included Todd Nelson, owner of hospital or you hold a canned food laser tag and mini-golf. A in the development. The Kalahari Resorts and drive once a month to support your selection of outdoor pools resort will additionally offer Conventions, speaking at local food bank, there are endless covering 12,100sqm will a spa, ﬁ ve restaurants and the ground breaking. “We ways to become a force for good. O also be on offer. 929sqm of retail space. look forward to contributing The resort will have more “When we design our to the local economy.” Aleatha Ezra, director of park than 990 guestrooms resorts, we stay focused QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=A2K6D_T member development, WWA

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Rio’s Museum of Image and Sound entering ﬁnal stages

The new home for Brazil’s 50-year- PHOTO: MUSEUM OF SOUND AND IMAGE old Museum of Image and Sound (MIS) is entering the final stages of its development, with the Diller Scofidio + Renfro-designed (DS+R) building taking shape on Rio de Janeiro’s beachfront. Opened in 1965, MIS offers a vast archive of photographs, film, documents and sound recordings reflecting the cultural history of Rio. Set over an area of 9,800sqm, MIS overlooks the famous Copacabana Beach on Rio’s seafront. The museum will offer a “vertical boulevard”, which leads up to eight floors of galleries telling the story of image and sound in Brazil. Within MIS, space for permanent and temporary exhibitions has been allocated, with research facilities, educational spaces, a café, panoramic restaurant and an open-air 280- seat auditorium also planned. Once open, the QThe museum is currently expected to open before the end of 2018 building will be topped off by a rooftop terrace. Separate from the main construction, The museum’s opening – originally terrain, which meant the project design a beachfront kiosk is also included in the scheduled for 2014 – has been pushed had to be adjusted. During the third development. In addition to acting as a back several times due to a variety of stage of the construction process, museum, the new building will also become factors. During the construction of the a contract for the building company a cultural centre for Rio, with MIS producing foundation, there were problems that responsible for MIS was rescinded. and promoting regular shows and events. arose due to the nature of the sandy QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=P9X9V_T

PHOTO: YAC Chicago Children’s Museum reimagined

Visitors to Chicago’s historic PHOTO: KRUECK+SEXTON ARCHITECTS Navy Pier will soon be able to enjoy a new streamlined experience for its children’s museum, which is currently undergoing an extensive design overhaul. QThe fortress is in Favignana, Sicily Reimagined by local firm Krueck+Sexton Architects Architects design (K+S), the Chicago Children’s Museum redevelopment museum for fortress plan calls for a cleaner, less cluttered appearance, with Young Architects Competitions (YAC) refreshed exhibition spaces QWork on the redevelopment started in Q3 last year has announced the winners of a contest leading to a significantly for the transformation of a remote more streamlined visitor “The ground floor will Work on the redevelop- Italian fortress into “one of the most experience, relocating all be dedicated to ticketing, ment started in the third atmospheric centres of contemporary access to the main floor of group entry and a gift shop, quarter of 2017. The art in the Mediterranean”. the museum. in clear sight of the main museum has pencilled in Simposio have secured first prize “The new visitor pier routes. The exhibits, June this year for its grand for their proposal to carefully integrate experience will be defined located on two different reopening. The museum is new cultural and hospitality buildings by significantly easier floors, will be linked by a part of a larger reimagining into the rocky landscape of Favignana, wayfinding and orientation,” central circulation zone of the city’s Navy Pier, which an isle in Southern Sicily. said Tom Jacobs, principal and elevator, alleviating is being transformed by QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=C7f4k_T at K+S, speaking to the current maze-like path James Corner Field. Attractions Management. through the museum.” QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=g4h4H_T

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 2 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 27 HERITAGE NEWS

UAE funds largest cultural restoration project in history of Iraq

The restoration of Iraq’s cultural heritage has been given a huge boost following a US$50m donation from the United Arab Emirates to restore damaged heritage sites in the northern city of Mosul. Following years of turmoil in the Middle East, a 2017 military campaign succeeded in ridding Iraq of ISIS, with the group left controlling no territory in the country. Though still a very tumultuous region, a decrease in violence in between regular cycles of warfare over a decade has led to a period of recovery for the country. The city of Mosul, which was devastated under ISIS’s control before being liberated in July 2017, has received the ﬁ nancial aid as part of an agreement between Unesco and the governments of the UAE and Iraq. It will be used for what has been called largest cultural QOne of the project’s main objectives will be to restore Mosul’s Al Nuri Grand Mosque restoration project in Iraq’s history. One of the project’s main objectives restored to its former glory, including its Noura Al Kaabi, minister of culture for the will be to restore Mosul’s Al Nuri Grand 44-metre-tall minaret tower. UAE. “Heritage is one of the cornerstones Mosque, an iconic part of the city “The UAE supports the efforts of our of civilisation and as part of this, the built in 1172 and even featured on Iraqi brothers in developments, stability image of Al Nuri Mosque will again become Iraq’s 10,000 dinar note. The mosque, and pushing the wheels of reconstruction synonymous with hope and cultural revival.” blown up by ISIS, will be completely especially for cultural and historic sites,” said QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=w9E4t_T

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM Unesco: Prepare youth to protect world heritage

Mechtild Rössler, director PHOTO: UNESCO of Unesco’s World Heritage Centre, has said that the youth population must be prepared to protect the world’s heritage for future generations. QImprovements will benefi t visitors Speaking on the International Day for Eiff el Tower plans to Monuments and Sites, Rössler said the education improve experience of young people would be the best way to protect Four design teams have been short- heritage for the future. QParticipants in Unesco’s World Heritage Volunteers Initiative listed for a project to reimagine the “The World Heritage Eiffel Tower’s visitor experience. Education Programme gives tomorrow’s decision- taking place across more Groups led by AL_A, Gustafson, young people around the makers to participate in than 142 World Heritage Porter + Bowman, Agence Ter and world the chance to learn heritage conservation sites in 61 countries. Koz Architectes are in the running about their heritage, and to and to respond to “If we want to protect for the project, which covers a be a part of preserving it, continuing threats facing our heritage, we have 540,000sqm area. through forums, animated our World Heritage.” to know about it,” said The project’s completion in 2023 fi lms, volunteer action To date, Unesco’s Rössler. “Education is will allow the site to play a leading camps, seminars and World Heritage Volunteers the fi rst step in protecting role in the 2024 Olympic Games. workshops for teachers, Initiative has seen more our shared heritage, now QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=Y9b9t_T and educational tools,” than 3,500 people take and in the future.” she said.“It enables part in 359 action camps, QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=P9t3c_T

28 attractionsmanagement.com AM 2 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions presents EURO ATTRACTIONS SHOW 2018 CONFERENCE: 23–27 Sept. | TRADE SHOW: 25–27 Sept.

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Dubai Safari closes after six months INDUSTRY OPINION

Despite only opening in Animal welfare is a December, the AED1bn ($272m) Dubai Safari 24/7 priority across has closed its doors an animal’s lifespan for five months to SAFARI DUBAI PHOTO: undergo improvements, Sabrina Brando says its operator. The Dubai Municipality, Chimpanzees fishing which has a management for termites with long deal with prolific developer sticks, elephants Meraas, appointed Parques playing and socialising Reunidos to oversee the with their friends and day-to-day operations of the family members in 119-hectare attraction, which a pool, or a monitor is home to 2,500 animals lizard climbing to catch insects in a and 250 species. QThe park will reopen in October following improvements special high up feeder are interesting “In line with our and wonderful activities to watch. commitment to offering destination will help attract animals were rehoused at Promoting optimal animal welfare and a superior customer even higher numbers of the new Dubai Safari. predominantly positive experiences experience, the upgrades tourists to Dubai once it The park, located in 24/7 across an animal’s lifespan is seek to provide a better reopens after the summer.” Dubai’s Al Warqaa district, one of the core responsibilities of habitat for our animals, The park closed on 15 is divided into three accredited zoos and aquariums today. and a more interactive and May and will reopen on 1 different sectors – African, Caring for Wildlife, a WAZA Animal educational experience October. The safari replaced Asian and Arabian. The new Welfare Strategy, offers guidance for our visitors,” said Dubai Zoo, which was the attraction also features an on topics like assessment and a statement. “We are oldest zoo on the Arabian open safari area. monitoring of animal welfare, confident that our landmark Peninsula. Dubai Zoo’s 1,000 QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=S7q5b_T environmental enrichment, exhibit design, research, engagement and interaction with visitors. As animal welfare coordinator for WAZA, I work with members and external experts San Diego Zoo debuts Australian Walkabout on matters related to animal welfare. Where possible we also reach California’s San Diego Zoo out to non-WAZA members to offer has opened a brand new welfare support and advice. The $17m Australian enclosure, expression “a rising tide lifts all which debuted on 25 May. boats” underscores one of WAZA’s Called Walkabout objectives, which is to collaborate Australia, the 14,500sqm with others in our shared commitment immersive walkthrough to maintain, improve and actively experience features a encourage optimal animal welfare in range of native Australian all facilities housing wild animals. animals and is themed SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/MCCOLLISTER PHOTO: Animals should be provided with around Australia’s rural opportunities for choice and control landscapes, with a through a stimulating and complex selection of plants and environment and enriching activities. signs of human habitation QA walkthrough kangaroo exhibit is part of the new area Different climate zones and views, encountered along the ability to retreat from a group, backcountry roads. red-necked wallabies a snapshot of some of having to solve a puzzle to access During the experience, and brush turkeys. While the wonders from Down that valued nut – these are ways zoos guests explore four visitors must remain on Under,” said Lisa Peterson, not only engage animals, but also the different types of the path, the cageless director at San Diego Zoo. visiting public. By engaging the public Australian habitats: experience allows them “This adds another through activities – and seeing happy grassland, rainforest, to get up close with the dimension to San Diego animals – zoos hope to promote wetlands and desert. As animals as they journey Zoo global’s efforts to human behaviour change, caring for part of that, visitors will through the enclosure. save endangered species, animals, nature and the planet. O be able to walk through a “Australia is an such as the cassowary and meadow, which is home to extraordinary place and Matschie’s tree kangaroo.” Sabrina Brando, western grey kangaroos, we are thrilled to provide QDetails: http://lei.sr?a=s7F3Y_T animal welfare coordinator, WAZA

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 2 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 31 tecHnOLOGY news

CyArk and Google team up for World Heritage VR tours

CyArk – the non-profi t foundation dedicated to digitally capturing and preserving cultural heritage sites around the world – has teamed with Google’s Arts and Culture project to allow people to explore remote world heritage sites in virtual reality. Founded in 2003, the non-profi t organisation uses cutting-edge technologies to create detailed 3D representations of signifi cant cultural heritage sites before they’re damaged or destroyed by natural disasters, confl icts or the passage of time. To create the representations that help preserve these sites for the future, CyArk uses an advanced system of laser scanners to mark millions of points that create an almost perfect 3D data set, which can then be used to create a solid 3D model. Teaming with Google, CyArk has made its data library broadly accessible to the public, ■■ Visitors can walk down virtual corridors, seeing examples of damage done by past incidents using the new Open Heritage site to distribute data on 27 important historical sites. “CyArk has accomplished some incredible manage in order to safeguard them for In the Vr experiences, visitors can walk things in the 15 years since it was started, future generations, and now providing down virtual corridors, seeing examples capturing data on hundreds of sites on access to these incredible sites to anyone, of damage done by past incidents. Each all seven continents, empowering local anywhere with an internet connection,” said experience is narrated, with videos available stakeholders with better information to John ristevski, CEO of CyArk. for the scanning conservation process. make decisions about the sites they ■■ Details: http://lei.sr?a=6f9h6_T

Disney Research creates VR haptic jacket

Disney’s research arm is aiming to take virtual reality to the next level, developing a new haptic technology to simulate impact on the human body. Dubbed the Force Jacket, ■■ The research looks at digital in museums 26 infl atable compartments are used to simulate Research transforms pressures and forces, which adds a physical element to digital in museums the realm of Vr. Disney research led the New research aimed at transforming project, working alongside ■■ Inﬂ atable compartments are used to simulate pressure the ways museums use digital MIT and Carnegie Mellon technologies to share their collections University to develop the “Immersive experiences value of HMD-based visual Guests can choose their own story as the VISIT US ON and engage new audiences with their wearable tech, which can seek to engage the full Vr experiences in games work has suggested that the key to stimulate a wide range sensory system in ways and movies, by providing immersion of a dark ride leads to a park BOOTH success lies within improving digital of sensations. In a video that words, pictures or on-body force feedback.” wide quest with experiences evolving literacy of staff across all levels. showcasing the jacket, touch alone cannot,” said Combined with the jacket, 208 Called Mapping the Museum Digital Disney shows users a research paper headed a haptic effects editor individually in real-time. Skills Ecosystem, the report outlines experiencing sudden by research associate allows designers to create how digital skills are managed and muscle growth, a force Alexandra Delazio. specifi c haptic effects, shared by those working in museums. strike from a snowball “The primary motivation building a library of haptic ■■ Details: http://lei.sr?a=X6U9b_T and a snake wrapping of this research was to sensations for use in Vr. itself around their body. enhance the entertainment ■■ Details: http://lei.sr?a=U7R2U_T @HolovisInt www.holovis.com

32 attractionsmanagement.com AM 2 2018 ©Cybertrek 2018

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Guests can choose their own story as the VISIT US ON immersion of a dark ride leads to a park BOOTH wide quest with experiences evolving 208 individually in real-time.

@HolovisInt www.holovis.com INTERVIEW

SULTAN AL DHAHERI

Slowly but surely, Abu Dhabi has developed its attractions offer, helping the emirate on the way to achieving its wider tourism ambitions. With another billion-dollar park opening in July, we caught up with the Department of Culture and Tourism to ﬁnd out more about the strategy

Alice Davis, managing editor, Attractions Management

bu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT), like other government-run tourism departments in the region, A is tasked with a mission to promote the destination to foreign visitors in line with long-term strategies designed to help relieve its economic dependence on oil and gas. “We are targeting an increase in the number of visitors to Abu Dhabi from 4.4 million to 8.5 million visitors by 2021,” says Sultan Al Dhaheri, executive director of the tourism sector at the DCT. “To achieve this we are working hard to continue to develop Abu Dhabi as an inspiring destination where visitors can experience cultural authenticity, diverse natural offerings, dynamic family- leisure entertainment and ambitious business opportunities.” The Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, published in 2006, sets out a mandate to secure the future ﬁnancial success of the emirate. Among those sectors identiﬁed as enablers for economic growth are the development of the private sector, healthcare, education, transport and infrastructure, in order to create a Sultan Al Dhaheri is an more dynamic economy, boost social executive director with development and create job opportunities Abu Dhabi’s Department for the growing, predominantly young, of Culture and Tourism population. In the report, 12 sectors signal investment opportunities, including energy,

34 attractionsmanagement.com AM 2 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 Ferrari World opened on Yas Island in 2010 and is home to Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest coaster

petrochemicals, aviation, financial services, telecommunications, media and tourism. Reaching out to international partners is also a major part of the Economic Vision, including efforts to make it easier for foreigners to do business with the emirate. “Tourism is recognised as one of 12 ‘engines’ of economic diversification, and a strategic pillar in the emirate’s 2030 Economic Vision,” says Al Dhaheri. “We are working hard to support private sector entrepreneurs in the creation of an innovative tourism product to create a sustainable tourism sector. “When it comes to attractions, we work very closely with the developers to enhance their messaging and to promote and cross-promote their offerings via our WHEN IT COMES TO ATTRACTIONS, WE WORK CLOSELY global network and overseas offices; but the operating of the attractions is entirely WITH THE DEVELOPERS TO PROMOTE THEIR OFFERINGS left to the private entities,” he says. VIA OUR GLOBAL NETWORK AND OVERSEAS OFFICES Something for everyone There are various ways to help the market UK, India, Germany and China. However, a drive to raise awareness and tap into evolve, including promoting Abu Dhabi as the wide variety and scope of the offerings emerging markets like China, India, the a destination to different nationalities, and in the emirate mean we can appeal to a South American countries, and Russia and leisure and business travellers alike. wide demographic of tourists from a wide the former Soviet states. “DCT Abu Dhabi together with its spectrum of international visitors and the “In the business arena we actively stakeholders coordinates international entire gamut of age ranges. We think we pursue conventions and conferences promotions across a wide geographic have something for everyone.” to host here in the emirate, with major base,” says Al Dhaheri. “We have six Tier 1 The DCT sends delegates to a range successes in bringing notable events markets: the GCC [the Cooperation Council of trade fairs globally and organises here,” he says. “We also undertake joint for the Arab States of the Gulf], the US, the promotional roadshows, which is part of marketing initiatives and proactive press

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 2 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 35 INTERVIEW

engagement in key markets to stimulate demand for the destination. Additionally, we have forged strategic partnerships with Etihad Airways in their priority markets. “On the ground we are also actively encouraging the development of small and medium enterprises and encouraging ‘emiratisation’ to facilitate sector expansion,” he says, referring to a new government policy aimed at helping more UAE nationals gain training and employment in the private sector.

Yas Island Yas Waterworld, located on Yas Island, welcomed over half a million guests last year Alongside Abu Dhabi’s cultural heritage, beach resorts and sunny weather, its leisure, shopping and entertainment centre about to be joined by another, with the burgeoning attractions and leisure offer that marked a $40bn investment. Miral-developed Warner Bros World Abu has doubtless helped boost interest in Ferrari World – home to Formula Rossa, Dhabi opening on 25 July (see below). Yas the emirate as a holiday destination. hitting 240kph, the world’s fastest Island attracts 25 million visitors a year, Since the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision was rollercoaster – welcomes over 1 million with Miral predicting an increase to 30 released, world-class attractions have visitors a year. Yas Waterworld was the million with the opening of the new park. opened, namely, Ferrari World in 2010 and 10th most visited waterpark in the EMEA “Attractions are one of the key Yas Waterworld in 2013. Both are located region in 2017, attracting 550,000 guests. components of our tourism strategy,” says on Yas Island, a manmade, multi-purpose And these big-hitting Yas Island parks are Al Dhaheri. “Yas Island will see the opening

Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi Metropolis Look out for: Superman, Wonder Woman, Warner Bros World Abu characters such as Bugs Green Lantern, The Flash Dhabi, which signifies an Bunny and Scooby-Doo and Experience: investment of $1bn and is place them in a stylised QJustice League: Warworld set to open on 25 July, will cartoon world immersing Attacks (5D dark ride) feature six immersive lands guests in animation. QGreen Lantern: Galactic across its 153,000sqm For fans of Hannah- Odyssey (flying theatre) The DC Comics-inspired location on Yas Island. Barbera’s Flintstones, a QSuperman 360: Battle for Gotham City zone The worlds of DC Comics recreation of Bedrock will Metropolis (3D attraction) will make up two of the make up the fourth world, QTeen Titans Training Gotham City six worlds, with Metropolis while the Dynamite Gulch Academy (play area) Look out for: and Gotham City – homes zone will feature both Looney Batman, The Joker, The Riddler, to Superman and Batman, Tunes and Hanna-Barbera Cartoon Junction Scarecrow, Catwoman, Harley Quinn respectively – designed to characters. Look out for: Experience: draw fans of the comic book The final part of the park Tom and Jerry, Bugs Bunny, QBatman: Knight Flight franchise to the attraction. will be Warner Bros Plaza – Scooby Doo (motion base ride) The next world, Cartoon an area celebrating Hollywood Experience: QScarecrow Scare Raid Junction, will bring together and telling the rich history of QTom and Jerry: Swiss Cheese (flight simulator) popular Warner Bros the Warner Bros brand. Spin (spinning coaster) QThe Riddler Revolution QScooby-Doo: The Museum (spinning ride) of Mysteries (dark ride) QThe Joker Funhouse QCartoon Junction (walkthrough) Carousel (carousel) QAcme Factory (play area) Dynamite Gulch QRicochet Racin’ with Look out for: Taz (kiddie car ride) Wile E. Coyote, Road Runner, The Jetsons, Yosemite Sam Bedrock Experience: Look out for: QFast and Furry-ous Fred, Wilma, Pebbles, Barney, (inverted steel coaster) Betty, Bamm Bamm QThe Jetsons Cosmic Experience: Orbiter (kiddie ride) QThe Flintstones Bedrock QMarvin the Martian Crater Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi has cost $1bn River Adventure (river ride) Crashers (bumper cars)

36 attractionsmanagement.com AM 2 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018

INTERVIEW

Louvre Abu Dhabi

The long-awaited Louvre Abu system based on ancient Dhabi opened to the public on Arabic engineering being used 11 November, following a string to allow water to ﬂow between of setbacks lasting more than the outer areas of the museum decade. Designed by French and to the galleries inside, architect Jean Nouvel, the giving the illusion that it is museum’s domed roof is an ﬂoating on the water. artwork itself, with eight layers The museum’s collection – its of steel made up of 7,850 curation one of the reasons for patterned perforations that use the lengthy delays – consists of Louvre Abu Dhabi is located on Saadiyat Island the sun to create an intricate 600 works of art, including 300 and ever-changing pattern on loaned by 13 French museums world, with pieces spanning the In addition to 23 permanent the building’s interior. for the inaugural year. The entirety of human existence, galleries, the museum includes Water is a key part of remaining collection has been from prehistoric objects to exhibition space, a children’s Nouvel’s building, with a sourced from all over the commissioned modern works. museum and restaurant/café.

AS WE INCREASE OUR PROPOSITION, WE MAKE SURE EACH COMPONENT ADDS TO RATHER THAN REPLICATES THE ATTRACTIONS WE ALREADY HAVE ONLINE. WARNER BROS ABU DHABI AND SEAWORLD ARE PERFECT EXAMPLES of the highly-anticipated Warner Bros World started. Zaha Hadid’s performing arts Abu Dhabi and, looking further ahead, centre, consisting of a music hall, concert SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is scheduled to open hall, opera house and theatre, was in 2022, the ﬁrst SeaWorld outside the US. unveiled in 2007, but is currently on hold. “We are proud to be a family-friendly destination and as we continue to increase Events and occasions our proposition, we make sure that each Al Dhaheri adds that another area where component adds to rather than replicates the emirate is expanding is the special the attractions we already have online. events sector, with a new initiative Warner Bros Abu Dhabi and SeaWorld are launched that helps fund event organisers both perfect examples of us identifying looking at Abu Dhabi as a host location. potential additions and strategically With more than 800 events currently working to bring those to Abu Dhabi.” on the calendar, including the Formula Foster + Partners design for the 1 Etihad Airways Grand Prix, the Abu Saadiyat Island upcoming Zayed National Museum Dhabi Food Festival, Abu Dhabi HSBC Beyond theme parks and waterparks, Abu Golf Championship and the Abu Dhabi Dhabi takes its cultural offer seriously. Classics international concert season, the Developed by the Tourism Authority-held “We have made sure that our touristic DCT is offering incentives to companies Tourism Development and Investment and cultural assets offer something who would be interested in doing similar. Company (TDIC), Saadiyat Island is set for every possible demographic and “Led by the DCT’s events bureau, to become the emirate’s cultural heart nationality,” says Al Dhaheri. the Advantage Events initiative is being – and not in half measures. The $600m Saadiyat Island, situated 500 metres introduced to boost the emirate’s appeal Louvre Abu Dhabi, designed by architect off the coast, is only partly completed, as a thriving tourism destination by Jean Nouvel, opened there in November and there are long-term plans for further funding leisure and entertainment events 2017. A 30-year deal was signed between cultural facilities designed by equally driven by the private sector to support Abu Dhabi’s and France’s governments, famous architects. A Guggenheim existing businesses, and also encourage with extra costs including a $525m fee to Museum has been designed by Frank new events to be introduced. In addition be associated with the Louvre name and Gehry, but construction is yet to start. to this, we leverage our global network as more than $700m for loans of artworks, Zayed National Museum, which signed well as our overseas ofﬁces to reinforce exhibitions and expertise. Early analysis a partnership contract with the British the message that Abu Dhabi is a true points to tourism increasing in the months Museum, has been designed by Foster destination of distinction, with something following the museum’s launch. + Partners, and preparatory work has extraordinary here for everyone.” O

38 attractionsmanagement.com AM 2 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 EXPLORE ATLANTIS

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©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 2 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 39 POLIN PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

POLIN ANNOUNCES NEW GROUP STRUCTURE

Recognised for its continuous innovation and its role as game changer, Polin now has the ability to grow even faster as it is formally reorganised under Polin Group

aquariums • parks

Polin’s offering includes waterparks, attractions, game tech, aquariums, safari parks and theming

40 attractionsmanagement.com AM 2 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 major milestone for the Polin brand was recently reached with the establishment of Baris Pakis (left) Polin Holding under the is the president of brand name Polin Group. Polin Holding A All of the companies and brands incorporated within Basar Pakis (right) Polin Group will to be housed under one is the CEO of of four main umbrellas: amusement Polin Group attractions, composites manufacturing, park development and Funtastic parks. Founded in 1976, Polin Waterparks has become a world leader in the design, production, engineering and installation of WE ARE TRULY A ONE-STOP SHOP waterparks and waterplay structures while FOR OUR CLIENTS AND PARTNERS differentiating itself from competitors with its innovative solutions and sustained focus on research and development (R&D). shares their intelligence and successes business development directorate, “This change recognises the new role with all other service units within the marketing and corporate communications that our company plays in the global company, each now organised within its directorate, strategy and human resources amusement industry today,” says Dr Baris own structure and working toward the directorate and fi nancial affairs directorate. Pakis, president of Polin Holding. “Our overall vision: to be “always innovative”, Within this context, there have been company is recognised as a leader in the to deliver “worldwide superior quality” some organisational changes. Dr Kubilay worldwide market. Many know us as the and to maintain the level of “technology Alpdogan has been appointed general ‘game changer’ due to our innovation and leadership” for each individual brand. manager of Polin Waterparks. Prior to success in completing 3,000 waterpark this, Alpdogan was director of sales and projects in 105 countries. We are The birth of Polin Holdings design for fi ve years and manager of sales confi dent that our company can become The internationally successful brands that and design for fi ve years. Over these even more successful in the future.” Polin Waterparks created within its own 10 years, Alpdogan has been managing organisation led to the fi rm’s decision to the domestic and global sales teams, reshape its organisational structure and architectural and conceptual design teams. develop into a holding company. Before joining Polin, Alpdogan gained his With this renewed organisational plan, career experience working with Arçelik-LG Polin Group aims to increase profi tability, Electronics and EGS Bank and has and effi ciency and the scope of the group MSc in Engineering Management and PhD by offering more integrated solutions. in Industrial Engineering. Ultimately, the new organisation will Meanwhile, Bilge Pakis has been allow the business to meet the varying appointed to the position of sales and expectations for best-of-class products and design director, having served as design services in the amusement parks industry manager of Polin Waterparks for 13 years. The framework of the Polin Group will be: Polin Group business development QAmusement attractions, which includes director Eyup Ispiroglu will be responsible Polin waterparks, attractions, game for creating new products and services technologies, aquariums, safari parks and for the group companies. Marketing theming and corporate communications director QComposites manufacturing, which Sohret Pakis will oversee marketing and includes composites and the Fipol and communication activities of the Polin Futuraform companies Group. Strategy and human resources QPark development, which includes the director Muge Tolunay Gundogdu will design studio, park services, project handle all processes related to human development and investment planning and resources. And fi nancial affairs director management Erdal Bulut will manage all fi nances. QFuntastic parks, which includes Funtastic Basar Pakis, CEO of Polin Group, says Polin Group is made up of amusement aquariums, Funtastic waterparks and the new structure allows clients to receive attractions, composites manufacturing, Funtastic amusement parks all needed solutions under one umbrella park development and Funtastic parks with many value-added services. New management and structure “We will deliver the synergy that comes At the top management level of Polin from a multi-levelled fi rm,” he explains. The company’s knowledgeable and Holding, Baris Pakis has been named “From our fully qualifi ed human resources creative team of engineers and designers president, and Basar Pakis takes the staff to our self-improved organisational have helped Polin to gain invaluable reins as group CEO. Four units will be structure, we are truly a one-stop shop for experience worldwide. Each team member deliver support services to Polin Holdings: our clients and partners.” O

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 2 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 41 ANIMAL SANCTUARIES

PAWS FOR THOUGHT

They are the most majestic and charismatic of animals, but the outlook for big cats in the wild currently looks grim. Kath Hudson ﬁnds out how the Big Cat Sanctuary is on a mission to change the situation

he most important like a job, but nonetheless, it is all justification for zoos is consuming and never stops. While “ that the animals act we might all want to cuddle a mewing as ambassadors for baby jaguar, not all of us would want T their wild counterparts, to rub its bum with gauze to help her by raising awareness poo or camp out in the trees in the and support for conservation. There jungle to look for wild cats.” is a crisis for cats in the wild and my Clark has come full circle with mission is to make a difference. We his work. After 17 years of living can’t let these animals disappear.” abroad – volunteering in India and So says Giles Clark, managing a long stint in Australia, including director of the Big Cat Sanctuary and developing a state-of-the-art tiger star of the recent BBC documentary facility at Steve Irwin’s Brisbane Zoo Big Cats in the House, in which he – he has come back to work for his shares the limelight with Maya the first boss. Peter Sampson is the jaguar and Willow the cheetah. owner of the Big Cat Sanctuary, as After watching the documentary well as Paradise Park in Broxbourne, and becoming immersed in Clark’s Hertfordshire, where Clark started world, it comes as something of a his journey as a 14-year-old on work surprise to hear his voice on the experience, leading to his first job. phone. There is a distinct Aussie twang to it, legacy of his two decades Cat ambassadors of globetrotting, which helped him The Big Cat Sanctuary was initially develop his big cat expertise. established by Malcolm Dudley, He says amazing opportunities who ran it purely as a sanctuary to led him to his current position at the provide new homes to big cats with sanctuary, which is located in Ashford, inappropriate homes, like nightclubs Kent – the very southeast corner of or circuses; or no homes, as the UK. “It’s a vocation, not a career,” happened with the lions from Windsor he says. “It’s a job that doesn’t feel Safari Park after it closed in 1992.

42 attractionsmanagement.com AM 2 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 Giles Clark, pictured here with Maya the jaguar, is managing director of the Big Cat Sanctuary

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 2 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 43 ANIMAL SANCTUARIES

Experiences on offer at the sanctuary include Big Cat Encounters and Ranger for the Day

Peter Sampson is the owner of the sanctuary

There are approximately 50 big cats at the sanctuary at any one time. CAT STATS Some of the cats are part of a breeding programme, while others have retired from QThe Big Cat Sanctuary has 40 breeding, either because they are too old enclosures, and 50 cats or because there are already enough of QThere are 40 different species their genes in the cat population. of wild cats and The Big Cat Since acquiring the 16-hectare facility Sanctuary is home to 15 species in 2000, Sampson has turned it into a QDuring the winter the cats and educate people about the situation of charity with a board of trustees, joined eat between 750 and 850 wild cats. Finally, the overarching goal is the European Endangered Species kilos of food per week to support in situ conservation. Our cats Programme, to help preserve species QMeat, chicken, fish, mice and at the sanctuary are ambassadors to help through breeding, and set up partnerships rats feature on the menu safeguard their wild counterparts.” with global conservation partners. QIt costs a minimum of £1m one Clark joined in 2016, with some big year to run The Big Cat Sanctuary Innovative model ambitions. Having worked with the BBC in QLast year the charity donated The sanctuary needs to generate £1m Australia, one of his first initiatives was to around £20,000 to global a year to operate. One of its biggest arrange for a film crew to make a fly-on-the- conservation projects challenges is that cats living in captivity wall documentary. The plans for a standard QThe global illegal wildlife survive much longer than their wild zoo-style documentary changed when Maya trade is worth some £18bn counterparts. “Some of the big cats live the jaguar entered the scene (see ‘Maya a year and is one of the top until their early 20s – so they are expensive the Jaguar’ on page 46) and offered an five international crimes. Cats to keep, especially if they get health issues, irresistible and compelling storyline. If there are especially sought after. we see problems which wouldn’t happen in was a feline who could mobilise the public QTigers have been virtually wiped the wild,” says Clark. “And if you think vet to the plight of wild cats, it would be Maya. out in Cambodia by hunters, bills are expensive, imagine what root canal Clark has also changed the mission globally the population has dropped treatment on a lion costs!” statement to reflect his aim to use the by 95 per cent since 1990. Running the sanctuary as a standard sanctuary as a way of safeguarding wild QThere are less lions than rhinos zoo has been deemed by the board to cats. “We have four pillars of ethos: firstly in Africa: with the population be unsuitable, since cats are generally to ensure the welfare of our resident now below 23,000 reclusive and try to avoid humans if they cats and ensure they breed to maintain a QCheetahs are the most endangered can. For this reason, it is not operated as a healthy and sustainable population,” he of big cats in Africa. standard attraction where visitors can turn says. “Then we want to raise awareness up and buy a ticket, but instead people

44 attractionsmanagement.com AM 2 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 Cheetah Willow arrived at the sanctuary as a cub with a fractured leg, but she made a speedy recovery

Some of the big cats live until their early 20s – so they are expensive to keep, especially if they get health issues. And if you think vet bills are expensive, imagine what root canal treatment on a lion costs!

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 2 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 45 ANIMAL SANCTUARIES

Maya turned up at the sanctuary during filming, MAYA THE JAGUAR aged just five days old Who couldn’t fall in love with this adorable jaguar? When filming began, Maya was not part of the equation, but can book a selection of tailored packages, her arrival as a five-day-old, neglected that this won’t happen on his watch. “I which give a superior experience: overnight by her mum, meant hours of previous want to be part of the solution,” he says. stays at the safari lodge, photography footage were shelved and the show was “The amount we are donating is growing workshops and big cat encounters. Added renamed Big Cats in the House. year on year, but I want to grow it from to this, a handful of open days are run The bond between Giles Clark thousands to tens of thousands.” each year, which generate around 25 per and Maya is heartwarming. The The Big Cat Sanctuary has numerous cent of the facility’s annual income. documentary shows him feeding her conservation partners. The documentary “Having crowds of people around all the every two hours, day and night, taking shows some of the ongoing work, and much time could stress the cats,” says Clark. her swimming, an anxious vet visit and of it makes painful viewing: lions dying in “When we have the open days, some a lively appearance on BBC Breakfast. Kenya after being poisoned; the seizure of cats go into hiding and are not seen. As Maya nears her first birthday, big cat skins in Cambodia, revealing the These packages mean we can have less Clark says she is showing less and extent of the poaching problem. However, infrastructure and fewer staff, but visitors less interest in him. Soon he will stop it also reflects what is being done to get a better experience and it is more entering her enclosure as she becomes help. The Big Cat Sanctuary funded GPS conducive to the cats’ wellbeing.” an independent and solitary adult. collars for lions in Kenya to help inform a She has already been a great conservation strategy and cameras to track Supporting conservation ambassador for her wild cousins, movements of jaguars in Costa Rica. Fundraising is important, not just for the helping the team raise £13,500 in an “I don’t ever switch off. I’m always running costs, but also to fulfil Clark’s evening fundraiser, which led to the thinking about something to do with ambitions to support conservation sanctuary buying tracking cameras for the cats,” says Clark. “But there aren’t projects in the wild. The clock is ticking: a jaguar research and conservation any bad parts to my job. I have been 80 per cent of the wild cat population project in Costa Rica. And since the very fortunate to work with some is in trouble and experts believe many documentary, a meet-and-greet is on amazing species and to form bonds and species could become extinct in the wild offer at the sanctuary with Clark, Maya relationships. We’ve got a purpose to in the next decade, unless there are and Willow, with tickets priced at £99. what we do, which gets me fired up and serious interventions. Clark is determined excited about making a difference.” O

46 attractionsmanagement.com AM 2 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 OFFER YOUR CUSTOMER A CHOICE OF AWARD-WINNING ADVENTURES!

Scalable from 4 to 40+ seats

Interactive 3D For the Whole Family www.trio-tech.comtrio-tech.com WHITEWATER PROMOTIONAL FEATURE WOW FACTOR WhiteWater is introducing two hot new attractions to its roster, including FusionFortress, a pre-fabricated waterpark structure that’s ready to install anywhere

hiteWater, the waterparks The road to innovation is paved not FusionFortress and attractions company, by technology but people, passion and is a leading global designer constant reinvention. WhiteWater’s Features and manufacturer of commitment to creating ‘new’ experiences W innovative waterpark is more than just a mainstay, it is what Q Over 100 interactive products and active family drives the company forward. waterplay elements attractions, specialising in waterslides, Constantly striving to deliver innovative Q The biggest splash multi-level water play structures, wave- and fresh guest experiences, the company in the industry with generating equipment, FlowRider stationary takes pride in making a difference in two tipping buckets surﬁ ng machines, harnessed attractions, the world’s best theme and water parks. Q Three models to choose interactive play, and water rides. WhiteWater’s industry-leading innovation from to meet any footprint requirement Q A variety of classic body slides Q Larger models also feature thrilling inner tube slides Q Maximised play space underneath the structure means even more interactive elements

Beneﬁ ts

Q Keeps guests entertained and playing for hours Q High instantaneous capacity reduces long lines Q The compact footprint minimises the number of staff required Q All-in-one construction makes for incredible value for money Q Easy to theme to create a one-of-a-kind attraction to suit any park Q Safe, durable and easy to maintain

48 attractionsmanagement.com AM 2 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 is driven by a team of 600 extremely talented employees in eight ofﬁ ces Raft Battle around the world, working together to complete over 5,000 projects since 1980. WhiteWater’s latest addition to water rides, Raft Battle, represents a new age for FusionFortress the classic water ride experience, where Introducing the world’s ﬁ rst all-in-one interactivity and competition add to the river waterpark structure! Combining the raft experience, making it truly immersive. interactivity of an AquaPlay with a wide Inspired by epic water battles and the range of water slides, from kids’ slides to whole experience of playing and riding high-thrill slides, FusionFortress is a mini- not just ‘in’ water but ‘with’ water, the Raft waterpark in a compact footprint. Battle takes the family-friendly group ride With multiple levels of fun to explore, experience to a whole new level. families can spend the day revelling in all Creating a real-life battle environment of the experiences that FusionFortress has for riders and spectators, the Raft Battle is to offer. Featuring some of WhiteWater’s all about enjoying the thrill of an ultimate most legendary slides, two tipping buckets water combat experience, that’s truly for maximum splash, and over 100 immersive, and one-of-a-kind. Battle from Raft Battle is a new interactive features, FusionFortress would the boat to the shore, battle from the shore addition to WhiteWater’s make an iconic cornerstone for any park. to the boat, and battle from boat to boat, water ride offering Or let it stand alone with a lazy river for a it’s mayhem and fun all around. very viable starter waterpark.

FEATURING LEGENDARY SLIDES, TWO TIPPING BUCKETS FOR MAXIMUM SPLASH, AND OVER 100 INTERACTIVES, FUSIONFORTRESS IS AN ICONIC CORNERSTONE FOR ANY PARK

The all-in-one FusionFortress is a mini-waterpark that can ﬁ t in a compact footprint

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 2 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 49 RIDES

FOR FOR SPEEDSPEED NEEDNEED

ve multi-million-dollar rollercoasters We look at ﬁ that have recently embarked on their maiden rides

INTAMIN

YUKON QUAD Parc Le Pal France

At the beginning of April, Parc Le Pal in Saint-Pourçain-sur-Besbre, France, North Canada’s launched its biggest ever attraction, Yukon wilderness inspired Quad. Themed like a string of all-terrain the ride theming vehicles, Intamin’s Family Launch Coaster covers a whole kilometre of track. With ride theming creating a journey reaches almost 90kph, following a series expensive attraction, built in 2011. So, through a wild Canadian landscape, the of tight bends and hills and an S-hump we hope for a nice return on investment. quads launch at speeds of 65kph, with before the ride comes to an end. Thanks to Yukon, we are expecting 50,000 riders experiencing a G-force of up to 3G. “We’ve invested 10 million euros in this additional visitors this year.” The rollercoaster travels up, drops new attraction, that is to say 50 per cent of The ride uses Intamin’s cutting-edge down, and winds its way along close our turnover from 2017,” Parc Le Pal CEO friction wheel drive system and features to the ground, intensifying the feeling Arnaud Bennet told local press. “That’s 5 an upright seating position. It’s one of only of speed. The coaster’s second launch million euros more than Twist, our most three coasters of its kind in the world.

50 attractionsmanagement.com AM 2 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 Time Traveller starts with an immediate, out-of-the-station, gravity-driven 90-degree drop

MACK TIME TRAVELLER RIDES Silver Dollar City Branson, Missouri

Time Traveller, billed as the world’s fastest, steepest and tallest spinning coaster, delivers 360-degree controlled spins as the vehicle moves, meaning every ride experience is different from the last. The Herschend-owned and run theme park invested of $26m in the new double launch ride, and in return is able to boast an attraction with top speeds of 80kph, a 10-storey, 90-degree vertical drop, a top height of 30 metres; and a dive loop, vertical loop and a zero-G roll making up its three inversions. The 920-metre track crosses over itself 14 times in total. “This coaster’s state-of-the-art “This coaster’s state-of-the-art controlled spin provides riders a unique thrill controlled spin provides riders a unique thrill experience while still appealing to families,” says Brad Thomas, president of Silver experience while still appealing to families” Dollar City Attractions. “Time Traveller is a revolutionary coaster ahead of its time.”

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 2 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 51 RIDES

“That was the challenge – how to set a wooden coaster on ﬁ re and for it to be safe”

GREAT COASTERS WICKER MAN INT. Alton Towers Alton, UK

Alton Towers’ highly anticipated Wicker Man ride opened in March, the theme park’s fi rst wooden coaster, which boasts a six- storey fl aming centrepiece and is the fi rst such ride to combine wood and fi re effects. Operator Merlin Entertainments used Great Coasters International to build and install the £16m ride. Holovis created the pre-show and queue line, which feature extensive theming and elaborate projection mapping, while Picsolve supplied the photo-capture solution. “We started to come up with themes that made the most of wood as a material,” says Bradley Wynne, creative lead at Merlin Magic Making. “We thought it was interesting that people really love that combination of wood and fi re and so we began to think about how we could recreate that somehow in a safe way. That was the challenge – how to set a wooden coaster on fi re and for it to be safe.” The 618-metre wooden coaster features a blazing 20-metre-tall wicker man that bursts into fl ames on three occasions during the course of the ride. Featuring a lift hill and 22-metre drop, the ride lasts about three and a half minutes.

Wicker Man also has a themed area around the attraction, with a shop, games unit and kiosk

52 attractionsmanagement.com AM 2 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 Visit us

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©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 2 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 53 RIDES

MACK RIDES ICON Blackpool Pleasure Beach Blackpool, UK

Mack Rides’ ICON – the UK’s ﬁ rst ever double launch rollercoaster – opened in May, marking a £16m investment for Blackpool Pleasure Beach in north England. Riders board copper gold carriages, crafted from German steel, and are ﬁ red out of a tunnel, with the layout of the rollercoaster navigating in and out of the theme park’s other rides multiple times. The 1.14km grey steel track boasts a high point of 27 metres, with drops of up to 25 metres. “We have been on an incredible journey building this rollercoaster, seeing its towering presence on the park and entwining with some of our most popular rides. It really has been epic,” says Amanda Thompson, the German steel is manufactured attraction’s managing director. “It’s a using cutting-edge engineering smooth but exhilarating ride like no processes for a smoother ride other rollercoaster in the world.”

ZAMPERLA THUNDERCHARIOT Discovery Kingdom Dalian, China

Italian ride maker Zamperla recently opened its third Thunderbolt coaster, at Haichang’s Dalian Discovery Kingdom in Liaoning province, China. The rollercoaster follows a fairytale theme inkeeping with the design of the area in park. Named Thunderchariot by Dalian Discovery Kingdom, riders traverse the 675-metre track in one of four, nine-seater vehicles, reaching speeds of up to 85kph. Zamperla has installed its Thunderbolt ride at Luna Park, New York, and OWA theme park in Foley, Alabama. A fourth is to open at Mason Robotland in South Korea. O Thunderchariot is the third of Zamperla’s Thunderbolt installations

54 attractionsmanagement.com AM 2 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 DO YOU WANT TO BE COMPLETELY SURE THAT YOUR CUSTOM-BUILT MOVIE WILL COME OUT AS YOU’VE IMAGINED IT?

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bit.ly/magicboard-sample or call us at (+39) 344 34 77 205 EAS PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Attractions industry professionals will be gathering in Amsterdam EURO 100 years of IAAPA

Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2018, the International Association ATTRACTIONS of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) began in 1918. IAAPA has become the largest international trade association for permanently SHOW 2018 located attractions and is dedicated to the preservation and prosperity of the global Registration is now open for IAAPA’s attractions industry. www.IAAPA.org European trade show, which returns to the @IAAPAHQ historic city of Amsterdam. Don’t miss out! #IAAPA100

t’s the largest gathering of the leisure, trends, and explore the newest innovative tourism and entertainment industry Where and when ... technologies to the market, with more than in Europe, and this year it’s set to be 500 exhibiting companies. bigger than ever. For the third time, the Location: I Euro Attractions Show (EAS) returns RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre Conference programme to the RAI Amsterdam Convention Dates: Taking place 25 to 27 September, Centre in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Conference: EAS 2018 boasts the most extensive with the show expanding so rapidly that 23-27 September, 2018 conference programme yet, with a broad Trade Show: selection of seminars over the course of 25-27 September, 2018 the three days. Want to learn how to better cater to guests with special needs? Or how to incorporate food trends from around the organisers have added an extra the world into your F&B offer? How to run exhibition hall. The trade show fl oor will a more sustainable operation? Or how to cover more than 14,000sqm over fi ve halls reinvent your tired marketing campaigns? to accommodate the ever-growing interest All of these topics and many more will from exhibitors and attendees alike. be addressed by the best in the industry More than 12,000 leisure and attractions sharing their expertise and experience. industry professionals – including 8,000 Furthermore, the 2018 edition of the infl uential buyers – from more than 100 Leadership Breakfast, Waterpark Forum, countries will descend on Amsterdam for Young Professionals Forum, and Lunch EAS boasts 100 hours of seminars EAS 2018, to network, discover the latest and Learn will be taking place, along

56 attractionsmanagement.com AM 2 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 More than 12,000 attendees from 107 countries are expected, with more than 500 exhibitors at the expo

IAAPA EMEA Forums IAAPA is continuing to develop its programming across the EMEA region, with the IAAPA EMEA Winter Forum held in Dubai in January and the Spring Forum held in May in Ireland. Look out for next year’s forum dates.

On the show ﬂ oor ...

Q innovative tech Q rollercoasters Q dark rides and simulators Q children’s rides Q water slides and aquaplay Q rafts and fl umes Q swimming pools and wave pools Q theming and design Q architecture and masterplanning with the fl agship CEO Talks, which will be Q engineering and intergration focusing on the Dutch leisure industry. Attended by ... Q scenery and sets Q park photography Networking and events Attractions industry professionals, Q food and beverage EAS offers unmissable occasions for including owners, operators, suppliers, Q light and sound expanding networks and connecting with investors, and developers from: Q 4D/5D fi lms colleagues from throughout the region and Q amusement and theme parks Q fi lm/music production world. These connections can open the Q heritage and tourist attractions Q animatronics marketplace and information sharing can Q museums and science centres Q climbing walls and zip lines create opportunities to grow your business. Q casinos Q infl atables The EAS 2018 Opening Reception takes Q parks and recreation facilities Q ticketing and software systems place at Strand Zuid, conveniently located Q concessionaires Q gifts, novelties and plush next to the trade show halls. Following the Q waterparks Q costumes and uniforms show, attendees who have registered for Q family entertainment centres Q arcade and video games the After-Show Tour will visit Toverland and Q zoos and aquariums Q go-karts and bowling Efteling, while this year’s behind-the-scenes Q hotels and resorts eduTour takes place at Walibi Holland. O

TO RESERVE BOOTH SPACE TO REGISTER TO ATTEND www.IAAPA.org/expos/euro-attractions-show/exhibit-sponsor www.IAAPA.org/EAS

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 2 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 57 TOURISM RED HOT ICE COLD

The eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland in 2010 led to explosive growth for its tourism industry. Kath Hudson ﬁnds out more about how the tourism and attractions industries are growing up side by side

58 attractionsmanagement.com AM 2 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 n the space of a couple of years, It is also providing Gunnar Sigurðarson two disasters happened in Iceland. fertile ground for the is manager of Firstly, the fi nancial crash in 2008, attractions industry. Visit Iceland when the banks collapsed and the Led by entrepreneurs, I Icelandic krona dropped 35 per cent two major attractions lights and beautiful against the euro. Then, in 2010, launched last year, both scenery; the volcanos Eyjafjallajökull erupted for the fi rst time of which are inspired by and geothermal baths are in 180 years, causing massive disruption and aim to complement the a geographer’s paradise; to European air travel and making sure natural wonders by providing the abundant wildlife to spot, everyone took notice of Iceland. interpretation and education. including seals, whales and puffi ns; Happily some good came out of the Bardur Gunnarsson, managing director as well as adrenaline activities like hiking, chaos: these two big news stories of LAVA, an Icelandic volcano and ice climbing, skiing and cave exploring. helped put the country on the map. With earthquake centre, says the development Gunnar Sigurðarson, manager of Visit extra assistance from Instagram – also of these attractions is a sign of a more Iceland & Creative Industries, says the established in 2010 – which acted as a grown-up tourism industry: “Eight years main focus is consolidation rather than shop window for Iceland’s spectacular ago it wouldn’t have been possible to have growth, making sure the offer is strong to scenery, news soon got around that this created an attraction like LAVA. It was a bit boost visits in the off season and spread was the place to go. Plus, it was cheap and like the wild west here, but now the tourism tourism across the country, rather than just it had real volcanoes! In just seven years, industry has become more mature.” the south, where Kefl avik airport is located. the tourism industry quadrupled: from “Tourism is now the largest revenue 459,000 in 2010, to 2.1 million in 2017. Selling the off -season generating industry: more than the fi shing Tourism has become the country’s largest Iceland has a great deal to recommend industry and aluminium sectors together. industry, with 2020 targets hit early. it: the natural wonders of the northern When Promote Iceland started, tourism was Now that the country has recovered from the crash, it is no longer such a bargain place to visit, which means the spike in tourists has abated. Although the massive boom might be over, tourism is now growing at a more sustainable and manageable level. This year the industry is expected to expand by 10 per cent and tourism chiefs have a chance to look at the product and plan strategically.

Over 2 million tourists visited Iceland in 2017, a ﬁ gure that quadrupled over a seven-year period

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 2 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 59 TOURISM

Into the Glacier offers various tours to a man-made ice cave on Iceland‘s second largest glacier, Langjökull

FROM THE GOVERNMENT POINT OF VIEW, NOW THE GOAL IS NOT TO GROW THE NUMBER OF TRAVELLERS, BUT TO ENSURE WE BUILD THE SKILLS, CAPACITY AND QUALITY

the third largest industry and far behind The Promote Iceland website has than wild camping and taking care when the two others,” says Sigurðarson. “Our created a brand identity for the seven photographing its natural splendours. focus over the past years, in cooperation different regions including the unspoilt There is even an Iceland academy on the with the tourism industry, has been wilderness of the Westfjords, the lava website where would-be visitors can learn to decrease seasonality and promote ﬁelds and mountains of the north and lush about everything from staying safe on regional destinations in Iceland. From the forests and farmlands of the east. glaciers to hot tub etiquette. government point of view, now the goal is “We predict visitors will increasingly Sigurðarson believes demand will remain not to grow the number of travellers visiting focus on visiting Iceland during winter robust and that the attractions industry the country, but to ensure we build the and we will see the total number further will play an important role in continuing skills, capacity and quality.” increase,” says Sigurðarson. “We have put to draw people to the country, as well as Currently Iceland is seen as a winter more emphasis on our marketing efforts to educate them and instil respect for destination: 42 per cent come in the colder to educate and inform visitors before and its environment. “Manmade attractions months, 26 per cent in the summer, 19 per during their stay about Iceland’s fragile can make a huge impact,” he says. “For cent in the spring and 12 per cent in the nature, responsible travel behaviour, local example, LAVA is not only thought of as autumn. Promote Iceland is keen to even culture and Icelandic peculiarities.” a tourist attraction, but an educational this out and so marketing efforts will be To this end, visitors are asked to exhibition for Icelanders, where they can focused solely on the off-season, prioritising observe the Iceland pledge, which includes learn the science of Icelandic geology.” the wider regional destinations, particularly being responsible, not venturing off the Although there have been news reports stimulating growth in rural areas. beaten track, using campsites rather of some airlines dropping services from

Perlan Museum’s Glacier and Ice Cave exhibit. A second exhibition – Land, Coast, Ocean – is opening soon as well as a new planetarium

60 attractionsmanagement.com AM 2 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 THE TRAILBLAZERS INTO THE GLACIER

Located at Iceland’s second largest glacier, Langjökull, this attraction lets visitors experience what it would be like underneath the ice of the glacier, and view the blue ice, with a manmade ice cave which leads to the glacier. The tour also includes a ride on the glacier in special vehicles, to enjoy spectacular views from the ice cap. People leave with a greater appreciation of glaciers. Like other glaciers, Langjökull is shrinking and is expected to disappear within 80 to Visitors on the tour are 120 years. Visitors are invited to offset able to explore the glacier the carbon of their transport to the and see it from the inside site with a donation to plant a tree in a nearby forest, which aims to reduce the carbon in the atmosphere. Every year 5,000 trees are planted. the UK to Iceland, the Gunnar Gunnarsson THE LAVA TUNNEL country still has fl ights is CEO of the new to 80 destinations Perlan Museum Allowing visitors to witness the inner and is seeing a rise workings of a volcano, the Lava Tunnel in Spanish tourists around the world. The is co-owned by Icelandic mountaineer because of direct fi rst exhibition, the Hallgrímur Kristinsson and is the one fl ights to Spain. In Glaciers and Ice Cave of the longest lava tubes in Iceland. It response to more Exhibition, presents promises a spectacular experience, where tourists from Asia, it the history of glaciers, visitors witness the beautiful caves inside is only a matter of time shows the lifeforms which the volcano, lava falls and formations, as before direct fl ights are live on them, their effect on well as ice sculptures in winter. set up with Asian countries. the landscape and what will Two tours are on offer. The standard happen when, or if, they disappear. tour takes 55 minutes, but the more Bringing nature to guests A second exhibition opened in May, adventurous can opt for the extreme Launched in 2017 by two friends who Land, Coast, Ocean, and it is based on tour which takes up to 3.5 hours and saw an opportunity, the Perlan Museum earthquakes and volcanos, with highlights promises an unforgettable experience, celebrates Iceland’s natural wonders, that include a life-size replica cliff, and going to the end of the 1.4km tunnel to through large-scale exhibits and the virtual reality fi sh and birds. Work is see magnifi cent lava falls. Visitors will latest research and scientifi c fi ndings. already underway on the third attraction, a leave with an appreciation of nature, as Noteworthy experiences offered include cutting edge, 150-seat planetarium, which well as more knowledge about volcanoes. a view of Reykjavik from the 360-degree observation deck, taking a walk through the world’s fi rst indoor ice cave and feeling the force of an earthquake. Founder and CEO Gunnar Gunnarsson says the aim of the museum is to interpret nature for tourists and Icelanders. “We wanted to create a huge exhibit, the biggest and best in Iceland,” he says. “But you can’t copy nature. Our idea is to bring nature to guests in the best way possible. We try to replicate some natural phenomena through virtual reality and stories. We allow our visitors to touch ice Follow the lava path from the and educate them about protecting it.” Leitahraun eruption, which The disappearance of glaciers is leading took place 5,200 years ago to enormous change both in Iceland and

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 2 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 61 TOURISM The Lava Centre is an interactive exhibition depicting volcanic activity, earthquakes and the creation of Iceland over millions of years

TOURISTS GAZE AT THEM WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING THE MAGNITUDE. WE WANTED TO CREATE AN ATTRACTION WHICH COULD INTERPRET VOLCANOES

has been designed by Bowen Productions Into the Glacier offers Bardur Gunnarsson is and will launch in the autumn. various tours to Iceland’s managing director “This will be one of the first most significant new at LAVA planetariums in the world to have 3D attraction, a man- sound,” says Gunnarsson. “It will present made ice cave. The exhibitions: “Volcanoes a show about Icelandic nature and feature ice tunnel and the are one of the biggest both the Northern Lights and the Southern caves are located attractions of Iceland Lights as they appear from space.” high on Iceland‘s and our guests didn’t Funded by investors, the museum cost second largest glacier, really know that much £25m to develop and Gunnarsson says that Langjökull, so there’s the about them. They stand each year £1.5m will be invested to keep opportunity to explore the on the black sand beaches it updated. He says the growth in tourism glacier and see it from inside. and gaze at them without has allowed this project to come to fruition. “It talks about glaciers, how understanding the magnitude. We “The growth in tourism has provided us with they behave and global warming,” he says. wanted to create an attraction which could a fantastic opportunity. With more tourists “And the Lava Tunnel in Raufarhólshellir is interpret volcanoes, within their vicinity.” we can invest in more attractions, which also a beautiful project. It was a lava cave With dwell time of around 45 gives Icelanders the opportunity to learn which was being impacted by tourism, so minutes, the attraction features two more about their country.” was closed to protect it and now they offer parts: an exhibition with interactive guided tours about geology.” exhibits including a lava corridor, and an Learning about nature Another landmark development, LAVA earthquake corridor. It concludes with a According to LAVA’s managing director was established in spring 2017 to give the movie on the latest eruption. Bardur Gunnarsson, Iceland attracts a inside track on volcanos. An educational, “By far our biggest market is tourists, special kind of tourist: “Almost everyone interactive exhibition depicting volcanic but we also hope it will spark an interest in who comes to Iceland is interested in activity, earthquakes and the formation of volcanology among Icelanders, especially nature. They are quite adventurous and Iceland, it has been developed with the schools,” says LAVA’s Gunnarsson. “It is want exciting experiences, but aren’t willing support of the Icelandic Meteorological a great place to start a day sightseeing: to take risks. They want controlled, safe Office and the Department of Civil have a coffee and a lecture and head environments. They are keen on learning Protection and Emergency Management. further east so you understand what you and like good guides and exhibitions. LAVA’s Gunnarsson says the project are seeing. Alternatively, when the days “There are now a few great attractions in was led by entrepreneurs who felt there are short in winter, visitors can come to Iceland. Into the Glacier paved the way.” was a huge need for some educational reflect on what they have seen.” O

62 attractionsmanagement.com AM 2 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 melodic durable accessible outdoor musical instruments built by musicians

www.acousticarts.org.uk www.bertazzon.com 0117 935 2034

©Cybertrek 2018 AM 2 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 63 IDEATTACK PROMOTIONAL FEATURE Grande desiGns

With work well underway on its groundbreaking collaboration with China’s Evergrande Group, IDEATTACK shares details of three brand new attractions in the pipeline

DEATTACK, a global leader in tourism Over the past several months, and leisure destination creation, is IDEATTACK has been developing thrilling moving forward in the design phase concepts for world-class attractions that of two major theme parks for China’s will immerse guests in exotic, faraway Evergrande Group, located in Kaifeng places and enchanted worlds straight out and Changsha cities. of storybooks and the most fantastical IEvergrande, one of the largest real- reaches of the imagination. estate companies in eastern Asia, has IDEATTACK is dedicated to creating guest exclusively partnered with IDEATTACK on experiences of the highest order, combining several theme parks set to open within the excellence in storytelling with cutting-edge next few years, following a rigorous round placemaking technology and dazzling visual of bidding and concept pitches by many of effects that will redefine the art of themed the top design firms in the industry. entertainment in China and beyond.

Curse of the Jaguar is a terrifying walk-through haunted house attraction conceptualised by IDEATTACK

64 attractionsmanagement.com AM 2 2018 ©Cybertrek 2018 AIR CURSE OF THE JAGUAR RACE Curse of the Jaguar is a terrifying Air Race takes walk-through haunted attraction guests on experience that places guests in the GUARDIANS OF THE a journey middle of an ancient Mayan pyramid, AMAZON beneath the where evil spirits do their best to ocean, where a Mermaid King make the intruders permanent The Guardians of the Amazon is presides over a royal pavilion, residents. The journey begins at an a river ride adventure through the entered through an antechamber abandoned tourist expedition office heart of the rainforest. Filled with made of coral fans and seashells in the South American jungle. danger and wonder, the family- of all shapes and sizes. Here in the With startling visual effects and friendly attraction educates guests boarding area, the king appears on terrifying jump scare moments, will about the Amazon region, its people a video wall to invite everyone to the jaguar god of the underworld and many different creatures, and celebrate his reign. show mercy on the group of guests? the dangers of deforestation. The Mermaid King takes his Guests follow a jungle path into guests on a ‘flying’ tour of his the village of an indigenous tribe underwater kingdom aboard where they meet Mateo, a native boy shell-inspired vehicles, travelling who talks about being a volunteer through schools of fish, sharks and for the Amazon Patrol and the dolphins, while the long tentacles of various beliefs of his elders. jellyfish drift down from above. Boarding a 20-passenger boat ride, the adventure begins, drifting past stunning sets accompanied by elaborate lighting and special effects, a rousing musical score, and a heart-pounding climactic moment – resulting in one of the largest flume drops in the country.

©Cybertrek 2018 AM 2 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 65 MUSEUMS Alice Davis, managing editor, Attractions Management DOING THE HONOURS The Museums + Heritage Awards is a highlight of the attractions calendar, with the overall winners announced at a ceremony in May. We found out what makes some of the shortlisted projects so special

Canadian Museum of History SHORTLISTED

Canadian History Hall International Award

Opened in 2017, the museum’s revamped Canadian History Hall tells Canada’s story through varied experiences and from different perspectives. GSM Project handled the makeover, with the exhibition setting leading standards in universal accessibility.

“We set out to present an in-depth and authentic history of Canada, to understand where we came from and how we got here – including both successes and failures of the past, with a narrative that could withstand scholarly scrutiny. The story is as complete and honest as we could build at this moment” Canadians walk through 15,000 years of history in the Canadian History Hall Jean-Marc Blais, director general, Canadian Museum of History

Grant Museum of Zoology, UCL The hands-on initiative reached The Whale Weekender out to the local community and Members of the public were SHORTLISTED invited them to invited to the Grant Museum Project on a get involved of Zoology, London, to help limited budget rebuild a northern bottle- nosed whale skeleton. People who attended the weekender got to meet museum conservators while assisting with the cleaning and

documentation of the 157-year-old bones. PHOTO: UCL GRANT MUSEUM / NATALIA JUNALA “It is so rare to be able to give visitors a chance to do real, meaningful conservation work. The skeleton was so big it had been scattered across several storerooms. It hadn’t been put together since it arrived at the museum: we had no idea how complete it was. But 800 visitors painstakingly removed 157 years’ worth of dust and grime, identiﬁed each bone and rebuilt the skeleton. It was incredible teamwork” Jack Ashby, manager, Grant Museum

66 attractionsmanagement.com AM 2 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 SHORTLISTED International Award Holland Open Air Museum / Kossman.dejong The Canon of Dutch History, the nation’s list of 50 topics The Canon of Dutch History that summarise its past, comes to life as an exhibition at Holland Open Air Museum Exhibition design ﬁrm Kossmann.dejong has been shortlisted for a 2,000sqm presentation in the Arnhem, Netherlands, museum. The Canon of Dutch History is a list of 50 topics that summarises and covers Dutch history from megaliths to the modern day. Through a combination of decors, objects and ﬁlm fragments, visitors are invited to actively uncover information using hands-on elements and interactive games. PHOTOS: THIJS WOLZAK

“We imagined the exhibition as a multimedia ﬁlm set. The theatrical combination of physical, interactive and audiovisual media with unique collection presentations results in an engaging and fascinating visual narrative. The carefully reconstructed spatial collage of Dutch historic icons is interwoven with stories from everyday people, giving visitors an in-depth experience of the past from today’s perspective” Herman Kossmann, founder and creative director, Kossmann.dejong

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 2 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 67 MUSEUMS

Astronaut Tim Peake tests the VR experience

Science Museum Group

Space Descent VR with Tim Peake

Working with Alchemy VR SHORTLISTED and astronaut Tim Peake, Innovation the Science Museum, Award

London, developed an PHOTO: SCIENCE MUSEUM GROUP immersive experience that puts visitors in the pilot’s seat of a Soyuz capsule. Guided by Peake, the VR experience tracks his 400km journey from the International Space Station back to Earth. “It truly is very close to the real thing,” Peake says. “VR allowed us to bring Tim Peake’s spacecraft to life in a spectacular way. The capsule is one of our most iconic objects and we’re using VR to create a ﬁrsthand experience of a journey only a tiny number of highly-trained astronauts have ever made. It’s proven incredibly popular with visitors across the UK and it’s attracting the attention of museums abroad who want to share it with their own visitors” Mark Cutmore, head of commercial experiences, Science Museum Group

TIRPITZ Museum houses sunken galleries, exhibition areas and an events venue

“TIRPITZ was a unique opportunity to combine nature and culture in a spectacular fashion. A visit to the museum is not a visit to an exhibition gallery, but a scenic journey through time and space of Vardemuseums / Tinker Imagineers SHORTLISTED West Jutland. The idea is International that the whole place itself TIRPITZ Museum Award comes to life following Architects BIG transformed a former exhibitions, which showcase permanent the rhythms of nature” German WWII bunker into a cultural and temporary themed experiences complex camouﬂaged among the protected dedicated to exploring Hitler’s European Erik Bär, partner and director, dunes of Blåvand, Denmark, while Tinker defence project, the Atlantic Wall and Tinker Imagineers Imagineers created the museum’s 100,000 years of coastal history.

68 attractionsmanagement.com AM 2 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 Tate/ Preloaded / HTC VIVE

Modigliani VR: The Ochre Atelier

Part of London’s Tate SHORTLISTED Modern’s Modigliani Innovation retrospective, visitors Award were able to immerse themselves in the Ochre Atelier – a VR experience that reimagined the artist’s Parisian studio where he lived and worked before his death in 1920. In the studio, visitors could interact with virtual artefacts, artworks and materials the artist used.

Visitors were immersed in a virtual recreation of Modigliani’s ﬁ nal studio, which used the actual studio space as a template

“We wanted to give visitors an experience which would help them understand Modigliani as a man as well as an artist. Transporting people into the space where he lived and worked, they felt a profound sense of empathy with him. A form of exhibition interpretation that’s as much about feelings as facts and information, it gave visitors new ways to connect with the artist and his work” Hilary Knight, head of digital content, Tate

Chiltern Open Air Museum

Literacy Theme Days for Primary Schools

The museum’s theme days SHORTLISTED aim to engage young writers Educational Initiative by bringing the historical Award context, characters and settings of a story to life. Different theme days offered at the facility in southeast England are based on stories from different periods of history, for example, The Little Red Hen, Wolf Brother and Goodnight Mr Tom. Children explore museum buildings and meet costumed characters from the stories. Schoolchildren get to “When a context is explored and brought to life, meet characters children feel empowered and it is this ‘empowering’ from the story that makes a real impact on the quality of their writing”

Cathy Silmon, head of learning, Chiltern Open Air Museum

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 2 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 69 MUSEUMS

Royal Museums Greenwich SHORTLISTED Restoration/ Conservation Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I Award

The Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I publicly owned since 2016, thanks to a received an extensive treatment before funding appeal that raised £10m, including being returned to the Queen’s House at £7m from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). Greenwich, London. The large-scale oil It then underwent six months of complex painting, created in the 1590s, has been and comprehensive conservation.

“The conservation of the Armada Portrait has provided a unique opportunity to examine the original PHOTOS: NATIONAL MARITIME MUSEUM paint layers and later changes in detail whilst undertaking the removal of layers of old varnish to

reveal the brilliance of the colours” The panel painting represents the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 Elizabeth Hamilton-Eddy, senior paintings conservator, Royal Museums Greenwich

The museum aims to raise awareness and appreciation for Syrian heritage PHOTO: KAVEH ROSTAMKHANI

Museum of Islamic Art / Berlin State Museums SHORTLISTED International The Syria Initiative Award

The Syria Initiative of the Museum of has implemented extended documenting,

Islamic Art in the Pergamon Museum archiving and damage assessment. In PHOTO: MILENA SCHLOSSER Berlin aims to promote and document addition, the free guided tours invite the Syrian cultural heritage, each project refugees to explore the artefacts exhibited, dealing with a special aspect of both discover common origins between cultures, tangible and intangible Syrian culture. In ﬁnd their own creative expression at order to raise awareness and appreciation workshops, discuss their cultural heritage for the Syrian cultural heritage, the museum and share their personal memories. “Our vision is to create a sense of common ownership of cultural heritage. Syrians are involved at all levels of our activities and are decisively leading the development of the projects in the Syria Initiative. We want to engage new audiences with the museum in the ongoing discussions about cultural heritage in conﬂict and social responsibility” Stefan Weber, director, Museum of Islamic Art

70 attractionsmanagement.com AM 2 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 Royal Parks SHORTLISTED Education Speak Up! Innitiative Award

Speak Up! The Hyde Park Debating Challenge engaged hundreds of secondary students from seven London schools in a debating programme inspired by Speakers’ Corner. Young people had the opportunity to improve their reasoning and presentation skills, inspired by the rich history of a pivotal landmark of the famous park. In partnership with Debate Mate, the project launched in April last year with hands-on heritage activities, followed by dozens of workshops, and culminated with a celebration event last summer. The day saw hundreds of students preparing their motions and debating on topics chosen by them and their peers, surrounded by their families and the public. The Royal Parks learning programme offers a wide range of events to help young people explore and discover the parks’ landscapes and heritage. “Speak Up! gave young people the skills and support they needed to voice their ideas with passion and conviction. And no better place to do it than at Speakers’ Corner, a living reminder of Hundreds of London students our right to speak freely and be heard” took part in the challenge while learning about Speakers’ Corner Ledy Leyssen, head of learning, Royal Parks

Different schools came together for a debate, with some students chosen to hone their debating skills in preparation for a live competition at Speakers’ Corner

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 2 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 71 HOLOVIS PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Getting personal WITH HOLOVIS

Imagine all on-and-off-ride media across a park was able to independently tailor every individual’s story, depending on where they are and the choices they make – and even their emotional responses. Holovis is delivering this revolutionary approach to park-goers

he attractions industry is follows,” explains Peter being transformed by the use Cliff, creative director at of storytelling and innovation Holovis. “This opens to create some of the most up a whole new T immersive and narrative-driven world for guests, experiences visitors have ever allowing them to seen. Since the rise in popularity of media- interact and influence based attractions, the ability to put guests connected experiences at the heart of a powerful narrative and throughout a venue, It’s about creating take them on adventures has changed not just at one specific memories, says guest expectations and boosted demand attraction or experience. Holovis’s Peter Cliff for significantly better all-immersive, multi- Each guest has their own sensory attractions. They want engaging journey and based on the and unique experiences, not just a thrill. decisions they make or paths they choose Ride and Realm Experience design firm Holovis knows to take, the world around them reacts Holovis brought its Extended Experience this only too well and has been developing differently each time, every time. technology to the traditional dark ride a recipe for taking immersive storytelling “Unlike a game that plays out on a attraction to create Ride and Realm a step further by giving guests the ability second screen, be that a computer, phone (R&R), the world’s first guest and data to experience their own personalised or in VR, the compelling approach Holovis driven real-time dark ride attraction. R&R interactions and engagements – and the delivers, through our Extended Experience gives guests the ability to choose their secret to this lies in real-time technology. platform, is having this take place in a own adventure and then personalises the “Real-time technology is driven by real-world setting with physical objects experiences they have based on these content rendered live from a game engine, and real-time media reacting differently interactions and the data collected, with rather than having a pre-rendered film with for each guest based on their own specific AI and analytics working behind a fixed path and narrative that it always interactions as well as the data collected.” the scenes to enhance the overall affect. “It begins with a real-time game-driven attraction, using onboard interactive devices to put control in the hands of the guest,” continues Cliff. “However, as guests leave the ride for the first time, there are a number of ways that the adventure continues to play out around the park. This includes through tracking technologies with no visible guest engagement required, therefore making the experience frictionless, through phone apps with AR experiences and physical devices utilised throughout the park. These all allow Ride and Realm is an gameplay to continue throughout the day and interactive extended ride even afterwards at home, triggering complex experience from Holovis multi-threaded narratives that continue the guest’s journey as the story unfolds.”

72 attractionsmanagement.com AM 2 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 Ride and Realm creates an ongoing storyline for guests throughout the entire park

“This is more than just gamiﬁcation and non-linearity; this is letting guests control and determine their own destiny”

Guests must solve puzzles, find clues in Technology driven physical locations to unlock achievements Behind the scenes, Holovis’s team of and ‘level-up’ and engage with physical software engineers has been developing entities, or even cast members, before advanced data capture and artificial returning to the starting point, where intelligence analytics, as part of the the experience on the dark ride will have Extended Experience platform, that allow evolved to reflect their progress, making it the story to become personalised to each a unique attraction all over again. guest based on their physical, intellectual “Ride and Realm is a near limitless and emotional reactions. experiential platform that is always “We can now use our tracking different, truly re-ridable, and scalable. technologies to measure reactions in highly Whatever guests do within the ride or personalised ways, with patents pending across the whole park has a real-time around our latest solutions. Artificial impact on their adventure as it unfolds intelligence is being used to understand before them. This is more than just emotional responses from our audiences gamification and non-linearity; this is and to further adapt the story and the letting guest control and determine their The graphic shows how a guest would intensity of the attraction to their own own destiny whilst being at the heart of a experience Ride and Realm technology preference. Our machine-learning systems multidimensional and compelling narrative. are also being applied to interactivity “Holovis is now working with clients platforms in order to learn about people’s who want the capability expanding further for years to come,” says Cliff. “In this responses, so we can, for example, alter so that all park-wide media, both on and age of social media and the increasing the difficultly of the gameplay to keep off their rides, reacts differently for every demand for everything to be connected, them involved and engaged based on their individual, depending on where they are this solution results in highly rich content individual skills and abilities, making the in their game and the evolving storyline. being shared by guests continuously attraction far more inclusive for all.” This is a true revolution in theme park- throughout their journey, further Cliff says: “This is the power of real- wide personalisation. This is what creates supporting and enhancing the parks time-everything and we’re just at the memories that guests will talk about social communications and brands.” beginning of telling this story.” O

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 2 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 73 SCIENCE CENTRES This story ﬁ rst appeared in the Attractions Management Handbook 2018 www.attractionshandbook.com

Workshops for schools, like Tom Tits Experiment in Södertälje, Sweden, help build the science capital of local children and teachers GETTING ENGAGED

Science museums and centres across Europe are embracing science capital to help develop more inclusive and integrated learning opportunities for all visitors. Dr Amy Seakins and Dr Heather King tell us how

cience capital can be described as the bag of science-related knowledge, experience and attitudes that you carry throughout S life – what you know about science, how you think about science, what you do, and who you know. This concept is being adopted by a growing number of science engagement organisations and educational policymakers as a way to (re)think what we might do to improve people’s engagement with science. Our research explains why some students feel unable to identify with science and highlights the need to reﬂ ect on how institutions provide experiences that

PHOTOS: THOMAS AZIZ resonate with visitors’ varied personal lives. The concept of science capital draws from the work of French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu, who coined the notion of capital – the social, cultural and symbolic resources that individuals variously The idea of science capital possess to ‘get on’ in life. Science capital is being used to rethink ways is a form of capital that combines all of increasing engagement the science-related social and cultural resources that Bourdieu deﬁ ned.

74 attractionsmanagement.com AM 2 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 PHOTOS: SCIENCE MUSEUM, LONDON

Every moment in a science museum is an opportunity to engage and shape visitors’ attitudes towards science

Science capital can help us to think creatively about how to improve everyone’s engagement with science PHOTO: BUSINESS IMAGES/SHUTTERSTOCK MONKEY

Start with the personal, lived experiences of learners and then build upwards

By analysing a series of surveys carried TWEAKING SCHOOL SCIENCE and others in their community about out in the UK*, we’ve identified a distinct Over the last few years, our research science, showing them how to recognise relationship between a young person’s team has worked extensively with the science in their everyday lives and to aspirations towards science and their teachers and schools to explore ways to acknowledge the many ways in which they science capital: just 5 per cent have high build student science capital to support participate in science-related activities. science capital and are more likely to more students, particularly those from These principles apply within classrooms, continue with science post compulsory diverse backgrounds, to engage with but also outside school in other learning schooling; 69 per cent have medium science. By encouraging teachers to spaces and visitor attractions. science capital; but more than a quarter spend time reflecting on their practice, (27 per cent) have low science capital and identifying small changes or tweaks SCIENCE CENTRES CAN HELP – the least likely to take science-related to existing lessons, we’ve helped teachers For science museums and science qualifications or a science-related career. create learning environments and centres, our findings from the classroom Importantly, the construct of science opportunities that build science capital. highlight the need to reflect on the capital tells us more than who might We recommend starting from the ways in which these institutions provide aspire to a science-related career. It personal, lived experiences of learners and experiences that resonate with visitors’ helps us understand why for some building upwards. It’s about eliciting the varied personal lives – and provide young people, science is not for them. experiences and interests that students suitable spaces where individuals can It can also help us to think creatively already have, valuing these, and then build on their existing resources, helping and effectively about what we might do linking these to canonical science. them to fill up their science capital bags. to improve everyone’s engagement with It’s about encouraging young learners A science capital approach to museum science within our sites and spaces. to speak with their family and friends and science centre practice would include

76 attractionsmanagement.com AM 2 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 Science attractions could beneﬁt from engaging in long-term partnerships with audience groups PHOTO: SPEEDKINGZ/SHUTTERSTOCKPHOTO:

Science museums and centres can encourage and help visitors of all ages to build their science capital

using visitors’ prior experiences for The British Science Association and About the authors educational programmes, eliciting and Science Museum Group provide practical valuing their contributions and linking examples. The concept has also gained Dr Amy Seakins, engagement these to science. It might include long- interest at a policy level across Europe. coordinator for evaluation term partnerships with audience groups. In summary, a science capital approach and impact, Imperial College A further valuable role would be to does not suggest that a lack of awareness London. Formerly research highlight how science can open doors to or interest explains why students choose associate, Enterprising Science all sorts of different jobs and careers and not to pursue science or, similarly, why project, King’s College London. demonstrate how it can also lead to active people do not visit science centres or [email protected] participation in societal decision-making. science museums. Rather, it explains why By showcasing a wide range of science- some people feel unable to identify with Dr Heather King, research related roles and careers, hosting debates science: they do not have the resources or fellow and deputy director, and discussions, and encouraging science- experiences that would lead to a more full Enterprising Science project, related conversations, science museums science capital ‘bag’. King’s College London; and science centres can begin to Our ﬁndings suggest that future research focus on supporting educator encourage and help visitors of all ages and initiatives and policies should aim to build practice in school and out-of-school abilities to build their science capital. learners’ science capital and reﬂect on settings. [email protected] the design of learning experiences. This BUILDING SCIENCE CAPITAL will ensure that more learners from varied *ARCHER ET AL. (2015) ‘SCIENCE CAPITAL’: A CONCEPTUAL, METHODOLOGICAL, AND EMPIRICAL Discussions and applications of science backgrounds, experiences and interests ARGUMENT FOR EXTENDING BOURDIEUSIAN NOTIONS capital are spreading and growing. will develop greater science alignment. OF CAPITAL BEYOND THE ARTS. JRST, 52(7), 922–948.

NORWAY’S NATIONAL PRIORITY

Målfrid Snørteland director

Per Inge Bøe project manager Jærmuseet, Nærbø, Norway

orwegian educational authorities

and the Norway Research PHOTO: MARIIA GOLOVIANKO/SHUTTERSTOCK Council have embraced science capital – one of our Ncountry’s three main goals in 2016-19 is to Grow Families’ Interest in Sciences. At Jærmuseet’s 10 regional science centres, we already have exhibitions and Makerspace activities activities aimed at reaching this goal, but inspire and motivate four of our facilities will now speciﬁcally families to work together focus on this strategy to embed more systematic and effective assessment methods and evaluation tools. For example, Trondheim Science This new focus on to see whether the families’ attitudes Centre will organise workshops involving towards science changed. the whole family, ranging from children science capital will This new focus on science capital through to grandparents. Courses and certainly push us to will certainly push us to be more makerspace activities aimed at inspiring be more systematic systematic and inclusive in our approach and motivating families to work together to audiences. Rather than focusing on will be evaluated by questionnaires and inclusive in our entertainment, we’ll be more aware of how completed before and after the workshops approach to audiences to communicate and engage our visitors. Q

SWEDEN REACHES OUT TO TEACHERS

Cecilia Ekstrand education manager Tom Tits Experiment, Södertälje, Sweden

s a teacher with an engineering their students because their own science background, I believe it’s capital was rather low and they didn’t important to ground work in feel comfortable enough with science to robust concepts. While looking facilitate a visit. To overcome this barrier, Afor the right paradigm for Tom Tits science we decided to run teachers’ workshops. Science attractions should extend the centre, I heard a lecture on science Science capital has also helped us to science capital of teachers and adults capital at the 2013 Ecsite conference – debunk biases. One workshop required and knew I’d discovered the right tool. visiting teachers to build a dome using Since we started to apply the learnings teamwork. I love assembling furniture and positive results. The objective was to of science capital at Tom Tits, we’ve compared this task to it, so I expected demonstrate that skills used to plan and developed teacher training. Although enthusiastic responses. But most of the deliver meals (or build furniture) involve local school visits to our science centre teachers shut down! So I then switched engineering, shifting each teacher’s are free, many teachers weren’t bringing to a cooking recipe analogy and got very mindset about science and technology. Parents are a key audience as they play Visiting our science centre is free for local schools – a pivotal role in their children’s education. To help parents, we’ve trained staff to yet many teachers weren’t taking their students focus on adults during family visits. Q

Iłowiecka-Tańska, PhD head of research department Copernicus Science Centre, School children from Warsaw, Poland similar backgrounds don’t interact with or the research team at exhibits in the same way Copernicus Science Centre, science capital is a very inspiring concept. To get a broad picture Fof school children’s science capital, we relation between science capital and PHOTO: COPERNICUS SCIENCE CENTRE For the research team, launched a nationwide survey and found science capital is a visitor behaviour, indicating that our that the most common source of science exhibits already cater to a wide audience. capital is from parents motivating their very inspiring concept We now plan to test whether there’s a children to engage with science. correlation between science capital and We also found that fewer children in Furthermore, we’d noticed that school the motivation to learn and engage in Poland compared with those in the UK children from similar backgrounds didn’t cognitive efforts. Copernicus is central to thought they’d met a scientist. As many interact with our exhibits in the same way, spreading this concept in Poland and, as scientists who interact with our visitors so we tested the hypothesis that those science capital is also proving effective in dress informally, the children may simply with higher science capital experienced mobilising broad educational coalitions, have not realised that they’d just met a deeper engagement. But the results we’re also interacting with policymakers, real scientist! So we may change that. were very surprising: there was no direct teachers and academics. Q

STEMMING FROM THE UK

Beth Hawkins learning resources manager Science Museum, London, UK

he Science Museum Group has Our museums play a key part in been working in partnership the STEM engagement landscape by with King’s College London on supporting and encouraging audiences to the Enterprising Science project extend their learning within and beyond our Wonderlab: The Statoil Gallery was Tsince 2012 to develop the science capital sites. Science capital gives us an insight developed with science capital in mind concept. It will help us create experiences into what infl uences and shapes people’s to engage our visitors with science, attitudes towards science, which can help technology, engineering and maths (STEM). us to identify new ways to reach out and We’re gradually rolling out a refl ective As such, the number one core priority connect with absent or infrequent visitors. practice approach through workshops and in our 2017–30 strategic ambitions is We want to create an environment toolkits to shape and design our exhibits to ‘grow science capital in individuals where everyone feels welcome and where and experiences, such as our recently and Society’. Our organisation-wide every moment in our science museum is opened interactive Wonderlab: The Statoil efforts will translate science capital an opportunity to engage and shape our Gallery. We wanted the labels in the gallery learnings into operational realities – visitors’ attitudes towards science – from to make a link between our exhibits and and you can follow this process on our the website, front desk and cafés through our visitors’ everyday lives. The text for the ‘Transforming Practice’ blog. to the galleries and exhibitions. Icy Bodies exhibit, for example, originally mentioned that dry ice is commonly used Science capital can help us to identify for special effects at theatres – but after refl ecting on our science capital research new ways to reach out and connect we changed this example to the cinema, with absent or infrequent visitors making it relevant to a wider audience. Q

Digital art collective teamLab creates jaw-dropping installations and is set to open its first museum in Tokyo later this year. Magali Robathan hears the story

Here we speak to the people behind the artworks. ade up of about 500 members that include How and when was teamLab born? artists, programmers, In 2001, Toshiyuki Inoko founded teamLab architects, designers, with several of his friends as a space CG animators, of co-creation. It was the year Inoko M engineers, and graduated from university, and most of mathematicians, the initial members of teamLab were the art collective teamLab uses programmers and designers. Toshiyuki Inoko founded the latest computer modelling We were creating art installations from teamLab with a group of techniques to create installations the beginning, but we didn’t have the friends in 2001

that involve the viewer in the art. opportunity to present them anywhere, nor NOLOGO PHOTO: At a Tokyo restaurant, the walls could we imagine how we could financially change and birds appear to fly from sustain our teams producing art. diners’ plates, while at other shows, On the other hand, we all believed in the Murakami invited us to exhibit at his viewers see flowers blossom or power of digital technology and creativity, gallery, the Kaikai Kiki Gallery in Taipei, crumble and die on their bodies and and we loved what we were doing. We just Taiwan. This was a major turning point split waterfalls with their feet. wanted to keep on creating new artworks. for teamLab. In 2013, we took part in This June, a permanent attraction While the collective took part in the Singapore Biennale, and in 2014, called “MORI Building DIGITAL ART various projects to maintain teamLab, we New York PACE Gallery started to help MUSEUM: teamLab Borderless” is increased the number of technologists promoting our artworks. opening in Odaiba, Tokyo. in the team, with members including These opportunities allowed us to architects, CG animators, painters, expand rapidly. Finally, in 2015, we were mathematicians and hardware engineers. able to hold our own exhibition in Japan. Since then, teamLab has gone on What happened next? to exhibit our work internationally; in As time went on, we gained a passionate London, Paris, the US, China, South Korea, following among young people, but we were Indonesia, Thailand and elsewhere. still ignored by the Japanese art world. This summer, we will open a permanent Our debut finally came in 2011, when digital art museum in Tokyo, together with the celebrated Japanese artist Takashi urban developer MORI Building.

80 attractionsmanagement.com AM 2 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 Paris’ La Villette will host teamLab’s Au-Dela des Limites exhibition this year

WANDER THROUGH THE CRYSTAL UNIVERSE

This artwork was created using Viewers were also able to teamLab’s interactive 4D vision interact with the work by using technology and LED lights hanging their smartphones to trigger 3D from the ceiling, creating the illusion animated light visuals. While Crystal of various patterns moving in space. Universe was created by elements Viewers were invited to enter and selected by the viewers, each action walk around within three dimensional or change affected the other. The light space, with the idea that they viewer’s position within the artwork became the ‘centre of the universe’ – also inﬂuenced how the work was their movements causing changes to created; thus, the artwork was LED lights created the illusion of the lights across the entire space. continuously changing. crystals in this installation in Toyko

How would you sum up what you do? What does digital art offer that the artwork. Similarly, when the artwork Our aim is to explore a new relationship traditional art doesn’t? changes due to the presence of others, between humans and nature through We want to change the relationship those people also become part of the art. art. teamLab is an art collective, an between people and art, and we want This changes the relationship between a interdisciplinary group of ultra-technologists to make people feel that the presence work and an individual into a relationship whose collaborative practice seeks to of others is a positive experience when between a work and a group of individuals. navigate the confluence of art, science, interacting with our artwork. Whether a viewer was present five technology, design and the natural world. Traditional media, such as paintings, minutes ago, or how the person next to When we started out in 2001 at doesn’t change in relation to the presence you is behaving now, becomes important. the dawn of the digital age, we were of viewers or their behaviour. The artwork is passionate about eliminating boundaries based on a relationship with an individual Tell us about the digital art museum and working beyond existing disciplines. viewer. For the majority of art up until you’re launching in Tokyo this summer. To make that happen, we wanted a place now, the presence of other people tends Currently, there aren’t any digital-only where we could get people from all to constitute a hindrance. If you happen art museums. We wanted to deliver a different specialisations, and decided to to find yourself alone at an exhibition, you borderless artwork world, and we needed make one on our own. consider yourself to be very lucky. to establish a museum to make that Our name, teamLab, comes from that When an artwork changes based on the happen. MORI Building provided us with idea; we wanted to create a team of presence or behaviour of people, it blurs this chance to realise our ideas. specialists and a place like a laboratory the boundaries between artwork and viewer. The museum in Tokyo, teamLab’s first for all kinds of creations. In this case, the viewer becomes part of permanent exhibition and flagship facility, will boast a massive 10,000 square metres of floor space. It will house a permanent digital art exhibition run by the STORY OF THE FOREST museum’s operating body, created jointly by MORI Building and teamLab. MORI Building actively works to integrate This permanent installation in the collected by William Farquhar, the first art in cities and helps stage cultural Glass Rotunda at the National Commandant of Singapore. activities. teamLab aims to explore a new Museum of Singapore sees 69 Starting at the bridge spanning relationship between humans and the world drawings turned into a single giant across the dome, visitors enter a dark through art. With this collaboration, we’re animated interactive illustration. room with falling petals projected aiming to create a unique destination that Titled Story of the Forest, the digital onto the ceiling, before walking down will enhance the appeal of Tokyo leading up piece, which is 15 metres high and a spiral path with animals running to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and beyond. 170 metres long, is based on the through a vast, interactive forest. The museum’s drawings collection and exhibition ends in a room raining Tell us about your work with children. mimics the dense tropical rainforests petals. As visitors stand still while close teamLab’s experimental digital art project, of Southeast Asia. The design is to the wall, an area of ground emerges, which is called Learn & Play! teamLab inspired by the 19th-century collection a forest rises up, and animals appear.

This installation sees the Glass Rotunda turned into a digital art piece

82 attractionsmanagement.com AM 2 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 Sketch Aquarium invited children to colour a sea creature, which is scanned and projected on an interactive virtual aquarium

We’re ultra-technologists navigating the conﬂuence of art, science, technology, design and the natural world

Future Park, focuses on a project that explores the theme of ‘co-creative’ learning through digital technology. Children often play by themselves. This Moving Creates Vortices and project aims to encourage them to become Vortices Create Movement (top) aware of what the child next to them is at the recent NGV Triennial in drawing or creating. They may come to think Melbourne, Australia; Digital it would be more fun to build something Light Canvas is a permamnent together and be inspired to create and exhibition at the Marina Bay appreciate their own work in new ways. Sands in Singapore Through digital art, children who are inclined to work individually may think more positively about working with other What is your focus over the next year? children. This project aspires to transform We want to keep creating. And we want an individual’s creative action into a more people to experience what we create. collaborative creative activity – and help children realise that playing together might Who else do you admire? be more fun than playing alone. Anybody who believes in the future.

MORI BUILDING DIGITAL ART MUSEUM: IN NUMBERS Q520 computers Q470 projectors Q10,000 square metres Q21.6.18 opening

TEAMLAB BORDERLESS

Set to open in just a few weeks, we take a look inside ….

On 21 June, teamLab is set to open It will be located in the Palette Town a new digital art museum in Tokyo. shopping and entertainment complex The project is a collaboration between in Tokyo’s Odaiba district. According the Tokyo-based urban developer to teamLab, the word ‘borderless’ Mori Building and teamLab. Called expresses “the museum’s aim to tear MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM: down the borders between one art and teamLab’s ﬁrst permanent teamLab Borderless, the museum another, art and visitors, and oneself museum will open in will cover 10,000sqm and will house and others, by allowing visitors to melt Toyko this summer teamLab’s ﬁrst permanent exhibition. into the art and become part of it.”

Athletic Forest aims to get kids moving, boost social skills and be educational ATHLETIC FOREST

An interactive digital art space in the museum inspired by the idea of helping children understand the world through the body and thinking of the world three-dimensionally.

The space is fitted with objects bars surrounded by flying birds, and shapes to interact with as the interact with shapes in the Block immersive world changes around Town softplay environment, climb and the guest. Visitors can jump in Boing descend slopes in Graffiti Nature and Boing Universe, climb in a light-filled drift through an expanse of coloured bouldering space, traverse hanging balls in Weightless Forest. O

We’ve pioneered creative technology for 20 years

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PART TWO

SECURITY 3 PART SERIES PROFESSIONALISING

Part 1 AM 1 18: Protecting your visitor attraction YOUR ATTRACTIONS Part 2 AM 2 18: Training your security team SECURITY TEAM Part 3 AM 3 18: Using IP video Nigel Peers, senior consultant at NW Security Group, shares his and audio tips on how to build a security team that performs at its best

his article is written with newly hinder improvement and Nigel Peers, senior recruited security managers innovation. consultant at NW in mind. Coming into any new When I fi rst took up Security Group security management role can my previous role as T feel daunting, so it makes sense security manager at patrolling offi cers to look at some of the building Chester Zoo, UK, in themselves. blocks for getting more out of your security 2013, I spent time Make sure that team – helping them to become a highly walking around the you document these motivated, professional team. attraction to assess fi rst impressions very We live in a world where, particularly in the levels of perimeter carefully. You will fi nd large visitor attractions, there is increased security, spot key that they very often form need for vigilance and mutually sup- vulnerabilities and assess the seeds of your Security portive, overlapping security provision. the vigilance, response and Vulnerability Risk Assessment Organisations must do all they can to defi ne effectiveness of patrolling offi cers. report, which is likely to be the fi rst job and mitigate risks and that involves the pro- By doing this, it was possible to you will need to complete before you get fessionalisation of in-house security teams. determine how security-aware and incident- to work, which enable you to recommend ready the site team was, often by simply and implement improvements. Starting point making observations and asking questions When starting any new role, you are a of members of staff, as well as contractors Assessing capabilities ‘fresh pair of eyes’. You’ll be able to and other people entitled to be on site. A key task then is to assess the skill level, spot vulnerabilities and assess security Contractors’ experience of security checks, work ethic, management potential and risks unencumbered by the ‘we’ve always and entry and exit processes often temperament of members of your security done it this way’ type of thinking that can proves more revealing than talking to the team. Interview them to fi nd out more.

A motivated and professional team is central to optimum security provision

86 attractionsmanagement.com AM 2 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 A new security manager should walk around the attraction to assess checks and processes

Organisations must do all they can to mitigate risks and that involves the professionalisation of in-house security teams

Firstly, you should find out what It is great to be able to retain people of triggers and identifying and applying Security Industry Authority (SIA)-licensed with long service. They will be able to inhibitors to anger – valuable skills. qualifications they have. You may find provide you with vital knowledge about you have SIA licence holders in a mix of what has been tried before and found Building team spirit relevant and useful areas, including cash not to work. In this way, it’s possible to Introducing some friendly competition can and valuables in transit (CVIT), public avoid wasting too much time early on really help morale and performance. For space CCTV monitoring, door supervision, trying to implement and manage changes example, you might operate a four-days and security guarding. In-house teams which might encounter heavy resistance – on, four-days off shift system in which don’t generally need to be licensed unless instead focusing on banking some quick Team A logs its performance over the conducting licensable activities, but training wins that build confidence and momentum. same timeframe as Team B. Suddenly, KPI courses can underpin a professionally- When you are selecting new staff, think targets become very real when you have trained team and are recommended. about the capabilities and skills gaps an opportunity to win recognition within Identify any immediate skills gaps and that you’ve already identified in the team. your own team by edging ahead of your find out who has an appetite to expand It’s also important to have both genders ‘opposing’ team. It’s a great foundation their skills by doing more training. Draw well represented in the team and a good building team spirit and helps drive the up a training schedule for the next 12 example of why this is important in visitor whole team onto higher performance. months and attach training module targets attractions is that it provides the capability for each quarter that can be added to to conduct person searches. Same-sex Tightening patrols your quarterly key performance indicator searching is a licensable activity and It’s important to know how well the team (KPI) report. This should become your key must be conducted to strict guidelines. It performs its duties. For example, you could management information document for can also sometimes be more prudent or run tests to probe whether processes and reporting progress to senior management. effective to deploy either a male or female procedures are being flouted. Penetration officer to deal with some scenarios, and testing is considered one of the key ways Building the team having this option is a clear advantage. to prevent physical and cyber-attacks, as If you are in the fortunate position of A number of courses including the SIA knowledge gleaned by these tests can having budget to improve security provision, and conflict management courses can train be used to strengthen systems. Why not it’s important to focus on balancing, your staff to handle and diffuse tension attempt to go through an entrance or two as well as building a security team. and conflict, including early recognition without detection, check a gate, even scale

a wall and see whether you throw any Patrol systems Quickstart guide to alerts which trigger the arrival of a guard. Patrol systems can be implemented Also look at the patrolling systems. One cost-effectively today. They are based professionalising your team way to increase the vigilance of patrols is on handheld data loggers and RFID to zone a large site into several sub-zones. sensors. The system provides a means 1. Walk the Site Develop a patrol matrix which takes in of recording the time when the patrolling Make observations, talk to staff and different types of patrol including mobile officer reaches certain points on his or her contractors and assess levels of vigilance. (vehicle-based) patrolling, foot patrolling tour. Checkpoints are commonly placed Document impressions of your assessment and control room-based CCTV patrols. at the extreme ends of the tour route and Routines should be changed daily to at critical points of vulnerability where 2. Assess Team Capabilities avoid making patrol schedules a security physical checks need to be carried out. Find out their SIA-licensed qualifications vulnerability in their own right. Specific It is essential managers educate officers and identify skills gaps. Draw up a training checking routines should be specified by on what they need to be doing between schedule for those want to train sub-zone to make sure these checks are checkpoints; lack of leadership in this area run by patrolling officers. They might check can result in individuals simply moving 3. Get Team ‘Mix’ Right if footpath lighting is all operational, others from one checkpoint to the other without People with long service can provide you may demand physical checks of perimeter conducting professional patrol techniques. with vital knowledge. Having both genders fencing, gates or barriers for example. Some of these systems are set so that is advantageous Teams patrolling at night, when visitors the interval between stations is timed, are not around, often have more time to so if the officer fails to reach each point 4. Build Team Spirit run visual and listening checks. Techniques within a set time, other staff members Friendly competition can help boost morale like ‘stop, look and listen’ can be much are dispatched to ensure the officer's more effectively applied to spot ‘pattern wellbeing. An example of a modern set-up 5. Tighten Patrolling Regime of life’ anomalies where things are not in might work as follows: the employee carries Increase the vigilance of patrols by zoning their usual place – a door to a building left a portable electronic sensor or electronic a large site into several sub-zones. unlocked or a piece of equipment left out data collector, which is activated at each Develop a patrols matrix for different types in the open, for example. These changes checkpoint. The data collector stores of patrols. Change routines daily could signal that something out of the the serial number of the checkpoint with ordinary that could be worthy of further the date and time. Later, the information 6. Create Wider Team Roles investigation or bringing up at the next is downloaded from the collector into a Match staff with wider management tasks meeting. No change is too small to report; computer where the checkpoint’s serial that suit their background and skills. These it lends towards a culture of alertness. number will have an assigned location. responsibilities increase motivation

7. Involve Staff in Change A team will deal with a wide variety of events, Involve the whole team in the process of their professionalisation. Ask for their input from diffusing confrontations to returning lost and ensure they feel valued. Share best practice thinking from events you attend children to their parents – a lot of great work 8. Set Meaningful KPIs KPIs should relate to operational effectiveness over a given timeframe. Think about what represents progress from a security and wider operational perspective and put in a system to measure progress

9. Centralise Control and Monitoring of Surveillance Cameras Centralising the monitoring of all cameras is a vital aspect of a move from reactive to proactive security. Invest in network infrastructure and good quality network cameras and video management software

10. Test Routine and Technical Capabilities Conduct individual and team capability tests, particularly for some of the more technical tasks. Identify weaknesses and It is worth matching staff with tasks recommending further training that suit their background and skills

88 attractionsmanagement.com AM 2 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 Managers must ensure that lone working regulations are adhered to and that ofﬁ cers are conducting their duties in an effective and, at the very least, in a safe manner. Data from these checkpoints can provide evidence of the number of patrols completed in each timeframe. This information could be included in KPI information at the end of each month. So, if your target is 700 patrols in a given month, during that period your team may have dealt with a wide variety of events from diffusing confrontations, returning lost children back to their parents, nipping anti-social behaviour in the bud and even identifying potential hostile reconnaissance. That’s a lot of great work and worth celebrating when the team meets their patrol target.

Assignment instructions Once you have developed your strategic security plan, it’s critical that this is communicated to the security team. This plan is only as good as the people that are implementing and enforcing it. All staff need to fully understand their role in improving security by increasing vigilance and the level of proactive security. This communication extends to assignment instructions being written in addition to staff contracts. They need to know precisely Crowded Places Guidance is aimed at attractions, stadia, bars and other busy places what is expected and their role in meeting these requirements. They must know what their tasks are and how to perform them. It’s important to conduct individual and they deserve, yet their role is increasingly Much of this detail may have to be written team capability tests, particularly for some critical to the reputation and operational into revised policies and procedures, which of the more technical tasks like fi nding effectiveness of many organisations. should be reviewed and changed as new and taking a copy of video evidence in the Make them feel valued and you will be systems and processes are agreed. control room after a security incident has amazed how the resulting improved taken place, and ensuring the continuity of morale feeds through into higher levels of Professional development evidence is maintained. Get team members engagement and performance. O As well as routine tasks that security to show you how they would do these offi cers must complete like patrolling, it specifi c tasks, watch and then recommend is worth matching particularly able staff refi nements where necessary. This is a with tasks that suit their background and great way to identify skill fade, shortfalls About the author skills. These additional tasks will help the and what remedial training is required. Nigel Peers is a security consultant, offi cers feel valued and accountable, and data protection practitioner and part of the bigger organisational picture. Respect trainer. With a military background and It was my job to make sure I explained It’s important to get the right balance of founder of a workplace compliance the implications of any new best-practice democratic and autocratic management. training company, Peers possesses thinking I gleaned from attending National Some offi cers need to be told when the job a wealth of expertise in conducting Counter Terrorism Security Offi ce training they’ve done was not good enough so they security site surveys, vulnerability sessions, meeting with local counter will learn and do it better next time. assessments and delivering Security terrorism security adviser, reading up on However, it’s also important to involve Industry Authority (SIA) and other Crowded Places Guidance and attending all your team in the process of their industry-related training courses. talks on improving attractions security. professionalisation. Lead team members as you would hope to be About NW Security Group led yourself. Ask for their NW Security Group provides security advice on improvements planning consultancy and training as To read the NaCTSO guidance, go to they think should be made well as planning and physical security www.gov.uk/government/ and put the best ideas into equipment specifi cation, confi guration publications/crowded-places-guidance action. Security offi cers and installation services. often do not get the respect

For Wincomn, working in partnership with 7thSense enables incredible levels of realism REAL DEAL

7thSense Design, maker of the Delta Media Server range, strengthens presence in China with partner Wincomn Technology

ith more than 100 theme 7thSense has worked closely with the parks in the pipeline, team at Wincomn on more than 30 projects, China’s attractions boom bringing state-of-the-art installations to is showing no signs of China’s most popular visitor attractions. W abating. Responding to this rapid expansion, 7thSense Incredible realism Design, the UK-based manufacturer of the For Wincomn, working in partnership with Delta Media Server range, has been working 7thSense enables incredible levels of with Beijing audiovisual solutions provider realism when delivering digital experiences, Wincomn Technology, providing a trusted having recently worked on installations for partner on projects across the country. Wanda, such as Harbin Wanda Movie Park Wincomn, which is headquartered in and Nanning Wanda Theme Park, Hunan Beijing with sub-branches in Shanghai, Museum in Changsha, Hunan province, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Chengdu, Wuhan, and large-scale cultural water/light shows Xi’an and Shenyang, provides products, in places including Xiamen, Fujian province, software and hardware solutions for control and Hancheng, Shaanxi province. rooms and conferences, culture and enter- For 7thSense, delivering unparalleled tainment, and VR and simulation projects. media serving technology involves the With expertise in the attractions ability to offer multi-tool, comprehensive sector, Wincomn acts as the preferred feature sets which can be customised distributor and integrator for 7thSense Q Matt Barton, 7thSense managing director to meet speciﬁc client needs and project Delta Media Servers for theme parks, live demands. Delta Media Servers deliver shows, museums, science centres and high frame rate, high colour intensity, high- planetariums across China, delivering resolution content which is fully supported content for dark rides and theatres, by a proprietary content management projection mapping and other world- “Our job is to listen and system to enable design, scheduling and class multimedia experiences. The bring together the visions show control, and much more. partnership means clients are offered “Display resolution is now at, or nearing, creative planning, design consulting, of the end user and the an eye-limiting level,” says 7thSense Design system design, hardware and software content producers” managing director Matt Barton. “That development, software and hardware means pixels can no longer be ‘picked out’ integration, operation maintenance and by the human eye. Instead, attention is after-sales support. now turning to other elements that impact

SELECTED PROJECTS

Q Chisui Q Dragon Palace White Whale Water World Q Haikou 5D Theater Q Hancheng Water Show QHarbin Wanda Movie Park QHunan Museum QNanning Wanda Theme Park QShanxi Shangluo Danhe Building Mapping Show QSuperD Visual Experience Center QXiamen Haichang Lake Water Shoe QZhenghou Meisheng Miaoli Sales Center

display perception and visitor experience: colour bit-depth, colour space, frame rate. Testimonial “The cinema world has already been experimenting with high frame rate “Wincomn is an important Media Servers provide production and playback with the likes of AV integrator in China the best technical The Hobbit and Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime and 7thSense supports features and most reliable Walk – the latter we supplied our media us greatly in development technology. Setting them serving technology to for the testing and of the theme park and apart from other media uncompressed playback of 4K resolution exhibition market and servers, Delta Media in 3D at 120Hz (per eye) in 10-bit colour at we value the partnership Servers have excellent the fi lm’s worldwide premiers.” with 7thSense very much. uncompressed playback, 7thSense media servers warp and blend ability, and 4:4:4, 12-bit formats.” Bringing IPs to life are very important to outstanding bandwidth up Hansen Yang As the Chinese market develops an theme park AV systems to 6.5 Gb/s, supporting 8K deputy general manager appetite for introducing IP-led experiences, and we have found Delta movie play and 120 fps, Wincomn demand is growing for large-format 3D/4D/5D rides and theatres powered by cutting-edge multimedia technology. Movie- becoming increasingly in demand and that’s you down. Nobody wants to see guests based rides are an effective way to bring something Delta Media Server delivers.” disappointed after fi nding a ride is closed. big-name IPs to life with highly realistic and “Our job is to listen and bring together Barton says: “Dependability and visually stunning content, at the same time the visions of the end user and the content reliability are vital. Technology should never helping attract more visitors to the park. producers, developing our technologies to interrupt the show and distract the visitor “Audiences also want to control their enable their ambitions. Behind the scenes, from the story. Many attractions operate journey through a story more than ever the means of transporting this huge for long hours and have little availability for before. They want to have a level of control amount of data from source to display are maintenance, so things need to work well over what they see on screen. Interactivity developed to allow for higher fi delity.” and any maintenance must be fast.” is a hugely important feature of AV that’s “Working with Wincomn and 7thSense Tech you can rely on makes sense for clients, as we not only In a multimedia experience, it’s deliver the best quality solutions on the crucial that the technology won’t let market, but we also have close working relationships with attraction end users, Delta Media Servers deliver high other manufacturers and integrators – frame rate, high-resolution content across China and the world.” O

This year’s Asian Attractions Expo takes place at the Hong Kong Convention Centre ASIAN ATTRACTIONS EXPO

The Asian edition of IAAPA’s trade show descends on Hong Kong this June. Here’s what to expect from the show – plus, news from a selection of exhibitors

rom June 5 to 8, the Asian Attractions Expo (AAE) takes place NEED TO KNOW at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong, the What: Asian Attractions Expo 2018 premier international business event F When: 5 - 8 June 2018 for attractions industry professionals in the growing Asia Pacific region. Where: Hong Kong Convention & More than 8,000 attendees are Exhibition Centre, Hong Kong expected, travelling from more than 50 countries to learn about the latest How much: $69 - $149 innovations, solutions, trends and products on offer on the 9,500sqm trade show Tweet: @IAAPAHQ #AAE18 floor. Professionals from theme parks, Register: iaapa.org/expos asian-attractions-expo/home waterparks, FECs, zoos and aquariums, museums, science centres, cultural and heritage attractions and the hospitality and tourism industries will be in attendance. The IAAPA Safety Institute and the IAAPA Over 300 global companies will be Institute for Attractions Managers will be represented, presenting the best the held. Educational offerings can be used as sector has to offer, including state-of-the- credits by those seeking IAAPA Certification. art rides, virtual reality attractions, motion There will be a variety of educational simulators, waterpark attractions, video sessions and networking events and the and skill games, design and theming opportunity to visit some of Hong Kong’s services, innovative technology, ticketing best attractions, including Ocean Park solutions, and food and beverage. Hong Kong and Hong Kong Disneyland.

company specialises in taking care of large-scale projects and offers all design and theming construction services without subcontracting.

SIMWORX Booth 702

Simworx is promoting its extensive range of media- HUSS’s recent Condor2G based attractions and is currently working on many TRIOTECH projects globally, several of Booth 401 which are in the Asia region. China continues to be a Triotech is presenting its VR strong market, with the recent Maze for the first time in installation of three new Asia. This attraction features attractions for an FEC group in exclusive content developed Shenyang – a 4D VR attraction, Triotech’s VR Maze with in partnership with Ubisoft an Immersive Adventurer and Ubisoft’s Raving Rabbids including Virtual Rabbids: The a 360° 4D Cinema. Fourteen Big Maze and Assassin’s Creed, rides are being produced for both based on the widely clients in China, while Simworx IDEATTACK SEVERN LAMB popular video game franchises. is also involved in projects in Booth 1331 Booth 716 The VR Maze combines VR and Vietnam and Indonesia. a physical maze in a minimal Evergrande, one of the largest Leisure transport specialist footprint, immersing guests HUSS real-estate companies in Severn Lamb is delivering two in a compelling interactive East Asia, has exclusively large projects into China this Booth 1424 adventure complete with partnered with IDEATTACK year. Haichang Polar Ocean individual scoring. Visit the German ride manufacturer on several theme parks set World will be taking delivery of booth to learn more. HUSS has announced the to open within the next few three battery electric ‘steam opening of its Condor 2G years. IDEATTACK has been outline’ Texan trains, each with ROCAS & DESIGN at Sun Tzu Cultural Park in developing thrilling concepts an 84-person capacity. These Shandong, China. The cultural for world-class attractions that trains have been modified Booth 710 park features over 30 rides, will immerse guests in exotic, to run on an elevated track Rocas & Design and the from children’s attractions to faraway places and enchanted significant gradients. Suzhou Sharjah Investment and thrill rides. The 31-metre high worlds. IDEATTACK aims to Amusement Land will be taking Development Authority Condor 2G makes a striking redefine the art of themed delivery of two brand new (Shurooq) have launched landmark and offers an exciting entertainment by combining 144-passenger diesel hydraulic Rocas Emirates, a joint venture family ride. The Sun Tzu storytelling with cutting-edge ‘steam outline’ Lincoln trains. created to meet the rising Cultural Park ride features the placemaking technology and Visit the booth to learn more demands of the GCC (Gulf classic gondola design and dazzling visual effects. about Severn Lamb’s offer. Cooperation Council) area. The carries up to 56 passengers. DIGITAL PROJECTION SALLY Booth 107 Booth 1420 IDEATTACK is working with Evergrande in China Digital Projection is launching Sally Corporation is a worldwide its INSIGHT Laser 8K Projector, leader in turnkey dark rides. set to be the first commercially From innovative custom designs available high-performance DLP to collaboration with famed IPs, laser 8K projector. The INSIGHT Sally creates highly marketable Dual Laser 8K provides an ultra- attractions and memorable high 8K resolution of 33-million experiences for guests, from pixels through 25,000 ANSI classic storytelling dark rides to lumens of solid-state laser- repeatable interactive gaming phosphor illumination. The experiences or mixed-media flagship projector is a solution attractions. Talk to Sally about for elaborate installations and Jim Henson’s SPLASH AND large-venue applications. Visit BUBBLES, The Walking Dead: Digital Projection at the AAE Battle For Survival and Five show at Navitar’s booth. Nights At Freddy’s – The Ride!

VORTEX manufacturing with integration Lagotronics launches and management of the its farm-themed Booth 415 complete attraction. ride; Simex-Iwerks Vortex now offers PrecisionRide announces a new series waterslides, engineered INTERLINK fi lm for the National for performance and made Aquarium (right) Booth 2115 with state-of-the-art technology. This new series offers smooth, Interlink is announcing comfortable rides and Vortex various new ride projects in the National Aquarium. Being is promoting its expertise in says the PrecisionRide features Southeast Asia. In Indonesia, Dolphin 4D tells the story of audiovisual system integration the highest strength-to-weight the company is working on two an aquatic journey through the for media-based attractions, ratio of any waterslide structure new water rides – one a rapid eyes of a charismatic dolphin. including its latest generation today. Its glossy fi nish and river and the other, the “world’s The 4D experience tackles the 4D SFX motion seats, hybrid smooth frictionless connections fi rst” Immersive SuperFlume. topic of marine conservation, dome theatres, 4D theatre ensure an enhanced ride. The Immersive SuperFlume with a musical score to solutions, fl ying theatres and is the result of a technical complement the beauty of the more. The fi rm will not have a CAVU DESIGNWERKS collaboration between Simworx fi lm. Find out about Simex- booth in Hong Kong, but CEO and Interlink. A motion base Iwerks’ library at their booth. Manfred Meier, CTO Christian Booth 232 and immersive screens are Hofer and sales and marketing CAVU Designwerks creates added to a SuperFlume 16-seat LAGOTRONICS PROJECTS director Kevin Murphy will be at world-class attractions and boat ride, featuring a 12-metre the show and available to meet. Booth 1323 experiences. CAVU rides vertical lift and chute/splash, use European and American along with other effects. Lagotronics Projects provides ALTERFACE components, certifi ed by CSEI turnkey solutions for interactive Booth 2532 for Chinese installations and SIMEX-IWERKS attractions, show experiences TÜV for global installations. and dark rides. The company Alterface is presenting two new Booth 1520 With a portfolio that includes is showing its innovative projects, Qingdao Wanda in theatres, dark rides, Simex-Iwerks announced a ride concepts, including China and Bazyliszek in Poland. suspended coasters and thrill collaboration with Talbot Films Farm Fair GameChanger, an Alterface has joined forces with rides, CAVU offers effi cient on a custom production for interactive rotating dark ride, Jora Vision and ETF to build designed in a farm theme, a next-generation dark ride in which premieres at Bayern Poland. Bazyliszek opened this Park in Reisbach, Germany, spring as part of the recently in June. The farm theme can rebranded Legendia theme also easily be integrated in a park. Alterface also worked on traditional media-based dark the Qingdao Wanda interactive ride and the rotating dark ride indoor rollercoaster, which GameChanger can also be combines ancient Chinese designed to match a park’s storytelling with thrills and own story, IP or theme. detailed mixed-media sceneries.

KRAFTWERK LT JORA VISION Gold Sponsor Booth 123

As Gold Sponsor of AAE 2018, Design and build ﬁ rm Jora Vortex works on waterslide structures around the world Kraftwerk Living Technologies Vision is showcasing new

projects such Los Piratas This solution advances and PROSLIDE JRA de Bacalar, a pirate themed transforms traditional Flying Booth 1011 Booth 720 walkthrough and Simworx Theatres from passive lean- Immersive Tunnel planned for back seated experiences into Visit booth 1011 to learn Located within Jeju Shinhwa the Mexican Riviera Maya area, active ones that deliver more how 2018 is proving to be a World in Jeju, South Korea, as well as the new Bazyliszek realistic sensations of flying. momentous year for ProSlide. Lionsgate Movie World will dark ride, a collaboration ProSlide’s presence in the Asia- feature six immersive zones with Alterface. Other projects PICSOLVE Pacific region continues to grow based on the studio’s biggest include Legendary Trunks – The with installations at top-brand franchises. Working with Booth 705 Exhibition, which journeys into parks. The anticipated Atlantis Landing Jeju Development the world of Louis Vuitton’s Visit Picsolve’s booth to find out Sanya Aquaventure park opened Company and Lionsgate, JRA iconic luggage. about its latest product launch, in May, featuring signature is providing masterplanning, the Experience Wall, a collection ProSlide attractions like China’s design and project management CLIP ’N CLIMB of floor-to-ceiling HD screens that first RocketBLAST water coaster for this destination, which will replaces the traditional green and BehemothBOWL40/ be Korea’s first theme park built Booth 3335 screen. Visitors stand in front of TORNADO60 funnel. ProSlide exclusively around global films Clip ’n Climb is launching the Wall, which is programmed to rides will also open at parks and Lionsgate’s largest theme BelayMate, an innovative new display customised content for in Malaysia, Indonesia, South park project to-date. safety device for the fun- a more engaging and interactive Korea, and elsewhere in China. climbing industry. BelayMate photo capture experience. IPLAYCO eliminates the need for close SIMTEC SYSTEMS Booth 2142 supervision thanks to a unique SEEPER Booth 1640 internal sequencing mechanism. IPlayCo’s new Patented Turbo Learn more at booth 3335. Seeper is committed to Simtec Systems is presenting Tube Slide is a revolutionary innovation, with R&D central its HEXaFLITE Flying Theatre standalone twin-lane slide HOLOVIS to its mission. Last year product range from HEXaFLITE with clear dome entity. The Seeper received a grant from 16 up to HEXaFLITE 72/80, high-octane experience can Booth 208 the UK government to create the largest flying theatre be added to numerous areas Holovis is unveiling Li-Fly, a the world’s first holographic in Simtec’s product range. within a facility or on to any patented solution where guests ride. This combines mixed- HEXaFLITEs are flying theatre existing playground. This is soar through content as if they reality headsets, immersive indoor simulator attractions a great addition to a family are flying. Li-Fly uses 5-DOF audiovisual, 4D effects and based on a 6-DOF motion entertainment centre or motion systems that securely multiplayer interactive gaming base with a breathtaking initial existing playground. Along hold and tilt 100 guests into a in a motion ride. The first movement. Attendees will with new trampolines and the prone position before elevating experience created with this also have the chance to learn Adventure Ninja range, look them over a highly immersive unique mix of technology allows more about Simtec’s FUNRIDE for announcements on new ultra-high-resolution dome to guests to take a seat in a near- motion simulator systems and products and services from the deliver compelling experiences. future space-tourism adventure. interactive dark rides. iPlayCo group of companies. O

©CYBERTREK 2018 AM 2 2018 attractionsmanagement.com 95 ATTRACTIONS-KIT.NET Lauren Heath-Jones, products editor, Attractions Management

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

OFilmmaker Luc Besson (right) previously worked with the Mack family to turn his Arthur IP into Europa-Park’s Minimoys Kingdom

‘Sensational space story a perfect ﬁ t’ for new Mack VR coaster, says Michael Mack

ack Rides has teamed same space, and will feature a M up with acclaimed fi lm second station with a shift track director Luc Besson to and separate trains in order to develop Eurosat Coastiality, accommodate the experience. a brand new VR dark coaster “Valerian and the City experience at Europa-Park. of a Thousand Planets on Expected to open this Eurosat Coastiality will summer, Eurosat Coastiality is based on Besson’s 2017 be both exceptional and theme and offer it once again blockbuster, Valerian and the exclusive,” explains Besson, to our visitors,” Mack adds. City of a Thousand Planets, chair of French motion picture Mack Rides will work with VR and will take riders on an epic company EuropaCorp. Coaster to create and install the space-themed adventure. “I cannot imagine a technical elements of the ride, It will be located inside the better partner for the while Mack’s media development Eurosat sphere in the newly- Eurosat Coastiality project,” arm, MackMedia, will create renovated France-themed area says managing partner of the 360-degree content for of the park, and will share its MackMedia, Michael Mack. the rollercoaster, which riders home with the Moulin Rouge- “The combination of will view on a VR headset. themed Eurosat-CanCan Coaster. Luc Besson and Valerian’s It will be the fi rst attraction of sensational space story is a ATTRACTIONS-KIT KEYWORD its kind to host two rides, which perfect fi t for us. I am happy to MACK use the same track, within the OMichael Mack, MackMedia pick up on the popular space

96 attractionsmanagement.com AM 2 2018 ©CYBERTREK 2018 OPicsolve’s Experience Wall offers visitors a fun and interactive photo opportunity at Madame Tussauds in London

PROMOTION

Picsolve offers an immersive experience beyond the traditional green screen

apturing a visitor’s How does it work? the content of the screen is fully recognisable destinations in C image while visiting an A collection of fl oor-to-ceiling HD customisable to fi t the attraction’s Europe and we believe this is the attraction is a staple screens forms the backdrop of theme and brand messages. ideal opportunity for us to cement offer for any operator. the Experience Wall, replacing Engaging content encourages Picsolve’s position as the number However, over time, visitors the traditional green screen. visitors to interact with the one content creation partner have been getting used to the Visitors stand in front of the Wall photographer and the attraction. for world class destinations”. traditional green screen set-up as they would normally. However, When the photo is taken, visitors and many see it as a forced are unaware that the Wall Key benefi ts: activity rather than something behind them turns green for a Q Immersive capture experience they actively engage with. split second, allowing for post- Q Fully customisable content Attractions worldwide have been production effects to be applied. Q Ideal for world-class attractions looking for the next step forward The Experience Wall can be in innovative content capture that seen at global destinations, Visit the Picsolve team is engaging and compatible with including the iconic One World at booth #705 at the Asian their experience or theming, but Observatory, New York. The Attractions Expo to fi nd out can also cope with high footfall. latest installation can be found more about the Experience Thanks to its acquisition of at Madame Tussauds London. Wall the company’s other new Freeze Frame, Picsolve’s patented David Hockley, CEO at Picsolve, content capture experiences. Experience Wall technology says: “We are hugely excited to solves these issues and offers be launching the Experience Wall ATTRACTIONS-KIT KEYWORD visitors an immersive and in Europe. Madame Tussauds PICSOLVE seamless capture experience. ODavid Hockley, Picsolve London is one of the most

New Middle East Galleries at Penn Museum are ‘attractive and inviting’, says hsd’s Alisdair Hinshelwood

he Penn Museum that ancient Mesopotamian T of Archaeology and societies had on modern life, Anthropology has unveiled particularly how the earliest a brand new exhibit that takes settlements in these societies visitors on a journey through gave rise to the modern city. 10,000 years of human history. The galleries, which opened The Middle East Galleries, a at the end of April, form the ﬁrst suite of galleries themed Journey phase of a major refurbishment to the City, explore the impact project at the museum. UK-based design consultancy Haley Sharpe Design (hsd) OInteractive exhibits help engage museum visitors was responsible for the overall design of the exhibition, which “The Middle East Galleries features three themed galleries: were designed to appeal to a Towards Cities; Ur: The Great broad spectrum of visitors”, City; and The World of Cities. says hsd designer and director Almost 1,200 objects from the Alisdair Hinshelwood. “Our design museum’s extensive collection, optimises visitor ﬂow and routing, including the crown jewels of a stylistically acknowledging the Mesopotamian queen and one of historic character of the spaces, the world’s oldest wine vessels, whilst offering an attractive and are displayed throughout the inviting gallery environment.” galleries, alongside large-scale video projections, scale models, ATTRACTIONS-KIT KEYWORD OAround 1,200 artefacts interactive stations and touchable HALEY SHARPE are on display at the museum reproductions of artefacts. OAlisdair Hinshelwood, hsd

Attraktion’s Markus Beyr on custom-made experience at Yas Waterworld

Austrian media-based As the action unfolds on attraction developer Attraktion screen the cinema floods, has created a brand new immersing guests in water, and multimedia experience for Yas water effects, including rain, Waterworld in Abu Dhabi, UAE. waterfalls, water explosions, Combining an immersive sprays, fountains, water guns 4D theatre attraction with and neck blasts, are deployed. ODana stars in Legend of the Lost Pearl at Yas Waterworld a traditional waterpark Additional effects, including experience, Cinesplash 5D, RGB lighted bubbles in the the story of the park,” says which opens in June, submerges walls and ceiling, as well as Attraktion CEO Markus Beyr. guests in 50cm of water as they wind effects, ground fog, seat Yas Waterworld’s general experience the immersive film vibrations and leg ticklers, are manager Bianca Sammut says: Legend of the Lost Pearl. used throughout. “Cinesplash 5D is one of the Based on the region’s rich “The development of most exciting new additions to pearl diving heritage, Legend of Cinesplash for Yas Waterworld our lineup of experiences and the Lost Pearl takes visitors on took several years. Besides we are proud to be the first a thrilling quest with scrappy building the full attraction, waterpark to introduce it.” young protagonist Dana, our studio also produced heroine of Yas Waterworld, as the custom movie for the ATTRACTIONS-KIT KEYWORD she journeys across Abu Dhabi waterpark, bringing their original ATTRAKTION to find the Mother Pearl. characters to life and telling OMarkus Beyr, Attraktion

THANK YOU FOR VISITING VEKOMA RIDES IN HONG KONG WE ARE PREPARING FOR ANOTHER GREAT EVENT AT EAS 2018

WISHING YOU A GREAT SEASON AND LOOKING FOWARD TO SEEING YOU AGAIN IN AMSTERDAM! BOOTH. 1-1016

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At IAAPA Attractions Expo 2018, fun is serious business. Discover everything you need to enhance your guest experiences, make bigger, bolder memories, and drive new revenue opportunities as you connect with experts from the global attractions community. Amplify fun and move your

2018 business forward toward a more successful future.

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