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Record attendance at Asian Attractions Expo 2013
reflects fast growing Asian market
Update : 09/08/13 - 10h59Published by François Mayné the 25 June 2013, Event.
The attractions industry professionals are unanimous: business is now expanding in an exponential way in Asia. As recently emphasized the TEA / AECOM 2012 report, which analyzes the attendance figures of the major theme parks in the world, the Asia-Pacific region indeed continues to experience a significant increase in activity. So well that the Asian market is preparing to soon surpass the North American market, so far regarded as the global benchmark. And its growth potential is still huge...
With a booming middle class, leisure become more affordable and investors increasingly numerous to develop a network of attractions which was virtually non-existent there fifteen years. Today, there are countless announcements of new projects coming all over Asia (mainly in China) including large theme parks designed in the western way or huge destination resorts which combine attractions and other related touristic activities. As for the 'historical' operators in the region, they also benefit from this positive trend and continue to lead bold investment policies.
Industry's players again felt this year this growth momentum at the 2013 edition of the Asian Attractions Expo (AAE) held early June in Singapore. According to initial estimates of its organizer International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), the event drew a record number of 5,350 attendees including 3,600 qualified buyers. More than 285 exhibiting companies from 34 countries made the trip to form the largest show floor in AAE's history with a total exhibition space of over 6,800 sqm.
NewsParcs collected the reactions of some exhibitors after the event. Did they feel the dynamic growth of the Asian market during their week spent in Singapore?
“The Asian market is growing a lot and we have been fortunate to be able to work with some very important water parks in the region,” added Sohret Pakis, Marketing Manager at Polin. “Hence, the show was of great importance to us. Even though there wasn’t a significant change in attendance between the last year’s and this year’s show, the quality of buyers we encountered was great. Everyone who visited our booth has projects. We can’t wait to be in Beijing next year – we’ve already booked our booth! In fact, by the time of the show, we will have completed two important projects in Beijing. We look forward to becoming more involved in the Asian market.”
“The Asian Attractions Expo in Asia is an important show to attend both from an exhibitor and buyer's point of view and this year's edition in Singapore was no exception. There is always a good buzz at the IAAPA shows in Asia, which is a fast growing market,” added Greg Eccles, Sales Manager Asia-Pacific at Sally Corporation. “We had pre-arranged meetings at the show which went very well. From a new business standpoint, we felt it was a little slow for us this year, although, for some other exhibitors, I believe it was busy. The Marina Bay Sands hotel and exhibition centre was a good venue and the IAAPA exhibition organization could not be faulted. Overall, it was great to be there !”
Udo Weisenburger, president of TAA Industries continued “We had a very good Asian Attractions Show 2013. Many existing key contacts from past shows passed by, new projects were further discussed and potential new contacts made. Especially the new attractive booth design illustrating our competences and projects drew the attention of the visitors. We are sure that after Europe, USA and Australia we will realize in future also projects in Asia. For TAA Industries, Europe is still the key market. We start working on fast-growing markets with projects such as Sindibad in Morocco, Sochi Park in Russia and Vialand in Turkey.”
“From an exhibitors point of view the show was a lot slower than previous years by volume of foot traffic”, explained Paul Kent, Senior Consultant at Electrosonic. “As a company we met many of our existing clients and added some new potential clients to our portfolio. There did appear to be an even representation of countries for the region, most of which were looking at undertaking potential projects.”
"The show was slower during the first two days which are usually the busiest, but we were surprised to see a lot of visitors on Friday. Maybe everyone was planning a long weekend in Singapore because this place has a lot to offer when it comes to our industry," added Jan Maarten de Raad, CEO of Jora Vision. “The market in Asia is full with new project developments and that was the positive drive on the show. China is still booming. Also India starts to pick up our business. From the excitement with Disney coming to Shanghai to the good result of the new parks in Malaysia. All in one the business is doing well in Asia."
"The Asian Attractions Expo was a hugely successful show for ProSlide. This is the fast-growing market in the world. We’re seeing tremendous demand from new waterparks for the biggest, most innovative rides, which, of course, is exactly what we deliver," said Rick Hunter, CEO of ProSlide.
“Firstly if you are serious about doing business in what is the faster growing region for our business then you have to exhibit at The IAAPA Asia Show," said Steve Drake, COO of Lo-Q for the Asia Pacific region. "For Lo-Q this year is was a very good show although the daily attendance throughput seemed to be a little unusual than other shows. The first day was fairy conventional Thursday was noticeable slow in the morning whereas you would expect Friday afternoon to be slow as people depart for home it was actually very busy and I actually had some potential customers turn on the booth at 3.10, which was 10 mins after the show officially finished. In summary I would say this year’s show worked out pretty well for us.”
IAAPA also highlighted the success of its conference program (over 1,500 attendees) and special events whose key moments were the opening ceremony (400 attendees), the welcome party at the Marine Life Park of Resorts World Sentosa (500 attendees) and the Leadership Breakfast with a keynote of the CEO of Ocean Park Hong Kong Tom Mehrmann (280 attendees). Nearly 300 persons attended the various professional tours in the area attractions, including Universal Studios Singapore and LEGOLAND Malaysia.
“Asian Attractions Expo 2013’s success reflects the tremendous industry growth in the Asia-Pacific region and confirms the Expo is the attractions industry’s leading event for industry professionals,” said IAAPA President and CEO, Paul Noland.
“Asian Attractions Expo is ideal for learning, networking, and establishing quality buyer/seller connections. This year’s conference and exhibition delivered on all fronts from the Opening Ceremony to the standing-room-only education sessions, and first-class events and tours at Singapore-area attractions,” said IAAPA Vice President, Asia Pacific Operations, Andrew Lee.
The next edition of the Asian Attractions Expo will be held for the first time in China, in Beijing at the China National Convention Center between June 17 and June 20, 2014. All exhibitor information can be found on the official website of IAAPA (exhibit sales are strong). Practical details for attendees will be available in the fall.
The sponsors for Asian Attractions Expo 2013 were Chimelong Group, FUNA, Forrec Ltd., Jack Rouse & Associates, Mack Rides, Themed Attractions and Resorts, The Producers Group, and Vekoma Rides.
NewsParcs will do a full coverage of the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2013 in Orlando to have a look at the latest trends and developments of the global theme park industry.
With a booming middle class, leisure become more affordable and investors increasingly numerous to develop a network of attractions which was virtually non-existent there fifteen years. Today, there are countless announcements of new projects coming all over Asia (mainly in China) including large theme parks designed in the western way or huge destination resorts which combine attractions and other related touristic activities. As for the 'historical' operators in the region, they also benefit from this positive trend and continue to lead bold investment policies.
