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Visitor attractions news | Planet Attractions

Visitor attractions

		Wisdome Stockholm represents latest in sustainable development as nationally important STEM project set to open doors in Sweden The soon-to-open Wisdome Stockholm at Tekniska Museet is the latest development as part of a national project to boost STEM activities and encourage sustainable construction methods across Sweden Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 01 Dec 2023

		World-class theme park and resort development coming to Mount Rushmore area Storyland Studios is behind the development of Libertyland USA - a world class theme park and resort development coming to South Dakota in 2026 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 30 Nov 2023

		Saudi Arabia wins bid to host World Expo 2030 in Riyadh Saudi Arabia has won a bid to host World Expo 2030 in Riyadh, with US$7.8bn set to be invested into building a site that focuses on ‘shaping a prosperous and sustainable future’ Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 29 Nov 2023

		Scruffy Dog and Sela unveil immersive Wonder Garden experience park Scruffy Dog and Sela have teamed up to produce Wonder Garden - an immersive experience offering ‘limitless creativity’ during Riyadh Season Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 29 Nov 2023

		Lessons ‘Squid Game - The Challenge’ can teach LBE about bringing an IP to life and engaging its fanbase Kids Industries has created a range of immersive experiences such as Legoland’s Lego Mythica: World of Mythical Creatures. Its CEO, Gary Pope, shares his thoughts on the arrival of Netflix’s recently-launched ‘Squid Game: The Challenge’ and how this reflects on the growing LBE market Gary Pope \| Kids Industries \| 24 Nov 2023

		Formula 1 and Tottenham Hotspur partner on world-first karting experience Formula 1 and Tottenham Hotspur are joining forces to deliver a first-of-its-kind karting experience that will allow people of all abilities to feel as though they are part of an F1 Grand Prix Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 23 Nov 2023

		Next generation: How Triotech innovated a first of its kind attraction with Lagoon Park’s Primordial September saw the debut of a brand-new addition to Salt Lake City’s Lagoon Park - a hybrid rollercoaster and dark ride experience known as Primordial. Planet Attractions speaks to Ernest Yale and Nol Van Genuchten about the experience and how its team brought the first-of-its-kind attraction to life Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 06 Nov 2023

		WATCH: Intamin’s Lukas Spieldiener on company’s immersive projects Intamin’s Lukas Spieldiener speaks to Planet Attractions on the launch of a number of immersive projects this year, with further such attractions also in the pipeline for 2024 and beyond Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 30 Oct 2023

		Attractions Technology Lab set for return during week of IAAPA Expo with dark ride event Bringing together some of the industry’s leading suppliers under one banner, the Attractions Technology Lab returns to Orlando next month to showcase a complete technical mock-up of a dark ride experience, with a behind the scenes look at how such an attraction comes to life Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 27 Oct 2023

		Messi Experience world tour set for Miami debut in April The Messi Experience - an immersive visitor attraction dedicated to global footballing megastar Lionel Messi - will open its doors in Miami in April next year Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 25 Oct 2023

		Kennedy Space Center debuts 3D entrance plaza display The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has debuted a brand new 3D digital display at its entrance, with a six minute show offering guests a look at the past, present and future of the US space programme Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 20 Oct 2023

		UK’s largest cultural investment in a generation opens doors in Manchester A major cultural attraction has opened its doors in Manchester, with the £210m Aviva Studios representing the largest investment in a national cultural project since the opening of Tate Modern in 2000 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 20 Oct 2023

		Attractions.io launches industry-first in-app map with dynamic lighting at Alton Towers Attractions.io has partnered with Alton Towers to introduce an industry-first in-app dynamic lighting map to be utilised at the operator’s popular Scarefest and Ultimate Fireworks Spectacular events Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 19 Oct 2023

		Pigvasion: Attraktion! and Rovio launch free roaming immersive Angry Birds experience A new free-roaming immersive Angry Birds experience has made its debut, with the Pigvasion sending players on a mission to recover stolen eggs from some villainous pigs Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 18 Oct 2023

		Experience app Morty raises US$2.2m as platform expands into haunted attractions market Morty - an experience app which describes itself as ‘the ultimate social copilot for you and your friends’ - has raised more than US$2.2m as the company expands operations into the haunted attractions market Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 17 Oct 2023

		Thought leaders: Benoit Cornet on how BoldMove is developing the total dark ride package Benoit Cornet shares a fascinating insight into the world of dark rides and the emergence of his new company - BoldMove Nation Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 17 Oct 2023

		Lane7 plans overseas move as company opens doors to largest bowling operation in the UK yet Bowling operator Lane7 has announced the launch of its largest site to date, with further plans to open its first location in the British capital and its first site overseas as the company continues to grow Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 16 Oct 2023

		STEM educators celebrated as ASTC names winners of Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Awards The Association of Science and Technology Centers has announced the winners of this year’s Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Awards, with each recognised for their dedication to increasing the understanding of and engagement with science and technology among all people Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 13 Oct 2023

		Immersive indoor theme park experience set to open in Tokyo in 2024 A redeveloped shopping venue will soon become home to Immersive Fort Tokyo - an all new immersive theme park experience which its developers say will be the first of its kind Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 12 Oct 2023

		Nintendo and Seattle Aquarium partner on Animal Crossing exhibits Seattle Aquarium is promising comic mischief following the launch of an Animal Crossing exhibit at the popular attraction with the Nintendo partnership running through to the end of the year Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 09 Oct 2023

		Records broken as Brand Licensing Europe focuses on LBE Record numbers of retailers and visitors from France, Germany, Italy and Spain were in attendance at this year’s Brand Licensing Europe (BLE), with this year’s event placing special emphasis on location based entertainment (LBE). Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 09 Oct 2023

		Suppliers and attractions celebrated as Park World Excellence Award winners revealed Intamin, Simworx and Vekoma are among the winners in this year’s Park World Excellence Awards, with 2023’s recipients named at a glamorous show in Vienna, Austria Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 03 Oct 2023

		Isle of Wight’s Robin Hill up for sale following ‘financial turbulence’ One of the Isle of Wight’s most popular attractions is up for sale, with Robin Hill now on the market following a ‘prolonged period of financial turbulence’ Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 03 Oct 2023

		Record-breaking results as IAAPA Expo Europe concludes Vienna event IAAPA Expo Europe has come to its conclusion, with lots of news coming out of the record-breaking event in Vienna Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 29 Sep 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 25 Sep 2023

		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 Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 22 Sep 2023

		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... Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 22 Sep 2023

		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 Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 22 Sep 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 14 Sep 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 14 Sep 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 12 Sep 2023

		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 Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 07 Sep 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 05 Sep 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 31 Aug 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 30 Aug 2023

		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 Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 30 Aug 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 29 Aug 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 29 Aug 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 25 Aug 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 23 Aug 2023

		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 Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 21 Aug 2023

		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... Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 10 Aug 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 Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 10 Aug 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 08 Aug 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 04 Aug 2023

		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 Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 03 Aug 2023

		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 Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 02 Aug 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 01 Aug 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 31 Jul 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 28 Jul 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 24 Jul 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 21 Jul 2023

		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 Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 21 Jul 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 19 Jul 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 18 Jul 2023

		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 Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 18 Jul 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 17 Jul 2023

		‘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 Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 17 Jul 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 13 Jul 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 12 Jul 2023

		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 Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 12 Jul 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 11 Jul 2023

		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 Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 10 Jul 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 07 Jul 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 06 Jul 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 06 Jul 2023

		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 Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 06 Jul 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 05 Jul 2023

		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 Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 05 Jul 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 05 Jul 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 04 Jul 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 29 Jun 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 29 Jun 2023

		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 Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 29 Jun 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 28 Jun 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 28 Jun 2023

		‘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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 27 Jun 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 27 Jun 2023

		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 Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 26 Jun 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 23 Jun 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 22 Jun 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 22 Jun 2023

		Europa-Park reopens following blaze Europa-Park has reopened following a major fire at the park earlier this week Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 21 Jun 2023

		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 Grant Poje \| WhiteWater \| 20 Jun 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 20 Jun 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 15 Jun 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 14 Jun 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 14 Jun 2023

		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 Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 14 Jun 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 13 Jun 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 13 Jun 2023

		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 Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 12 Jun 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 09 Jun 2023

		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 Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 09 Jun 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 09 Jun 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 08 Jun 2023

		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... Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 05 Jun 2023

		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 Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 05 Jun 2023

		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 Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 02 Jun 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 01 Jun 2023

		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 Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 31 May 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 26 May 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 26 May 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 25 May 2023

		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 Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 25 May 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 24 May 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 23 May 2023

		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 Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 23 May 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 22 May 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 20 May 2023

		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 Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 19 May 2023

		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 Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 18 May 2023

		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 Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 12 May 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’ Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 12 May 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 12 May 2023

		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 Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 11 May 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 11 May 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 02 May 2023

		‘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 Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 02 May 2023

		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 Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 27 Apr 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 27 Apr 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 26 Apr 2023

		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 Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 26 Apr 2023

		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 Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 26 Apr 2023

		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 Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 26 Apr 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 25 Apr 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 25 Apr 2023

		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’ Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 22 Apr 2023

		‘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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 20 Apr 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 20 Apr 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 20 Apr 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 14 Apr 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 14 Apr 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 14 Apr 2023

		‘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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 12 Apr 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 11 Apr 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 11 Apr 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 04 Apr 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 31 Mar 2023

		Royal lives clause enters King Charles III into Disney vs DeSantis feud Disney has managed to strip power from the newly-appointed board governing its Florida parks by invoking the name of King Charles III in an ongoing dispute with governor Ron DeSantis Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 30 Mar 2023

		Mexican President wants to build XCaret rival on controversially-seized cargo port A cargo port controversially seized from a US company last week by the Mexican government has been earmarked for an XCaret style water and theme park, as well as a docking point for cruise ships Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 24 Mar 2023

		PIF’s Seven to develop world’s first Play-Doh attractions in partnership with Hasbro Development company Seven is to launch the world’s first Play-Doh-themed attractions in partnership with Hasbro Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 21 Mar 2023

		Mission Holovis: How Holovis brought Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’s immersive mega coaster Mission Ferrari to life Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’s Mission Ferrari opened to the public to much fanfare in January. Holovis’s James Lodder shares a decade-long journey to realise this incredible immersive rollercoaster experience Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 20 Mar 2023

		Disney unveils ‘real’ lightsaber at SXSW Disney has revealed a ‘real’ lightsaber at this year’s SXSW, an arts and technology festival currently underway in Austin, Texas Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 16 Mar 2023

		International Women’s Day: Equality is the goal, but EQUITY is how we'll get there Equity is different from equality, and on International Women’s Day Una de Boer reflects how to support this foundational step towards a more just world Una de Boer \| WhiteWater \| 08 Mar 2023

		Opening date announced for Fun Spot America’s highly-anticipated ArieForce One coaster Fun Spot America Atlanta’s hotly-anticipated RMC-manufactured ArieForce One is set to open later this month, with the major attraction representing the park’s largest-ever investment Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 06 Mar 2023

		Scandinavia’s Olafur Eliasson to create major new artwork on UK coastline Scandinavian artist Olafur Eliasson has collaborated with author Robert MacFarlance to create a permanent art installation on the West Cumbria coastline Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 06 Mar 2023

		Transforming the business: Meet the minds behind RWS Entertainment Group Keith James, president of JRA; Robin Breese-Davies, executive vice president of ted; and Danielle Kramer, executive vice president of RWS, speak to Planet Attractions about what looks to be a bumper year ahead for the company Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 03 Mar 2023

		National Lottery Heritage Fund announces changes to funding priorities as part of Heritage 2023 strategy The UK’s National Lottery Heritage Fund has announced several changes to its funding priorities to address concerns for the ‘health and future of the nation’s heritage’ Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 03 Mar 2023

		How to work with content creators (influencers) to drive attendance and improve brand affinity Adam Hattan explains how content creators can be effectively used to drive new and returning guests to your attraction Adam Hattan \| The Hattan Company Ltd \| 03 Mar 2023

		Ron DeSantis strips Disney of self-governing powers following ‘Don’t Say Gay’ row Florida’s Republican governor has declared an end to Disney’s ‘corporate kingdom’ with new legislation seeing the state gaining effective control of the company’s Florida operations Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 28 Feb 2023

		High-tech security systems installed to protect Banksy’s Ukraine murals Ukrainian security company Ajax Systems has installed US$13,000 worth of security equipment to protect several Banksy artworks in Kyiv created by the artist during the Russian invasion Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 28 Feb 2023

		Saudi Arabia’s PIF announces US$48bn New Murabba development in Riyadh anchored by giant cube Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince has announced plans for New Murabba - a US$48bn commercial downtown development in Riyadh, anchored by a cube-shaped skyscraper large enough to accommodate 20 Empire State buildings Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 27 Feb 2023

		Merlin bringing multi-million-pound Gruffalo attraction to Blackpool Merlin Entertainments is adding to its cluster of attractions in Blackpool, with a £2.3m Gruffalo-themed attraction set to open later this year Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 24 Feb 2023

		Treasure trove of David Bowie artefacts secured for permanent display at V&A East Original costumes, set designs, drawings and handwritten lyrics will allow visitors to V&A East to trace David Bowie’s creative process across six decades Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 23 Feb 2023

		Formula 1 driver Romain Grosjean’s burnt-out car to go on display Romain Grosjean’s torched F1 car from the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix is set to go on display as part of a wider touring exhibition looking at the world of F1 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 22 Feb 2023

		Manhattan’s first public beach to open in the summer A riverside retreat featuring Manhattan’s first public beach is set to open in New York City this summer Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 22 Feb 2023

		DEAL 2023: Opening new doors in the Middle East DEAL is coming back to Dubai next month. Here’s everything you need to know about the region’s hottest attractions show Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 21 Feb 2023

		World Heritage site reproduced using 3D printers opens in China 3D printing has been used to create a full-size replica of a World Heritage site in China, offering visitors an up close and personal experience while also securing crucial data for future world heritage protection Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 17 Feb 2023

		Blackpool Pleasure Beach seeks rollercoaster test rider ahead of new season Fancy a job as a rollercoaster test rider? Well good news - Blackpool Pleasure Beach is on the hunt... Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 17 Feb 2023

		London to get its own Highline after Camden plans approved London is set to emulate New York’s Highline with its own version running from Camden to St Pancras. Here’s everything you need to know about the £14m project Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 15 Feb 2023

		Unesco offers support as earthquake damages World Heritage sites in Turkey and Syria Unesco has offered its support to the victims of the devastating earthquake that rocked Turkey and Syria this week as concern grows for a number of historically important World Heritage sites in the region Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 09 Feb 2023

		Titanic Belfast to reopen in March following £4.5m revamp The popular Titanic Belfast attraction will reopen next month with four new galleries and a 7.6m-long replica of the iconic ship following a multi-million pound revamp Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 09 Feb 2023

		Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway comes to Disneyland as part of Disney100 celebrations Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is the featured addition to Disneyland as the park celebrates 100 years of Disney with a host of new attractions and experiences Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 08 Feb 2023

		Plans submitted to redevelop former Pleasure Island site into tourist destination The former Pleasure Island could find new life as a tourist destination after plans were submitted to turn the former theme park into a £65.9m holiday site Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 08 Feb 2023

		Great Wolf Lodge breaks ground on US$300m resort in Connecticut Operator Great Wolf has broken ground on a new US$300m resort in Connecticut, with a 91,000sq ft indoor waterpark set to be the development’s main attraction Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 07 Feb 2023

		SeaWorld makes leadership changes with a number of new roles created to accelerate growth SeaWorld has announced a shakeup of its leadership structure, making eight new appointments as the company seeks to accelerate growth Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 06 Feb 2023

		Europe’s first triple launch coaster coming to Norway’s TusenFryd in April Norway’s TusenFryd will soon launch Europe’s first ever suspended triple launch coaster, with the NOK100m Storm - The Dragon Legend being described as the ‘most important single investment’ in the park’s 34-year history Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 03 Feb 2023

		Greenville Zoo explores nonprofit model following strategic assessment South Carolina’s Greenville Zoo is looking at changing to a nonprofit operation following a city consultation last month Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 02 Feb 2023

		British Museum workers among those set to strike in February Workers at the British Museum along with a number of other institutions across the UK are set to go on strike in February Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 31 Jan 2023

		Children in hospital can now explore South Carolina Aquarium remotely using a robot Patients at a number of children’s hospitals across the state of South Carolina can now explore Charleston’s popular aquarium remotely, using a robot to interact with the exhibits and take part in tours Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 27 Jan 2023

		Disney bringing major immersive experience to London, Berlin and Paris in 2023 Disney is celebrating 100 years with an adult-oriented immersive experience coming to London, Berlin and Paris in 2023 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 27 Jan 2023

		‘The Office’ visitor interactive experience coming to Toronto in March An interactive experience taking visitors inside hit NBC sitcom ‘The Office’ is set to open in Toronto later this year Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 26 Jan 2023

		PIF’s Seven announces SAR1bn entertainment destination for Saudi city of Tabuk Another mega project has been announced for Saudi Arabia, with the PIF’s Seven announcing plans for a SAR1bn entertainment destination in the city of Tabuk Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 25 Jan 2023

		WATCH: Anthony Palermo on how Connect&Go is transforming attractions operations Connect&Go - a global leader in guest and attractions management technology - has grown significantly over the last decade. Its co-founder Anthony Palermo spoke to Planet Attractions Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 25 Jan 2023

		Chessington to open world’s first Jumanji coaster Chessington World of Adventures has unveiled what will become the world’s first Jumanji-themed coaster when it opens later this year Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 24 Jan 2023

		MENALAC Awards head to Dubai for 2023 edition The fifth annual MENALAC Awards ceremony will take place in Dubai, with the event bringing together senior leaders to celebrate attractions across the Middle East and North Africa Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 23 Jan 2023

		Attractions.io and SSA Group join forces to deliver fully digital experience to cultural attractions in 2023 Attractions.io has teamed up with SSA Group to provide a fully digital experience for visitors to cultural attractions in 2023 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 19 Jan 2023

		Bradford’s National Science and Media Museum to close ahead of year long £6m revamp A ‘radical, once-in-a-generation’ development will see Bradford’s National Science and Media Museum undergo a year-long transformation starting in June Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 19 Jan 2023

		Fourteen of 2023’s most anticipated museum openings After a difficult few years the museum sector is showing promising signs of recovery with several exciting projects set to open this year. Here are 14 of 2023’s most anticipated museum openings Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 18 Jan 2023

		Lionel Messi’s World Cup accommodation to become museum Following Argentina’s historic win at the 2022 World Cup, the student accommodation that global footballing icon Lionel Messi stayed in is set to be turned into its own mini museum Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 13 Jan 2023

		Nike chair Mark Parker named new Disney chairman Nike chair and Disney director Mark Parker is set to succeed Susan Arnold as Disney’s new chairman Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 12 Jan 2023

		Disney makes consumer-focused changes to US park policy for first time since Iger’s return Disney is introducing a number of consumer-friendly changes to its US parks, including an increase on the number of days its lowest-priced ticket will be available and increased access for annual passholders Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 11 Jan 2023

		Twelve of the biggest rollercoaster openings of 2023 It’s a new year with old records just waiting to be broken by some incredible new projects. Here are twelve blockbuster rollercoaster openings for the coming year Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 10 Jan 2023

		Natural History Museum’s Dippy headed to Coventry for three-year exhibition Arguably Britain’s most well known dinosaur - the Natural History Museum’s iconic ‘Dippy’ the diplodocus - is set for a three year move to Coventry starting next month Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 10 Jan 2023

		David Willrich named new Experience UK chair Trade body Experience UK has named David Willrich as its new chair Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 09 Jan 2023

		Ukrainian activist faces 12-year prison sentence for trying to remove Banksy mural A Ukrainian activist who tried to take a Banksy work from Kyiv faces a 12-year prison sentence for an act he says was intended to support the work of the country’s army Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 06 Jan 2023

		Happy Holidays from Planet Attractions Just a quick message from everyone at Planet Attractions to say thank you and to wish you a happy holiday Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 23 Dec 2022

		New York’s Museum of Sex is expanding into Miami The Museum of Sex is expanding, with the New York attraction announcing plans to open a new Miami location in the spring Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 20 Dec 2022

		All-in-one: How Semnox’s Venue Management system has transformed operations at Kokomo Joe’s When it comes to all-in-one solutions for visitor attractions, Semnox’s Venue Management Software system has transformed operations at popular FEC Kokomo Joe’s. Here’s how the technology works Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 14 Dec 2022

		PIF’s Seven reveals plans for Warner Bros Discovery edutainment attractions across Saudi Arabia A world-first Discovery entertainment centre is coming to Saudi Arabia with more to follow in the coming years Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 12 Dec 2022

		‘A first of its kind experience’: SeaWorld’s Jonathan Smith on operator’s upcoming Pipeline surf coaster The highly-anticipated Pipeline surf coaster is coming to SeaWorld Orlando this spring. SeaWorld’s vice president of rides and engineering, Jonathan Smith, spoke to Planet Attractions about the project Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 08 Dec 2022

		Merlin seeks extension to keep iconic London Eye in British capital beyond 2028 London Eye operator Merlin Entertainments has applied to extend the attraction’s planning permission ahead of its 2028 deadline Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 08 Dec 2022

		Monopoly Lifesized opens in Saudi Arabia Hasbro’s Monopoly Lifesized has opened in Riyadh following a three-way partnership between the toy manufacturer, the Al Hokair Group and The Path Entertainment Group Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 08 Dec 2022

		Natural History Museum launches online masterclass series New online courses from the Natural History Museum will share exciting insights into the institution’s research Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 07 Dec 2022

		Anti-racist action in culture, heritage and sport gets £4.5m boost from Welsh government Culture, heritage and sport sites are set to receive £4.5m over the next three years to support actions in the Welsh Government’s Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 05 Dec 2022

		Disney World welcomes black entrepreneurs for supply chain accelerator education programme Disney Parks has teamed up with the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) to introduce a supply chain accelerator programme focused on transforming the businesses of diverse entrepreneurs Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 02 Dec 2022

		PortAventura announces world-first Uncharted dark ride coaster PortAventura has announced plans for a new Uncharted dark ride coaster with Sally Dark Rides and Intamin behind the €25m attraction Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 30 Nov 2022

		Guinness World Records partners with Mirage Entertainment Design for new live stunt show Audiences around the world will soon get to see record-breaking stunt performers pushing the boundaries of what is possible with Guinness World Records and Mirage Entertainment Design announcing the launch of an exciting new show Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 30 Nov 2022

		Saudi Arabia’s PIF to invest US$13.3bn in development of 21 integrated entertainment destinations across the kingdom Saudi Entertainment Ventures - part of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund - will develop more than 150 new attractions in the kingdom across 21 integrated entertainment destinations Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 30 Nov 2022

		Merlin promotes Fiona Eastwood to oversee midway attractions and theme parks Merlin executive Fiona Eastwood has been promoted to oversee the operator’s global portfolio of theme parks and midway attractions Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 28 Nov 2022

		92 museum directors sign open letter condemning climate action against ‘irreplaceable’ artworks Directors from The Met, British Museum, Louvre and National Gallery have signed an open letter published by ICOM condemning the ‘risky endangerment’ of irreplaceable artworks in climate demonstrations Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 28 Nov 2022

		Dronisos targets US market following exciting year Dronisos is seeking partners in the US following a successful year, which saw the company serve as a technology partner for Disneyland Paris Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 23 Nov 2022

		IAAPA Expo 2022: 36,000 gather for industry extravaganza More than 36,000 people travelled to Orlando in November for the annual spectacular known as IAAPA Expo. Planet Attractions was in attendance Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 22 Nov 2022

		WATCH: Cristiano Ronaldo unveils Madame Tussauds Waxwork with Times Square takeover Footballing legend Cristiano Ronaldo has taken over the iconic Times Square to unveil a new waxwork for Madame Tussauds New York Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 22 Nov 2022

		Helena Bonham Carter named first female president of The London Library Longtime member and actor Helena Bonham Carter CBE has become the first female president of The London Library Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 22 Nov 2022

		Industry pays tribute to legendary Alberto Zamperla following his death The attractions industry and wider attractions community has paid tribute to the legendary Alberto Zamperla following his death last week aged 71 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 21 Nov 2022

		Zamperla to install Canada’s fastest launch coaster at Vancouver’s Playland Amuseument Park Ride manufacturer Zamperla is behind the CA$9m development of what will be Canada’s fastest launch coaster when it opens in 2024 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 08 Nov 2022

		IAAPA names Jakob Wahl president and CEO IAAPA has appointed Jakob Wahl as its new president and CEO. Wahl will assume the role at the beginning of 2023 Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 02 Nov 2022

		Four industry legends to be inducted into IAAPA Hall of Fame Industry legends Joan Ganz Cooney, Xavier Lopez Ancona, Darrell Metzger and Dennis Speigel are all set to be inducted into IAAPA’s prestigious Hall of Fame at this month’s IAAPA Expo Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 01 Nov 2022

		WATCH: Exploring IAAPA Expo Europe with ParkSpill, Jack Silkstone and Kieran Adams Following a special panel session featuring some of the UK’s top theme park content creators, Planet Attractions joined Jack Silkstone, Sean and Jo Dyer, and Kieran Adams as they explored this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe in London Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 28 Oct 2022

		Frozen fun for Blizzard Beach as Disney announces Florida waterpark's November reopening Disney World’s Blizzard Beach waterpark will reopen to the public next month with new Frozen additions following a lengthy refurbishment Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 26 Oct 2022

		Gateway names Joe Marshall new managing director for United Kingdom Gateway Ticketing Systems has appointed Joe Marshall to lead the company’s UK operations Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 26 Oct 2022

		Fifa World Cup boosts Gulf tourism as Qatar prepares for global spectacle Flight bookings to Qatar and the UAE are currently 10 times higher than pre-pandemic levels ahead of this winter’s FIFA World Cup Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 26 Oct 2022

		WATCH: Meet Convious’s managing director for the UK & Ireland, Andy Povey Convious showcased its digital engagement platform at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe. The company’s managing director for the UK & Ireland, Andy Povey, tells Planet Attractions about everything the company has to offer Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 24 Oct 2022

		WATCH: Meet Mather & Co’s new managing director, Kim Kherlopian Leading experience designers Mather & Co have named Kim Kherlopian as the company’s new managing director. Planet Attractions caught up with him at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe to find out more Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 21 Oct 2022

		Industry experts name iconic attractions ahead of special IAAPA webcast Ahead of a special industry panel looking at iconic attractions, experts from WhiteWater have named their personal picks, explaining why they think their choice is an iconic attraction Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 21 Oct 2022

		Kings Island’s Adventure Port set for 2023 debut Ohio’s Kings Island theme park will introduce Adventure Port, its newest themed area, in 2023. The themed land will feature several attractions and enhanced theming on a classic rollercoaster Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 20 Oct 2022

		WATCH: Meet IAAPA’s president and CEO Hal McEvoy IAAPA’s president and CEO, Hal McEvoy spoke to Planet Attractions about this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe, the industry’s post-Covid recovery, his retirement plans and more Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 19 Oct 2022

		Zeitgeist develops haunted houses for Hersheypark’s Dark Nights event Creative firm Zeitgeist Design and Production is behind three of this year’s haunted houses at Hersheypark’s Halloween spectacular Dark Nights Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 19 Oct 2022

		WATCH: Meet WhiteWater’s chief marketing officer Una de Boer WhiteWater brings a strong presence to each and every IAAPA Expo. The company’s chief marketing officer, Una de Boer, tells Planet Attractions about everything the company has to offer Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 18 Oct 2022

		Paul Kent to lead global business development at Mad Systems Industry veteran Paul Kent has been named as VP of global business development at Mad Systems Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 18 Oct 2022

		Sony’s world-first theme and waterpark opens to the public in Thailand A world-first theme and waterpark utilising Sony IPs has opened its doors in Pattaya, Thailand Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 17 Oct 2022

		Wildfires cause ‘irreparable’ damage to Easter Island’s famous statues A wildfire on Easter Island which could have been started deliberately has caused ‘irreparable’ damage to the Unesco World Heritage Site’s iconic moai head statues Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 14 Oct 2022

		Clearwater Marine Aquarium set to debut new Manatee Springs exhibition Clearwater Marine Aquarium has debuted a new manatee exhibit to inform guests about the threats the species faces as well as the work being carried out by various groups to protect them Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 13 Oct 2022

		WATCH: Meet AVIXA’s regional manager, UK and Ireland, Ben Barnard AVIXA produces a number of popular events around the world, including InfoComm and Integrated Systems Europe. The organisation's regional manager for the UK and Ireland, Ben Barnard, spoke to Planet Attractions Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 13 Oct 2022

		Cultural sites damaged in Ukrainian capital in latest wave of Russian attacks against country Russia’s lethal barrage of strikes against Ukrainian cities this week has seen a number of cultural sites in the capital of Kyiv hit Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 10 Oct 2022

		Icon Park’s Orlando FreeFall to be taken down following death The world’s tallest freestanding drop tower will be dismantled in Orlando following the death of a 14-year-old boy on the ride Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 07 Oct 2022

		WATCH: Meet IAAPA’s director of global communications Caitlin Dineen IAAPA’s director, Global Communications, Caitlin Dineen, spoke to Planet Attractions at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe about her new role and what goes into putting on an event of such magnitude Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 07 Oct 2022

		WATCH: Paradise Wildlife Park recruits The Pool Guy to boost social media presence Holla at your boy for the zoo work - Paradise Wildlife Park recently turned to professional pool cleaner turned social media influencer Miles Laflin - aka The Pool Guy - to clean the zoo’s animal pools Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 04 Oct 2022

		Louvre turns the lights out amid spiralling energy costs The Louvre is among a number of French cultural institutions and landmarks turning their lights off in an attempt to cut soaring energy costs Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 03 Oct 2022

		WATCH: Meet Spree Interactive CEO and co-founder Jonathan Nowak Delgado Family-friendly active free-roam VR experiences provider Spree Interactive showcased its technology at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe. Co-founder and CEO Jonathan Nowak Delgado spoke to Planet Attractions at the show Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 30 Sep 2022

		Disney legends set to come together to celebrate 40 years of Epcot A panel of industry legends will share their stories about the creation and evolution of Disney’s Epcot at this year’s IAAPA Expo in Orlando, Florida Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 30 Sep 2022

		WATCH: Meet Katapult’s creative strategist Kelly Herrick Katapult brought its entire team down to this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe in London. The company’s creative strategist, Kelly Herrick, spoke to Planet Attractions Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 29 Sep 2022

		WATCH: Meet Vantage president Michael Jungen Vantage announced the launch of The Joy Economy at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe. Planet Attractions spoke to the Whitewater division’s new president, Michael Jungen, about the campaign and what he hopes to deliver with the technology Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 28 Sep 2022

		Hurricane Ian set to hit Florida as theme parks prepare for ‘storm of the century’ As Florida prepares for the arrival of Hurricane Ian, here’s how the state’s theme parks are handling the situation Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 27 Sep 2022

		WATCH: Meet Conductr CEO and co-founder Peter Cliff Experiential design collective Conductr made its first appearance at an IAAPA show this year as part of the Experience UK stand in London. Planet Attractions spoke to co-founder and CEO Peter Cliff about the start-up and its plans for the future Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 26 Sep 2022

		HB Leisure on recruitment drive as business grows globally With sizeable business growth and the need for new team members, HB Leisure has embarked on a recruitment drive, with the company aiming to expand its workforce in multiple locations worldwide Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 26 Sep 2022

		Alton Towers, Flamingo Land and Drayton Manor pick up top accolades in UK Theme Park Awards 2022 More than 200,000 people have voted in this year’s UK Theme Park Awards 2022 with Alton Towers, Flamingo Land, Drayton Manor and more coming out with some of the top accolades Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 23 Sep 2022

		Triotech announces major partnership with Puy du Fou Asia Triotech has landed a deal with Puy du Fou Asia that will see the dynamic attractions specialist supply several attractions to the upcoming SAGA attraction in Shanghai Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 22 Sep 2022

		Paddy Dunning announces worldwide locations for ‘The Giant’ The Giant - a mammoth moving attraction and exhibition - is coming to a city near you Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 21 Sep 2022

		IAAPA Expo Europe makes triumphant return, with 30 percent more attendees than 2021 event IAAPA Expo Europe saw a 30% increase in attendees to its 2022 show in London, compared to its previous year in Barcelona Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 16 Sep 2022

		Everything you need to know about IAAPA Expo Europe 2022 IAAPA Expo Europe is coming to London this September. Here’s everything you need to know about the event Tom Anstey & Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 12 Sep 2022

		A new take on dark rides: Ernest Yale and Nol van Genuchten on OCT’s game-changing walkthrough attraction from Triotech OCT Group has debuted a first-of-its-kind attraction at its new Fabland Valley Resort in China. Triotech’s Ernest Yale and Nol van Genuchten speak to Planet Attractions about the exciting new multi-path dark ride, how it came to be and what it could mean for future attractions Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 12 Sep 2022

		Attractions across the world pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II following her death The attractions community has been sharing stories of the profound impact Queen Elizabeth II had on some of Britain’s most beloved institutions, paying tribute to the monarch following her death, aged 96 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 09 Sep 2022

		Meet the team behind IAAPA Expo Europe Planet Attractions recently travelled to meet the team behind IAAPA Expo Europe - the EMEA region’s largest trade show for the attractions industry. Here’s what to expect from this year’s show. Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 09 Sep 2022

		Bean-tastic: JRA redevelops Bush’s Visitor Center Museum JRA has revitalised Bush's Visitor Center Museum in Tennessee, celebrating the brand’s history and all things bean with an all-new guest experience Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 06 Sep 2022

		Attractions.io to showcase new wayfinding features at IAAPA Expo Europe Attractions.io is adding a new feature to its mobile platform with the company set to showcase its new for 2022 wayfinding solution at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 27 Aug 2022

		Immersive attraction dedicated to Prince opens in Chicago An immersive experience celebrating the life and music of rock legend Prince has opened in Chicago Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 24 Aug 2022

		FORREC partners with Sun Group to develop entertainment projects in Vietnam FORREC and Sun Group have formed a long-term strategic partnership to develop world-class tourism projects in Vietnam Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 22 Aug 2022

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Wisdome Stockholm represents latest in sustainable development as nationally important STEM project set to open doors in Sweden

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 01 Dec 2023

The soon-to-open Wisdome Stockholm at Tekniska Museet is the latest development as part of a national project to boost STEM activities and encourage sustainable construction methods across Sweden

World-class theme park and resort development coming to Mount Rushmore area

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 30 Nov 2023

Storyland Studios is behind the development of Libertyland USA - a world class theme park and resort development coming to South Dakota in 2026

Saudi Arabia wins bid to host World Expo 2030 in Riyadh

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 29 Nov 2023

Saudi Arabia has won a bid to host World Expo 2030 in Riyadh, with US$7.8bn set to be invested into building a site that focuses on ‘shaping a prosperous and sustainable future’

Scruffy Dog and Sela unveil immersive Wonder Garden experience park

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 29 Nov 2023

Scruffy Dog and Sela have teamed up to produce Wonder Garden - an immersive experience offering ‘limitless creativity’ during Riyadh Season

Lessons ‘Squid Game - The Challenge’ can teach LBE about bringing an IP to life and engaging its fanbase

Gary Pope | Kids Industries | 24 Nov 2023

Kids Industries has created a range of immersive experiences such as Legoland’s Lego Mythica: World of Mythical Creatures. Its CEO, Gary Pope, shares his thoughts on the arrival of Netflix’s recently-launched ‘Squid Game: The Challenge’ and how this reflects on the growing LBE market

Formula 1 and Tottenham Hotspur partner on world-first karting experience

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 23 Nov 2023

Formula 1 and Tottenham Hotspur are joining forces to deliver a first-of-its-kind karting experience that will allow people of all abilities to feel as though they are part of an F1 Grand Prix

Next generation: How Triotech innovated a first of its kind attraction with Lagoon Park’s Primordial

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 06 Nov 2023

September saw the debut of a brand-new addition to Salt Lake City’s Lagoon Park - a hybrid rollercoaster and dark ride experience known as Primordial. Planet Attractions speaks to Ernest Yale and Nol Van Genuchten about the experience and how its team brought the first-of-its-kind attraction to life

WATCH: Intamin’s Lukas Spieldiener on company’s immersive projects

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 30 Oct 2023

Intamin’s Lukas Spieldiener speaks to Planet Attractions on the launch of a number of immersive projects this year, with further such attractions also in the pipeline for 2024 and beyond

Attractions Technology Lab set for return during week of IAAPA Expo with dark ride event

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 27 Oct 2023

Bringing together some of the industry’s leading suppliers under one banner, the Attractions Technology Lab returns to Orlando next month to showcase a complete technical mock-up of a dark ride experience, with a behind the scenes look at how such an attraction comes to life

Messi Experience world tour set for Miami debut in April

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 25 Oct 2023

The Messi Experience - an immersive visitor attraction dedicated to global footballing megastar Lionel Messi - will open its doors in Miami in April next year

Kennedy Space Center debuts 3D entrance plaza display

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 20 Oct 2023

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has debuted a brand new 3D digital display at its entrance, with a six minute show offering guests a look at the past, present and future of the US space programme

UK’s largest cultural investment in a generation opens doors in Manchester

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 20 Oct 2023

A major cultural attraction has opened its doors in Manchester, with the £210m Aviva Studios representing the largest investment in a national cultural project since the opening of Tate Modern in 2000

Attractions.io launches industry-first in-app map with dynamic lighting at Alton Towers

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 19 Oct 2023

Attractions.io has partnered with Alton Towers to introduce an industry-first in-app dynamic lighting map to be utilised at the operator’s popular Scarefest and Ultimate Fireworks Spectacular events

Pigvasion: Attraktion! and Rovio launch free roaming immersive Angry Birds experience

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 18 Oct 2023

A new free-roaming immersive Angry Birds experience has made its debut, with the Pigvasion sending players on a mission to recover stolen eggs from some villainous pigs

Experience app Morty raises US$2.2m as platform expands into haunted attractions market

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 17 Oct 2023

Morty - an experience app which describes itself as ‘the ultimate social copilot for you and your friends’ - has raised more than US$2.2m as the company expands operations into the haunted attractions market

Thought leaders: Benoit Cornet on how BoldMove is developing the total dark ride package

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 17 Oct 2023

Benoit Cornet shares a fascinating insight into the world of dark rides and the emergence of his new company - BoldMove Nation

Lane7 plans overseas move as company opens doors to largest bowling operation in the UK yet

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 16 Oct 2023

Bowling operator Lane7 has announced the launch of its largest site to date, with further plans to open its first location in the British capital and its first site overseas as the company continues to grow

STEM educators celebrated as ASTC names winners of Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Awards

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 13 Oct 2023

The Association of Science and Technology Centers has announced the winners of this year’s Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Awards, with each recognised for their dedication to increasing the understanding of and engagement with science and technology among all people

Immersive indoor theme park experience set to open in Tokyo in 2024

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 12 Oct 2023

A redeveloped shopping venue will soon become home to Immersive Fort Tokyo - an all new immersive theme park experience which its developers say will be the first of its kind

Nintendo and Seattle Aquarium partner on Animal Crossing exhibits

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 09 Oct 2023

Seattle Aquarium is promising comic mischief following the launch of an Animal Crossing exhibit at the popular attraction with the Nintendo partnership running through to the end of the year

Records broken as Brand Licensing Europe focuses on LBE

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 09 Oct 2023

Record numbers of retailers and visitors from France, Germany, Italy and Spain were in attendance at this year’s Brand Licensing Europe (BLE), with this year’s event placing special emphasis on location based entertainment (LBE).

Suppliers and attractions celebrated as Park World Excellence Award winners revealed

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 03 Oct 2023

Intamin, Simworx and Vekoma are among the winners in this year’s Park World Excellence Awards, with 2023’s recipients named at a glamorous show in Vienna, Austria

Isle of Wight’s Robin Hill up for sale following ‘financial turbulence’

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 03 Oct 2023

One of the Isle of Wight’s most popular attractions is up for sale, with Robin Hill now on the market following a ‘prolonged period of financial turbulence’

Record-breaking results as IAAPA Expo Europe concludes Vienna event

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 29 Sep 2023

IAAPA Expo Europe has come to its conclusion, with lots of news coming out of the record-breaking event in Vienna

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 25 Sep 2023

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

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 22 Sep 2023

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 22 Sep 2023

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 22 Sep 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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 14 Sep 2023

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 14 Sep 2023

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

Venice set to introduce €5 tourist day tax

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 12 Sep 2023

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

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 07 Sep 2023

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 05 Sep 2023

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 31 Aug 2023

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

Attractions prepare as Hurricane Idalia arrives in Florida

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 30 Aug 2023

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 30 Aug 2023

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 29 Aug 2023

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 29 Aug 2023

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 25 Aug 2023

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 23 Aug 2023

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

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 21 Aug 2023

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 10 Aug 2023

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...

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 10 Aug 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

Generational development: Arnaud Bennet on 50 years of Le Pal

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 08 Aug 2023

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 04 Aug 2023

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

Immersive Monet experience making its way to London later this year

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 03 Aug 2023

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

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 02 Aug 2023

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 01 Aug 2023

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 31 Jul 2023

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 28 Jul 2023

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

Unesco and Zelenskyy condemn Russian attacks on historic World Heritage Site

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 24 Jul 2023

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 21 Jul 2023

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 21 Jul 2023

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 19 Jul 2023

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 18 Jul 2023

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

Eden Project Dundee formally begins planning process

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 18 Jul 2023

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 17 Jul 2023

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 17 Jul 2023

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 13 Jul 2023

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 12 Jul 2023

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

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 12 Jul 2023

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 11 Jul 2023

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

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 10 Jul 2023

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 07 Jul 2023

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 06 Jul 2023

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’

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 06 Jul 2023

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

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 06 Jul 2023

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 05 Jul 2023

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 05 Jul 2023

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 05 Jul 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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 04 Jul 2023

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

Attractions.io enhances partnership strategy to expand integrated app ecosystem

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 29 Jun 2023

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 29 Jun 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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 29 Jun 2023

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 28 Jun 2023

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 28 Jun 2023

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 27 Jun 2023

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 27 Jun 2023

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

Three major leisure and entertainment destinations announced for Oman

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 26 Jun 2023

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 23 Jun 2023

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 22 Jun 2023

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

Strawberries threaten Spanish World Heritage site

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 22 Jun 2023

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

Europa-Park reopens following blaze

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 21 Jun 2023

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

Five indoor waterparks that are forecasting future trends

Grant Poje | WhiteWater | 20 Jun 2023

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 20 Jun 2023

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 15 Jun 2023

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 14 Jun 2023

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 14 Jun 2023

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 14 Jun 2023

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

WATCH: MrBeast takes over billion dollar Royal Carribean cruise ship

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 13 Jun 2023

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 13 Jun 2023

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 12 Jun 2023

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 09 Jun 2023

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 09 Jun 2023

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 09 Jun 2023

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 08 Jun 2023

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 05 Jun 2023

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 05 Jun 2023

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

Dutch museum faces backlash over Nas-Inspired Tutankhamun bust

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 02 Jun 2023

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 01 Jun 2023

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 31 May 2023

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 26 May 2023

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 26 May 2023

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 25 May 2023

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 25 May 2023

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

First SeaWorld park to open outside US launches in Abu Dhabi

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 24 May 2023

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 23 May 2023

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 23 May 2023

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

Art Fund reveals Museum of the Year 2023 shortlist

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 22 May 2023

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 20 May 2023

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

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 19 May 2023

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 18 May 2023

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

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 12 May 2023

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 12 May 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’

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 12 May 2023

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 11 May 2023

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 11 May 2023

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 02 May 2023

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 02 May 2023

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

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 27 Apr 2023

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 27 Apr 2023

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’

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 26 Apr 2023

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 26 Apr 2023

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 26 Apr 2023

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 26 Apr 2023

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 25 Apr 2023

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 25 Apr 2023

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

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 22 Apr 2023

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’

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 20 Apr 2023

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 20 Apr 2023

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 20 Apr 2023

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 14 Apr 2023

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 14 Apr 2023

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 14 Apr 2023

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 12 Apr 2023

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 11 Apr 2023

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 11 Apr 2023

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 04 Apr 2023

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 31 Mar 2023

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

Royal lives clause enters King Charles III into Disney vs DeSantis feud

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 30 Mar 2023

Disney has managed to strip power from the newly-appointed board governing its Florida parks by invoking the name of King Charles III in an ongoing dispute with governor Ron DeSantis

Mexican President wants to build XCaret rival on controversially-seized cargo port

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 24 Mar 2023

A cargo port controversially seized from a US company last week by the Mexican government has been earmarked for an XCaret style water and theme park, as well as a docking point for cruise ships

PIF’s Seven to develop world’s first Play-Doh attractions in partnership with Hasbro

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 21 Mar 2023

Development company Seven is to launch the world’s first Play-Doh-themed attractions in partnership with Hasbro

Mission Holovis: How Holovis brought Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’s immersive mega coaster Mission Ferrari to life

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 20 Mar 2023

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’s Mission Ferrari opened to the public to much fanfare in January. Holovis’s James Lodder shares a decade-long journey to realise this incredible immersive rollercoaster experience

Disney unveils ‘real’ lightsaber at SXSW

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 16 Mar 2023

Disney has revealed a ‘real’ lightsaber at this year’s SXSW, an arts and technology festival currently underway in Austin, Texas

International Women’s Day: Equality is the goal, but EQUITY is how we'll get there

Una de Boer | WhiteWater | 08 Mar 2023

Equity is different from equality, and on International Women’s Day Una de Boer reflects how to support this foundational step towards a more just world

Opening date announced for Fun Spot America’s highly-anticipated ArieForce One coaster

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 06 Mar 2023

Fun Spot America Atlanta’s hotly-anticipated RMC-manufactured ArieForce One is set to open later this month, with the major attraction representing the park’s largest-ever investment

Scandinavia’s Olafur Eliasson to create major new artwork on UK coastline

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 06 Mar 2023

Scandinavian artist Olafur Eliasson has collaborated with author Robert MacFarlance to create a permanent art installation on the West Cumbria coastline

Transforming the business: Meet the minds behind RWS Entertainment Group

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 03 Mar 2023

Keith James, president of JRA; Robin Breese-Davies, executive vice president of ted; and Danielle Kramer, executive vice president of RWS, speak to Planet Attractions about what looks to be a bumper year ahead for the company

National Lottery Heritage Fund announces changes to funding priorities as part of Heritage 2023 strategy

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 03 Mar 2023

The UK’s National Lottery Heritage Fund has announced several changes to its funding priorities to address concerns for the ‘health and future of the nation’s heritage’

How to work with content creators (influencers) to drive attendance and improve brand affinity

Adam Hattan | The Hattan Company Ltd | 03 Mar 2023

Adam Hattan explains how content creators can be effectively used to drive new and returning guests to your attraction

Ron DeSantis strips Disney of self-governing powers following ‘Don’t Say Gay’ row

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 28 Feb 2023

Florida’s Republican governor has declared an end to Disney’s ‘corporate kingdom’ with new legislation seeing the state gaining effective control of the company’s Florida operations

High-tech security systems installed to protect Banksy’s Ukraine murals

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 28 Feb 2023

Ukrainian security company Ajax Systems has installed US$13,000 worth of security equipment to protect several Banksy artworks in Kyiv created by the artist during the Russian invasion

Saudi Arabia’s PIF announces US$48bn New Murabba development in Riyadh anchored by giant cube

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 27 Feb 2023

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince has announced plans for New Murabba - a US$48bn commercial downtown development in Riyadh, anchored by a cube-shaped skyscraper large enough to accommodate 20 Empire State buildings

Merlin bringing multi-million-pound Gruffalo attraction to Blackpool

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 24 Feb 2023

Merlin Entertainments is adding to its cluster of attractions in Blackpool, with a £2.3m Gruffalo-themed attraction set to open later this year

Treasure trove of David Bowie artefacts secured for permanent display at V&A East

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 23 Feb 2023

Original costumes, set designs, drawings and handwritten lyrics will allow visitors to V&A East to trace David Bowie’s creative process across six decades

Formula 1 driver Romain Grosjean’s burnt-out car to go on display

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 22 Feb 2023

Romain Grosjean’s torched F1 car from the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix is set to go on display as part of a wider touring exhibition looking at the world of F1

Manhattan’s first public beach to open in the summer

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 22 Feb 2023

A riverside retreat featuring Manhattan’s first public beach is set to open in New York City this summer

DEAL 2023: Opening new doors in the Middle East

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 21 Feb 2023

DEAL is coming back to Dubai next month. Here’s everything you need to know about the region’s hottest attractions show

World Heritage site reproduced using 3D printers opens in China

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 17 Feb 2023

3D printing has been used to create a full-size replica of a World Heritage site in China, offering visitors an up close and personal experience while also securing crucial data for future world heritage protection

Blackpool Pleasure Beach seeks rollercoaster test rider ahead of new season

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 17 Feb 2023

Fancy a job as a rollercoaster test rider? Well good news - Blackpool Pleasure Beach is on the hunt...

London to get its own Highline after Camden plans approved

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 15 Feb 2023

London is set to emulate New York’s Highline with its own version running from Camden to St Pancras. Here’s everything you need to know about the £14m project

Unesco offers support as earthquake damages World Heritage sites in Turkey and Syria

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 09 Feb 2023

Unesco has offered its support to the victims of the devastating earthquake that rocked Turkey and Syria this week as concern grows for a number of historically important World Heritage sites in the region

Titanic Belfast to reopen in March following £4.5m revamp

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 09 Feb 2023

The popular Titanic Belfast attraction will reopen next month with four new galleries and a 7.6m-long replica of the iconic ship following a multi-million pound revamp

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway comes to Disneyland as part of Disney100 celebrations

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 08 Feb 2023

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is the featured addition to Disneyland as the park celebrates 100 years of Disney with a host of new attractions and experiences

Plans submitted to redevelop former Pleasure Island site into tourist destination

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 08 Feb 2023

The former Pleasure Island could find new life as a tourist destination after plans were submitted to turn the former theme park into a £65.9m holiday site

Great Wolf Lodge breaks ground on US$300m resort in Connecticut

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 07 Feb 2023

Operator Great Wolf has broken ground on a new US$300m resort in Connecticut, with a 91,000sq ft indoor waterpark set to be the development’s main attraction

SeaWorld makes leadership changes with a number of new roles created to accelerate growth

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 06 Feb 2023

SeaWorld has announced a shakeup of its leadership structure, making eight new appointments as the company seeks to accelerate growth

Europe’s first triple launch coaster coming to Norway’s TusenFryd in April

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 03 Feb 2023

Norway’s TusenFryd will soon launch Europe’s first ever suspended triple launch coaster, with the NOK100m Storm - The Dragon Legend being described as the ‘most important single investment’ in the park’s 34-year history

Greenville Zoo explores nonprofit model following strategic assessment

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 02 Feb 2023

South Carolina’s Greenville Zoo is looking at changing to a nonprofit operation following a city consultation last month

British Museum workers among those set to strike in February

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 31 Jan 2023

Workers at the British Museum along with a number of other institutions across the UK are set to go on strike in February

Children in hospital can now explore South Carolina Aquarium remotely using a robot

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 27 Jan 2023

Patients at a number of children’s hospitals across the state of South Carolina can now explore Charleston’s popular aquarium remotely, using a robot to interact with the exhibits and take part in tours

Disney bringing major immersive experience to London, Berlin and Paris in 2023

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 27 Jan 2023

Disney is celebrating 100 years with an adult-oriented immersive experience coming to London, Berlin and Paris in 2023

‘The Office’ visitor interactive experience coming to Toronto in March

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 26 Jan 2023

An interactive experience taking visitors inside hit NBC sitcom ‘The Office’ is set to open in Toronto later this year

PIF’s Seven announces SAR1bn entertainment destination for Saudi city of Tabuk

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 25 Jan 2023

Another mega project has been announced for Saudi Arabia, with the PIF’s Seven announcing plans for a SAR1bn entertainment destination in the city of Tabuk

WATCH: Anthony Palermo on how Connect&Go is transforming attractions operations

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 25 Jan 2023

Connect&Go - a global leader in guest and attractions management technology - has grown significantly over the last decade. Its co-founder Anthony Palermo spoke to Planet Attractions

Chessington to open world’s first Jumanji coaster

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 24 Jan 2023

Chessington World of Adventures has unveiled what will become the world’s first Jumanji-themed coaster when it opens later this year

MENALAC Awards head to Dubai for 2023 edition

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 23 Jan 2023

The fifth annual MENALAC Awards ceremony will take place in Dubai, with the event bringing together senior leaders to celebrate attractions across the Middle East and North Africa

Attractions.io and SSA Group join forces to deliver fully digital experience to cultural attractions in 2023

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 19 Jan 2023

Attractions.io has teamed up with SSA Group to provide a fully digital experience for visitors to cultural attractions in 2023

Bradford’s National Science and Media Museum to close ahead of year long £6m revamp

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 19 Jan 2023

A ‘radical, once-in-a-generation’ development will see Bradford’s National Science and Media Museum undergo a year-long transformation starting in June

Fourteen of 2023’s most anticipated museum openings

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 18 Jan 2023

After a difficult few years the museum sector is showing promising signs of recovery with several exciting projects set to open this year. Here are 14 of 2023’s most anticipated museum openings

Lionel Messi’s World Cup accommodation to become museum

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 13 Jan 2023

Following Argentina’s historic win at the 2022 World Cup, the student accommodation that global footballing icon Lionel Messi stayed in is set to be turned into its own mini museum

Nike chair Mark Parker named new Disney chairman

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 12 Jan 2023

Nike chair and Disney director Mark Parker is set to succeed Susan Arnold as Disney’s new chairman

Disney makes consumer-focused changes to US park policy for first time since Iger’s return

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 11 Jan 2023

Disney is introducing a number of consumer-friendly changes to its US parks, including an increase on the number of days its lowest-priced ticket will be available and increased access for annual passholders

Twelve of the biggest rollercoaster openings of 2023

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 10 Jan 2023

It’s a new year with old records just waiting to be broken by some incredible new projects. Here are twelve blockbuster rollercoaster openings for the coming year

Natural History Museum’s Dippy headed to Coventry for three-year exhibition

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 10 Jan 2023

Arguably Britain’s most well known dinosaur - the Natural History Museum’s iconic ‘Dippy’ the diplodocus - is set for a three year move to Coventry starting next month

David Willrich named new Experience UK chair

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 09 Jan 2023

Trade body Experience UK has named David Willrich as its new chair

Ukrainian activist faces 12-year prison sentence for trying to remove Banksy mural

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 06 Jan 2023

A Ukrainian activist who tried to take a Banksy work from Kyiv faces a 12-year prison sentence for an act he says was intended to support the work of the country’s army

Happy Holidays from Planet Attractions

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 23 Dec 2022

Just a quick message from everyone at Planet Attractions to say thank you and to wish you a happy holiday

New York’s Museum of Sex is expanding into Miami

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 20 Dec 2022

The Museum of Sex is expanding, with the New York attraction announcing plans to open a new Miami location in the spring

All-in-one: How Semnox’s Venue Management system has transformed operations at Kokomo Joe’s

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 14 Dec 2022

When it comes to all-in-one solutions for visitor attractions, Semnox’s Venue Management Software system has transformed operations at popular FEC Kokomo Joe’s. Here’s how the technology works

PIF’s Seven reveals plans for Warner Bros Discovery edutainment attractions across Saudi Arabia

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 12 Dec 2022

A world-first Discovery entertainment centre is coming to Saudi Arabia with more to follow in the coming years

‘A first of its kind experience’: SeaWorld’s Jonathan Smith on operator’s upcoming Pipeline surf coaster

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 08 Dec 2022

The highly-anticipated Pipeline surf coaster is coming to SeaWorld Orlando this spring. SeaWorld’s vice president of rides and engineering, Jonathan Smith, spoke to Planet Attractions about the project

Merlin seeks extension to keep iconic London Eye in British capital beyond 2028

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 08 Dec 2022

London Eye operator Merlin Entertainments has applied to extend the attraction’s planning permission ahead of its 2028 deadline

Monopoly Lifesized opens in Saudi Arabia

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 08 Dec 2022

Hasbro’s Monopoly Lifesized has opened in Riyadh following a three-way partnership between the toy manufacturer, the Al Hokair Group and The Path Entertainment Group

Natural History Museum launches online masterclass series

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 07 Dec 2022

New online courses from the Natural History Museum will share exciting insights into the institution’s research

Anti-racist action in culture, heritage and sport gets £4.5m boost from Welsh government

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 05 Dec 2022

Culture, heritage and sport sites are set to receive £4.5m over the next three years to support actions in the Welsh Government’s Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan

Disney World welcomes black entrepreneurs for supply chain accelerator education programme

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 02 Dec 2022

Disney Parks has teamed up with the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE) to introduce a supply chain accelerator programme focused on transforming the businesses of diverse entrepreneurs

PortAventura announces world-first Uncharted dark ride coaster

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 30 Nov 2022

PortAventura has announced plans for a new Uncharted dark ride coaster with Sally Dark Rides and Intamin behind the €25m attraction

Guinness World Records partners with Mirage Entertainment Design for new live stunt show

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 30 Nov 2022

Audiences around the world will soon get to see record-breaking stunt performers pushing the boundaries of what is possible with Guinness World Records and Mirage Entertainment Design announcing the launch of an exciting new show

Saudi Arabia’s PIF to invest US$13.3bn in development of 21 integrated entertainment destinations across the kingdom

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 30 Nov 2022

Saudi Entertainment Ventures - part of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund - will develop more than 150 new attractions in the kingdom across 21 integrated entertainment destinations

Merlin promotes Fiona Eastwood to oversee midway attractions and theme parks

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 28 Nov 2022

Merlin executive Fiona Eastwood has been promoted to oversee the operator’s global portfolio of theme parks and midway attractions

92 museum directors sign open letter condemning climate action against ‘irreplaceable’ artworks

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 28 Nov 2022

Directors from The Met, British Museum, Louvre and National Gallery have signed an open letter published by ICOM condemning the ‘risky endangerment’ of irreplaceable artworks in climate demonstrations

Dronisos targets US market following exciting year

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 23 Nov 2022

Dronisos is seeking partners in the US following a successful year, which saw the company serve as a technology partner for Disneyland Paris

IAAPA Expo 2022: 36,000 gather for industry extravaganza

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 22 Nov 2022

More than 36,000 people travelled to Orlando in November for the annual spectacular known as IAAPA Expo. Planet Attractions was in attendance

WATCH: Cristiano Ronaldo unveils Madame Tussauds Waxwork with Times Square takeover

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 22 Nov 2022

Footballing legend Cristiano Ronaldo has taken over the iconic Times Square to unveil a new waxwork for Madame Tussauds New York

Helena Bonham Carter named first female president of The London Library

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 22 Nov 2022

Longtime member and actor Helena Bonham Carter CBE has become the first female president of The London Library

Industry pays tribute to legendary Alberto Zamperla following his death

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 21 Nov 2022

The attractions industry and wider attractions community has paid tribute to the legendary Alberto Zamperla following his death last week aged 71

Zamperla to install Canada’s fastest launch coaster at Vancouver’s Playland Amuseument Park

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 08 Nov 2022

Ride manufacturer Zamperla is behind the CA$9m development of what will be Canada’s fastest launch coaster when it opens in 2024

IAAPA names Jakob Wahl president and CEO

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 02 Nov 2022

IAAPA has appointed Jakob Wahl as its new president and CEO. Wahl will assume the role at the beginning of 2023

Four industry legends to be inducted into IAAPA Hall of Fame

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 01 Nov 2022

Industry legends Joan Ganz Cooney, Xavier Lopez Ancona, Darrell Metzger and Dennis Speigel are all set to be inducted into IAAPA’s prestigious Hall of Fame at this month’s IAAPA Expo

WATCH: Exploring IAAPA Expo Europe with ParkSpill, Jack Silkstone and Kieran Adams

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 28 Oct 2022

Following a special panel session featuring some of the UK’s top theme park content creators, Planet Attractions joined Jack Silkstone, Sean and Jo Dyer, and Kieran Adams as they explored this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe in London

Frozen fun for Blizzard Beach as Disney announces Florida waterpark's November reopening

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 26 Oct 2022

Disney World’s Blizzard Beach waterpark will reopen to the public next month with new Frozen additions following a lengthy refurbishment

Gateway names Joe Marshall new managing director for United Kingdom

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 26 Oct 2022

Gateway Ticketing Systems has appointed Joe Marshall to lead the company’s UK operations

Fifa World Cup boosts Gulf tourism as Qatar prepares for global spectacle

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 26 Oct 2022

Flight bookings to Qatar and the UAE are currently 10 times higher than pre-pandemic levels ahead of this winter’s FIFA World Cup

WATCH: Meet Convious’s managing director for the UK & Ireland, Andy Povey

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 24 Oct 2022

Convious showcased its digital engagement platform at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe. The company’s managing director for the UK & Ireland, Andy Povey, tells Planet Attractions about everything the company has to offer

WATCH: Meet Mather & Co’s new managing director, Kim Kherlopian

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 21 Oct 2022

Leading experience designers Mather & Co have named Kim Kherlopian as the company’s new managing director. Planet Attractions caught up with him at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe to find out more

Industry experts name iconic attractions ahead of special IAAPA webcast

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 21 Oct 2022

Ahead of a special industry panel looking at iconic attractions, experts from WhiteWater have named their personal picks, explaining why they think their choice is an iconic attraction

Kings Island’s Adventure Port set for 2023 debut

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 20 Oct 2022

Ohio’s Kings Island theme park will introduce Adventure Port, its newest themed area, in 2023. The themed land will feature several attractions and enhanced theming on a classic rollercoaster

WATCH: Meet IAAPA’s president and CEO Hal McEvoy

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 19 Oct 2022

IAAPA’s president and CEO, Hal McEvoy spoke to Planet Attractions about this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe, the industry’s post-Covid recovery, his retirement plans and more

Zeitgeist develops haunted houses for Hersheypark’s Dark Nights event

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 19 Oct 2022

Creative firm Zeitgeist Design and Production is behind three of this year’s haunted houses at Hersheypark’s Halloween spectacular Dark Nights

WATCH: Meet WhiteWater’s chief marketing officer Una de Boer

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 18 Oct 2022

WhiteWater brings a strong presence to each and every IAAPA Expo. The company’s chief marketing officer, Una de Boer, tells Planet Attractions about everything the company has to offer

Paul Kent to lead global business development at Mad Systems

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 18 Oct 2022

Industry veteran Paul Kent has been named as VP of global business development at Mad Systems

Sony’s world-first theme and waterpark opens to the public in Thailand

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 17 Oct 2022

A world-first theme and waterpark utilising Sony IPs has opened its doors in Pattaya, Thailand

Wildfires cause ‘irreparable’ damage to Easter Island’s famous statues

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 14 Oct 2022

A wildfire on Easter Island which could have been started deliberately has caused ‘irreparable’ damage to the Unesco World Heritage Site’s iconic moai head statues

Clearwater Marine Aquarium set to debut new Manatee Springs exhibition

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 13 Oct 2022

Clearwater Marine Aquarium has debuted a new manatee exhibit to inform guests about the threats the species faces as well as the work being carried out by various groups to protect them

WATCH: Meet AVIXA’s regional manager, UK and Ireland, Ben Barnard

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 13 Oct 2022

AVIXA produces a number of popular events around the world, including InfoComm and Integrated Systems Europe. The organisation's regional manager for the UK and Ireland, Ben Barnard, spoke to Planet Attractions

Cultural sites damaged in Ukrainian capital in latest wave of Russian attacks against country

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 10 Oct 2022

Russia’s lethal barrage of strikes against Ukrainian cities this week has seen a number of cultural sites in the capital of Kyiv hit

Icon Park’s Orlando FreeFall to be taken down following death

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 07 Oct 2022

The world’s tallest freestanding drop tower will be dismantled in Orlando following the death of a 14-year-old boy on the ride

WATCH: Meet IAAPA’s director of global communications Caitlin Dineen

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 07 Oct 2022

IAAPA’s director, Global Communications, Caitlin Dineen, spoke to Planet Attractions at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe about her new role and what goes into putting on an event of such magnitude

WATCH: Paradise Wildlife Park recruits The Pool Guy to boost social media presence

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 04 Oct 2022

Holla at your boy for the zoo work - Paradise Wildlife Park recently turned to professional pool cleaner turned social media influencer Miles Laflin - aka The Pool Guy - to clean the zoo’s animal pools

Louvre turns the lights out amid spiralling energy costs

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 03 Oct 2022

The Louvre is among a number of French cultural institutions and landmarks turning their lights off in an attempt to cut soaring energy costs

WATCH: Meet Spree Interactive CEO and co-founder Jonathan Nowak Delgado

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 30 Sep 2022

Family-friendly active free-roam VR experiences provider Spree Interactive showcased its technology at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe. Co-founder and CEO Jonathan Nowak Delgado spoke to Planet Attractions at the show

Disney legends set to come together to celebrate 40 years of Epcot

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 30 Sep 2022

A panel of industry legends will share their stories about the creation and evolution of Disney’s Epcot at this year’s IAAPA Expo in Orlando, Florida

WATCH: Meet Katapult’s creative strategist Kelly Herrick

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 29 Sep 2022

Katapult brought its entire team down to this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe in London. The company’s creative strategist, Kelly Herrick, spoke to Planet Attractions

WATCH: Meet Vantage president Michael Jungen

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 28 Sep 2022

Vantage announced the launch of The Joy Economy at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe. Planet Attractions spoke to the Whitewater division’s new president, Michael Jungen, about the campaign and what he hopes to deliver with the technology

Hurricane Ian set to hit Florida as theme parks prepare for ‘storm of the century’

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 27 Sep 2022

As Florida prepares for the arrival of Hurricane Ian, here’s how the state’s theme parks are handling the situation

WATCH: Meet Conductr CEO and co-founder Peter Cliff

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 26 Sep 2022

Experiential design collective Conductr made its first appearance at an IAAPA show this year as part of the Experience UK stand in London. Planet Attractions spoke to co-founder and CEO Peter Cliff about the start-up and its plans for the future

HB Leisure on recruitment drive as business grows globally

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 26 Sep 2022

With sizeable business growth and the need for new team members, HB Leisure has embarked on a recruitment drive, with the company aiming to expand its workforce in multiple locations worldwide

Alton Towers, Flamingo Land and Drayton Manor pick up top accolades in UK Theme Park Awards 2022

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 23 Sep 2022

More than 200,000 people have voted in this year’s UK Theme Park Awards 2022 with Alton Towers, Flamingo Land, Drayton Manor and more coming out with some of the top accolades

Triotech announces major partnership with Puy du Fou Asia

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 22 Sep 2022

Triotech has landed a deal with Puy du Fou Asia that will see the dynamic attractions specialist supply several attractions to the upcoming SAGA attraction in Shanghai

Paddy Dunning announces worldwide locations for ‘The Giant’

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 21 Sep 2022

The Giant - a mammoth moving attraction and exhibition - is coming to a city near you

IAAPA Expo Europe makes triumphant return, with 30 percent more attendees than 2021 event

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 16 Sep 2022

IAAPA Expo Europe saw a 30% increase in attendees to its 2022 show in London, compared to its previous year in Barcelona

Everything you need to know about IAAPA Expo Europe 2022

Tom Anstey & Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 12 Sep 2022

IAAPA Expo Europe is coming to London this September. Here’s everything you need to know about the event

A new take on dark rides: Ernest Yale and Nol van Genuchten on OCT’s game-changing walkthrough attraction from Triotech

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 12 Sep 2022

OCT Group has debuted a first-of-its-kind attraction at its new Fabland Valley Resort in China. Triotech’s Ernest Yale and Nol van Genuchten speak to Planet Attractions about the exciting new multi-path dark ride, how it came to be and what it could mean for future attractions

Attractions across the world pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II following her death

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 09 Sep 2022

The attractions community has been sharing stories of the profound impact Queen Elizabeth II had on some of Britain’s most beloved institutions, paying tribute to the monarch following her death, aged 96

Meet the team behind IAAPA Expo Europe

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 09 Sep 2022

Planet Attractions recently travelled to meet the team behind IAAPA Expo Europe - the EMEA region’s largest trade show for the attractions industry. Here’s what to expect from this year’s show.

Bean-tastic: JRA redevelops Bush’s Visitor Center Museum

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 06 Sep 2022

JRA has revitalised Bush's Visitor Center Museum in Tennessee, celebrating the brand’s history and all things bean with an all-new guest experience

Attractions.io to showcase new wayfinding features at IAAPA Expo Europe

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 27 Aug 2022

Attractions.io is adding a new feature to its mobile platform with the company set to showcase its new for 2022 wayfinding solution at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe

Immersive attraction dedicated to Prince opens in Chicago

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 24 Aug 2022

An immersive experience celebrating the life and music of rock legend Prince has opened in Chicago

FORREC partners with Sun Group to develop entertainment projects in Vietnam

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 22 Aug 2022

FORREC and Sun Group have formed a long-term strategic partnership to develop world-class tourism projects in Vietnam


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