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Triotech has announced the launch of its latest project - a ‘next generation interactive dark coaster at Salt Lake City’s Lagoon Park


Chessington World of Adventures is your 2023 UK Theme Park of the Year, with Alton Towers, Drayton Manor and Blackpool Pleasure Beach also picking up big wins in this year’s UK Theme Park Awards


Rollercoaster manufacturer Vekoma is set to exhibit its new Family Launch and Super Boomerang Coasters at IAAPA Expo Europe


RWS Global will in attendance at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe to discuss major projects including the opening of the Hasbro City FEC, as well as several cruise line and resort partnerships


There’s a transformative shift happening when it comes to use of technology in attractions management. Anthony Palermo, co-founder of Connect&GO, spoke to Tom Anstey...


IAAPA is gearing up for its largest EMEA event ever, with the 2023 edition of IAAPA Expo Europe taking place in Vienna between September 25 - 28. Here’s everything you need to know about the event


Experiential design firm FORREC will showcase several of its latest projects, including the upcoming American Heartland Theme Park resort in Oklahoma, US


AV specialist Christie is to showcase new additions to its M 4K RGB projector series as well as new projects, including an immersive visitor attraction in Toronto, Canada


Experience UK’s UK Pavilion will return at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe, with the booth offering an ‘experiential showcase of British ingenuity’ to all attendees


Triotech will showcase several new projects and rides at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe, including its Stand Up Theater and Qube attractions


The Pokémon Company has announced an unusual collaboration that will see the popular Pokémon IP arrive at the Vincent Van Gogh Museum for a special event


NASA and the USDA Forest Service are offering public facing STEM operations in the US the chance to plan a ‘living piece of spaceflight history’ with seedlings literally flown to the moon and back


Attractions technology provider accesso will showcase the capabilities of it’s new PoS platform; accessoFreedom


Visitors to this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe will be able to walk away with a number of unique items and VIP experiences thanks to a charity auction to be held at the event in Vienna


Media-based attractions developer Brogent will showcase a new flying theatre attraction and film at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe


A stolen Van Gogh painting has been recovered by a private detective after its holder declared the work “a massive headache” to keep in their possession


The famous Italian city of Venice is set to tackle over-tourism with the introduction of a €5 a day entry fee for visitors to the Unesco World Heritage Site


Attractions.io will showcase its guest experience platform at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe, with representatives on hand to guide visitors through the platform


WhiteWater is set to announce several new projects at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe. The waterpark manufacturer will also showcase its line of Blaster water rides at the event


A US$14.5m project, including a new planetarium, has been approved for the town of Spartanburg in South Carolina, US


The Disney Treasure cruise ship will set sail at the end of next year, with Disney unveiling its latest offering in a rapid expansion of its popular cruise operation


Ticketing specialist Convious will host several education sessions on revenue, visitor experience and operations at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe in Vienna


At this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe, Simworx will showcase a new turnkey ride concept, alongside its expansive portfolio of dynamic media-based attractions


A new Nerf-themed attraction is coming to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, with the major new addition to the area set to open in 2024


Scotland’s V&A Dundee museum has removed the Sackler name from its displays as a result of the family’s alleged links to the US opioid crisis


The Great Wall of China has suffered ‘irreversible damage’ after two people dug a hole through the wall with an excavator to create a shortcut


A world-first SpongeBob interactive dark ride is coming to Las Vegas’s Circus Circus, with Sally Dark Rides behind the US$6m development


Up to seven people could soon be charged with the theft of a solid gold toilet stolen from Blenheim Palace in 2019 following a major breakthrough in the case


A Banksy exhibition has broken box office records at Glasgow’s Gallery of Modern Art, attracting more than 180,000 visitors during its 10 week run


Path Entertainment Group and Hasbro recently worked together to produce a world-first immersive Monopoly experience. Path CEO David Hutchinson shares all with Planet Attractions


Six Flags has teamed up with Google Cloud to transform its digital offering and enhance the guest experience


The Disney World resort has hosted its largest-ever wish-granting event with more than 50 children invited to the resort for its Once Upon A Wish Party


Attractions across Florida have made preparations and many have closed following the arrival of Hurricane Idalia and predicted storm surges


Visit Carlsberg in Copenhagen, Denmark, is to reopen as Home of Carlsberg this December after undergoing extensive improvement works


The Gorman Museum of Native American Art will reopen next month with a celebratory weekend marking the institution’s 50th anniversary


An extreme heat policy introduced to all SeaWorld operations in the US could see other operators follow suit following a tough weather-related summer for theme parks


The Museums Association has said ‘categorically’ that theft from collections is ‘incredibly rare, after more than 1,500 priceless artefacts were found to have been stolen from the British Museum


The US’s oldest zoo has named Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman as its new president and CEO, with Mogerman set to become the first female in the role in the attraction’s 164-year history


Norway’s cruise industry is booming, with 5.5 million passengers expected to make a port call during 2023 as individual visits shoot up by 29%


Christie has worked with Maxin10sity to create a projection-mapped spectacle that has seen Germany’s Karlsruhe Palace transformed into a digital masterpiece


Peter van der Schans has now been at the helm of IAAPA’s EMEA operations for more than a year. He shares with Planet Attractions how that year has gone and the progress being made in the global attractions markets of Europe, the Middle East and Africa


The Orlando Museum of Art is suing its former director Aaron De Groft for allegedly seeking to profit from the sale of several fake Jean-Michel Basquiat artworks


A new Intamin-designed rollercoaster, combining water elements with a thrill ride experience, will open at Six Flags Over Georgia in 2024


An exhibition inspired by hit-series Derry Girls has drawn a record number of visitors to Londonderry’s Tower Museum


Peter Higgs, a veteran curator at London’s British Museum, has been named by two UK broadsheets as the employee dismissed by the institution for allegedly stealing and selling priceless artefacts


Republican governor Ron DeSantis has called for Disney CEO Bob Iger to drop the company’s federal lawsuit against the state of Florida


London’s British Museum has sacked an employee after several items from its collection were reported 'missing, stolen or damaged'


Astronaut and space diplomat Namira Salim has revealed plans to develop a new space tourism concept offering a space hotel, themed restaurants, a stargazing deck and a possible theme park


IAAPA has offered a first glimpse at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe, taking place in Vienna, Austria, in September


Manufactured by Rocky Mountain Construction, Silver Dollar City’s new Fire in the Hole indoor coaster is set to be the largest such attraction in the region when it opens in spring 2024


Work on Great Wolf Lodge UK continues with construction on the £200m waterpark resort scheduled to complete in 2024


A new immersive land, dedicated to Illumination’s Minions and Despicable Me franchises, has opened at the Universal Orlando Resort in Florida, US


CGI studio Red Raion announces the launch of new CGI title ‘Van Helsing - Rise from the Dark’ in 5D, VR and Dome formats


Disney’s parks and experiences division has reported US$8.3bn in revenue for Q3 2023, despite rising operational costs and lower guest attendance at the Disney World resort in Florida


The Gunpowder Plot is a multilayered immersive experience set at the Tower of London. Planet Attractions spoke to the team behind the development to see exactly how it came to life...


SeaWorld Entertainment has seen a decline in both visitor attendance and revenue in the first half of 2023


The Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame has opened following a two-year planning and design process led by JRA, part of RWS Global


Chessington World of Adventures has been announced as the host for this year’s UK Theme Park Awards, with George Akid set to return to his role as presenter during the awards ceremony at the popular attraction


An open letter sent to the British Museum calls on outbound director Hartwig Fischer to remove BP’s name from the institution's lecture theatre


A new Peppa Pig-themed visitor experience has opened at the Natural History Museum in London, UK


The upcoming Mattel Adventure Park is set to open in 2024 with several attractions dedicated to several IPs including Barbie and Hot Wheels


Scruffy Dog Creative Group has been contracted to lead development design and handle design delivery at the upcoming Six Flags theme park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia


French theme park and animal attraction Le Pal is celebrating its 50th year in 2023. Its CEO, Arnaud Bennet speaks to Planet Attractions on half-a-century of one of the country’s most popular offerings


Dive in as FlowRider’s Joshua Atkinson explores the shift in consumer mindsets and its impact on the attractions industry


The US’s Institute of Museum and Library Services has launched a pilot National Museum Survey as part of its ongoing mission to invest in the future of the country’s museums


Work is set to start on Bali’s highly-anticipated Paramount theme park, with the major development representing the largest of its kind for the Indonesian tourist destination


Archaeologists have unearthed what they believe to be the remains of the Roman Emperor Nero’s private theatre in the Italian capital


Connect&GO and Amilia have announced a strategic technology partnerships that will see the two companies work together in the development of cutting-edge solutions in eCommerce and attractions management


As the company continues its rapid expansion in 2023, guest experience platform Attractions.io has named Ted Ismert as its new chief operating officer


A new immersive experience showcasing the work of French impressionist painter Claude Monet is coming to London, UK


Cedar Point has announced a sequel to Top Thrill Dragster, with Zamperla behind the reimagined Top Thrill 2, which will break the record for the world’s tallest and fastest triple-launch strata coaster when it opens in 2024


London’s Horniman Museum has been awarded £5.7m by the National Lottery Heritage Fund for its Nature + Love project


Seven has announced the latest entertainment mega destination to come to Saudi Arabia following the breaking ground of its SAR1.3bn development in the city of Al-Madinah


A number of wildlife organisations have called on the UK’s Levelling Up secretary Michael Gove to revoke the controversial London Resort’s status as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project


Hartwig Fischer will step down as director of the British Museum in 2024 after eight years in the role


The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia has announced the launch of Asfar - a new company designed to support the growth of the kingdom’s tourism sector


Universal’s theme parks have set revenue and profitability records with the division continuing to perform for the operator’s parent company Comcast


New research from environmental group Greenpeace has found that extreme weather conditions, caused by climate change, are already a significant threat to ancient heritage sites in China


You can now vote on the Britain’s best theme parks for 2023 following the opening of the public vote for this year’s UK Theme Park Awards


A new bill passed by the US’s House Appropriations Committee could jeopardise the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino by effectively banning the institution from spending tax payer money on the project


Japan’s Ghibli Park has confirmed the opening dates for Mononoke Village and Valley of Witches with the areas set to open in late 2023 and early 2024


Unesco says it’s deeply dismayed over an attack carried out by the Russian forces, which hit several cultural sites in the city centre of Odesa, while President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has pledged retaliation for the act


The UK government has approved a controversial plan to build a £1.7bn tunnel beneath Stonehenge that Unesco worries could place the prehistoric monument at risk


The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum has announced the public phase of a US$89m capital campaign to fund a complete transformation of the museum, its first significant renovation in nearly 40 years


A touring exhibition celebrating 100 years of Disney is to open in London in October


A major US$2bn theme park and resort development comparable to the likes of Disney and Universal is set to open in 2026 in the state of Oklahoma


Extreme flooding in northern India has seen water make it all the way to the walls of the Taj Mahal - the first time such an occurrence has happened in 45 years


A senior politician for the island nation of Tobago has said that a US$300m waterpark development must not come ‘at the expense of ordinary citizens’ as the country faces a water deficit


Toronto Zoo is asking visitors to refrain from sharing phone content with gorillas with concerns the practice can lead to anti-social behaviour


Universal has revealed a first look at its upcoming Stranger Things experience ahead of its Halloween Horror Nights event


The First Bank of the United States in Philadelphia has been granted US$22m in federal funding to turn the historic building into an interactive museum


Dronisos has broken the record for the largest drone show ever performed in Europe, with the company behind Disneyland Paris’s Bastille Day nighttime spectacle


The proposed Eden Project Dundee attraction has begun the formal planning process after submitting a proposal of application notice to Dundee City Council


Kuwait is eyeing major investment in its domestic market, with plans to launch a sovereign investment fund, to accelerate the growth of its own economy


New York’s Strong National Museum of Play has reopened following a US$75m transformation, described as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to create a unique destination centred around play


Meow Wolf’s The Real Unreal is a psychedelic playground for adults and kids alike and its about to open in Grapevine, Texas


Bob Iger has had his Disney contract extended by two years as the company continues to search for a successor following his surprise return as CEO last year


In the midst of its global and domestic investment spree, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has declared a loss on investments of US$11bn for last year


Disney is seeking 100 applicants from black and underrepresented communities across the US for the 2024 edition of its Dreamers Academy scheme


Merlin Entertainments has partnered with RAW Charging to install electric vehicle charging points at five UK attractions this summer


Tokyo’s Hanayashiki theme park is set to introduce an array of new additions, with the 170-year-old theme park about to launch a number of new attractions and a new themed zone later this month


Molly Murphy has been named the new president of Universal Creative, with the former Gensler principal set to lead the design and creation of Universal theme park experiences across the world


Marvel’s ‘Rogers: The Musical’ has been brought to life with a limited time run of the musical seen in Hawkeye now on show at Disney California Adventure Park


The Sphere, MSG’s new entertainment arena in Las Vegas, US, was lit up for the first time this month as part of a pre-launch ahead of its official debut in September


Connect&GO has announced two new partnerships in France that will see the attractions technology specialists integrate its Konnect all-in-one platform with leading French ticket providers Ticketmaster France and France Billet


Engineering company Sanvik has used artificial intelligence to design a statue that draws on the styles of famous artists spanning three continents and 500 years, with the resulting work on display in Sweden’s Tekniska Museet


Atlantic City is celebrating the launch of its latest attraction - a US$100m world-class indoor waterpark on the City Boardwalk


A virtual Disney theme park in the Metaverse remains a long-term possibility following a partnership between Disney and Apple’s upcoming Vision Pro headset


Virgin Experience Days has announced the appointment of Christoph Homann as its new CEO, as the company moves into its next growth phase


Football could be coming home to Sheffield in the UK, following an application to develop an immersive football experience in a disused timber depot in the city


Registration is now open for this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe event, which is set to make its return to Vienna, Austria, in September


London Mayor Sadiq Khan has said that the UK and Greece should come to an agreement to share the controversial Parthenon Marbles currently on display at the British Museum


The finalists in this year’s UK Theme Park Awards have been announced, with Alton Towers, Chessington World of Adventures and Blackpool Pleasure Beach among the major contenders in the running for this year’s top prize


Paradise Wildlife Park has welcomed KSI and The Sidemen to the animal attraction for a viral game of hide and seek


Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism board has revealed ambitious plans to grow its tourism economy to 24 million visitors a year


Virgin Voyages has partnered with Jennifer Lopez to launch Jen A.I. a new tool that enables guests to receive personalised invitations from the pop superstar


Attractions.io is seeking to partner with new vendors on its guest experience platform, introducing new technologies to further enhance its overall offering


Disney has revealed a first look at San Fransokyo Square, a new Big Hero 6-themed land opening at the Disneyland Resort in California in August


Warner Bros and Neon are working in collaboration to develop a new contemporary art experience based on the world of Harry Potter


The leaders of London’s National Portrait Gallery say the historic institution is now more accessible to all, with a complete reimagining of the attraction focused on increasing representation and inspiring people


The Smurfs are making their way to the US in the form of an immersive touring location-based experience set to make its debut in 2024


Lionel Messi is about to get his own touring attraction, with ‘The Messi Experience, A Dream Come True’ set to debut in the US in 2024


A replica of Barbie’s Malibu Dreamhouse has been listed on vacation rental site Airbnb ahead of the release of the highly-anticipated Barbie movie


All of Us Are Dead will be the first Korean horror series to make its way to a Universal park, after being announced for this year’s Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Singapore


The PIF-owned Red Sea Global has been announced as the sponsor of the Al-Ahli Football Club, also owned by PIF, in Saudi Arabia’s Saudi Pro League


The Met and the Smithsonian have worked with the US Army to help train soldiers in preserving and protecting cultural heritage in conflict zones


One person has died and nine have been left seriously injured after a rollercoaster car derailed at Sweden’s Gröna Land amusement park


Oman’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning has revealed plans to open three significant leisure and entertainment destinations over the next five years


The UK’s Peace Museum has been awarded a £250,000 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund that will see the museum relocate to Saltaire, a World Heritage village in West Yorkshire


A world-class surfing attraction, a velodrome and a sprawling urban park are among the features included in a major new development for Abu Dhabi


Five people have been killed after the Titan tourist submarine imploded less than two hours into a dive exploring the wreckage of the Titanic


Morph has arrived in London for a wheelchair accessible public art trail, with the event to run until August in an effort to raise money for the children’s charity Whizz Kidz


Florida’s Clearwater Marine Aquarium has been cleared by an independent panel of any wrongdoing following the unexpected deaths of four dolphins in its care over the course of the last two years


Location-based experiences are taking centre stage at this year’s Brand Licensing Europe event, which is now open for registration ahead of its return to London’s ExCeL in October


Concerns have been raised after local government passed a bill allowing intensive irrigated strawberry farming on a World Heritage-protected wetland in Spain


accesso has announced the acquisition of leading ticketing and visitor management system provider VGS, with the award-winning SnApp platform to be rebranded accesso Horizon


Europa-Park has reopened following a major fire at the park earlier this week


The US and Canadian Coastguards are helming a major rescue mission to recover a missing tourist submarine that disappeared in the Atlantic Ocean less than two hours into an expedition to see the wreckage of the Titanic


The US is set to rejoin Unesco, nearly six years after the Trump administration withdrew the country from the organisation. The move comes amid rising concerns that China has been influencing Unesco’s policy making processes


WhiteWater’s Grant Poje showcases five indoor waterpark projects that are helping to advance the sector and boost the sector’s mainstream popularity


Planet Attractions will partner with this year’s UK Theme Park Awards, joining the expert judging panel and acting as media partner for the awards


After Disney announced that its CFO Christine McCarthy is taking a family medical leave of absence from the company, it has been suggested that Bob Iger could stay on as CEO beyond his planned departure from the company in 2024


Amazon has launched a new immersive shopping feature that could be utilised in theme parks and attractions


The Last of Us is the first major new IP to be announced for this year’s Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios


Carnival is debuting what it calls ‘the most engaging family activity zone ever featured on a Princess cruise ship’ with Park19 set to make its debut on board the upcoming Sun Princess in February 2024


The conflict in Sudan has left experts fearing for the country’s cultural heritage, with museums unable to adequately protect their collections


Open for the summer season, the Kalahari Resort in Round Rock has significantly expanded its outdoor waterpark with the addition of a lazy river, a new kids area, a swim up bar and more


Saudi Arabia is set to invest a further US$800bn on top of the US$1tn investment it has already made in tourism, with even more new projects set to come up in the kingdom over the course of the next decade


IAAPA Expo Asia has made its long-awaited return with the event in Singapore marking its first appearance in-person since 2019


A new visitor experience inspired by beloved British soap opera Coronation Street has opened in Manchester, UK


The RQ Water Experience Park and Spa, a new waterpark offering 21 pools and a spectacular water slide tower, will open in Hungary in June


MrBeast has released a new video which sees the world’s biggest YouTuber take over Royal Caribbean's gigantic Harmony of the Seas cruise ship


Catherine Zeta-Jones, Mark Wahlberg, Jaime Camil and Abraham Ancer are the figureheads for a star-studded promotional campaign for the upcoming Vidanta World theme park, which is set to open in its first phase later this year


A new immersive visitor attraction will open its doors at the Dubai Mall later this year


A new themed land has arrived at Kings Island, with Adventure Port taking visitors on a journey in search of an ancient lost city’s forbidden temple


A new VR cinema attraction that allows guests to observe a family group of endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda has opened at Zoo Atlanta


BT has launched an all-new experience in the UK that uses camera and HD projection to bring 360° content to life in a range of realities powered by 5G


Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment is offering sub-zero temperatures to visitors in the UAE with the launch of its newest attraction - Snow Abu Dhabi


The British Museum has refuted claims that it has ended its commercial partnership with BP following reports that the institution had ended its 27-year relationship with the fossil fuel giant


Crypto membership collective TemDAO is using blockchain technology to preserve cultural and world heritage sites, with its innovative new approach potentially a game changer when its comes to heritage funding


Architects Perkins&Will have been chosen to design the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s upcoming Bezos Learning Center.


Australia’s government is providing greater protection to the Great Barrier Reef, announcing a AU$160m package to phase out commercial gill net fishing by 2027


World of Frozen is currently under construction at Hong Kong Disneyland. Here’s how it’s looking at the moment


Miirage is a new modular holographic system bringing the virtual world to life without any additional need for mobile devices, screens or wearables. The creators behind the technology speak to Planet Attractions about the new product and exactly what it can do...


A new experience exploring space and featuring images from the James Webb Space Telescope has launched at Illuminarium Las Vegas


Qatar has launched an exhibition showcasing plans for four new museums, with the Art Mill Museum, Lusail Museum, Qatar Auto Museum and Dadu Children’s Museum of Qatar all to open in the country by the end of the decade


A museum in the Netherlands has come under fire for cultural appropriation, after using the likeness of American rapper Nas’ in a Tutankhamun-inspired bust


Cairns Aquarium is on the hunt for a new investor, with Colliers appointed to seek expressions of interest for the popular Queensland attraction


The Royal Commission for the ancient Saudi Arabian city of AlUla has approved plans for a new eco-luxury destination with its own museum


Six Flags will become the first theme park operator to utilise Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology, with the cashless and cashierless shopping experience coming first to Six Flags Great Adventure in June


A major museum dedicated to the history of the Spanish monarchy will open its doors in Madrid next month


BBC Studios is to launch a collection of immersive experiences on metaverse platform; The Sandbox later this year


MSC Eurbia will become the world’s first net zero greenhouse gas emissions cruise when it sets sail next week


Build-A-Bear is on the hunt for new partners in locations offering family experiences, with the company announcing a new partnership to bring its Workshops to all four of Kalahari’s US waterpark resort destinations


Donald Finley, owner of the Bayville Adventure Park on Long Island, New York, has pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining US$3m in Covid relief funding to buy himself a house


How can you leverage user-generated content and photo purchases to drive revenue and simultaneously promote your attraction? Attractions.io’s Peter O’Dare has the answers...


Triotech has been selected to supply interactive dark rides for Saudi Arabia’s upcoming Transformers attractions


The former home of both George Frideric Handel and Jimi Hendrix has reopened to the public in London following a two-year, £3m renovation


The highly-anticipated Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education and Innovation has opened at the American Museum of Natural History


London’s Vagina Museum will be forced to close its doors permanently if fundraising efforts are unsuccessful, the museum has announced


SeaWorld and Miral are celebrating the launch of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi - the first SeaWorld-branded attraction to open in more than thirty years and the first to open outside the US


Japanese architecture firm Kengo Kuma & Associates has won an international design competition to design a new visitor centre at Butrint National Park in Albania


UN experts have expressed alarm after three people evicted from homes to make way for Saudi Arabia’s The Line, now face the death penalty


Merlin’s Scott O’Neil and Sony’s Jeffrey Godsick have hinted at the use of further Sony IPs in Merlin attractions following the launch of World of Jumanji at Chessington World of Adventures in the UK


US civil rights organisation the NAACP has warned minority tourists against visiting Florida due to several ‘discriminatory’ laws supported by Republican governor Ron DeSantis


Five cultural institutions are in the running for this year’s Art Fund Museum of the Year 2023


Disney has announced that its Star Wars Galactic Starcruise experience will cease operations permanently in September 2023 after only 18 months


A new exhibition celebrating and exploring the life and times of iconic English footballer Paul Gascoigne has opened its doors in London


Disney has scrapped plans for a US$1bn corporate campus in Lake Nono, Florida, as the company’s public feud with Florida governor Ron DeSantis continues


Universal Orlando has revealed details and renderings of its upcoming Minion Land, with the hotly-anticipated attraction set to open to the public this summer


Global attractions association IAAPA has launched its 2022-2026 Global Theme and Amusement Park Outlook report, with the research forecasting a 7% increase in attendance at North American theme parks


Universal Studios Japan has announced the closure of The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man: The Ride, with the attraction to cease operations permanently in early 2024


RWS Entertainment Group has rebranded as RWS Global to consolidate its subsidiaries – JRA, ted, and ARC – and strengthen its position as a global leader in the live entertainment sector


Cruise line operator Royal Caribbean could be planning to expand its reach in the Bahamas, after a team was sent to scout Rum Cay as a potential new private island destination


Disney Imagineering has shared a sneak peek at its first-ever Frozen rollercoaster, which is currently under construction at Hong Kong Disneyland


Digital agency Rubber Cheese has teamed up with attractions management platform Convious to launch the 2023 edition of its Visitor Attraction Website Report. The survey was launched during this year’s Museums + Heritage Show


WhiteWater has revealed details of more than 60 major projects across its waterpark, water ride and surf divisions opening worldwide throughout 2023


A Fjordarium with a literal window to the ocean is at the heart of a proposed development in Oslo, with the plans forming ‘an important part of the regeneration and conservation of the fjords of Norway’


Attractions.io has teamed up with the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to develop a brand new experience platform for guests of the popular destination


The Nerja Caves has launched a new VR experience that allows visitors to access parts of the caves that have previously been closed to the public


A major Transformers attraction is planned for Seven’s upcoming entertainment destination in Riyadh, with plans for two further attractions in the kingdom as Saudi Arabia’s PIF continues to expand its entertainment offerings


Le Pal has welcomed a brand new dark ride experience, with BoldMove Nation and Triotech joining forces to bring Champi’Folies to life at the French theme park and animal attraction


Ahead of the launch of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld CEO Marc Swanson has said the company would look at domestic licensing or joint venture projects should the ‘right opportunity’ present itself


A new exhibition, sharing multiple perspectives on The Troubles in Northern Ireland, will open at London’s Imperial War Museum at the end of May


Andreas Andersen speaks to Planet Attractions about what's coming for Liseberg following the launch of Luna Park, the opening of the Grand Curiosa Hotel and the soon-to-open Oceana waterpark


A consortium of art foundations and charitable organisations has launched a new funding initiative that aims to promote diversity and inclusion in art museum leadership roles across the US


Maxim Zhestkov, the artist behind the digital artwork that accompanied the launch of the PS5, has launched an evolving virtual art gallery


The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum has launched a US$25m capital campaign to build a new 30,000sq ft facility celebrating the rich history of African American baseball and its impact on the social advancement of America


The board appointed by Florida governor Ron DeSantis has filed a lawsuit against Disney just days after the entertainment giant sued the board for stripping it of its self-governed status


Europe’s answer to the Velocicoaster has its opening date, with the highly-anticipated Batman-themed Gotham City Escape set to launch on May 13


A museum visitor who declared himself ‘hungry’ has eaten an artwork in South Korea worth an estimated US$120,000


A new brand home dedicated to Pilsner Urquell has opened its doors in Prague. BRC’s Christian Lachel tells Planet Attractions how the attraction celebrates the brand’s place in Czech history and culture


An official location tour dedicated to hit BBC series ‘Call the Midwife’ has opened at The Historic Dockyard Chatham in Kent, UK


A UK-based military museum has become not only the first museum in the world to reach 100 million views on Youtube but also the most-watched museum-based YouTube channel in the world


The Museum of London has received a cash injection of £73m from the City of London Corporation, with the funding being used to support the next stage of plans to relocate the attraction to Smithfield in 2026


Pembrokeshire County Council has approved plans to transform a grade II-listed prison in Haverfordwest, Wales, into a visitor attraction


Audubon Aquarium will reopen in June following a major renovation project that creates a combined experience with the newly-relocated Audubon Insectarium


Disney has sued Florida governor and presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis, claiming the state’s retaliation for its stance on LGBTQ+ issues violates its constitutional rights


Chester Zoo is set to host "Planet Shark: Predator or Prey," a touring exhibition dedicated to sharks. Taking visitors through 310 million years of shark evolution, the immersive experience debuts in May


Nassau Cruise Port in the Bahamas is scheduled to reopen next month following a US$300m renovation targeting increased visitor numbers and an enhanced visitor experience


A new blockbuster exhibition based on hit CBBC show Operation Ouch! will open at the Science and Industry Museum (SIM) in Manchester, UK, in July


You can hear Avenged Sevenfold’s upcoming Life Is But A Dream early thanks to a 360º Immersive Album Experience coming to AREA15 in Las Vegas next month


A new museum, showcasing the UK’s rich glass-making history, has opened in the West Midlands, UK, as part of a multi-million-pound, multi-use development project


A new outdoor art gallery, inspired by annual arts and music festival Burning Man, has opened on the Las Vegas strip


With the attractions and cruise industries seemingly closer than ever before, RWS CEO Ryan Stana speaks to Planet Attractions about what that means and the steps we can take to bring these two powerhouses under one metaphorical roof


Jeff Shell has been removed from his position as CEO of NBCUniversal following a misconduct investigation


Work has started on a new agriculture museum dedicated to cannabis in Atlantic City. The museum is one of several marijuana-themed projects greenlit by the city in the hopes of attracting a new wave of ‘weed tourists’


The first ever recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise have been announced, with 7thSense recognised for demonstrating outstanding short-term growth and commercial success in international trade over the last three years


A first-of-its kind offering will make guests feel like they’re at the heart of the action during live UFC events, with Cosm’s ‘shared reality’ spectacles set to transform the way we watch live sporting events


A major museum dedicated to William Shakespeare will be built on the foundations of the theatre where the famed playwright hosted some of his first works


Sega Sammy Holdings has agreed a deal to acquire Rovio, with Sega aiming to accelerate its mobile gaming capabilities while also acquiring a powerful IP in the world of entertainment


JRA has announced a new company structure that sees Mark Amos promoted to the role of executive VP, while former president Keith James becomes chairman


An official stage production based on Stranger Things will open at the Phoenix Theatre in London’s West End later this year


Hong Kong’s M+ Museum is to give away thousands of tickets to its blockbuster Yayoi Kusama exhibition in the hope that it will help raise discussions about mental health


A major new development in Tennessee has broken ground, with The 407: Gateway to Adventure’s ‘Smoky Gap’ entertainment district promising to feature world-class attractions when it opens in 2025


Continuum Attractions has taken up operations of the Loch Ness Centre, which is set to reopen next month following a £1.5m redevelopment


You can experience Carnegie Science Center with a roaring twenties twist on April 14, with the popular attraction set to host a special adults-only speakeasy night


A new museum celebrating the legacy of Amelia Earhart is set to open its doors in the aviation legend’s hometown of Atchison, Kansas


Planet Attractions and Park World have announced a new partnership that will see both publications work in partnership on this year’s Park World Excellence Awards


Digital attractions platform Love To Visit has raised £2.1m as it aims to corner the UK tourism attractions market and expand its operations overseas


Amnesty International says that Cambodian officials are forcing residents of the Angkor Wat World Heritage site to ‘voluntarily’ leave in the name of preserving the popular heritage attraction, with the move affecting an estimated 10,000 families


The Caribbean’s most popular cruise destination is about to gain a major new port, with work on Calypso Cove to start towards the end of this year


Disney’s leadership structure continues to change, with Bob Iger naming company veteran Asad Ayaz as the company’s first-ever chief brand officer


The 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon is being celebrated with a special show taking place at 100 planetariums worldwide


Koji Naito has been named the chairman and CEO of Christie, with Naito set to assume the role in addition to his current position as president and CEO of parent company Ushio


Will AI take over the planet or could it just maybe develop your next new dark ride attraction? Tom Anstey asked an AI a few simple questions to see how it would do in developing such a ride concept


The highly-anticipated Tron/Lightcycle Run rollercoaster will open today (April 4) at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. The ride was originally scheduled to open in 2021 but experienced several setbacks due to the Covid-19 pandemic


The sudden death of an eight-year-old dolphin at Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Florida has prompted the aquarium to bring in external experts to assess the dolphins’ habitat, vet care and water quality


Bob Iger has slammed Florida governor Ron DeSantis for for being ‘anti-business’ and ‘anti-Florida’ following moves to try and strip Disney of its self-governing power


Arie Force One has been cleared for take off at Fun Spot America Atlanta, with the RMC steel coaster hybrid marking a major addition to the Georgia theme park

Industry insights



What’s next for the experience economy and consumer trends?




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Pokémon and Van Gogh collaboration to open at the end of September

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Solving the puzzle: Connect&GO’s Anthony Palermo on how technology is rapidly changing attractions management



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IAAPA Expo Europe 2023: Triotech celebrates launch of ‘next generation’ Primordial interactive dark coaster for US’s Lagoon Park


Triotech has announced the launch of its latest project - a ‘next generation interactive dark coaster at Salt Lake City’s Lagoon Park

Chesington named UK’s best theme park as UK Theme Park Award winners revealed


Chessington World of Adventures is your 2023 UK Theme Park of the Year, with Alton Towers, Drayton Manor and Blackpool Pleasure Beach also picking up big wins in this year’s UK Theme Park Awards

IAAPA Expo Europe 2023: Vekoma to showcase new rollercoaster launches


Rollercoaster manufacturer Vekoma is set to exhibit its new Family Launch and Super Boomerang Coasters at IAAPA Expo Europe

IAAPA Expo Europe 2023: RWS Global to showcase major cruise line collaborations, resort partnerships and Hasbro City opening


RWS Global will in attendance at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe to discuss major projects including the opening of the Hasbro City FEC, as well as several cruise line and resort partnerships

Solving the puzzle: Connect&GO’s Anthony Palermo on how technology is rapidly changing attractions management


There’s a transformative shift happening when it comes to use of technology in attractions management. Anthony Palermo, co-founder of Connect&GO, spoke to Tom Anstey...

Everything you need to know about IAAPA Expo Europe 2023


IAAPA is gearing up for its largest EMEA event ever, with the 2023 edition of IAAPA Expo Europe taking place in Vienna between September 25 - 28. Here’s everything you need to know about the event

IAAPA Expo Europe 2023: American Heartland and Mandai Bird Paradise among projects to be showcased by FORREC


Experiential design firm FORREC will showcase several of its latest projects, including the upcoming American Heartland Theme Park resort in Oklahoma, US

IAAPA Expo Europe 2023: Christie to present new technologies and projects in Vienna


AV specialist Christie is to showcase new additions to its M 4K RGB projector series as well as new projects, including an immersive visitor attraction in Toronto, Canada

IAAPA Expo Europe 2023: Experience UK gearing up for return of UK Pavilion


Experience UK’s UK Pavilion will return at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe, with the booth offering an ‘experiential showcase of British ingenuity’ to all attendees

IAAPA Expo Europe 2023: Triotech to showcase latest projects and attractions


Triotech will showcase several new projects and rides at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe, including its Stand Up Theater and Qube attractions

Pokémon and Van Gogh collaboration to open at the end of September


The Pokémon Company has announced an unusual collaboration that will see the popular Pokémon IP arrive at the Vincent Van Gogh Museum for a special event

Moon tree seedlings to be shared with public-facing STEM educators


NASA and the USDA Forest Service are offering public facing STEM operations in the US the chance to plan a ‘living piece of spaceflight history’ with seedlings literally flown to the moon and back

IAAPA Expo Europe 2023: accesso to showcase new PoS platform


Attractions technology provider accesso will showcase the capabilities of it’s new PoS platform; accessoFreedom

Big prizes up for grabs in Vienna as charity auction announced for IAAPA Expo Europe


Visitors to this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe will be able to walk away with a number of unique items and VIP experiences thanks to a charity auction to be held at the event in Vienna

IAAPA Expo Europe 2023: Brogent to debut new flying theatre attraction and film


Media-based attractions developer Brogent will showcase a new flying theatre attraction and film at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe

Stolen €6m Van Gogh painting recovered by private detective after holder brands piece ‘a massive headache’


A stolen Van Gogh painting has been recovered by a private detective after its holder declared the work “a massive headache” to keep in their possession

Venice set to introduce €5 tourist day tax


The famous Italian city of Venice is set to tackle over-tourism with the introduction of a €5 a day entry fee for visitors to the Unesco World Heritage Site

IAAPA Expo Europe 2023: Attractions.io to present guest experience platform in Vienna


Attractions.io will showcase its guest experience platform at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe, with representatives on hand to guide visitors through the platform

IAAPA Expo Europe 2023: WhiteWater to announce several upcoming projects


WhiteWater is set to announce several new projects at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe. The waterpark manufacturer will also showcase its line of Blaster water rides at the event

Plans approved for multi-million-dollar planetarium in South Carolina


A US$14.5m project, including a new planetarium, has been approved for the town of Spartanburg in South Carolina, US

Disney Treasure latest offering in ‘unprecedented expansion’ of Disney Cruise Line


The Disney Treasure cruise ship will set sail at the end of next year, with Disney unveiling its latest offering in a rapid expansion of its popular cruise operation

IAAPA Expo Europe 2023: Convious to reveal ‘hidden worlds’ of experience economy


Ticketing specialist Convious will host several education sessions on revenue, visitor experience and operations at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe in Vienna

IAAPA Expo Europe 2023: Simworx to debut Zombie Metro Mayhem concept


At this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe, Simworx will showcase a new turnkey ride concept, alongside its expansive portfolio of dynamic media-based attractions

Nerf Action Xperience to open in Tennessee in 2024


A new Nerf-themed attraction is coming to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, with the major new addition to the area set to open in 2024

V&A Dundee the latest institution to cuts ties with Sackler family


Scotland’s V&A Dundee museum has removed the Sackler name from its displays as a result of the family’s alleged links to the US opioid crisis

Construction workers attempting to create shortcut dig hole through Great Wall of China


The Great Wall of China has suffered ‘irreversible damage’ after two people dug a hole through the wall with an excavator to create a shortcut

World-first SpongeBob dark ride coming to Las Vegas


A world-first SpongeBob interactive dark ride is coming to Las Vegas’s Circus Circus, with Sally Dark Rides behind the US$6m development

Breakthrough in Blenheim Palace US$6m gold toilet theft


Up to seven people could soon be charged with the theft of a solid gold toilet stolen from Blenheim Palace in 2019 following a major breakthrough in the case

Banksy’s first solo exhibition in 14 years draws record numbers to Glasgow gallery


A Banksy exhibition has broken box office records at Glasgow’s Gallery of Modern Art, attracting more than 180,000 visitors during its 10 week run

Lifesized: How Path Entertainment and Hasbro brought Monopoly to life as a visitor experience


Path Entertainment Group and Hasbro recently worked together to produce a world-first immersive Monopoly experience. Path CEO David Hutchinson shares all with Planet Attractions

Six Flags to transform operations and guest experience with Google Cloud partnership


Six Flags has teamed up with Google Cloud to transform its digital offering and enhance the guest experience

Disney World hosts largest-ever wish-granting event for World Princess Week


The Disney World resort has hosted its largest-ever wish-granting event with more than 50 children invited to the resort for its Once Upon A Wish Party

Attractions prepare as Hurricane Idalia arrives in Florida


Attractions across Florida have made preparations and many have closed following the arrival of Hurricane Idalia and predicted storm surges

Home of Carlsberg to reopen with extended exhibition in December


Visit Carlsberg in Copenhagen, Denmark, is to reopen as Home of Carlsberg this December after undergoing extensive improvement works

Gorman Museum of Native American Art celebrates 50 years with opening of expanded new home


The Gorman Museum of Native American Art will reopen next month with a celebratory weekend marking the institution’s 50th anniversary

SeaWorld ‘laying down a blueprint’ with industry-leading extreme heat policy


An extreme heat policy introduced to all SeaWorld operations in the US could see other operators follow suit following a tough weather-related summer for theme parks

Museum theft ‘rare’ says Museums Association following British Museum revelations


The Museums Association has said ‘categorically’ that theft from collections is ‘incredibly rare, after more than 1,500 priceless artefacts were found to have been stolen from the British Museum

Philadelphia Zoo names Jo-Elle Mogerman as its first-ever female president and CEO


The US’s oldest zoo has named Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman as its new president and CEO, with Mogerman set to become the first female in the role in the attraction’s 164-year history

Norwegian cruising at an all-time high as 5.5 million sail to destination in 2023


Norway’s cruise industry is booming, with 5.5 million passengers expected to make a port call during 2023 as individual visits shoot up by 29%

Christie powers projection-mapped spectacle at Schlosslichtspiele Festival with Pandoras Box technology


Christie has worked with Maxin10sity to create a projection-mapped spectacle that has seen Germany’s Karlsruhe Palace transformed into a digital masterpiece

Evolving the industry of fun: Peter van der Schans on the attractions markets in Africa, the Middle East and Europe


Peter van der Schans has now been at the helm of IAAPA’s EMEA operations for more than a year. He shares with Planet Attractions how that year has gone and the progress being made in the global attractions markets of Europe, the Middle East and Africa

Orlando Museum of Art sues former director for seeking to profit from fake Basquiats


The Orlando Museum of Art is suing its former director Aaron De Groft for allegedly seeking to profit from the sale of several fake Jean-Michel Basquiat artworks

Intamin coaster to open at Six Flags Over Georgia in 2024


A new Intamin-designed rollercoaster, combining water elements with a thrill ride experience, will open at Six Flags Over Georgia in 2024

Derry Girls Experience draws record visitor numbers for Northern Ireland’s Tower Museum


An exhibition inspired by hit-series Derry Girls has drawn a record number of visitors to Londonderry’s Tower Museum

British Museum employee dismissed for missing antiquities alleged to be curator Peter Higgs


Peter Higgs, a veteran curator at London’s British Museum, has been named by two UK broadsheets as the employee dismissed by the institution for allegedly stealing and selling priceless artefacts

DeSantis calls for Disney to drop federal lawsuit against him


Republican governor Ron DeSantis has called for Disney CEO Bob Iger to drop the company’s federal lawsuit against the state of Florida

British Museum employee dismissed over missing artefacts


London’s British Museum has sacked an employee after several items from its collection were reported 'missing, stolen or damaged'

Astronaut Namira Salim reveals concept for Earth’s first ‘space hotel’ and resort


Astronaut and space diplomat Namira Salim has revealed plans to develop a new space tourism concept offering a space hotel, themed restaurants, a stargazing deck and a possible theme park

IAAPA reveals show highlights ahead of IAAPA Expo Europe 2023 in Vienna


IAAPA has offered a first glimpse at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe, taking place in Vienna, Austria, in September

Midwest’s largest indoor rollercoaster to open at US’s Silver Dollar City in 2024


Manufactured by Rocky Mountain Construction, Silver Dollar City’s new Fire in the Hole indoor coaster is set to be the largest such attraction in the region when it opens in spring 2024

Great Wolf Resorts makes headway on first UK resort


Work on Great Wolf Lodge UK continues with construction on the £200m waterpark resort scheduled to complete in 2024

Highly-anticipated Minion Land opens at Universal Orlando Resort


A new immersive land, dedicated to Illumination’s Minions and Despicable Me franchises, has opened at the Universal Orlando Resort in Florida, US

Red Raion launches new CGI title ‘Van Helsing - Rise from the Dark’


CGI studio Red Raion announces the launch of new CGI title ‘Van Helsing - Rise from the Dark’ in 5D, VR and Dome formats

Disney parks reports US$8.3bn in revenue despite lower guest attendance in Florida


Disney’s parks and experiences division has reported US$8.3bn in revenue for Q3 2023, despite rising operational costs and lower guest attendance at the Disney World resort in Florida

Unfoiling the plot: Meet the team behind the Tower of London’s Gunpowder Plot experience


The Gunpowder Plot is a multilayered immersive experience set at the Tower of London. Planet Attractions spoke to the team behind the development to see exactly how it came to life...

SeaWorld reports drop in attendance and revenue for Q2 2023


SeaWorld Entertainment has seen a decline in both visitor attendance and revenue in the first half of 2023

JRA-designed Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame opens to the public


The Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame has opened following a two-year planning and design process led by JRA, part of RWS Global

UK Theme Park Awards 2023 come to Chessington World of Adventures as George Akid announced as presenter


Chessington World of Adventures has been announced as the host for this year’s UK Theme Park Awards, with George Akid set to return to his role as presenter during the awards ceremony at the popular attraction

Open letter calls on British Museum to rename BP Lecture Theatre


An open letter sent to the British Museum calls on outbound director Hartwig Fischer to remove BP’s name from the institution's lecture theatre

Peppa Pig’s Discovery Playroom opens at London’s Natural History Museum


A new Peppa Pig-themed visitor experience has opened at the Natural History Museum in London, UK

Mattel Adventure Park to open in Arizona in 2024


The upcoming Mattel Adventure Park is set to open in 2024 with several attractions dedicated to several IPs including Barbie and Hot Wheels

Scruffy Dog secures significant contract with Six Flags, Qiddiya


Scruffy Dog Creative Group has been contracted to lead development design and handle design delivery at the upcoming Six Flags theme park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Generational development: Arnaud Bennet on 50 years of Le Pal


French theme park and animal attraction Le Pal is celebrating its 50th year in 2023. Its CEO, Arnaud Bennet speaks to Planet Attractions on half-a-century of one of the country’s most popular offerings

What’s next for the experience economy and consumer trends?


Dive in as FlowRider’s Joshua Atkinson explores the shift in consumer mindsets and its impact on the attractions industry

Pilot national museum survey launched to shape future of US museums sector


The US’s Institute of Museum and Library Services has launched a pilot National Museum Survey as part of its ongoing mission to invest in the future of the country’s museums

Work set to start on Paramount’s Bali theme park development


Work is set to start on Bali’s highly-anticipated Paramount theme park, with the major development representing the largest of its kind for the Indonesian tourist destination

Archeologists uncover the remains of Roman Emporer Nero’s lost theatre


Archaeologists have unearthed what they believe to be the remains of the Roman Emperor Nero’s private theatre in the Italian capital

Connect&GO forms strategic technology partnership with eCommerce company Amilia


Connect&GO and Amilia have announced a strategic technology partnerships that will see the two companies work together in the development of cutting-edge solutions in eCommerce and attractions management

Ted Ismert named new chief operating officer for Attractions.io


As the company continues its rapid expansion in 2023, guest experience platform Attractions.io has named Ted Ismert as its new chief operating officer

Immersive Monet experience making its way to London later this year


A new immersive experience showcasing the work of French impressionist painter Claude Monet is coming to London, UK

Cedar Point announces record-breaking sequel to Top Thrill Dragster with reengineered Top Thrill 2


Cedar Point has announced a sequel to Top Thrill Dragster, with Zamperla behind the reimagined Top Thrill 2, which will break the record for the world’s tallest and fastest triple-launch strata coaster when it opens in 2024

Horniman Museum’s Nature + Love project awarded £5.7m in Lottery funding


London’s Horniman Museum has been awarded £5.7m by the National Lottery Heritage Fund for its Nature + Love project

Saudi Arabia’s Seven breaks ground on latest project with SAR1.3bn entertainment destination coming to Al-Madinah


Seven has announced the latest entertainment mega destination to come to Saudi Arabia following the breaking ground of its SAR1.3bn development in the city of Al-Madinah

Conservation groups call on UK government to revoke London Resort’s planning status


A number of wildlife organisations have called on the UK’s Levelling Up secretary Michael Gove to revoke the controversial London Resort’s status as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project

Hartwig Fischer to step down as director of British Museum


Hartwig Fischer will step down as director of the British Museum in 2024 after eight years in the role

Saudi Arabia’s PIF announces launch of Saudi Tourism Investment Company


The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia has announced the launch of Asfar - a new company designed to support the growth of the kingdom’s tourism sector

Theme parks continue to shine for Comcast as Universal breaks earnings record


Universal’s theme parks have set revenue and profitability records with the division continuing to perform for the operator’s parent company Comcast

Climate change threatens ancient Chinese heritage sites


New research from environmental group Greenpeace has found that extreme weather conditions, caused by climate change, are already a significant threat to ancient heritage sites in China

UK Theme Park Awards 2023 open to public vote


You can now vote on the Britain’s best theme parks for 2023 following the opening of the public vote for this year’s UK Theme Park Awards

Smithsonian Latino museum under threat after Reublican lawmakers move to block funding


A new bill passed by the US’s House Appropriations Committee could jeopardise the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino by effectively banning the institution from spending tax payer money on the project

Opening dates announced for two new lands at Japan’s Ghibli Park


Japan’s Ghibli Park has confirmed the opening dates for Mononoke Village and Valley of Witches with the areas set to open in late 2023 and early 2024

Unesco and Zelenskyy condemn Russian attacks on historic World Heritage Site


Unesco says it’s deeply dismayed over an attack carried out by the Russian forces, which hit several cultural sites in the city centre of Odesa, while President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has pledged retaliation for the act

UK government pushes through controversial plan to build underground tunnel beneath Stonehenge


The UK government has approved a controversial plan to build a £1.7bn tunnel beneath Stonehenge that Unesco worries could place the prehistoric monument at risk

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum set to undergo major redevelopment following launch of US$89m capital campaign


The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum has announced the public phase of a US$89m capital campaign to fund a complete transformation of the museum, its first significant renovation in nearly 40 years

Tickets now on sale for Disney100 exhibition heading to London this October


A touring exhibition celebrating 100 years of Disney is to open in London in October

Plans announced for US$2bn theme park and resort development in Oklahoma


A major US$2bn theme park and resort development comparable to the likes of Disney and Universal is set to open in 2026 in the state of Oklahoma

Floodwaters reach Taj Mahal for first time in almost half-a-century


Extreme flooding in northern India has seen water make it all the way to the walls of the Taj Mahal - the first time such an occurrence has happened in 45 years

Minister questions US$300m Tobago waterpark project over water shortages


A senior politician for the island nation of Tobago has said that a US$300m waterpark development must not come ‘at the expense of ordinary citizens’ as the country faces a water deficit

Zoo asks visitors to stop showing phone videos to gorilla population


Toronto Zoo is asking visitors to refrain from sharing phone content with gorillas with concerns the practice can lead to anti-social behaviour

WATCH: New trailer offers first look at Stranger Things for Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights


Universal has revealed a first look at its upcoming Stranger Things experience ahead of its Halloween Horror Nights event

First Bank of the United States set to undergo US$22.2m museum transformation


The First Bank of the United States in Philadelphia has been granted US$22m in federal funding to turn the historic building into an interactive museum

Dronisos and Disneyland Paris set record for largest drone show in Europe


Dronisos has broken the record for the largest drone show ever performed in Europe, with the company behind Disneyland Paris’s Bastille Day nighttime spectacle

Eden Project Dundee formally begins planning process


The proposed Eden Project Dundee attraction has begun the formal planning process after submitting a proposal of application notice to Dundee City Council

Kuwait set to launch sovereign investment fund to boost domestic market


Kuwait is eyeing major investment in its domestic market, with plans to launch a sovereign investment fund, to accelerate the growth of its own economy

‘Once in a lifetime opportunity’: New York’s Strong National Museum of Play reopens following US$75m expansion


New York’s Strong National Museum of Play has reopened following a US$75m transformation, described as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to create a unique destination centred around play

Meow Wolf’s The Real Unreal set to debut in Texas


Meow Wolf’s The Real Unreal is a psychedelic playground for adults and kids alike and its about to open in Grapevine, Texas

Disney extends Bob Iger’s contract to 2026 as search for successor continues


Bob Iger has had his Disney contract extended by two years as the company continues to search for a successor following his surprise return as CEO last year

Saudi Arabia’s PIF reports US$11bn loss in 2022


In the midst of its global and domestic investment spree, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has declared a loss on investments of US$11bn for last year

Applications open for 2024 Disney Dreamers Academy


Disney is seeking 100 applicants from black and underrepresented communities across the US for the 2024 edition of its Dreamers Academy scheme

Merlin to install electric vehicle charging points at five major UK attractions


Merlin Entertainments has partnered with RAW Charging to install electric vehicle charging points at five UK attractions this summer

Tokyo’s oldest theme park set to launch new attractions and themed zone


Tokyo’s Hanayashiki theme park is set to introduce an array of new additions, with the 170-year-old theme park about to launch a number of new attractions and a new themed zone later this month

Molly Murphy to lead Universal Creative after being named new president


Molly Murphy has been named the new president of Universal Creative, with the former Gensler principal set to lead the design and creation of Universal theme park experiences across the world

Disney brings Hawkeye’s ‘Rogers: The Musical’ to life at California Adventure


Marvel’s ‘Rogers: The Musical’ has been brought to life with a limited time run of the musical seen in Hawkeye now on show at Disney California Adventure Park

Sphere lights up Vegas Strip for the first time ahead of September launch


The Sphere, MSG’s new entertainment arena in Las Vegas, US, was lit up for the first time this month as part of a pre-launch ahead of its official debut in September

Connect&GO announces new partnerships with Ticketmaster France and France Billet


Connect&GO has announced two new partnerships in France that will see the attractions technology specialists integrate its Konnect all-in-one platform with leading French ticket providers Ticketmaster France and France Billet

WATCH: AI draws on 500 years of history to design statue in the styles of iconic sculptors


Engineering company Sanvik has used artificial intelligence to design a statue that draws on the styles of famous artists spanning three continents and 500 years, with the resulting work on display in Sweden’s Tekniska Museet

World’s largest beachfront indoor waterpark opens in Atlantic City


Atlantic City is celebrating the launch of its latest attraction - a US$100m world-class indoor waterpark on the City Boardwalk

Virtual Disney Metaverse theme park a ‘long-term possibility’


A virtual Disney theme park in the Metaverse remains a long-term possibility following a partnership between Disney and Apple’s upcoming Vision Pro headset

Christoph Homann new Virgin Experience Days CEO


Virgin Experience Days has announced the appointment of Christoph Homann as its new CEO, as the company moves into its next growth phase

Immersive football experience eyed for Sheffield, UK, after plans submitted


Football could be coming home to Sheffield in the UK, following an application to develop an immersive football experience in a disused timber depot in the city

Registration opens as IAAPA Expo Europe prepares for return to Austria


Registration is now open for this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe event, which is set to make its return to Vienna, Austria, in September

Mayor of London says Greece and UK should ‘share’ Parthenon Marbles


London Mayor Sadiq Khan has said that the UK and Greece should come to an agreement to share the controversial Parthenon Marbles currently on display at the British Museum

Nominees announced for UK Theme Park Awards 2023


The finalists in this year’s UK Theme Park Awards have been announced, with Alton Towers, Chessington World of Adventures and Blackpool Pleasure Beach among the major contenders in the running for this year’s top prize

WATCH: KSI and The Sidemen play hide and seek inside Paradise Wildlife Park


Paradise Wildlife Park has welcomed KSI and The Sidemen to the animal attraction for a viral game of hide and seek

Abu Dhabi announces ambitious growth plans focused on tourism and culture


Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism board has revealed ambitious plans to grow its tourism economy to 24 million visitors a year

Virgin Voyages launches next ‘Jeneration’ AI tool with Jennifer Lopez


Virgin Voyages has partnered with Jennifer Lopez to launch Jen A.I. a new tool that enables guests to receive personalised invitations from the pop superstar

Attractions.io enhances partnership strategy to expand integrated app ecosystem


Attractions.io is seeking to partner with new vendors on its guest experience platform, introducing new technologies to further enhance its overall offering

Disney reveals concept art for upcoming San Fransokyo Square at Disneyland Resort


Disney has revealed a first look at San Fransokyo Square, a new Big Hero 6-themed land opening at the Disneyland Resort in California in August

Harry Potter interactive art experience set to debut in European city in 2023


Warner Bros and Neon are working in collaboration to develop a new contemporary art experience based on the world of Harry Potter

Reopened and reimagined National Portrait Gallery ‘of people, for people’ following £35.5m transformation


The leaders of London’s National Portrait Gallery say the historic institution is now more accessible to all, with a complete reimagining of the attraction focused on increasing representation and inspiring people

Immersive Smurfs experience set to tour US in 2024


The Smurfs are making their way to the US in the form of an immersive touring location-based experience set to make its debut in 2024

The Messi Experience: Touring tribute to Lionel Messi set to debut in US in 2024


Lionel Messi is about to get his own touring attraction, with ‘The Messi Experience, A Dream Come True’ set to debut in the US in 2024

Barbie’s iconic Malibu Dreamhouse listed on Airbnb


A replica of Barbie’s Malibu Dreamhouse has been listed on vacation rental site Airbnb ahead of the release of the highly-anticipated Barbie movie

‘All of Us Are Dead’ coming to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Singapore


All of Us Are Dead will be the first Korean horror series to make its way to a Universal park, after being announced for this year’s Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Singapore

PIF-owned Red Sea Global announces sponsorship deal with Saudi Pro League’s PIF-owned Al-Ahli FC


The PIF-owned Red Sea Global has been announced as the sponsor of the Al-Ahli Football Club, also owned by PIF, in Saudi Arabia’s Saudi Pro League

Met and Smithsonian team up to train US Army to protect cultural heritage


The Met and the Smithsonian have worked with the US Army to help train soldiers in preserving and protecting cultural heritage in conflict zones

One dead and nine injured in rollercoaster crash at Sweden’s Gröna Lund


One person has died and nine have been left seriously injured after a rollercoaster car derailed at Sweden’s Gröna Land amusement park

Three major leisure and entertainment destinations announced for Oman


Oman’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning has revealed plans to open three significant leisure and entertainment destinations over the next five years

UK’s Peace Museum to reopen in Unesco World Heritage village in 2024


The UK’s Peace Museum has been awarded a £250,000 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund that will see the museum relocate to Saltaire, a World Heritage village in West Yorkshire

Major surf park included in Abu Dhabi’s Hudayriyat Island masterplan


A world-class surfing attraction, a velodrome and a sprawling urban park are among the features included in a major new development for Abu Dhabi

Five die as Titan tourist submarine found to have imploded less than two hours into dive


Five people have been killed after the Titan tourist submarine imploded less than two hours into a dive exploring the wreckage of the Titanic

First-of-its-kind cultural event brings Morph to London for wheelchair-friendly public art trail


Morph has arrived in London for a wheelchair accessible public art trail, with the event to run until August in an effort to raise money for the children’s charity Whizz Kidz

Clearwater Marine Aquarium not responsible for deaths of four dolphins, say experts


Florida’s Clearwater Marine Aquarium has been cleared by an independent panel of any wrongdoing following the unexpected deaths of four dolphins in its care over the course of the last two years

Location-based experiences the focus as registration opens for Brand Licensing Europe 2023


Location-based experiences are taking centre stage at this year’s Brand Licensing Europe event, which is now open for registration ahead of its return to London’s ExCeL in October

Strawberries threaten Spanish World Heritage site


Concerns have been raised after local government passed a bill allowing intensive irrigated strawberry farming on a World Heritage-protected wetland in Spain

accesso acquires VGS in major deal that sees VGS platform rebranded accesso Horizon


accesso has announced the acquisition of leading ticketing and visitor management system provider VGS, with the award-winning SnApp platform to be rebranded accesso Horizon

Europa-Park reopens following blaze


Europa-Park has reopened following a major fire at the park earlier this week

Major rescue mission underway for missing tourist submarine


The US and Canadian Coastguards are helming a major rescue mission to recover a missing tourist submarine that disappeared in the Atlantic Ocean less than two hours into an expedition to see the wreckage of the Titanic

US to rejoin Unesco amid rising concerns of Chinese influence


The US is set to rejoin Unesco, nearly six years after the Trump administration withdrew the country from the organisation. The move comes amid rising concerns that China has been influencing Unesco’s policy making processes

Five indoor waterparks that are forecasting future trends


WhiteWater’s Grant Poje showcases five indoor waterpark projects that are helping to advance the sector and boost the sector’s mainstream popularity

Planet Attractions partners with 2023 UK Theme Park Awards


Planet Attractions will partner with this year’s UK Theme Park Awards, joining the expert judging panel and acting as media partner for the awards

Iger could stay on at Disney following abrupt exit of Christine McCarthy


After Disney announced that its CFO Christine McCarthy is taking a family medical leave of absence from the company, it has been suggested that Bob Iger could stay on as CEO beyond his planned departure from the company in 2024

Amazon’s new immersive shopping technology could have exciting implications for theme parks


Amazon has launched a new immersive shopping feature that could be utilised in theme parks and attractions

The Last of Us set for theme park debut at Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights


The Last of Us is the first major new IP to be announced for this year’s Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios

Carnival unveils top deck activity zone Park19 aboard upcoming Sun Princess


Carnival is debuting what it calls ‘the most engaging family activity zone ever featured on a Princess cruise ship’ with Park19 set to make its debut on board the upcoming Sun Princess in February 2024

Concerns for Sudan’s cultural heritage as armed military conflict continues


The conflict in Sudan has left experts fearing for the country’s cultural heritage, with museums unable to adequately protect their collections

Kalahari’s Round Rock resort completes outdoor waterpark expansion in time for summer season


Open for the summer season, the Kalahari Resort in Round Rock has significantly expanded its outdoor waterpark with the addition of a lazy river, a new kids area, a swim up bar and more

Saudi Arabia plans further US$800bn investment in tourism projects


Saudi Arabia is set to invest a further US$800bn on top of the US$1tn investment it has already made in tourism, with even more new projects set to come up in the kingdom over the course of the next decade

IAAPA Expo Asia makes highly anticipated return for first time since 2019


IAAPA Expo Asia has made its long-awaited return with the event in Singapore marking its first appearance in-person since 2019

Coronation Street Experience opens to the public in Manchester


A new visitor experience inspired by beloved British soap opera Coronation Street has opened in Manchester, UK

‘Game-changing’ waterpark and spa development about to open in Hungary


The RQ Water Experience Park and Spa, a new waterpark offering 21 pools and a spectacular water slide tower, will open in Hungary in June

WATCH: MrBeast takes over billion dollar Royal Carribean cruise ship


MrBeast has released a new video which sees the world’s biggest YouTuber take over Royal Caribbean's gigantic Harmony of the Seas cruise ship

WATCH: Work progresses on Mexico’s Vidanta World theme park as Hollywood stars showcase upcoming resort destination


Catherine Zeta-Jones, Mark Wahlberg, Jaime Camil and Abraham Ancer are the figureheads for a star-studded promotional campaign for the upcoming Vidanta World theme park, which is set to open in its first phase later this year

House of Hype: New immersive attraction to open at Dubai Mall


A new immersive visitor attraction will open its doors at the Dubai Mall later this year

Kings Island’s Adventure Port ready to welcome guests for grand opening


A new themed land has arrived at Kings Island, with Adventure Port taking visitors on a journey in search of an ancient lost city’s forbidden temple

Zoo Atlanta’s new Immotion-designed VR attraction transports guests to jungles of Rwanda


A new VR cinema attraction that allows guests to observe a family group of endangered mountain gorillas in Rwanda has opened at Zoo Atlanta

BT launches UK-first 5G-powered Immersive Spaces interactive simulation experience


BT has launched an all-new experience in the UK that uses camera and HD projection to bring 360° content to life in a range of realities powered by 5G

Abu Dhabi’s first indoor snow park opens to the public


Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment is offering sub-zero temperatures to visitors in the UAE with the launch of its newest attraction - Snow Abu Dhabi

British Museum denies ending controversial BP partnership


The British Museum has refuted claims that it has ended its commercial partnership with BP following reports that the institution had ended its 27-year relationship with the fossil fuel giant

How blockchain is being used for cultural and heritage preservation


Crypto membership collective TemDAO is using blockchain technology to preserve cultural and world heritage sites, with its innovative new approach potentially a game changer when its comes to heritage funding

Perkins&Will’s spiral galaxy selected for Smithsonian’s Bezos Learning Center


Architects Perkins&Will have been chosen to design the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum’s upcoming Bezos Learning Center.

AU$160m plan to phase out gill net fishing on Great Barrier Reef a ‘globally significant moment’


Australia’s government is providing greater protection to the Great Barrier Reef, announcing a AU$160m package to phase out commercial gill net fishing by 2027

WATCH: Hong Kong Disneyland offers fly-through of under-construction World of Frozen


World of Frozen is currently under construction at Hong Kong Disneyland. Here’s how it’s looking at the moment

Bridging realities: How Miirage’s no-glasses holographic experience could change the game for immersive experiences


Miirage is a new modular holographic system bringing the virtual world to life without any additional need for mobile devices, screens or wearables. The creators behind the technology speak to Planet Attractions about the new product and exactly what it can do...

Illuminarium Las Vegas launches space-themed experience


A new experience exploring space and featuring images from the James Webb Space Telescope has launched at Illuminarium Las Vegas

Qatar unveils ‘next generation’ of cultural institutions at Venice Biennale


Qatar has launched an exhibition showcasing plans for four new museums, with the Art Mill Museum, Lusail Museum, Qatar Auto Museum and Dadu Children’s Museum of Qatar all to open in the country by the end of the decade

Dutch museum faces backlash over Nas-Inspired Tutankhamun bust


A museum in the Netherlands has come under fire for cultural appropriation, after using the likeness of American rapper Nas’ in a Tutankhamun-inspired bust

Cairns Aquarium seeks investors as Colliers launches global search


Cairns Aquarium is on the hunt for a new investor, with Colliers appointed to seek expressions of interest for the popular Queensland attraction

Museum at the heart of plan for luxury eco-resort in Saudi Arabia’s ancient city of AlUla


The Royal Commission for the ancient Saudi Arabian city of AlUla has approved plans for a new eco-luxury destination with its own museum

Six Flags becomes first theme park operator to adopt Amazon’s ‘Just Walk Out’ shopping technology


Six Flags will become the first theme park operator to utilise Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology, with the cashless and cashierless shopping experience coming first to Six Flags Great Adventure in June

Madrid’s Royal Collection Gallery to open in June


A major museum dedicated to the history of the Spanish monarchy will open its doors in Madrid next month

BBC Studios developing immersive experiences for the metaverse


BBC Studios is to launch a collection of immersive experiences on metaverse platform; The Sandbox later this year

MSC Cruises to operate world’s first zero emission cruise sailing in June


MSC Eurbia will become the world’s first net zero greenhouse gas emissions cruise when it sets sail next week

Build-A-Bear seeks family-focussed destinations as company partners with Kalahari to open stores across waterpark portfolio


Build-A-Bear is on the hunt for new partners in locations offering family experiences, with the company announcing a new partnership to bring its Workshops to all four of Kalahari’s US waterpark resort destinations

Theme park owner pleads guilty to fraudulently claiming US$3m in Coronavirus aid


Donald Finley, owner of the Bayville Adventure Park on Long Island, New York, has pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining US$3m in Covid relief funding to buy himself a house

It takes a village: How to increase spending and social reach through micro-influencing with Attractions.io


How can you leverage user-generated content and photo purchases to drive revenue and simultaneously promote your attraction? Attractions.io’s Peter O’Dare has the answers...

Triotech selected to develop multiple attractions for Transformers experiences in Saudi Arabia


Triotech has been selected to supply interactive dark rides for Saudi Arabia’s upcoming Transformers attractions

Former home of George Frideric Handel and Jimi Hendrix reopens in London after multi-million pound revamp


The former home of both George Frideric Handel and Jimi Hendrix has reopened to the public in London following a two-year, £3m renovation

American Museum of Natural History opens US$465m education and innovation centre


The highly-anticipated Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education and Innovation has opened at the American Museum of Natural History

London’s Vagina Museum could close permanently if fundraising efforts are unsuccessful


London’s Vagina Museum will be forced to close its doors permanently if fundraising efforts are unsuccessful, the museum has announced

First SeaWorld park to open outside US launches in Abu Dhabi


SeaWorld and Miral are celebrating the launch of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi - the first SeaWorld-branded attraction to open in more than thirty years and the first to open outside the US

Architects Kengo Kuma to design visitor centre for Albanian World Heritage site


Japanese architecture firm Kengo Kuma & Associates has won an international design competition to design a new visitor centre at Butrint National Park in Albania

Death penalties linked to Saudi Arabia’s The Line project condemned by UN


UN experts have expressed alarm after three people evicted from homes to make way for Saudi Arabia’s The Line, now face the death penalty

Playstation and Ghostbusters among IPs on the table for potential Merlin-Sony attractions, say bosses


Merlin’s Scott O’Neil and Sony’s Jeffrey Godsick have hinted at the use of further Sony IPs in Merlin attractions following the launch of World of Jumanji at Chessington World of Adventures in the UK

NAACP says Florida is ‘actively hostile’ to minorities, issues travel advisory to tourists


US civil rights organisation the NAACP has warned minority tourists against visiting Florida due to several ‘discriminatory’ laws supported by Republican governor Ron DeSantis

Art Fund reveals Museum of the Year 2023 shortlist


Five cultural institutions are in the running for this year’s Art Fund Museum of the Year 2023

Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser to close at Disney World after less than two years


Disney has announced that its Star Wars Galactic Starcruise experience will cease operations permanently in September 2023 after only 18 months

The World of Gazza!!: New exhibition explores life and times of iconic English footballer Paul Gascoigne


A new exhibition celebrating and exploring the life and times of iconic English footballer Paul Gascoigne has opened its doors in London

Disney scraps US$1bn Florida campus amidst DeSantis feud


Disney has scrapped plans for a US$1bn corporate campus in Lake Nono, Florida, as the company’s public feud with Florida governor Ron DeSantis continues

Universal Orlando offers first look at highly-anticipated Minion Land attraction


Universal Orlando has revealed details and renderings of its upcoming Minion Land, with the hotly-anticipated attraction set to open to the public this summer

North American theme park market set for significant growth in attendance and guest spending, says IAAPA report


Global attractions association IAAPA has launched its 2022-2026 Global Theme and Amusement Park Outlook report, with the research forecasting a 7% increase in attendance at North American theme parks

Iconic Spider-Man ride to close at Universal Studios Japan


Universal Studios Japan has announced the closure of The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man: The Ride, with the attraction to cease operations permanently in early 2024

RWS Global unites subsidiaries with major rebrand


RWS Entertainment Group has rebranded as RWS Global to consolidate its subsidiaries – JRA, ted, and ARC – and strengthen its position as a global leader in the live entertainment sector

Royal Caribbean scouts potential new private island in the Bahamas


Cruise line operator Royal Caribbean could be planning to expand its reach in the Bahamas, after a team was sent to scout Rum Cay as a potential new private island destination

Hong Kong Disneyland reveals first look at Frozen coaster as opening date for World of Frozen is announced


Disney Imagineering has shared a sneak peek at its first-ever Frozen rollercoaster, which is currently under construction at Hong Kong Disneyland

Convious partners with Rubber Cheese to launch 2023 Visitor Attraction Website Report Survey


Digital agency Rubber Cheese has teamed up with attractions management platform Convious to launch the 2023 edition of its Visitor Attraction Website Report. The survey was launched during this year’s Museums + Heritage Show

WhiteWater announces major project openings for 2023


WhiteWater has revealed details of more than 60 major projects across its waterpark, water ride and surf divisions opening worldwide throughout 2023

‘Fjordarium’ the centrepiece of Oslo’s proposed Fornebu Brygge ocean campus project


A Fjordarium with a literal window to the ocean is at the heart of a proposed development in Oslo, with the plans forming ‘an important part of the regeneration and conservation of the fjords of Norway’

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex partners with Attractions.io to reimagine guest experience platform


Attractions.io has teamed up with the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to develop a brand new experience platform for guests of the popular destination

Spain’s largest VR experience opens at the Nerja Caves


The Nerja Caves has launched a new VR experience that allows visitors to access parts of the caves that have previously been closed to the public

Transformers announced as latest brand to come to Saudi Arabia under Seven banner


A major Transformers attraction is planned for Seven’s upcoming entertainment destination in Riyadh, with plans for two further attractions in the kingdom as Saudi Arabia’s PIF continues to expand its entertainment offerings

BoldMove and Triotech collaborate to bring all new Champi'Folies dark ride to Le Pal


Le Pal has welcomed a brand new dark ride experience, with BoldMove Nation and Triotech joining forces to bring Champi’Folies to life at the French theme park and animal attraction

SeaWorld could explore domestic licensing ventures, says CEO


Ahead of the launch of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld CEO Marc Swanson has said the company would look at domestic licensing or joint venture projects should the ‘right opportunity’ present itself

London’s Imperial War Museum to open exhibition exploring The Troubles in Northern Ireland


A new exhibition, sharing multiple perspectives on The Troubles in Northern Ireland, will open at London’s Imperial War Museum at the end of May

100 years of Liseberg: Andreas Andersen on park's centenary additions


Andreas Andersen speaks to Planet Attractions about what's coming for Liseberg following the launch of Luna Park, the opening of the Grand Curiosa Hotel and the soon-to-open Oceana waterpark

New funding initiative commits US$11m to promote diversity in leadership at US art museums


A consortium of art foundations and charitable organisations has launched a new funding initiative that aims to promote diversity and inclusion in art museum leadership roles across the US

Artist behind celebrated PS5 campaign launches VR art gallery


Maxim Zhestkov, the artist behind the digital artwork that accompanied the launch of the PS5, has launched an evolving virtual art gallery

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum launches US$25m fundraising campaign


The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum has launched a US$25m capital campaign to build a new 30,000sq ft facility celebrating the rich history of African American baseball and its impact on the social advancement of America

Disney vs DeSantis: Florida governor’s oversight board files counter suit as Disney dispute escalates


The board appointed by Florida governor Ron DeSantis has filed a lawsuit against Disney just days after the entertainment giant sued the board for stripping it of its self-governed status

Parque Warner’s highly-anticipated Batman-themed coaster to launch in May


Europe’s answer to the Velocicoaster has its opening date, with the highly-anticipated Batman-themed Gotham City Escape set to launch on May 13

Absolutely bananas: ‘Hungry’ museum visitor eats artwork worth US$120,000


A museum visitor who declared himself ‘hungry’ has eaten an artwork in South Korea worth an estimated US$120,000

Pilsner Urquell: BRC’s Christian Lachel on Prague’s new ‘Original Beer Experience’


A new brand home dedicated to Pilsner Urquell has opened its doors in Prague. BRC’s Christian Lachel tells Planet Attractions how the attraction celebrates the brand’s place in Czech history and culture

‘Call the Midwife’ location tour launches at The Historic Dockyard Chatham


An official location tour dedicated to hit BBC series ‘Call the Midwife’ has opened at The Historic Dockyard Chatham in Kent, UK

UK’s Tank Museum becomes world’s first museum to reach 100 million views on YouTube


A UK-based military museum has become not only the first museum in the world to reach 100 million views on Youtube but also the most-watched museum-based YouTube channel in the world

Museum of London secures £73m for funding of ongoing Smithfield redevelopment


The Museum of London has received a cash injection of £73m from the City of London Corporation, with the funding being used to support the next stage of plans to relocate the attraction to Smithfield in 2026

Plans approved to transform 200-year-old prison in Wales into a visitor attraction


Pembrokeshire County Council has approved plans to transform a grade II-listed prison in Haverfordwest, Wales, into a visitor attraction

Reimagined Audubon Aquarium and Audubon Insectarium to reopen in June


Audubon Aquarium will reopen in June following a major renovation project that creates a combined experience with the newly-relocated Audubon Insectarium

Disney sues Florida governor Ron DeSantis over ‘targeted campaign of government retaliation’


Disney has sued Florida governor and presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis, claiming the state’s retaliation for its stance on LGBTQ+ issues violates its constitutional rights

Planet Shark touring exhibition set to make UK debut at Chester Zoo


Chester Zoo is set to host "Planet Shark: Predator or Prey," a touring exhibition dedicated to sharks. Taking visitors through 310 million years of shark evolution, the immersive experience debuts in May

US$300m redevelopment sees Bahamas cruise port reimagined with enhanced visitor experiences and new attractions


Nassau Cruise Port in the Bahamas is scheduled to reopen next month following a US$300m renovation targeting increased visitor numbers and an enhanced visitor experience

CBBC’s ‘Operation Ouch!’ to become major exhibition at Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum


A new blockbuster exhibition based on hit CBBC show Operation Ouch! will open at the Science and Industry Museum (SIM) in Manchester, UK, in July

Avenged Sevenfold to share new album early with 360º immersive experience at Area 15


You can hear Avenged Sevenfold’s upcoming Life Is But A Dream early thanks to a 360º Immersive Album Experience coming to AREA15 in Las Vegas next month

Stourbridge Glass Museum opens in West Midlands after 12-year development


A new museum, showcasing the UK’s rich glass-making history, has opened in the West Midlands, UK, as part of a multi-million-pound, multi-use development project

Burning Man-inspired art gallery opens in Las Vegas


A new outdoor art gallery, inspired by annual arts and music festival Burning Man, has opened on the Las Vegas strip

Rising with the rides: RWS’s Ryan Stana on how the cruise and attractions industries are reimagining entertainment


With the attractions and cruise industries seemingly closer than ever before, RWS CEO Ryan Stana speaks to Planet Attractions about what that means and the steps we can take to bring these two powerhouses under one metaphorical roof

Jeff Shell steps down as NBCUniversal CEO following ‘inappropriate conduct’


Jeff Shell has been removed from his position as CEO of NBCUniversal following a misconduct investigation

High hopes: Construction begins on Atlantic City’s new cannabis museum


Work has started on a new agriculture museum dedicated to cannabis in Atlantic City. The museum is one of several marijuana-themed projects greenlit by the city in the hopes of attracting a new wave of ‘weed tourists’

7thSense recognised with prestigious King’s Award Enterprise in International Trade


The first ever recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise have been announced, with 7thSense recognised for demonstrating outstanding short-term growth and commercial success in international trade over the last three years

‘Beyond the arena’: UFC set to offer ‘shared reality’ live events at all-new experiential venues


A first-of-its kind offering will make guests feel like they’re at the heart of the action during live UFC events, with Cosm’s ‘shared reality’ spectacles set to transform the way we watch live sporting events

Major cultural attraction announced for London with Museum of Shakespeare set to open in 2024


A major museum dedicated to William Shakespeare will be built on the foundations of the theatre where the famed playwright hosted some of his first works

Sega Purchases Angry Birds owner in US$706m deal


Sega Sammy Holdings has agreed a deal to acquire Rovio, with Sega aiming to accelerate its mobile gaming capabilities while also acquiring a powerful IP in the world of entertainment

Keith James transitions to chairman role at JRA as Mark Amos named new executive vice president


JRA has announced a new company structure that sees Mark Amos promoted to the role of executive VP, while former president Keith James becomes chairman

Stranger Things headed to London’s West End as details of live-action stage show are released


An official stage production based on Stranger Things will open at the Phoenix Theatre in London’s West End later this year

M+ Museum to gift 10,000 tickets to Yayoi Kusama exhibition to foster discussions on mental health


Hong Kong’s M+ Museum is to give away thousands of tickets to its blockbuster Yayoi Kusama exhibition in the hope that it will help raise discussions about mental health

The 407: Gateway to Adventure breaks ground on ‘Smoky Gap’ entertainment district


A major new development in Tennessee has broken ground, with The 407: Gateway to Adventure’s ‘Smoky Gap’ entertainment district promising to feature world-class attractions when it opens in 2025

Brand new Loch Ness attraction set to open in May


Continuum Attractions has taken up operations of the Loch Ness Centre, which is set to reopen next month following a £1.5m redevelopment

Carnegie Science Center to host adults-only speakeasy event


You can experience Carnegie Science Center with a roaring twenties twist on April 14, with the popular attraction set to host a special adults-only speakeasy night

Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum honours hometown aviation hero in Kansas


A new museum celebrating the legacy of Amelia Earhart is set to open its doors in the aviation legend’s hometown of Atchison, Kansas

Planet Attractions partners with Park World on Park World Excellence Awards


Planet Attractions and Park World have announced a new partnership that will see both publications work in partnership on this year’s Park World Excellence Awards

‘Uber Eats’ for attractions: Love To Visit raises £2.1m to enhance UK operations


Digital attractions platform Love To Visit has raised £2.1m as it aims to corner the UK tourism attractions market and expand its operations overseas

Amnesty International says Cambodian government is overseeing ‘mass forced evictions’ from Unesco World Heritage site


Amnesty International says that Cambodian officials are forcing residents of the Angkor Wat World Heritage site to ‘voluntarily’ leave in the name of preserving the popular heritage attraction, with the move affecting an estimated 10,000 families

Major US$250m cruise destination under development in the Bahamas


The Caribbean’s most popular cruise destination is about to gain a major new port, with work on Calypso Cove to start towards the end of this year

Asad Ayaz named Disney’s first-ever chief brand officer


Disney’s leadership structure continues to change, with Bob Iger naming company veteran Asad Ayaz as the company’s first-ever chief brand officer

Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon to be celebrated with special anniversary show at 100 planetariums worldwide


The 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon is being celebrated with a special show taking place at 100 planetariums worldwide

Ushio names Koji Naito new Christie chairman and CEO


Koji Naito has been named the chairman and CEO of Christie, with Naito set to assume the role in addition to his current position as president and CEO of parent company Ushio

I asked an AI to develop a Sonic the Hedgehog dark ride. Here’s what it came up with


Will AI take over the planet or could it just maybe develop your next new dark ride attraction? Tom Anstey asked an AI a few simple questions to see how it would do in developing such a ride concept

Tron Lightcycle Run finally opens at Disney’s Magic Kingdom after two-year delay


The highly-anticipated Tron/Lightcycle Run rollercoaster will open today (April 4) at Disney’s Magic Kingdom. The ride was originally scheduled to open in 2021 but experienced several setbacks due to the Covid-19 pandemic

Dolphin deaths prompt external investigation at Clearwater Marine Aquarium


The sudden death of an eight-year-old dolphin at Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Florida has prompted the aquarium to bring in external experts to assess the dolphins’ habitat, vet care and water quality

Bob Iger brands governor Ron DeSantis retaliations against Disney ‘anti-business, anti-Florida’


Bob Iger has slammed Florida governor Ron DeSantis for for being ‘anti-business’ and ‘anti-Florida’ following moves to try and strip Disney of its self-governing power

Rocky Mountain Coaster’s highly-anticipated Arie Force One makes debut at Fun Spot America Atlanta


Arie Force One has been cleared for take off at Fun Spot America Atlanta, with the RMC steel coaster hybrid marking a major addition to the Georgia theme park



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