Keeping you up to date with the latest breaking news and events from around the world, welcome to the Planet Attractions daily news feed
Summary Two charged over felling of famous Sycamore Gap tree Pandas coming back to San Diego Zoo Six Flags leveraging AI to improve guest experience Embed to showcase new technologies at SEA Museums and galleries join Museum Transformers programme ‘World Class’ £300m Welsh holiday resort with ski slope and waterpark unveiled European Commission seeks Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism for 2025 Nominations open for UK Theme Park Awards 2024 Maximising ROI: Revenue strategies for operators Florence’s Ponte Vecchio to undergo £1.7m restoration Saudi visitor numbers increase 10 percent in Q1 Host of British companies to Experience UK promotes ‘Kingdom of Creativity and Innovation’ at SEA Oklahoma’s US$2bn theme park and resort development ‘on track’ despite delays More than 40 heritage sites damaged in Israel-Gaza conflict, Unesco confirms Tokyo DisneySea unveils upcoming Fantasy Springs Hotel to media Europa-Park’s record-breaking Voltron Nevera opens to the public Getty to return illegally excavated bronze head to Turkey Alone in the Dark: Alterface’s Stéphane Battaille on Heide Park’s terrifying new Dämonen Gruft dark ride attraction Efteling’s steam trains going green with switch to electric energy Louvre considers moving Mona Lisa to improve visitor experience Bali’s Waterbom pledges to become one of the world’s most sustainable waterparks Why Disney is doubling down on theme parks with a US$60bn plan Unesco lists 18 new geoparks worldwide Disney rule change punishes people with disabilities for actions of able-bodied ‘disability fakers’, says group Donkey Kong delay hits Nintendo theme park Korean theme parks recover to near pre-pandemic levels Universal tram accident injures more than a dozen people Attractions.io launches Indoor Mapping feature Could nuclear power be the key to carbon neutrality for the cruise industry? Amsterdam bans new hotel development in latest bid to reduce tourism numbers
02 May 2024
Two charged over felling of famous Sycamore Gap tree
The Sycamore Gap tree was an icon of Hadrian’s Wall
Two men have been charged with criminal damage following the felling of a famous tree in a Unesco World Heritage Site.
The Sycamore Gap tree was a famous landmark across the Hadrian’s Wall site in northeast England. Located in a dramatic dip in the landscape along the ancient roman wall, which stretches 73 miles (118km) from coast to coast, the tree, which stood for about 200 years, was found cut down in September 2023. It's felling also caused damage to the wall itself.
San Diego Zoo has confirmed that it is set to receive two new giant pandas, which are expected to arrive in the summer.
With the majority of the US’s on loan giant pandas returning to China, the move is a major one for the zoo, which is expected to significantly boost visitor numbers.
Called Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, the pandas will be studied and cared for, with an agreement usually lasting four years.
“Our partnership over the decades has served as a powerful example of how, when we work together, we can achieve what was once thought to be impossible,” said Dr. Megan Owen, vice president of conservation science at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “We have a shared goal of creating a sustainable future for giant pandas.”
Six Flags leveraging AI to improve guest experience
As it continues to enhance its guest experience, Six Flags has revealed that AI will play a key role in the visitors’ digital experiences.
According to the operator, its new website will leverage AI, including personalisation and an upcoming loyalty program. The Six Flags website will also debut Missi Six - an AI-powered digital concierge, while the revamped mobile app will feature interactive maps for easier park navigation, mobile food ordering, and customised recommendations based on users' preferences.
“We are transforming Six Flags into a technology-centric entertainment company,” said Six Flags’ chief digital officer, Omar Jacques Omran. “With the formation of the largest global digital alliance in the theme park industry.”
02 May 2024
Embed to showcase new technologies at SEA
Cashless solutions provider Embed is heading to Riyadh for this year’s Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Expo.
Set to showcase its range of Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions, the company is targeting the market in a time that is “truly exciting” for the entire MENA region.
Among the products on display will be smartTOUCH+, which features supercharged 512 MB DDR3 RAM; faster 528 Mhz processing power; supersized 4 GB storage; super signal at 23 dBm; and data transmission at 2.4 and 5 Ghz.
“Under His Royal Highness’ Vision 2030, building KSA’s Quality of Life Program through vibrant experiences in tourism, hospitality, and family entertainment puts us in a strategic position to help realise the goal through our cashless solutions,” said Renee Welsh, CEO at Embed. “This is why we will be fronting our SaaS solutions at the SEA Expo.”
Museums and galleries join Museum Transformers programme
V&A Dundee, Culture Perth and Kinross and Paisley Museum are among 19 museums, galleries and heritage organisations that will be participating in Museums Galleries Scotland’s (MGS) Museum Transformers programme.
The two-year programme is a collective effort between Museums Galleries Scotland (MGS) and its partner organisations to “restructure as organisations based on anti-oppressive principles”.
It is part of Delivering Change, MGS’s wider programme supporting museums and galleries to improve access to culture for those who have experienced systemic exclusion. The programme is based on... More from the Museums Association
02 May 2024
‘World Class’ £300m Welsh holiday resort with ski slope and waterpark unveiled
Plans to build a £300m holiday resort in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, have entered the planning phase, with the project set to include a ski slope and a waterpark among its attractions.
Set to feature the UK’s largest and longest indoor snow centre, as well as a tropical indoor waterpark, plans also include an indoor and outdoor adventure centre and a range of accommodation options including lodges.
“Further work is in progress and nearing completion,” said a statement. “Our planning application has been extremely robust and we’re encouraged by the responses received from statutory consultees.”
European Commission seeks Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism for 2025
The European Commission is inviting tourism destinations across Europe to showcase their innovative sustainable tourism practices, with the launch of the 2025 edition of the European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism competition.
Building on the legacy of the European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN), the European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism competition provides a platform for Europe's most sustainable tourism destinations to showcase exemplary initiatives.
Based on the principle of promoting the development of sustainable tourism in smaller destinations that bring value to the economy, the planet, and the people, the competition will see the winner become known as a pioneer of smart and sustainable tourism with expert communication and branding support given throughout 2025.
The competition is in its second edition, with the 2024 award going to Grosseto in Italy. The competition is open to cities with a population between 25,000 and 100,000 people.
The 2023 edition of the UK Theme Park Awards saw Chessington named Theme Park of the Year Credit: Merlin
The UK Theme Park Awards are set to return in 2024, with the general public now able to send in their nominations for Britain’s best parks and related attractions.
Split across 22 categories, awards include the likes of Best New Attraction, Best Reimagined Attraction, Best Theme Park for Families and Theme Park of the Year.
Operations management is all about resource allocation, says Aaron Mendelson Credit: Vantage
You've likely heard the saying about not placing all your eggs in one basket. Well, that doesn't just apply to personal matters - it's smart business strategy too.
While ticket sales are pivotal for parks' revenue, diversifying income streams is essential to maximise profitability from every guest visit.
Although rides are a small part of guests' time in the park, every moment should be unforgettable. Revenue streams can emerge from F&B, photo/video services, ticketing, marketing, lockers, and season passes, significantly boosting the bottom line. Parks hold many untapped opportunities, and technology is the tool to uncover them.
Florence’s Ponte Vecchio to undergo £1.7m restoration
The Ponte Vecchio is an iconic Florence site Credit: Jeff Ackley on Unsplash
Florence’s Ponte Vecchio, one of the Italian city’s most famous sites, is about to undergo some major works to protect the landmark.
Dating back as far as the Roman era, the Ponte Vecchio is a medieval stone closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge that originally housed medieval shops. Surviving bombing in World War Two, its appearance has proved very popular with tourists, who visit the destination en masse.
Saudi Arabia's Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb has announced a significant increase in the country's tourism sector, with the first quarter of the year seeing numbers rise by 10%.
Al-Khateeb highlighted the substantial growth in tourist numbers, which also includes an increase in tourism spend by more than 17%.
This year, the Saudi government has set a target of US$80bn in tourism revenue, something Al-Khateeb stressed was vital as the kingdom reduces its dependency on revenue generated by oil. The country has made significant progress, investing billions into tourism, sports and attractions ventures.
Host of British companies to Experience UK promotes ‘Kingdom of Creativity and Innovation’ at SEA
British trade association Experience UK is set to make its presence felt at the upcoming Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Expo (SEA) in Riyadh.
Running this year from 7-9 May, the three-day event offers professionals the chance to network in a region to meet thousands of buyers and investors within Saudi Arabia’s lucrative and ever-expanding leisure and entertainment sector.
This year, the UK Pavilion, themed “Kingdom of Creativity and Innovation,” will host an impressive roster of British firms including the likes of Simworx, Attractions.io and Christie. On the stand, each company will pioneer unique advancements in the realm of visitor experiences.
“Experience UK represents a wealth of UK talent that has worked on iconic projects all over the world,” said Ian Clappison, CEO of Experience UK. “Together with our partners, the Department for Business & Trade, we collectively are committed to helping our members understand new markets and provide them with a platform to engage with prospective buyers and developers. SEA provides a unique platform to do this in an exciting and emerging market.”
Oklahoma’s US$2bn theme park and resort development ‘on track’ despite delays
Plans for a major US$2bn theme park and resort development comparable to the likes of Disney and Universal are “on track” despite delays, according to the project’s developers.
Scheduled to open in 2026, American Heartland is a multi-phase development project that includes a large-scale RV park and a wider theme park and resort.
The RV part of the development has been delayed slightly on account of space issues and the fact that the land will sit on a floodplain, with part of the land needing to be resurveyed.
Plans for a hotel have also changed after finding efficiencies. The planned 300-room development will now feature 400 rooms instead.
“We're confident with the team we have. If we get rolling, we can still produce the park in time,” Kristy Adams, senior executive VP of Sales and Marketing for the project told 2 News Oklahoma.
More than 40 heritage sites damaged in Israel-Gaza conflict, Unesco confirms
More than 20 buildings of historical interest, 10 religious sites, three monuments, three archaeological sites, and a museum are among those damaged Credit: Heritage for Peace
More than 40 cultural heritage sites in Gaza have been damaged in the Israel-Gaza conflict, Unesco has revealed.
The UN agency is currently unable to carry out on-the-ground assessments, however, preliminary analysis of satellite imagery has verified that at least 43 sites have been damaged or destroyed during the conflict, with 24 buildings of historical interest, 10 religious sites, three monuments, three archaeological sites, and a museum among those damaged.
The true extent of the destruction, however, is likely to be higher with a survey from Heritage for Peace, carried out in December 2024, reporting that more than 100 heritage sites and landmarks have been damaged during the conflict.
“Unesco expresses deep concern about the impact of the ongoing conflict on cultural heritage, particularly in the Gaza Strip. While acknowledging the priority given to the humanitarian situation, Unesco emphasises the importance of considering the protection of cultural heritage,” said a Unesco statement.
“The organisation urges all involved parties to strictly adhere to international law, emphasising that cultural property should not be targeted or used for military purposes, as it is considered civilian infrastructure.”
The news comes after recent reports that the conflict’s death toll has reached more than 35,000 people, the majority of whom are estimated to be women and minors, since beginning in October 2023.
Tokyo DisneySea unveils upcoming Fantasy Springs Hotel to media
The Fantasy Springs Hotel is scheduled to open in June 2024 Credit: Disney
A new luxury hotel, located in the upcoming Fantasy Springs area in Tokyo DisneySea, was revealed to the media in April 2024.
Due to open alongside the new fantasy-themed land on June 6, 2024, the new Fantasy Springs Hotel is billed as Tokyo DisneySea’s “finest accommodation experience” and is divided into two wings: The Grand Chateau and The Fantasy Chateau.
Operated by Milial Resort Hotels Co., the hotel offers 475 rooms across nine floors, with the Fantasy Chateau offering 419 rooms, with decor inspired by Bambi and Tangled, while Grand Chateau will feature 56 rooms, each offering a balcony and terrace to view the theme park, as well as interiors inspired by Beauty and the Beast and Fantasia.
The hotel will also offer several guest amenities include several restaurants, all day lounges and retail outlets
Guests will also receive Disney Premier Access, a standby pass as well as a 1-Day Passport: Fantasy Springs Magic.
Prices start from ¥66,000 (US$422, €395, £337) per night for a room at Fantasy Chateau and ¥341,000 (US$2,180, €2,038, £1,740) for a night at Grand Chateau.
26 Apr 2024
Europa-Park’s record-breaking Voltron Nevera opens to the public
Voltron Nevera is the new anchor attraction for Europa Park’s Croatia-themed area Credit: Europa Park
Europa Park is celebrating following the launch of Voltron Nevera - the first major coaster to come to the popular German theme park in 12 years.
Created by Mack Rides, the steel coaster sits in Europa-Park’s new Croatia-themed area and excites visitors by reaching speeds of up to 55.9mph (90kmph) and a maximum height of 105ft (32m).
Getty to return illegally excavated bronze head to Turkey
The ancient bronze will be returned to Turkey Credit: Getty
The J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles has removed a life-sized bronze head from display after the institution learned it was illegally excavated.
Associated by some scholars with the archaeological site of Bubon, in the Burdur province of southwestern Türkiye, the head comes from a location where illicit excavations in the late 1960s brought to light several ancient bronzes that were subsequently sold abroad.
Alone in the Dark: Alterface’s Stéphane Battaille on Heide Park’s terrifying new Dämonen Gruft dark ride attraction
A new attraction has arrived at Germany’s Heide Park, with Dämonen Gruft frighting and delighting visitors since its launch in March. Alterface’s Stéphane Battaille spoke to Planet Attractions about what went into the horror-filled ride’s creation.
Efteling’s steam trains going green with switch to electric energy
Efteling’s steam trains have been powered by coal for more than 55 years Credit: Efteling
With Efteling planning to become carbon neutral by 2030 and carbon positive by 2032, the operator has announced that its popular steam trains - powered by coal for more than 55 years - are set to switch to electric energy.
According to Efteling, the trains will retain their appearance, with only the method of power modified. To maintain the feel of a traditional engine, effects such as steam will be added.
Louvre considers moving Mona Lisa to improve visitor experience
The Louvre is considering moving the world-famous Mona Lisa to its basement room in a bit to make it easier for visitors to see the artwork.
With around 10 million visitors each year clamouring to see the work by Da Vinci, huge crowds and limited gallery space present a significant challenge.
By moving the painting to its own room, museum officials believe it could help to “end the public’s disappointment”.
“Visitors are not being properly received in the current room so we feel that we’re not doing our job properly,” said Laurence des Cars, the museum’s director.
Bali’s Waterbom pledges to become one of the world’s most sustainable waterparks
One of Bali’s most popular waterparks has pledged to hit a net zero target by 2033, a move that would make the attraction one of the world’s most sustainable.
First opened in 1993, Waterbom Bali features a range of slides and attractions supplied by Whitewater, with the waterpark set over 39,000sq m (420,000sq ft) of land.
Undergoing a number of renovations and improvements since its foundation, the waterpark is already one of Bali’s most sustainable and modern attractions, with CEO, Sayan Gulino, revealing the upgrades are, in part, to push it towards its sustainability goals.
“We will be upgrading our ambitions and targets, as Waterbom aims to be the first Asian tourism business and the first waterpark in the world to be net zero by 2033,” said Gulino.
“Our energy sources will be 100% renewable, and our business will also be removing more carbon from the atmosphere than we emit. Throughout this process, we will keep ourselves accountable and provide data and reports to the public to show transparency.”
Why Disney is doubling down on theme parks with a US$60bn plan
Over the decades since Walt Disney opened his first theme park in 1955, the company’s tourism business has ballooned to an enterprise worth tens of billions in yearly sales, with sprawling locations in Anaheim, Orlando, Paris, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Tokyo.
Today, the Burbank entertainment giant is doubling down once again. Disney plans to invest US$60bn over 10 years into its experiences division, which includes the theme parks, resorts and cruise line, as well as merchandise.
Why the massive investment? At a time when Disney faces revenue challenges due to cord-cutting, streaming wars and a slower film box office, its theme parks are a bright - and reliable - spot for its business. Moreover... More from LA Times
24 Apr 2024
Unesco lists 18 new geoparks worldwide
Greece is celebrating the addition of Meteora Pyli - a location famous for the towering Meteora sandstone columns Credit: Chris Karagkelis
Unesco has added to its list of Global Geoparks, recognising 18 new locations of geological significance that combine conservation efforts with community-led sustainable development.
Now totalling 213 such sites across 48 countries, the Geoparks use geological heritage, in connection with all other aspects of the area’s natural and cultural heritage, to enhance awareness and understanding of key issues facing society, such as using earth’s resources sustainably, mitigating the effects of climate change and reducing natural hazard-related risks.
Disney rule change punishes people with disabilities for actions of able-bodied ‘disability fakers’, says group
Disability fakers are becoming a problem for Disney parks, with many people abusing the disability system in order to skip the lengthy lines
After threatening guests who lie about disabilities with lifetime bans from its theme parks, Disney has come under fire over the changes made to its longstanding Disability Access Service provision service.
Disney made the changes to its disability policy earlier this month following a “significant” increase in people taking advantage of disability policies to skip lines and avoid crowds. These services are the most requested at the operator’s Florida and California parks, with such requests tripling over the past five years.
The upcoming Donkey Kong Country-themed expansion to Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan has been struck by a delay.
The huge new area, themed around Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong, will now be fully bolted-on to the existing Mushroom Kingdom park in "late 2024", Universal Studios said today.
That's a delay of around six months, as the Donkey Kong area was previously set to open sometime this spring. Readjust your holiday plans appropriately!
Universal Studios did not provide a reason for the hold-up, which was announced... More from Eurogamer
23 Apr 2024
Korean theme parks recover to near pre-pandemic levels
A tulip festival at Everland (Courtesy of Yonhap News)
Everland and Lotte World, South Korea’s two largest theme parks, posted their highest-ever profits in 2023, recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic shock, thanks to a sharp increase in visitor numbers and ticket price hikes.
In pursuit of new growth drivers, they are utilizing the intellectual property (IP) of webtoons, or digital comics, to create new events based on their characters, props and environment designs.
Everland is also upping the marketing for animals such as giant pandas in its zoo, which drew large crowds of visitors and media attention last year.
Everland, owned by Samsung C&T Corp. posted 66 billion won... More from KED Global
23 Apr 2024
Universal tram accident injures more than a dozen people
Over a dozen people have been injured following an incident at Universal Studios Hollywood that saw a tram carrying passengers crash.
Taking place during a tour of the Universal backlot, the four-tram car hit a metal guard rail, “causing it to tilt and eject multiple passengers” according to a report from the California Highway Patrol, which added there was “some type of issue” with the tram’s brakes.
Fifteen tram passengers were taken to the hospital for treatment of "minor to moderate injuries," the Highway Patrol said, adding that drugs and alcohol were not considered to be factors. The agency will continue to investigate.
Indoor Mapping allows guests to easily navigate complex indoor spaces Credit: Attractions.io
Attractions.io has announced that it is expanding its navigation capabilities even further with Indoor Mapping - a new tool created to map complex spaces indoors.
Following surveys conducted with staff working at indoor attractions, Attractions.io identified a need to improve mapping of indoor attractions. For indoor attractions, GPS positioning can be unreliable, and other technical solutions, such as RFID and triangulation methods, are still in the works.
Could nuclear power be the key to carbon neutrality for the cruise industry?
The Thor concept is a nuclear-powered ship which also generates energy for an electric companion vessel Credit: Ulstein Design & Solutions AS
As the cruise industry looks for new ways to reduce its carbon footprint, an unlikely solution has entered the conversation - nuclear power.
At this year’s Seatrade Cruise Global conference, which had the theme ‘Evolution of Cruise’, leaders in the sector explored the idea of nuclear power being used to propel the cruise industry.
Amsterdam bans new hotel development in latest bid to reduce tourism numbers
As the city of Amsterdam continues to attempt to reduce tourism numbers, the city is taking its next big step by saying ‘no’ to new hotels.
Amsterdam has been trying to rein in its tourist numbers for several years, launching a campaign to keep British men aged 18-35 away, barring cruise ships from docking in the city centre and tightening its rules on smoking marijuana.
Despite these changes, however, tourists still flock to the city, which is trying to bring numbers under 20 million people a year.
Its latest move is to introduce a ban on new hotels, a move which will not affect the 26 already in development. Under the new rules, a new hotel will only be allowed to open if another closes, with the new hotel not allowed to add more rooms than are available.
“Amsterdam is saying ‘no’ to new hotels,” said the City Council in a statement. “We want to make and keep the city livable for residents and visitors.”
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Updated
Keeping you up to date with the latest breaking news and events from around the world, welcome to the Planet Attractions daily news feed
02 May 2024 Two charged over felling of famous Sycamore Gap tree
The Sycamore Gap tree was an icon of Hadrian’s Wall
Two men have been charged with criminal damage following the felling of a famous tree in a Unesco World Heritage Site.
The Sycamore Gap tree was a famous landmark across the Hadrian’s Wall site in northeast England. Located in a dramatic dip in the landscape along the ancient roman wall, which stretches 73 miles (118km) from coast to coast, the tree, which stood for about 200 years, was found cut down in September 2023. It's felling also caused damage to the wall itself.
San Diego Zoo has confirmed that it is set to receive two new giant pandas, which are expected to arrive in the summer.
With the majority of the US’s on loan giant pandas returning to China, the move is a major one for the zoo, which is expected to significantly boost visitor numbers.
Called Yun Chuan and Xin Bao, the pandas will be studied and cared for, with an agreement usually lasting four years.
“Our partnership over the decades has served as a powerful example of how, when we work together, we can achieve what was once thought to be impossible,” said Dr. Megan Owen, vice president of conservation science at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “We have a shared goal of creating a sustainable future for giant pandas.”
02 May 2024 Six Flags leveraging AI to improve guest experience
As it continues to enhance its guest experience, Six Flags has revealed that AI will play a key role in the visitors’ digital experiences.
According to the operator, its new website will leverage AI, including personalisation and an upcoming loyalty program. The Six Flags website will also debut Missi Six - an AI-powered digital concierge, while the revamped mobile app will feature interactive maps for easier park navigation, mobile food ordering, and customised recommendations based on users' preferences.
“We are transforming Six Flags into a technology-centric entertainment company,” said Six Flags’ chief digital officer, Omar Jacques Omran. “With the formation of the largest global digital alliance in the theme park industry.”
02 May 2024 Embed to showcase new technologies at SEA
Cashless solutions provider Embed is heading to Riyadh for this year’s Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Expo.
Set to showcase its range of Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions, the company is targeting the market in a time that is “truly exciting” for the entire MENA region.
Among the products on display will be smartTOUCH+, which features supercharged 512 MB DDR3 RAM; faster 528 Mhz processing power; supersized 4 GB storage; super signal at 23 dBm; and data transmission at 2.4 and 5 Ghz.
“Under His Royal Highness’ Vision 2030, building KSA’s Quality of Life Program through vibrant experiences in tourism, hospitality, and family entertainment puts us in a strategic position to help realise the goal through our cashless solutions,” said Renee Welsh, CEO at Embed. “This is why we will be fronting our SaaS solutions at the SEA Expo.”
02 May 2024 Museums and galleries join Museum Transformers programme
V&A Dundee, Culture Perth and Kinross and Paisley Museum are among 19 museums, galleries and heritage organisations that will be participating in Museums Galleries Scotland’s (MGS) Museum Transformers programme.
The two-year programme is a collective effort between Museums Galleries Scotland (MGS) and its partner organisations to “restructure as organisations based on anti-oppressive principles”.
It is part of Delivering Change, MGS’s wider programme supporting museums and galleries to improve access to culture for those who have experienced systemic exclusion. The programme is based on... More from the Museums Association
02 May 2024 ‘World Class’ £300m Welsh holiday resort with ski slope and waterpark unveiled
Plans to build a £300m holiday resort in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, have entered the planning phase, with the project set to include a ski slope and a waterpark among its attractions.
Set to feature the UK’s largest and longest indoor snow centre, as well as a tropical indoor waterpark, plans also include an indoor and outdoor adventure centre and a range of accommodation options including lodges.
“Further work is in progress and nearing completion,” said a statement. “Our planning application has been extremely robust and we’re encouraged by the responses received from statutory consultees.”
02 May 2024 European Commission seeks Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism for 2025
The European Commission is inviting tourism destinations across Europe to showcase their innovative sustainable tourism practices, with the launch of the 2025 edition of the European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism competition.
Building on the legacy of the European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN), the European Green Pioneer of Smart Tourism competition provides a platform for Europe's most sustainable tourism destinations to showcase exemplary initiatives.
Based on the principle of promoting the development of sustainable tourism in smaller destinations that bring value to the economy, the planet, and the people, the competition will see the winner become known as a pioneer of smart and sustainable tourism with expert communication and branding support given throughout 2025.
The competition is in its second edition, with the 2024 award going to Grosseto in Italy. The competition is open to cities with a population between 25,000 and 100,000 people.
01 May 2024 Nominations open for UK Theme Park Awards 2024
The 2023 edition of the UK Theme Park Awards saw Chessington named Theme Park of the Year Credit: Merlin
The UK Theme Park Awards are set to return in 2024, with the general public now able to send in their nominations for Britain’s best parks and related attractions.
Split across 22 categories, awards include the likes of Best New Attraction, Best Reimagined Attraction, Best Theme Park for Families and Theme Park of the Year.
01 May 2024 Maximising ROI: Revenue strategies for operators
Operations management is all about resource allocation, says Aaron Mendelson Credit: Vantage
You've likely heard the saying about not placing all your eggs in one basket. Well, that doesn't just apply to personal matters - it's smart business strategy too.
While ticket sales are pivotal for parks' revenue, diversifying income streams is essential to maximise profitability from every guest visit.
Although rides are a small part of guests' time in the park, every moment should be unforgettable. Revenue streams can emerge from F&B, photo/video services, ticketing, marketing, lockers, and season passes, significantly boosting the bottom line. Parks hold many untapped opportunities, and technology is the tool to uncover them.
29 Apr 2024 Florence’s Ponte Vecchio to undergo £1.7m restoration
The Ponte Vecchio is an iconic Florence site Credit: Jeff Ackley on Unsplash
Florence’s Ponte Vecchio, one of the Italian city’s most famous sites, is about to undergo some major works to protect the landmark.
Dating back as far as the Roman era, the Ponte Vecchio is a medieval stone closed-spandrel segmental arch bridge that originally housed medieval shops. Surviving bombing in World War Two, its appearance has proved very popular with tourists, who visit the destination en masse.
29 Apr 2024 Saudi visitor numbers increase 10 percent in Q1
Saudi Arabia's Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb has announced a significant increase in the country's tourism sector, with the first quarter of the year seeing numbers rise by 10%.
Al-Khateeb highlighted the substantial growth in tourist numbers, which also includes an increase in tourism spend by more than 17%.
This year, the Saudi government has set a target of US$80bn in tourism revenue, something Al-Khateeb stressed was vital as the kingdom reduces its dependency on revenue generated by oil. The country has made significant progress, investing billions into tourism, sports and attractions ventures.
29 Apr 2024 Host of British companies to Experience UK promotes ‘Kingdom of Creativity and Innovation’ at SEA
British trade association Experience UK is set to make its presence felt at the upcoming Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Expo (SEA) in Riyadh.
Running this year from 7-9 May, the three-day event offers professionals the chance to network in a region to meet thousands of buyers and investors within Saudi Arabia’s lucrative and ever-expanding leisure and entertainment sector.
This year, the UK Pavilion, themed “Kingdom of Creativity and Innovation,” will host an impressive roster of British firms including the likes of Simworx, Attractions.io and Christie. On the stand, each company will pioneer unique advancements in the realm of visitor experiences.
“Experience UK represents a wealth of UK talent that has worked on iconic projects all over the world,” said Ian Clappison, CEO of Experience UK. “Together with our partners, the Department for Business & Trade, we collectively are committed to helping our members understand new markets and provide them with a platform to engage with prospective buyers and developers. SEA provides a unique platform to do this in an exciting and emerging market.”
29 Apr 2024 Oklahoma’s US$2bn theme park and resort development ‘on track’ despite delays
Plans for a major US$2bn theme park and resort development comparable to the likes of Disney and Universal are “on track” despite delays, according to the project’s developers.
Scheduled to open in 2026, American Heartland is a multi-phase development project that includes a large-scale RV park and a wider theme park and resort.
The RV part of the development has been delayed slightly on account of space issues and the fact that the land will sit on a floodplain, with part of the land needing to be resurveyed.
Plans for a hotel have also changed after finding efficiencies. The planned 300-room development will now feature 400 rooms instead.
“We're confident with the team we have. If we get rolling, we can still produce the park in time,” Kristy Adams, senior executive VP of Sales and Marketing for the project told 2 News Oklahoma.
29 Apr 2024 More than 40 heritage sites damaged in Israel-Gaza conflict, Unesco confirms
More than 20 buildings of historical interest, 10 religious sites, three monuments, three archaeological sites, and a museum are among those damaged Credit: Heritage for Peace
More than 40 cultural heritage sites in Gaza have been damaged in the Israel-Gaza conflict, Unesco has revealed.
The UN agency is currently unable to carry out on-the-ground assessments, however, preliminary analysis of satellite imagery has verified that at least 43 sites have been damaged or destroyed during the conflict, with 24 buildings of historical interest, 10 religious sites, three monuments, three archaeological sites, and a museum among those damaged.
The true extent of the destruction, however, is likely to be higher with a survey from Heritage for Peace, carried out in December 2024, reporting that more than 100 heritage sites and landmarks have been damaged during the conflict.
“Unesco expresses deep concern about the impact of the ongoing conflict on cultural heritage, particularly in the Gaza Strip. While acknowledging the priority given to the humanitarian situation, Unesco emphasises the importance of considering the protection of cultural heritage,” said a Unesco statement.
“The organisation urges all involved parties to strictly adhere to international law, emphasising that cultural property should not be targeted or used for military purposes, as it is considered civilian infrastructure.”
The news comes after recent reports that the conflict’s death toll has reached more than 35,000 people, the majority of whom are estimated to be women and minors, since beginning in October 2023.
29 Apr 2024 Tokyo DisneySea unveils upcoming Fantasy Springs Hotel to media
The Fantasy Springs Hotel is scheduled to open in June 2024 Credit: Disney
A new luxury hotel, located in the upcoming Fantasy Springs area in Tokyo DisneySea, was revealed to the media in April 2024.
Due to open alongside the new fantasy-themed land on June 6, 2024, the new Fantasy Springs Hotel is billed as Tokyo DisneySea’s “finest accommodation experience” and is divided into two wings: The Grand Chateau and The Fantasy Chateau.
Operated by Milial Resort Hotels Co., the hotel offers 475 rooms across nine floors, with the Fantasy Chateau offering 419 rooms, with decor inspired by Bambi and Tangled, while Grand Chateau will feature 56 rooms, each offering a balcony and terrace to view the theme park, as well as interiors inspired by Beauty and the Beast and Fantasia.
The hotel will also offer several guest amenities include several restaurants, all day lounges and retail outlets
Guests will also receive Disney Premier Access, a standby pass as well as a 1-Day Passport: Fantasy Springs Magic.
Prices start from ¥66,000 (US$422, €395, £337) per night for a room at Fantasy Chateau and ¥341,000 (US$2,180, €2,038, £1,740) for a night at Grand Chateau.
26 Apr 2024 Europa-Park’s record-breaking Voltron Nevera opens to the public
Voltron Nevera is the new anchor attraction for Europa Park’s Croatia-themed area Credit: Europa Park
Europa Park is celebrating following the launch of Voltron Nevera - the first major coaster to come to the popular German theme park in 12 years.
Created by Mack Rides, the steel coaster sits in Europa-Park’s new Croatia-themed area and excites visitors by reaching speeds of up to 55.9mph (90kmph) and a maximum height of 105ft (32m).
26 Apr 2024 Getty to return illegally excavated bronze head to Turkey
The ancient bronze will be returned to Turkey Credit: Getty
The J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles has removed a life-sized bronze head from display after the institution learned it was illegally excavated.
Associated by some scholars with the archaeological site of Bubon, in the Burdur province of southwestern Türkiye, the head comes from a location where illicit excavations in the late 1960s brought to light several ancient bronzes that were subsequently sold abroad.
25 Apr 2024 Alone in the Dark: Alterface’s Stéphane Battaille on Heide Park’s terrifying new Dämonen Gruft dark ride attraction
A new attraction has arrived at Germany’s Heide Park, with Dämonen Gruft frighting and delighting visitors since its launch in March. Alterface’s Stéphane Battaille spoke to Planet Attractions about what went into the horror-filled ride’s creation.
24 Apr 2024 Efteling’s steam trains going green with switch to electric energy
Efteling’s steam trains have been powered by coal for more than 55 years Credit: Efteling
With Efteling planning to become carbon neutral by 2030 and carbon positive by 2032, the operator has announced that its popular steam trains - powered by coal for more than 55 years - are set to switch to electric energy.
According to Efteling, the trains will retain their appearance, with only the method of power modified. To maintain the feel of a traditional engine, effects such as steam will be added.
24 Apr 2024 Louvre considers moving Mona Lisa to improve visitor experience
The Louvre is considering moving the world-famous Mona Lisa to its basement room in a bit to make it easier for visitors to see the artwork.
With around 10 million visitors each year clamouring to see the work by Da Vinci, huge crowds and limited gallery space present a significant challenge.
By moving the painting to its own room, museum officials believe it could help to “end the public’s disappointment”.
“Visitors are not being properly received in the current room so we feel that we’re not doing our job properly,” said Laurence des Cars, the museum’s director.
24 Apr 2024 Bali’s Waterbom pledges to become one of the world’s most sustainable waterparks
One of Bali’s most popular waterparks has pledged to hit a net zero target by 2033, a move that would make the attraction one of the world’s most sustainable.
First opened in 1993, Waterbom Bali features a range of slides and attractions supplied by Whitewater, with the waterpark set over 39,000sq m (420,000sq ft) of land.
Undergoing a number of renovations and improvements since its foundation, the waterpark is already one of Bali’s most sustainable and modern attractions, with CEO, Sayan Gulino, revealing the upgrades are, in part, to push it towards its sustainability goals.
“We will be upgrading our ambitions and targets, as Waterbom aims to be the first Asian tourism business and the first waterpark in the world to be net zero by 2033,” said Gulino.
“Our energy sources will be 100% renewable, and our business will also be removing more carbon from the atmosphere than we emit. Throughout this process, we will keep ourselves accountable and provide data and reports to the public to show transparency.”
24 Apr 2024 Why Disney is doubling down on theme parks with a US$60bn plan
Over the decades since Walt Disney opened his first theme park in 1955, the company’s tourism business has ballooned to an enterprise worth tens of billions in yearly sales, with sprawling locations in Anaheim, Orlando, Paris, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Tokyo.
Today, the Burbank entertainment giant is doubling down once again. Disney plans to invest US$60bn over 10 years into its experiences division, which includes the theme parks, resorts and cruise line, as well as merchandise.
Why the massive investment? At a time when Disney faces revenue challenges due to cord-cutting, streaming wars and a slower film box office, its theme parks are a bright - and reliable - spot for its business. Moreover... More from LA Times
24 Apr 2024 Unesco lists 18 new geoparks worldwide
Greece is celebrating the addition of Meteora Pyli - a location famous for the towering Meteora sandstone columns Credit: Chris Karagkelis
Unesco has added to its list of Global Geoparks, recognising 18 new locations of geological significance that combine conservation efforts with community-led sustainable development.
Now totalling 213 such sites across 48 countries, the Geoparks use geological heritage, in connection with all other aspects of the area’s natural and cultural heritage, to enhance awareness and understanding of key issues facing society, such as using earth’s resources sustainably, mitigating the effects of climate change and reducing natural hazard-related risks.
23 Apr 2024 Disney rule change punishes people with disabilities for actions of able-bodied ‘disability fakers’, says group
Disability fakers are becoming a problem for Disney parks, with many people abusing the disability system in order to skip the lengthy lines
After threatening guests who lie about disabilities with lifetime bans from its theme parks, Disney has come under fire over the changes made to its longstanding Disability Access Service provision service.
Disney made the changes to its disability policy earlier this month following a “significant” increase in people taking advantage of disability policies to skip lines and avoid crowds. These services are the most requested at the operator’s Florida and California parks, with such requests tripling over the past five years.
23 Apr 2024 Donkey Kong delay hits Nintendo theme park
The upcoming Donkey Kong Country-themed expansion to Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan has been struck by a delay.
The huge new area, themed around Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong, will now be fully bolted-on to the existing Mushroom Kingdom park in "late 2024", Universal Studios said today.
That's a delay of around six months, as the Donkey Kong area was previously set to open sometime this spring. Readjust your holiday plans appropriately!
Universal Studios did not provide a reason for the hold-up, which was announced... More from Eurogamer
23 Apr 2024 Korean theme parks recover to near pre-pandemic levels
A tulip festival at Everland (Courtesy of Yonhap News)
Everland and Lotte World, South Korea’s two largest theme parks, posted their highest-ever profits in 2023, recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic shock, thanks to a sharp increase in visitor numbers and ticket price hikes.
In pursuit of new growth drivers, they are utilizing the intellectual property (IP) of webtoons, or digital comics, to create new events based on their characters, props and environment designs.
Everland is also upping the marketing for animals such as giant pandas in its zoo, which drew large crowds of visitors and media attention last year.
Everland, owned by Samsung C&T Corp. posted 66 billion won... More from KED Global
23 Apr 2024 Universal tram accident injures more than a dozen people
Over a dozen people have been injured following an incident at Universal Studios Hollywood that saw a tram carrying passengers crash.
Taking place during a tour of the Universal backlot, the four-tram car hit a metal guard rail, “causing it to tilt and eject multiple passengers” according to a report from the California Highway Patrol, which added there was “some type of issue” with the tram’s brakes.
Fifteen tram passengers were taken to the hospital for treatment of "minor to moderate injuries," the Highway Patrol said, adding that drugs and alcohol were not considered to be factors. The agency will continue to investigate.
Indoor Mapping allows guests to easily navigate complex indoor spaces Credit: Attractions.io
Attractions.io has announced that it is expanding its navigation capabilities even further with Indoor Mapping - a new tool created to map complex spaces indoors.
Following surveys conducted with staff working at indoor attractions, Attractions.io identified a need to improve mapping of indoor attractions. For indoor attractions, GPS positioning can be unreliable, and other technical solutions, such as RFID and triangulation methods, are still in the works.
19 Apr 2024 Could nuclear power be the key to carbon neutrality for the cruise industry?
The Thor concept is a nuclear-powered ship which also generates energy for an electric companion vessel Credit: Ulstein Design & Solutions AS
As the cruise industry looks for new ways to reduce its carbon footprint, an unlikely solution has entered the conversation - nuclear power.
At this year’s Seatrade Cruise Global conference, which had the theme ‘Evolution of Cruise’, leaders in the sector explored the idea of nuclear power being used to propel the cruise industry.
19 Apr 2024 Amsterdam bans new hotel development in latest bid to reduce tourism numbers
As the city of Amsterdam continues to attempt to reduce tourism numbers, the city is taking its next big step by saying ‘no’ to new hotels.
Amsterdam has been trying to rein in its tourist numbers for several years, launching a campaign to keep British men aged 18-35 away, barring cruise ships from docking in the city centre and tightening its rules on smoking marijuana.
Despite these changes, however, tourists still flock to the city, which is trying to bring numbers under 20 million people a year.
Its latest move is to introduce a ban on new hotels, a move which will not affect the 26 already in development. Under the new rules, a new hotel will only be allowed to open if another closes, with the new hotel not allowed to add more rooms than are available.
“Amsterdam is saying ‘no’ to new hotels,” said the City Council in a statement. “We want to make and keep the city livable for residents and visitors.”
