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'Events' on Planet Attractions


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


David Herrera has been named the new president of Norwegian Cruise Line, with Harry Sommer transitioning to be the next president and chief executive officer of parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings





Cedar Fair has broken revenue and earnings records, with the operator bouncing back from the effects of the global pandemic


IAAPA has partnered with Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA) to launch a new trade summit dedicated to the region.


The Vagina Museum has announced that it will close this week after being asked to vacate its East London premises


Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA) has issued licenses for more than 400 entertainment venues, including 24 theme parks, a report by the Saudi Press Agency has revealed.


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


Tate St Ives is seeking an architect-led multi-discipline team to lead a major renovation of Palais de Danse, the former studio of renowned sculptor Barbara Hepworth


Edinburgh Zoo is among three potential suitors to take up operation of the city’s Gorgie Farm.



A family-friendly Universal theme park is coming to Texas while a permanent Horror Nights experience is making its way to Las Vegas


Rodin Museum officials have decided to pull out of a €16m project in the Canary Islands, which would have seen an outpost of the famous institution built in Santa Cruz de Tenerife


The virtual band worked with Google to host two first-of-their-kind AR experiences in New York and London to promote their new single


Paris’ iconic Louvre Museum has revealed its visitor numbers for 2022, with 7.8 million people flocking to the iconic institution last year.


A touring exhibition celebrating the science behind hit BBC show


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


The Balloon Museum - an exhibition filled with inflatable exhibits combining art and entertainment in an immersive experience - is about to make its way to Milan, Italy.


Area15, an immersive entertainment and events complex in Las Vegas, Nevada, US, has kicked off its festive season with an immersive screening of Tim Burton’s 1993 cult classic


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


For further information about booking a stand at EAG International Expo 2023 please contact [email protected]


RWS’s Sponsored Spotlight will showcase the company’s ‘endless possibilities’ following major acquisitions


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


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


UK museums are struggling to meet skyrocketing energy bills, with the energy crisis posing a higher threat to the sector than the Covid-19 pandemic


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


Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s Halloween spectacular returns this week with the Journey to Hell, the theme park’s interactive live-actor horror experience.


The entertainment group will provide full creative and production services for all live entertainment at this year’s IAAPA Expo


Online ticketing and integrated POS provider Vennersys has said that using a cloud-based ticketing solution could help save the environment.


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


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.


The Natural History Museum’s Generation Hope: Act for the Planet programme will offer a series of free in-person and online events aimed at young people to help drive positive change for the planet


Hongkou attraction to honour city’s avant-garde literary movement of the 1920s and its respected authors


Blurring the lines between an experiential art gallery, interactive theme park and detailed film set, Wake the Tiger is a new attraction that just opened its doors in Bristol, UK. We spoke to co-founder Graham MacVoy about the new attraction, dubbed the world’s first ‘Amazement Park’


Coral has recovered from storms and bleaching events to record levels across much of Australia's Great Barrier Reef, a survey has found.


Planet Attractions is set to be joined by some of the UK’s top content creators this September for a special panel session to be held at IAAPA Expo Europe in London


Unesco’s World Heritage Centre has launched its Patrimonito Storyboard Competition - an initiative which aims to provide young people with an opportunity to use their creative and problem-solving skills to raise awareness about World Heritage.


The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth, UK, is offering its visitors the chance to quite literally immerse themselves in the attraction’s largest exhibit, with the aquarium now offering snorkelling sessions inside the 2.5 million litre Atlantic Ocean tank.


Michael Myers, Dracula and now The Weeknd will be offering the scares at this year’s Halloween Horror Nights, with the Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter set to debut an all-new horror experience


Shark Week is back for 2022 and Planet Attractions has taken a deep dive to find a collection of shark-related content that you can take in during the event



The projection mapping market could be worth as much as US$8bn according to a new report on the technology


The Experience Department, popularly known as ted, has expanded its European-based leadership team, naming Jake McCoy its new director of operations.


Rounding up all the biggest news from fans and influencers, here is your latest edition of From the Community from Planet Attractions


A £38m cultural development in the north of England is set to open its doors this weekend, with the debut of the astonishing Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot


Ticketing, POS and visitor management software specialists Vennersys have been announced as a sponsor for this year’s UK Theme Park Awards.


Almost 70 European theme park enthusiasts made their way to the US last month for the trip of a lifetime, gathering to visit seven of the country’s top theme parks


The inaugural Wide Skies and Butterflies festival has been axed due to rising production costs and low ticket sales, the event’s organisers have said


The US$70m is being funded from donations, and hopes to attract some 35,000 visitors annually after its 2024 opening


Brand Licensing Europe (BLE), the leading event for licensing and brand extension, has opened online visitor registration for its 2022 event.


Universal has revealed the return of Michael Myers for this year’s Halloween Horror Nights, with the iconic slasher set to deliver the frights for the always popular horror spectacular


The concert series, the second such partnership between Sofar Sounds and Tiqets, will see artists perform at iconic attractions in London and San Francisco.


‘The Pop District’ from The Andy Warhol Museum will feature a larger cultural hub for live music, events, public art, expanded programming and a home for creative workplace development



Already underway, attraction professionals have gathered in Riyadh for this year’s Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Expo (SEA), which has entered its second day.


Planet Attractions and IAAPA Europe have announced a partnership that will see them work together on, media, content creation and more for this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe at London’s ExCeL Centre


Fast becoming one of the key industry events for the visitor attractions sector, here’s everything you need to know about this year’s Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Expo


Minnesota Zoo has started work on the US$39m redevelopment of its monorail track, which is set to be repurposed into the world’s longest elevated pedestrian loop


Leaders in the themed entertainment industry gathered last month for the return of TEA Summit and Thea Awards Gala for the first time in two years. Christine Kerr on behalf of the TEA and Nicole Sangster from Thea Award recipients Simworx both report on the event


Taking place at Olympia London from May 11 until May 12, the 2022 edition of the Museums + Heritage Show will feature an extensive education programme with more than 70 educational sessions covering topics such as digital skills, sustainability and community outreach.


We've rounded up all the special events you should be attending this month



The mayor of Paris has ordered the general inspectorate to investigate instances of harassment across the city’s fourteen municipal museums


The Hettema Group and Themespace are to combine their talents to form a single independent creative studio known as THG



Representing the first in-person meeting for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in more than two years, the organisation’s 2022 Mid-Year Meeting kicked off this week at the Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach, California, US.


IAAPA has named Peter van der Schans as its new executive director and vice president for the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region, with Schans set to take up his new position starting April 4


Toronto Zoo is starting to undergo a major transformation. Its CEO Dolf DeJong spoke to Planet Attractions about the ambitious masterplan



With less than two weeks to run until its conclusion, Expo 2020 announced on Saturday (March 19) that it had reached its 20 million visitor target despite the turmoil caused by the ongoing global pandemic.


The event, called Playful by Nature, invites visitors to explore the natural world by stepping into a virtual one


Discussing rising ticket costs at Disney’s parks, company CFO Christine McCarthy has defended prices, saying that new price tiers will cater to all audiences.


The effects of Covid-19 continue to affect China, with IAAPA Expo Asia cancelled again as a result of the pandemic


Leading experience designers Thinkwell have been acquired by Tait


Several zoos in Ukraine are in extreme jeopardy following Vladimir Putin’s invasion of the country, with EAZA calling for support and issuing a statement calling on Russian forces to ‘respect the peaceful nature’ of zoos


The Natural History Museum in London is set to host a special piece by artist Luke Jerram, which will bring Mars into the museum as a giant (though not as giant as the planet itself) suspended orb.


The Themed Entertainment Association’s president, Chuck Fawcett, has released a statement to its members and the wider themed entertainment community, announcing that it stands with Ukraine as the country defends itself against the ongoing invasion led by Russian President Vladimir Putin.


The major exhibition at the National Railway Museum is the latest in a series of events to be axed as UK cultural institutions move to show their support to Ukraine


A waxwork of Vladimir Putin in France’s iconic Grevin Museum could be replaced with one of Volodymyr Zelensky after the Putin statue was vandalised by visitors over the weekend


Here are all the events you should be attending this month


The RAAPA Expo will go ahead as scheduled despite the difficulties being caused for people and businesses in Russia following Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine


The Vagina Museum is set to reopen at Enter, a creative arts hub in East London, in March after a six-month closure


How does an immersive experience tie in with the metaverse? John Munro, CEO and chief creative officer for storytellers Immersive has the answers


Creative software and technology company 7thSense has announced the acquisition of design, consulting and production company Bluebox Attractions.


The Museum of London will relocate from its current site at The Barbican in London Wall to the historic Smithfield Market, where it will reopen as The London Museum in 2026


Drayton Manor is currently seeking new employees for its theme park and hotel, with the operator currently on the hunt for more than 100 new members of staff.


LGBTQ+ charity Queer Britain will open the UK’s first LGBTQ+ museum in London with support from Art Fund


With so many big things coming in the year ahead, we’ve rounded up all the key events taking place this year. Welcome to your attractions calendar for 2022.


Art and entertainment collective Meow Wolf has partnered with audio simulation platform Spatial to create a ‘never before seen’ pop up experience at this year’s SXSW festival in Austin, Texas.


A pair of highly anticipated John Wick and Now You See Me attractions are making their way to MOTIONGATE at Dubai Parks and Resorts. Planet Attractions spoke to FORREC’s Eric O’Rourke about the record-breaking new additions


The French government has now made it legally necessary to be vaccinated to access cultural events, theme parks, ski lifts, eateries, bars and most forms of long-distance transport - the bill was passed on Sunday (January 16) and will likely be in place by Friday (January 21).


Ruth Venn has been appointed as director of sales for P&O Cruises, replacing Nathaniel Sherborne who will leave the business in early March.


The BBC has launched three online exhibitions to commemorate its 100th anniversary.


While many animal attractions have struggled through 2020 and 2021, the news is more positive in Florida, with ZooTampa reporting an attendance record of 1.2 million visitors last year.


New attractions based on Hey Duggie, JoJo & Gran Gran and Andy’s Dinosaur Adventures will open at CBeebies Land at the Alton Towers Resort later this year


Hot on the heels of last month’s IAAPA Expo in Orlando, Florida, the global organisation’s next event is set for later this week, this time at Europa-Park in Rust, Germany.



The UAE is celebrating its Golden Jubilee with a host of events lined up to celebrate the federal unification of the six emirates (seven in 1972 after Ras Al Khaimah joined) in 1971.


Eleven major new ride attractions to open at waterparks and theme parks in 2022 – the most “significant and exciting lineup” in SeaWorld history


A new building will house the lobby and event spaces, while the outdoors riverside area will be landscaped to attract riverside pedestrians


ParadropVR Pod is a compact, attendant-free version of the company’s Paradrop VR attraction


Despite a lack of international visitors and a decline in overall visitor numbers, SeaWorld Entertainment has seen record earnings for its third quarter, marking continued recovery from a COVID-hit 2020 for the operator


A six-storey ski paradise and Viking-themed waterpark are set to open next year in Shanghai


A new Stranger Things-themed retail experience will feature immersive photo opportunities, exclusive merchandise and an in-store arcade


A new immersive experience is making its way to the Tower Vaults inside the Tower of London, with The Gunpowder Plot set to make its debut in May 2022.


Dino Safari from Imagine Exhibitions is set to bring visitors face-to-face with more than 30 life size dinosaur animatronics


Do you think you could survive Squid Game? Well now you can give it your best shot with a new immersive experience featuring a cash prize coming to the UK later this month


When it comes to global trends this is THE next big thing and there’s a good chance you don’t quite know what it means yet. Welcome to the metaverse and here’s exactly why you need to get in on the ground floor.





Set up by tech entrepreneur Frédéric Jousset, Art Explora will go on a tour of the Mediterranean in 2023 with a €32m catamaran the choice of transport for the floating attraction


High-performance media specialist 7thSense has appointed Erik Iversen as senior product manager for pixel processing products.


The winners of IAAPA’s prestigious award programmes, including the Hall of Fame, Service Awards and Brass Rings, will now be announced in advance of the IAAPA Expo via Facebook


IAAPA has named Jakob Wahl its new executive vice president and chief operating officer, with Wahl set to oversee the regional operations of the global association for the attractions industry and global sales effective November 1


The team behind Universal Studios’ iconic Horror Nights in Singapore has launched an exhibition exploring what goes into planning the horrifying event.


The UK government has rejected Unesco’s recommendation that it reconsider the ownership status of the fabled Parthenon Marbles held in the collection of the British Museum.


A panel of industry legends will share their stories about the creation of Universal’s ever-popular Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man dark ride at this year’s IAAPA Expo in Orlando


Universal Orlando is getting out of Shrek’s swamp permanently with plans to close down its Shrek 4D attraction permanently on January 10.


From October 7 Universal Studios Hollywood and Six Flags Magic Mountain will both be affected by new rules that require proof of vaccination before entry


IAAPA’s international trade show is back with IAAPA Expo Europe emanating from Barcelona, Spain. Here’s everything you need to know about the event


7thSense will be exhibiting at IAAPA Expo Europe as part of the Experience UK Pavilion


The Reading and Leeds festivals recently hosted pop-up clinics for visitors to get their COVID-19 vaccination between acts


Pixel Artworks has worked with Merlin Entertainments to develop Sundown Spectacular - an all-new lightshow at Warwick Castle celebrating the end of the British summer


Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis says he’s optimistic that the iconic festival will be able to return in 2022


The four-day event will include an extensive tradeshow, networking opportunities and educational programming


Health experts are expecting to see a surge in COVID-19 infections in Chicago after 100,000 attendees gathered in Grant Park for the festival


ZSL London Zoo will host several family-friendly, Bing-themed activities, free to its visitors throughout the Autumn


Unvaccinated park-goers will be offered the Pfizer vaccine


Details of the gagging clause were shared by campaign group; Culture Unstained, which described the agreement as ‘problematic’.


Marble Arch Mound was supposed to offer a look at London from a new perspective. Instead, it’s become the victim of memes and criticism after the site opened looking more like a building site than a green haven


The World Heritage Committee has inscribed 13 new sites in Europe, Asia and the Middle East to Unesco’s World Heritage List


Glastonbury’s Equinox mini-festival will no longer go ahead, with co-founder Emily Eavis blaming the cancellation on ‘a number of reasons’


Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein has opened its doors to the public a stone's throw away from where the famous author first dreamt up the legendary monster


The Natural History Museum’s iconic diplodocus ‘Dippy’ is about to complete a tour of the UK after arriving at his final destination - Norwich Cathedral


TikTok influencers Ehiz Ufuah, Poppy O’Toole, Ben Black and Jeremy Lynch will offer coaching sessions on how to create successful TikTok content


Disney is promising a first-ever Marvel-cinematic dining adventure with the debut of Avengers: Quantum Encounter on board the Disney Wish


Netflix’s The Haunting of Hill House is set to make its theme park debut at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando


IAAPA supports the lifting of US travel restrictions, Donkey Kong could be making his way to Universal’s theme parks, George Osborne becomes British Museum chairman and Portugal has welcomed Europe’s first five-person water coaster. Welcome to the latest edition of The Week from Planet Attractions.


The Colosseum’s hypogeum has undergone a major restoration allowing visitors to explore the historic passageways for the first time


IAAPA has put together a diverse and knowledgeable line-up of speakers for an expanded educational offering at this year’s IAAPA Expo Asia


A toppled slave-trader statue goes on display, Disney launches a teacher-led education scheme, Hawking’s office to go on display and Sega eyes Sonic theme parks. Welcome to the latest edition of The Week from Planet Attractions


Rounding up all the biggest news from both publications and associations, here is your latest edition of From the Industry from Planet Attractions


In collaboration with teachers, Disney is introducing students to ‘imagination-powered learning’ with the launch of the Disney Imagination Campus education scheme


A statue famously felled during the Black Lives Matter protests, is now on display in a Bristol museum


Captain America, Ant-Man and Bob Chapek assemble for the launch of Avengers Campus, Chris Jericho rides the Voyage, a UK-only cruise is barred from the UK and Amsterdam starts trailing the use of autonomous boats. Welcome to the latest edition of The Week from Planet Attractions


Tower Bridge is set to welcome man’s best friend for a very special dog-friendly ‘VIPooch’ event


The former WWE and AEW World Champion Chris Jericho and his band Fozzy have released a new music video shot on board Holiday World’s record-holding wooden coaster ‘The Voyage’


Where exactly is the line when it comes to improving the visitor experience and interfering with historic sites?


The COVID-safe version of the event will go ahead at quarter capacity with no camping allowed


WAZA CEO Martin Zordan discusses the global disruption caused by COVID-19, the association’s plans during another challenging year and how community has kept the world’s animal attractions going through an unprecedented event


Give Kids The World will hosts its annual Coasting for Kids amusement park event at seven premiere attractions this summer


Going behind-the-scenes for the development of Legoland Windsor’s newest attraction, an evening with a videogame industry legend, the immersive Doctor Who experience coming to London and the Smithsonian’s latest out-of-this-world acquisition. Welcome to the latest edition of The Week from Planet Attractions


Rounding up all the biggest news from both publications and associations, here is your latest edition of From the Industry from Planet Attractions


Travel to the year 3000 and back with a brand-new Doctor Who-themed immersive theatre experience coming to London in May


Atari inventor and Chuck E Cheese founder Nolan Bushnell is the latest name set to appear in the Strong Museum’s ‘Cocktails with the Creators’ Zoom sessions


Research has revealed that 26% of British festivals have been called off due to a lack of COVID-related cancellation insurance


Ticket-holders had to provide a negative COVID test to gain entry


The gallery will raise its national and international profiles with a major social media campaign and digital content subscriptions


A new ride from Triotech celebrating 100 years of Knott’s Berry Farm, the Jurassic world exhibition coming to North America, Disney’s next step in robotics and WWE looking at building a physical Hall of Fame. Welcome to the latest edition of The Week from Planet Attractions


Rounding up all the biggest news from both publications and associations, here is your latest edition of From the Industry from Planet Attractions


The Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Campus is the latest addition to the zoo’s multi-year masterplan


The US cruise industry is a step closer to resuming operations, the creation of the Lego Sky Lion at Legoland Windsor, the fan who built a gargantuan rollercoaster entirely out of K’nex and the operator’s role as a custodian of treasured memories. Welcome to the latest edition of The Week from Planet Attractions


Falcon’s Creative has introduced its new ÄEONXP system - an application designed to further immerse visitors in themed entertainment experiences


Lithuania’s government is backing plans to transform its famous Lukiškės Prison complex into a multifunctional hub featuring museums, restaurants, hotels and other commercial and cultural spaces


IAAPA to bring back its three major shows in person for the first time since the start of the global pandemic


The Royal Albert Hall has released a short film, narrated by Mick Jagger, to celebrate the anniversary


In recent years, museums across the US, Europe, Australia and beyond have had to face up to the issue of decolonisation. Cultural institutions possess artefacts historically taken from colonised countries and are now having to face up to that reality. But that’s not all...


The fourth shrine of Tutankhamun is heading to the Grand Egyotian Museum, Shakespeare’s Globe reopens for business, Paul Chutter on his new role at WhiteWater and Boris Johnson sparking controversy over the Elgin Marbles. Welcome to the latest edition of The Week from Planet Attractions


With Warner Bros ending its live owl performances, Benedict Cumberbatch sending out a message of hope for the struggling culture sector, the first apes to be vaccinated against Covid and the luchadores taking a stand against non mask wearers, welcome to the latest edition of The Week with Planet Attractions


Isle of Wight festival organisers say that they hope to bring back as many artists as they can for the later dates


Coming to Canada in 2025, the multi-purpose venue will incorporate state-of-the-art features necessary to facilitate large-scale eSports events


Coral bleaching caused by climate change is turning the famous wonder white


Rounding up all the biggest news from both publications and associations, here is this week’s edition of From the Industry


Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes is designed for diehard and casual fans alike


Experts previously speculated that the graffiti was a vandalism attempt


Rounding up all the biggest news from both publications and associations, here is this week’s edition of From the Industry


Adam Reeves has created a range of immersive experiences at home and has now turned his attention to a new rollercoaster-themed game show


Featuring Sonic, Nicholas Cage, Gandhi and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, welcome to the latest edition of The Week with Planet Attractions


Geoff Ellis says the vaccine rollouts are ‘encouraging’ for the festival sector, which has been hard hit by the Coronavirus pandemic


Featuring a dog, a doge, Soul’s Epcot debut and Taylor Swift’s legal issues, welcome to the latest edition of The Week with Planet Attractions


Members of the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions are creating virtual experiences to aid homeschooling as Britain’s lockdown continues


Featuring Men in Black, Willie Nelson, Chernobyl and of course Yoda, welcome to the latest edition of The Week with Planet Attractions


Star Wars Identities: The Exhibition has been touring since 2012


New video from Meow Wolf shows the country music legend in a way you’ve almost certainly never seen before


Taking a look at all the top stories from the last seven days, The Week will be available right here on planetattractions.com


Shanghai Disneyland is gearing up for the Chinese New Year


The world-famous Glastonbury music festival will not go ahead in 2021 ‘with great regret’


IAAPA has moved its annual Asian Expo to Shanghai


Step into Claudia Bueno’s aquarium-style installation at Meow Wolf Las Vegas and experience the slow, oscillating movements of natural life


Industry leaders have urged the British government to set out reasonable return timetable for mass gatherings and to introduce insurance policies to provide stability for the country’s music festivals


A year of programming will build to the UN conference on Climate Change in 2021


With voting currently underway for this year’s Clamshell Awards, we’ve taken a look at each of the nominees.


The vial will form part of an exhibit documenting the UK’s response to the coronavirus pandemic


Rounding up all the biggest news from across the industry’s publications and associations


The Las Vegas attraction has combined sci-fi and Christmas for the bizarre event


Actors call on a ‘fellowship’ of fans to help raise £4.5m to fund the house’s purchase and start a programme of events.


Disney’s strict costume rules at its parks led to a Disney fashion revolution. Lauren Heath-Jones finds out more.


Who was Ota Benga? How did this happen and why did it take 114 years for the zoo in question to apologise?


The Federation of Music Festivals of Wallonia-Brussels has written a letter to the Belgian health authorities, offering its services to assist with the country’s coronavirus vaccination campaign


So what’s it all about then? We’ve just launched a news and media service for the world of visitor attractions, and it’s all about you. Welcome to Planet Attractions.



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





Leadership transition for Norwegian as cruise line names David Herrera new president




The Lucas Museum opening set for 2025




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



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'Events' on Planet Attractions | Planet Attractions
'Events' on Planet Attractions

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

Leadership transition for Norwegian as cruise line names David Herrera new president


David Herrera has been named the new president of Norwegian Cruise Line, with Harry Sommer transitioning to be the next president and chief executive officer of parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings

InfoComm



Cedar Fair makes record US$1.82bn in 2022


Cedar Fair has broken revenue and earnings records, with the operator bouncing back from the effects of the global pandemic

IAAPA to host new trade summit in Riyadh


IAAPA has partnered with Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA) to launch a new trade summit dedicated to the region.

London’s Vagina Museum to close after East London property guardianship ends


The Vagina Museum has announced that it will close this week after being asked to vacate its East London premises

Twenty-four theme parks approved by Saudi Arabian entertainment authority


Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA) has issued licenses for more than 400 entertainment venues, including 24 theme parks, a report by the Saudi Press Agency has revealed.

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

Tate seeks architect for major Palais de Danse project


Tate St Ives is seeking an architect-led multi-discipline team to lead a major renovation of Palais de Danse, the former studio of renowned sculptor Barbara Hepworth

Edinburgh Zoo lined up as potential new operator for urban farm attraction


Edinburgh Zoo is among three potential suitors to take up operation of the city’s Gorgie Farm.

Museums, Health & Wellbeing Summit



Universal announces plans for new Texas theme park and Nevada horror experience


A family-friendly Universal theme park is coming to Texas while a permanent Horror Nights experience is making its way to Las Vegas

Paris’s Rodin scraps plans for €16m Canary Islands outpost


Rodin Museum officials have decided to pull out of a €16m project in the Canary Islands, which would have seen an outpost of the famous institution built in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

WATCH: Gorillaz makes history with groundbreaking AR performances supported by Google technology


The virtual band worked with Google to host two first-of-their-kind AR experiences in New York and London to promote their new single

Visitor numbers surge as 7.8 million visit Louvre in 2022


Paris’ iconic Louvre Museum has revealed its visitor numbers for 2022, with 7.8 million people flocking to the iconic institution last year.

Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder opens at National Museum of Scotland


A touring exhibition celebrating the science behind hit BBC show

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

Balloon Museum heading to Milan this December


The Balloon Museum - an exhibition filled with inflatable exhibits combining art and entertainment in an immersive experience - is about to make its way to Milan, Italy.

Area15 launches immersive ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’ cinema experience for the holidays


Area15, an immersive entertainment and events complex in Las Vegas, Nevada, US, has kicked off its festive season with an immersive screening of Tim Burton’s 1993 cult classic

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

Entertainment, Attractions & Gaming International Expo (EAG Expo 2023)


For further information about booking a stand at EAG International Expo 2023 please contact [email protected]

RWS to showcase new capabilities following JRA and ted acquisitions in Sponsored Spotlight at IAAPA Expo


RWS’s Sponsored Spotlight will showcase the company’s ‘endless possibilities’ following major acquisitions

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

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

Rising energy costs could pose more of a threat to UK museum sector than Covid, Museums Association warns


UK museums are struggling to meet skyrocketing energy bills, with the energy crisis posing a higher threat to the sector than the Covid-19 pandemic

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

Journey to Hell Freak Nights set to return to Blackpool Pleasure Beach


Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s Halloween spectacular returns this week with the Journey to Hell, the theme park’s interactive live-actor horror experience.

RWS to produce live entertainment at IAAPA Expo


The entertainment group will provide full creative and production services for all live entertainment at this year’s IAAPA Expo

Meet climate change pledges with cloud-based ticketing, says Vennersys


Online ticketing and integrated POS provider Vennersys has said that using a cloud-based ticketing solution could help save the environment.

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

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.

Generation Hope: London’s Natural History Museum launches programme encouraging climate action


The Natural History Museum’s Generation Hope: Act for the Planet programme will offer a series of free in-person and online events aimed at young people to help drive positive change for the planet

Building work begins on Shanghai’s new museum devoted to literature


Hongkou attraction to honour city’s avant-garde literary movement of the 1920s and its respected authors

The world’s first ‘Amazement Park’: Wake the Tiger’s Graham MacVoy on Bristol’s newest immersive attraction


Blurring the lines between an experiential art gallery, interactive theme park and detailed film set, Wake the Tiger is a new attraction that just opened its doors in Bristol, UK. We spoke to co-founder Graham MacVoy about the new attraction, dubbed the world’s first ‘Amazement Park’

Great Barrier Reef recovers to record levels but is still in danger


Coral has recovered from storms and bleaching events to record levels across much of Australia's Great Barrier Reef, a survey has found.

Planet Attractions to host influencer panel at IAAPA Expo Europe


Planet Attractions is set to be joined by some of the UK’s top content creators this September for a special panel session to be held at IAAPA Expo Europe in London

Unesco seeks young people for climate change storyboard initiative


Unesco’s World Heritage Centre has launched its Patrimonito Storyboard Competition - an initiative which aims to provide young people with an opportunity to use their creative and problem-solving skills to raise awareness about World Heritage.

UK’s National Marine Aquarium offers snorkelling sessions to visitors


The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth, UK, is offering its visitors the chance to quite literally immerse themselves in the attraction’s largest exhibit, with the aquarium now offering snorkelling sessions inside the 2.5 million litre Atlantic Ocean tank.

The Weeknd is debuting a haunted house at Universal's Halloween Horror Nights


Michael Myers, Dracula and now The Weeknd will be offering the scares at this year’s Halloween Horror Nights, with the Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter set to debut an all-new horror experience

Everything you need to know about Shark Week


Shark Week is back for 2022 and Planet Attractions has taken a deep dive to find a collection of shark-related content that you can take in during the event

D23 Expo tickets sell out



Projection mapping market to be worth US$8bn by 2030


The projection mapping market could be worth as much as US$8bn according to a new report on the technology

Jake McCoy joins ted as new director of operations


The Experience Department, popularly known as ted, has expanded its European-based leadership team, naming Jake McCoy its new director of operations.

From The Community: Climbing Colossus, Holiday World and Disney’s Dole Whip Day


Rounding up all the biggest news from fans and influencers, here is your latest edition of From the Community from Planet Attractions

Shakespeare North: £38m playhouse set to rival London’s Globe Theatre


A £38m cultural development in the north of England is set to open its doors this weekend, with the debut of the astonishing Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot

Vennersys named sponsor for UK Theme Park Awards


Ticketing, POS and visitor management software specialists Vennersys have been announced as a sponsor for this year’s UK Theme Park Awards.

European coaster enthusiasts travel to US for theme park excursion


Almost 70 European theme park enthusiasts made their way to the US last month for the trip of a lifetime, gathering to visit seven of the country’s top theme parks

Plug pulled on inaugural Wide Skies and Butterflies festival in UK


The inaugural Wide Skies and Butterflies festival has been axed due to rising production costs and low ticket sales, the event’s organisers have said

BIG’s designs for the National Juneteenth Museum in Texas revealed


The US$70m is being funded from donations, and hopes to attract some 35,000 visitors annually after its 2024 opening

Brand Licensing Europe opens visitor registration following successful Las Vegas show


Brand Licensing Europe (BLE), the leading event for licensing and brand extension, has opened online visitor registration for its 2022 event.

Michael Myers set for Halloween Horror Nights return at Universal


Universal has revealed the return of Michael Myers for this year’s Halloween Horror Nights, with the iconic slasher set to deliver the frights for the always popular horror spectacular

Sofar Sounds partners with Tiqets for concert series at iconic attractions in London and San Francisco


The concert series, the second such partnership between Sofar Sounds and Tiqets, will see artists perform at iconic attractions in London and San Francisco.

Andy Warhol Museum announces plan to launch US$60m ‘Pop District’ in Pittsburgh


‘The Pop District’ from The Andy Warhol Museum will feature a larger cultural hub for live music, events, public art, expanded programming and a home for creative workplace development

Dinosauria set for Detroit Zoo return



SEA Expo enters second day


Already underway, attraction professionals have gathered in Riyadh for this year’s Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Expo (SEA), which has entered its second day.

Planet Attractions partners with IAAPA Expo Europe on media and content creation for 2022 event


Planet Attractions and IAAPA Europe have announced a partnership that will see them work together on, media, content creation and more for this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe at London’s ExCeL Centre

Everything you need to know about SEA Expo 2022


Fast becoming one of the key industry events for the visitor attractions sector, here’s everything you need to know about this year’s Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Expo

Rails to trails: Minnesota Zoo announces plan for record-breaking treetop attraction


Minnesota Zoo has started work on the US$39m redevelopment of its monorail track, which is set to be repurposed into the world’s longest elevated pedestrian loop

Back with a bang: TEA Summit and Thea Awards Gala return


Leaders in the themed entertainment industry gathered last month for the return of TEA Summit and Thea Awards Gala for the first time in two years. Christine Kerr on behalf of the TEA and Nicole Sangster from Thea Award recipients Simworx both report on the event

Museums + Heritage Show to return for first in-person event since 2019


Taking place at Olympia London from May 11 until May 12, the 2022 edition of the Museums + Heritage Show will feature an extensive education programme with more than 70 educational sessions covering topics such as digital skills, sustainability and community outreach.

Attractions Calendar: May


We've rounded up all the special events you should be attending this month

Walking the Big One at Blackpool Pleasure Beach



Paris mayor orders investigation into multiple harassment cases at city’s museums


The mayor of Paris has ordered the general inspectorate to investigate instances of harassment across the city’s fourteen municipal museums

Hettema Group and Themespace merge to form THG


The Hettema Group and Themespace are to combine their talents to form a single independent creative studio known as THG

TEA Summit enters second day



AZA Mid-Year Meeting underway in California


Representing the first in-person meeting for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in more than two years, the organisation’s 2022 Mid-Year Meeting kicked off this week at the Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach, California, US.

Peter van der Schans to lead IAAPA EMEA after being named executive director and vice president for the region


IAAPA has named Peter van der Schans as its new executive director and vice president for the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region, with Schans set to take up his new position starting April 4

The zoo of the future: Toronto Zoo CEO lays out attraction’s CA$328m masterplan


Toronto Zoo is starting to undergo a major transformation. Its CEO Dolf DeJong spoke to Planet Attractions about the ambitious masterplan

The Eiffel Tower just got 20 feet taller



Expo 2020 hits 20 million visitor target ‘against the odds’


With less than two weeks to run until its conclusion, Expo 2020 announced on Saturday (March 19) that it had reached its 20 million visitor target despite the turmoil caused by the ongoing global pandemic.

Natural History Museum Lates return with an evening dedicated to nature and gaming


The event, called Playful by Nature, invites visitors to explore the natural world by stepping into a virtual one

‘Some have more money than they do time’: McCarthy defends Disney price rises


Discussing rising ticket costs at Disney’s parks, company CFO Christine McCarthy has defended prices, saying that new price tiers will cater to all audiences.

IAAPA Expo Asia cancelled again


The effects of Covid-19 continue to affect China, with IAAPA Expo Asia cancelled again as a result of the pandemic

Tait Group announces acquisition of Thinkwell


Leading experience designers Thinkwell have been acquired by Tait

EAZA calls for support: Ukraine Zoos in extreme jeopardy following Russian invasion


Several zoos in Ukraine are in extreme jeopardy following Vladimir Putin’s invasion of the country, with EAZA calling for support and issuing a statement calling on Russian forces to ‘respect the peaceful nature’ of zoos

London’s Natural History Museum celebrates Mars Day 2022 with special installation


The Natural History Museum in London is set to host a special piece by artist Luke Jerram, which will bring Mars into the museum as a giant (though not as giant as the planet itself) suspended orb.

Themed Entertainment Association stands with Ukraine


The Themed Entertainment Association’s president, Chuck Fawcett, has released a statement to its members and the wider themed entertainment community, announcing that it stands with Ukraine as the country defends itself against the ongoing invasion led by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

National Railway Museum axes long-awaited Trans-Siberian exhibition as Russia continues Ukraine invasion


The major exhibition at the National Railway Museum is the latest in a series of events to be axed as UK cultural institutions move to show their support to Ukraine

Putin waxwork removed from display following visitor damage


A waxwork of Vladimir Putin in France’s iconic Grevin Museum could be replaced with one of Volodymyr Zelensky after the Putin statue was vandalised by visitors over the weekend

Attractions Calendar: March


Here are all the events you should be attending this month

‘The situation in Moscow is stable’: RAAPA Expo to go ahead next month despite Russia’s invasion of Ukraine


The RAAPA Expo will go ahead as scheduled despite the difficulties being caused for people and businesses in Russia following Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine

London’s Vagina Museum announces reopening date at new Bethnal Green location


The Vagina Museum is set to reopen at Enter, a creative arts hub in East London, in March after a six-month closure

Immersive design is the bridge between physical attractions and the metaverse


How does an immersive experience tie in with the metaverse? John Munro, CEO and chief creative officer for storytellers Immersive has the answers

7thSense acquires Bluebox Attractions


Creative software and technology company 7thSense has announced the acquisition of design, consulting and production company Bluebox Attractions.

Museum of London to close in December ahead of major rebrand and Smithfield relocation


The Museum of London will relocate from its current site at The Barbican in London Wall to the historic Smithfield Market, where it will reopen as The London Museum in 2026

Drayton Manor on the hunt for new recruits ahead of 2022 season


Drayton Manor is currently seeking new employees for its theme park and hotel, with the operator currently on the hunt for more than 100 new members of staff.

London to welcome UK’s first national LGBTQ+ museum


LGBTQ+ charity Queer Britain will open the UK’s first LGBTQ+ museum in London with support from Art Fund

Attractions Calendar: Your diary dates for 2022


With so many big things coming in the year ahead, we’ve rounded up all the key events taking place this year. Welcome to your attractions calendar for 2022.

Meow Wolf heading to SXSW 2022


Art and entertainment collective Meow Wolf has partnered with audio simulation platform Spatial to create a ‘never before seen’ pop up experience at this year’s SXSW festival in Austin, Texas.

Behind the magic: FORREC’s Eric O’Rourke reveals all about MOTIONGATE’s new John Wick and Now You See Me attractions


A pair of highly anticipated John Wick and Now You See Me attractions are making their way to MOTIONGATE at Dubai Parks and Resorts. Planet Attractions spoke to FORREC’s Eric O’Rourke about the record-breaking new additions

French Covid vaccine pass becomes law


The French government has now made it legally necessary to be vaccinated to access cultural events, theme parks, ski lifts, eateries, bars and most forms of long-distance transport - the bill was passed on Sunday (January 16) and will likely be in place by Friday (January 21).

Ruth Venn appointed director of sales in “vital” year for P&O


Ruth Venn has been appointed as director of sales for P&O Cruises, replacing Nathaniel Sherborne who will leave the business in early March.

BBC curates online exhibitions to commemorate centenary


The BBC has launched three online exhibitions to commemorate its 100th anniversary.

ZooTampa shatters 2021 attendance record


While many animal attractions have struggled through 2020 and 2021, the news is more positive in Florida, with ZooTampa reporting an attendance record of 1.2 million visitors last year.

Alton Towers announces new CBeebies Land attractions opening in spring 2022


New attractions based on Hey Duggie, JoJo & Gran Gran and Andy’s Dinosaur Adventures will open at CBeebies Land at the Alton Towers Resort later this year

IAAPA’s Christmas Summit comes to Europa-Park


Hot on the heels of last month’s IAAPA Expo in Orlando, Florida, the global organisation’s next event is set for later this week, this time at Europa-Park in Rust, Germany.

Christmas comes to Alton Towers



UAE National Day celebrations kick off at Expo 2020


The UAE is celebrating its Golden Jubilee with a host of events lined up to celebrate the federal unification of the six emirates (seven in 1972 after Ras Al Khaimah joined) in 1971.

SeaWorld announces unprecedented list of new thrill rides and coasters, plus another Sesame Place, coming soon to US parks


Eleven major new ride attractions to open at waterparks and theme parks in 2022 – the most “significant and exciting lineup” in SeaWorld history

Tampa Museum of Art set for US$68m expansion


A new building will house the lobby and event spaces, while the outdoors riverside area will be landscaped to attract riverside pedestrians

IAAPA 2021: Frontgrid to preview upcoming ParadropVR Pod attraction


ParadropVR Pod is a compact, attendant-free version of the company’s Paradrop VR attraction

Record quarter for SeaWorld despite attendance decline on pre-COVID numbers


Despite a lack of international visitors and a decline in overall visitor numbers, SeaWorld Entertainment has seen record earnings for its third quarter, marking continued recovery from a COVID-hit 2020 for the operator

Shanghai’s mega-sized indoor ski city tops out; waterpark and hotel developments underway


A six-storey ski paradise and Viking-themed waterpark are set to open next year in Shanghai

Immersive Stranger Things retail experiences to open in New York and Los Angeles


A new Stranger Things-themed retail experience will feature immersive photo opportunities, exclusive merchandise and an in-store arcade

Remember, remember the Fifth of November...


A new immersive experience is making its way to the Tower Vaults inside the Tower of London, with The Gunpowder Plot set to make its debut in May 2022.

Dino Safari from Imagine Exhibitions set for Boston debut


Dino Safari from Imagine Exhibitions is set to bring visitors face-to-face with more than 30 life size dinosaur animatronics

Live version of hit Netflix drama Squid Game coming to the UK this month


Do you think you could survive Squid Game? Well now you can give it your best shot with a new immersive experience featuring a cash prize coming to the UK later this month

Visitor attractions need to be paying attention to the metaverse


When it comes to global trends this is THE next big thing and there’s a good chance you don’t quite know what it means yet. Welcome to the metaverse and here’s exactly why you need to get in on the ground floor.

Best in class



Art Explora: The travelling museum set to operate onboard a €32m catamaran


Set up by tech entrepreneur Frédéric Jousset, Art Explora will go on a tour of the Mediterranean in 2023 with a €32m catamaran the choice of transport for the floating attraction

7thSense Welcomes Erik Iversen as senior product manager


High-performance media specialist 7thSense has appointed Erik Iversen as senior product manager for pixel processing products.

IAAPA to announce winners of global awards in series of virtual events


The winners of IAAPA’s prestigious award programmes, including the Hall of Fame, Service Awards and Brass Rings, will now be announced in advance of the IAAPA Expo via Facebook

Jakob Wahl announced as IAAPA’s new EVP and COO


IAAPA has named Jakob Wahl its new executive vice president and chief operating officer, with Wahl set to oversee the regional operations of the global association for the attractions industry and global sales effective November 1

Behind the screams: Halloween Horror Nights Exhibition opens at Universal Studios Singapore


The team behind Universal Studios’ iconic Horror Nights in Singapore has launched an exhibition exploring what goes into planning the horrifying event.

British government rejects Unesco plea over Parthenon Marbles


The UK government has rejected Unesco’s recommendation that it reconsider the ownership status of the fabled Parthenon Marbles held in the collection of the British Museum.

Team behind Universal’s iconic Spider-Man dark ride to speak at IAAPA Expo


A panel of industry legends will share their stories about the creation of Universal’s ever-popular Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man dark ride at this year’s IAAPA Expo in Orlando

That’ll do donkey: Shrek 4D is soon to be no more


Universal Orlando is getting out of Shrek’s swamp permanently with plans to close down its Shrek 4D attraction permanently on January 10.

New mandate requires visitors to Los Angeles County theme parks to show proof of vaccination before entry


From October 7 Universal Studios Hollywood and Six Flags Magic Mountain will both be affected by new rules that require proof of vaccination before entry

Everything you need to know about IAAPA Expo Europe 2021


IAAPA’s international trade show is back with IAAPA Expo Europe emanating from Barcelona, Spain. Here’s everything you need to know about the event

7thSense’s Pico to power Experience UK wall display at IAAPA Expo Europe


7thSense will be exhibiting at IAAPA Expo Europe as part of the Experience UK Pavilion

Vaccine roll out at major UK music festivals a success says NHS chief


The Reading and Leeds festivals recently hosted pop-up clinics for visitors to get their COVID-19 vaccination between acts

Pixel Artworks lights up Warwick Castle with Sundown Spectacular


Pixel Artworks has worked with Merlin Entertainments to develop Sundown Spectacular - an all-new lightshow at Warwick Castle celebrating the end of the British summer

Glastonbury boss Michael Eavis hopeful for festival’s future despite 2020 and 2021 cancellations


Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis says he’s optimistic that the iconic festival will be able to return in 2022

IAAPA Europe Expo returns with in-person event in Barcelona


The four-day event will include an extensive tradeshow, networking opportunities and educational programming

Lollapalooza festival could lead to spike in COVID-19 cases health experts warn


Health experts are expecting to see a surge in COVID-19 infections in Chicago after 100,000 attendees gathered in Grant Park for the festival

Bing Bunny heading to London Zoo following Acamar Films partnership


ZSL London Zoo will host several family-friendly, Bing-themed activities, free to its visitors throughout the Autumn

Thorpe Park latest to open pop-up vaccine centre


Unvaccinated park-goers will be offered the Pfizer vaccine

Greta Thunberg condemns Science Museum for signing Shell gagging order


Details of the gagging clause were shared by campaign group; Culture Unstained, which described the agreement as ‘problematic’.

‘Trash heap’: New £2m London attraction offers refunds following heavy criticism from visitors


Marble Arch Mound was supposed to offer a look at London from a new perspective. Instead, it’s become the victim of memes and criticism after the site opened looking more like a building site than a green haven

Thirteen sites added to Unesco’s prestigious World Heritage List


The World Heritage Committee has inscribed 13 new sites in Europe, Asia and the Middle East to Unesco’s World Heritage List

Glastonbury axes mini Equinox event


Glastonbury’s Equinox mini-festival will no longer go ahead, with co-founder Emily Eavis blaming the cancellation on ‘a number of reasons’

Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein opens in Bath


Mary Shelley’s House of Frankenstein has opened its doors to the public a stone's throw away from where the famous author first dreamt up the legendary monster

Natural History Museum’s ‘Dippy’ concludes UK tour at Norwich Cathedral


The Natural History Museum’s iconic diplodocus ‘Dippy’ is about to complete a tour of the UK after arriving at his final destination - Norwich Cathedral

TikTok pop-up coming to Westfield London


TikTok influencers Ehiz Ufuah, Poppy O’Toole, Ben Black and Jeremy Lynch will offer coaching sessions on how to create successful TikTok content

Immersive Ant-Man dining experience coming to Disney Cruise Line


Disney is promising a first-ever Marvel-cinematic dining adventure with the debut of Avengers: Quantum Encounter on board the Disney Wish

The Haunting of Hill House makes its way to Universal with brand new maze for Halloween Horror Nights


Netflix’s The Haunting of Hill House is set to make its theme park debut at Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Orlando

The Week: Easing US travel restrictions, Donkey Kong, George Osborne and a new addition to Portugal’s largest waterpark


IAAPA supports the lifting of US travel restrictions, Donkey Kong could be making his way to Universal’s theme parks, George Osborne becomes British Museum chairman and Portugal has welcomed Europe’s first five-person water coaster. Welcome to the latest edition of The Week from Planet Attractions.

Colosseum’s underground labyrinth opens to the public following €25m restoration


The Colosseum’s hypogeum has undergone a major restoration allowing visitors to explore the historic passageways for the first time

IAAPA Expo Asia enhances education offering with Insights day and full line-up of speakers


IAAPA has put together a diverse and knowledgeable line-up of speakers for an expanded educational offering at this year’s IAAPA Expo Asia

The Week: Toppled statues, imagination-powered learning, Stephen Hawking and Sonic the Hedgehog attractions


A toppled slave-trader statue goes on display, Disney launches a teacher-led education scheme, Hawking’s office to go on display and Sega eyes Sonic theme parks. Welcome to the latest edition of The Week from Planet Attractions

From The Industry: London Resort troubles, the Eurovision Museum and celebrating Michael Schumacher


Rounding up all the biggest news from both publications and associations, here is your latest edition of From the Industry from Planet Attractions

Imagination-powered learning: Disney set to launch education programme at US parks


In collaboration with teachers, Disney is introducing students to ‘imagination-powered learning’ with the launch of the Disney Imagination Campus education scheme

Toppled Colston statue goes on display in Bristol


A statue famously felled during the Black Lives Matter protests, is now on display in a Bristol museum

The Week: Avengers Campus, Chris Jericho, spoiled cruises and Amsterdam’s autonomous boat


Captain America, Ant-Man and Bob Chapek assemble for the launch of Avengers Campus, Chris Jericho rides the Voyage, a UK-only cruise is barred from the UK and Amsterdam starts trailing the use of autonomous boats. Welcome to the latest edition of The Week from Planet Attractions

Tower Bridge set to host dog-friendly ‘VIPooch’ event


Tower Bridge is set to welcome man’s best friend for a very special dog-friendly ‘VIPooch’ event

Chris Jericho rides Holiday World’s ‘The Voyage’ for new Fozzy music video


The former WWE and AEW World Champion Chris Jericho and his band Fozzy have released a new music video shot on board Holiday World’s record-holding wooden coaster ‘The Voyage’

Should we interfere with heritage to improve the visitor experience?


Where exactly is the line when it comes to improving the visitor experience and interfering with historic sites?

Glastonbury given go ahead for Equinox mini festival in 2021


The COVID-safe version of the event will go ahead at quarter capacity with no camping allowed

‘The situation is still very challenging’ - An unprecedented year for WAZA and lessons learned from the pandemic


WAZA CEO Martin Zordan discusses the global disruption caused by COVID-19, the association’s plans during another challenging year and how community has kept the world’s animal attractions going through an unprecedented event

Coasting for Kids: Seven US theme parks partner with Give Kids The World for special charity event


Give Kids The World will hosts its annual Coasting for Kids amusement park event at seven premiere attractions this summer

The Week: Lego Mythica, Nolan Bushnell, Doctor Who and the iconic X-Wing


Going behind-the-scenes for the development of Legoland Windsor’s newest attraction, an evening with a videogame industry legend, the immersive Doctor Who experience coming to London and the Smithsonian’s latest out-of-this-world acquisition. Welcome to the latest edition of The Week from Planet Attractions

From The Industry: Big cat safety, the European Museum of the Year and SeaWorld’s Leviathan


Rounding up all the biggest news from both publications and associations, here is your latest edition of From the Industry from Planet Attractions

Immersive theatrical Doctor Who adventure coming to London later this month


Travel to the year 3000 and back with a brand-new Doctor Who-themed immersive theatre experience coming to London in May

Nolan Bushnell latest name to be added to Strong Museum’s ‘Cocktails with the Creators’ series


Atari inventor and Chuck E Cheese founder Nolan Bushnell is the latest name set to appear in the Strong Museum’s ‘Cocktails with the Creators’ Zoom sessions

Britain’s music festival industry in crisis as more than a quarter of events get the COVID-19 axe


Research has revealed that 26% of British festivals have been called off due to a lack of COVID-related cancellation insurance

Blossoms headline pilot gig trialling safety of mass gatherings in Liverpool


Ticket-holders had to provide a negative COVID test to gain entry

National Gallery at 200: British institution releases five-year strategy ahead of bicentennial anniversary


The gallery will raise its national and international profiles with a major social media campaign and digital content subscriptions

The Week: Celebrating a century of Knott’s Berry Farm, the Jurassic World Exhibition, I am Groot and the WWE Hall of Fame


A new ride from Triotech celebrating 100 years of Knott’s Berry Farm, the Jurassic world exhibition coming to North America, Disney’s next step in robotics and WWE looking at building a physical Hall of Fame. Welcome to the latest edition of The Week from Planet Attractions

From The Industry: The Mafia targets Italian tourism, London Resort’s new themed land and Disney’s Star Wars dinner show


Rounding up all the biggest news from both publications and associations, here is your latest edition of From the Industry from Planet Attractions

Zoo Knoxville unveils US$18m reptile and amphibian habitat


The Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Campus is the latest addition to the zoo’s multi-year masterplan

The Week: Cruise resurgence, Legoland’s new attraction, the K’Nex coaster and fan revolt


The US cruise industry is a step closer to resuming operations, the creation of the Lego Sky Lion at Legoland Windsor, the fan who built a gargantuan rollercoaster entirely out of K’nex and the operator’s role as a custodian of treasured memories. Welcome to the latest edition of The Week from Planet Attractions

Falcon's Creative debuts custom user interface for immersive themed entertainment experiences


Falcon’s Creative has introduced its new ÄEONXP system - an application designed to further immerse visitors in themed entertainment experiences

Stranger Things prison complex in Lithuanian capital to be transformed into major culture hub


Lithuania’s government is backing plans to transform its famous Lukiškės Prison complex into a multifunctional hub featuring museums, restaurants, hotels and other commercial and cultural spaces

IAAPA announces return of three major expos in 2021


IAAPA to bring back its three major shows in person for the first time since the start of the global pandemic

Royal Albert Hall celebrates milestone anniversary as the iconic London venue turns 150


The Royal Albert Hall has released a short film, narrated by Mick Jagger, to celebrate the anniversary

The tough challenge of decolonisation


In recent years, museums across the US, Europe, Australia and beyond have had to face up to the issue of decolonisation. Cultural institutions possess artefacts historically taken from colonised countries and are now having to face up to that reality. But that’s not all...

The Week: A new home for Tutankhamun, the return of Shakespearean theatre, WhiteWater’s new president and the fate of the Elgin Marbles


The fourth shrine of Tutankhamun is heading to the Grand Egyotian Museum, Shakespeare’s Globe reopens for business, Paul Chutter on his new role at WhiteWater and Boris Johnson sparking controversy over the Elgin Marbles. Welcome to the latest edition of The Week from Planet Attractions

The Week: Final flight of the owls at Harry Potter attractions, Benedict Cumberbatch’s message for culture and the luchadores fighting Covid


With Warner Bros ending its live owl performances, Benedict Cumberbatch sending out a message of hope for the struggling culture sector, the first apes to be vaccinated against Covid and the luchadores taking a stand against non mask wearers, welcome to the latest edition of The Week with Planet Attractions

Isle of Wight festival pushed to September as Download and Primavera get the axe


Isle of Wight festival organisers say that they hope to bring back as many artists as they can for the later dates

Proposal for 7,000-seat stadium aims to make Toronto a global hub for eSport competition


Coming to Canada in 2025, the multi-purpose venue will incorporate state-of-the-art features necessary to facilitate large-scale eSports events

Great Barrier Reef in poor condition as global warming drives bleaching effect


Coral bleaching caused by climate change is turning the famous wonder white

From The Industry: Underwater attractions, become an astronaut and restoring art from the capitol riots


Rounding up all the biggest news from both publications and associations, here is this week’s edition of From the Industry

Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry to celebrate 80 years of Marvel when it reopens in March


Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes is designed for diehard and casual fans alike

Edvard Munch revealed to be mystery graffiti artist who wrote on The Scream


Experts previously speculated that the graffiti was a vandalism attempt

From The Industry: Notre Dame two years on, Tracy McGrady’s new restaurant and the plants of Jurassic World


Rounding up all the biggest news from both publications and associations, here is this week’s edition of From the Industry

Meet the theme park fan who creates immersive experiences and rollercoaster game shows in his back garden


Adam Reeves has created a range of immersive experiences at home and has now turned his attention to a new rollercoaster-themed game show

The Week: The man behind Sonic, Nicholas Cage: The Ride and the Bucs are going to Disney World


Featuring Sonic, Nicholas Cage, Gandhi and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, welcome to the latest edition of The Week with Planet Attractions

‘Too soon’ to axe Scotland’s summer events, says TRNSMT festival boss


Geoff Ellis says the vaccine rollouts are ‘encouraging’ for the festival sector, which has been hard hit by the Coronavirus pandemic

The Week: Covid-detecting dogs, Soul comes to Epcot and have you tried being more like Elon Musk?


Featuring a dog, a doge, Soul’s Epcot debut and Taylor Swift’s legal issues, welcome to the latest edition of The Week with Planet Attractions

British attractions support stuck-at-home schoolchildren with online learning experiences for lockdown education


Members of the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions are creating virtual experiences to aid homeschooling as Britain’s lockdown continues

The Week: Willie Nelson, an Olympic conundrum and a Theme Park of Perpetual Torment


Featuring Men in Black, Willie Nelson, Chernobyl and of course Yoda, welcome to the latest edition of The Week with Planet Attractions

Touring Star Wars exhibition coming to Singapore’s ArtScience Museum for final leg of world tour


Star Wars Identities: The Exhibition has been touring since 2012

Willie Nelson promotes Omega Mart’s grand opening... We think


New video from Meow Wolf shows the country music legend in a way you’ve almost certainly never seen before

Welcome to The Week with Planet Attractions - your weekly look at the world of visitor attractions, culture and tourism


Taking a look at all the top stories from the last seven days, The Week will be available right here on planetattractions.com

Disney characters don festive costumes to celebrate Lunar New Year in Shanghai


Shanghai Disneyland is gearing up for the Chinese New Year

Cancelled: Glastonbury gets the axe as Covid continues to decimate festival sector


The world-famous Glastonbury music festival will not go ahead in 2021 ‘with great regret’

New date for IAAPA Expo Asia as event moved to Shanghai for 2021


IAAPA has moved its annual Asian Expo to Shanghai

WATCH: Claudia Bueno’s immersive art ‘aquarium’ from Meow Wolf


Step into Claudia Bueno’s aquarium-style installation at Meow Wolf Las Vegas and experience the slow, oscillating movements of natural life

British music festivals call on government to save COVID-hit sector


Industry leaders have urged the British government to set out reasonable return timetable for mass gatherings and to introduce insurance policies to provide stability for the country’s music festivals

Science Museum Group focusing on sustainability in 2021


A year of programming will build to the UN conference on Climate Change in 2021

Part Two: Meet the nominees for the 2020 Clamshell Awards


With voting currently underway for this year’s Clamshell Awards, we’ve taken a look at each of the nominees.

First COVID vaccination vial to go on display at London’s Science Museum


The vial will form part of an exhibit documenting the UK’s response to the coronavirus pandemic

From the Industry: Blooloop’s sustainability conference, Top Golf’s partnership with Angry Birds and Park World’s Excellence Awards


Rounding up all the biggest news from across the industry’s publications and associations

WATCH: Experience a Christmas event like no other with AREA15’s ‘Wanderland’


The Las Vegas attraction has combined sci-fi and Christmas for the bizarre event

Martin Freeman and Sir Ian McKellen back bid to turn JRR Tolkien’s house into cultural centre


Actors call on a ‘fellowship’ of fans to help raise £4.5m to fund the house’s purchase and start a programme of events.

Disney-bounding: How Disney's no dress-up rule sparked a major style trend


Disney’s strict costume rules at its parks led to a Disney fashion revolution. Lauren Heath-Jones finds out more.

Ota Benga: The Congolese teenager caged and put on display in a zoo


Who was Ota Benga? How did this happen and why did it take 114 years for the zoo in question to apologise?

Music Festivals offer assistance to Belgium’s mass vaccination campaign


The Federation of Music Festivals of Wallonia-Brussels has written a letter to the Belgian health authorities, offering its services to assist with the country’s coronavirus vaccination campaign

Welcome to Planet Attractions


So what’s it all about then? We’ve just launched a news and media service for the world of visitor attractions, and it’s all about you. Welcome to Planet Attractions.



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