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Visitor attractions


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


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


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 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


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


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


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


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


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


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 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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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).


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


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’


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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...


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


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 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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


Five cultural institutions are in the running for this year’s Art Fund Museum of the Year 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 has revealed details and renderings of its upcoming Minion Land, with the hotly-anticipated attraction set to open to the public this summer


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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’


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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’


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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 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


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 is the featured addition to Disneyland as the park celebrates 100 years of Disney with a host of new attractions and experiences


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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 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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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 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


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


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


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


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


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


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.


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 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


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


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

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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

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

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’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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).

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

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’

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

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

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


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

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


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

Everything you need to know about IAAPA Expo Europe 2023


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Attractions prepare as Hurricane Idalia arrives in Florida


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

Home of Carlsberg to reopen with extended exhibition in December


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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


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

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

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

Eden Project Dundee formally begins planning process


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

Kuwait set to launch sovereign investment fund to boost domestic market


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

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


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

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


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

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

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


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

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


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

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

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


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

World’s largest beachfront indoor waterpark opens in Atlantic City


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

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


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

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


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

Registration opens as IAAPA Expo Europe prepares for return to Austria


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

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


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

Nominees announced for UK Theme Park Awards 2023


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

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


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

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

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


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

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


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

Immersive Smurfs experience set to tour US in 2024


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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

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

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

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

Europa-Park reopens following blaze


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

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

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

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


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

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


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

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


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

Coronation Street Experience opens to the public in Manchester


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

WATCH: MrBeast takes over billion dollar Royal Carribean cruise ship


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

Illuminarium Las Vegas launches space-themed experience


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

Dutch museum faces backlash over Nas-Inspired Tutankhamun bust


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

Cairns Aquarium seeks investors as Colliers launches global search


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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

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


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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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


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

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

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


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

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


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

Spain’s largest VR experience opens at the Nerja Caves


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

Reimagined Audubon Aquarium and Audubon Insectarium to reopen in June


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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

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’

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


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

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


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

Sega Purchases Angry Birds owner in US$706m deal


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

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


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

Brand new Loch Ness attraction set to open in May


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

Carnegie Science Center to host adults-only speakeasy event


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

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


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

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


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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

‘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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

David Willrich named new Experience UK chair


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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’


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


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


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


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


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’


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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



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