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


Everland and Lotte World, South Korea’s two largest theme parks, posted their highest-ever profits in 2023, recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic shock, thanks to a sharp increase in visitor numbers and ticket price hikes.


With the cruise industry aiming to hit carbon neutrality by 2050, could nuclear power be the unlikely answer to the problem?


Chuck E. Cheese and the American Society for Deaf Children have partnered up on an initiative that aims to foster greater inclusivity for children who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families


Simworx is expanding its business with a move into the sports entertainment sector, announcing a partnership with C360 View that will see the development of a ‘groundbreaking’ stadium viewing experience


Already the largest of its kind in Europe, here’s how the Signal light festival worked with Christie to bring the spectacle to life


Iconic fashion designers and brands including the late Dame Vivienne Westwood, Stella McCartney and Christian Dior have collaborated with Blenheim Palace for the largest exhibition in the heritage destination’s 300-year history.


Thailand is looking to its calendar of major festivals to draw tourists to the country, with its government eyeing to generate more income through the sector.


‘Evolution of Cruise’ will be the theme for this year’s Seatrade Cruise Global ahead of the industry-leading event’s return in April


English Heritage is testing body-worn cameras at four of the national organisation’s sites in an attempt to deter anti-social behaviour and crime, as well as to protect its staff during ‘confrontational situations’








Natalia Szczepanczyk, segment manager for Experiential and Immersive Applications at Holoplot, shares insights into the status quo of immersive entertainment and the advances in audio technology Holoplot brings


Opening its doors on March 19, 1904, Hawaii’s Waikiki Aquarium is celebrating its 120th anniversary with two days of special events.


WWE is offering the ‘ultimate’ five-day fan experience during the week of this year’s Wrestlemania, with WWE World offering a host of immersive experiences, exhibits and interactions this April


Gone are the days of stuffy and quiet museums. In today's world, people seek unique experiences, an escape from reality, and a place where they can immerse themselves and express their creativity. With this in mind, we have asked our designers about the trends that are currently shaping museums. Read on to discover their insights


Legendary professional wrestler Triple H has shared a first look at The Undertaker’s Graveyard Escape - an attraction coming to the all new WWE Experience, set to open this week in Riyadh


Triotech and BoldMove have jointly announced the launch of the new Smash and Reload Maxi dark ride product alongside a new IP - Voodoo Festival


Popular children’s IP Bluey is set to make its way to the Merlin-operated Alton Towers, with the character arriving at CBeebies Land starting March 23.


Warner Bros Discovery and Paramount are in preliminary talks to merge the two companies. Here’s what such a deal could mean for the attractions industry


Nominations are open ahead of the sixth edition of the annual MENALAC Awards, with the event set to celebrate the best in class for leisure and attractions in the MENA region


Prague Planetarium is currently undergoing a major redevelopment that will see the STEM attraction open Europe’s first and the world’s largest LED dome to the public in 2025


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


With DEAL representing one of the year’s first major industry events, Polin Waterparks is set to exhibit at the show, with its Stingray waterslide to be among the highlights.


International tourism has almost completely recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic with many destinations reaching or even exceeding pre-pandemic levels, according to UNWTO


As the MENA attractions market continues to surge, DEAL represents one of the most important business opportunities of 2024. Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, president of show organisers International Expo-Consults speaks about this year’s upcoming event


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’


As the press events continue through day one, B&M and SeaWorld are drawing eyes in particular with a special reveal soon to be unveiled.


IAAPA Expo is making its grand return to Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center this week, with the 2023 edition of the event selling out its trade show floor for the first time since 2019


At this year’s IAAPA Expo, BoldMove will host its first booth on the show floor, celebrating the milestone with the launch of a new IP for its Smash & Reload dark ride


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


A panel of legends representing the elite of the attractions industry will share strategies utilised by Universal Beijing Resort to successfully open despite facing major challenges including the Covid-19 pandemic


Officials from Israeli museums have called on the International Council of Museums to recognise Hamas as a terror organisation “akin to the Taliban”


Industry professionals in the cruise sector are gearing up for a major event in the form of Seatrade Cruise Asia Pacific.


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


Dubai Parks and Resorts and Global Village have joined forces with charity Pink Caravan to provide direct, accessible support and raise awareness about breast cancer.


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


Universal has revealed the name of its upcoming Las Vegas horror experience: Universal Horror Unleashed. 


The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and The Grinch are the headline acts at Universal Studios for the festive period, with events for both IPs starting November 24.


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


Universal is planning to further capitalise on its portfolio of horror IPs, utilising more than 90 years of cinematic experiences to further boost its presence in the licensing sector.


The 2023 edition of the Brand Licensing Expo is to host a new location-based entertainment trail offering special events in partnership with several major brands and IP


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


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


Three former Columbus Zoo and Aquarium executives engaged in a pattern of corrupt activity that cost the facility more than $2.2 million, according to an indictment.


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


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


The Shanghai Disney Resort in Pudong, China, has revealed a first look at its upcoming


AV specialist Christie has partnered with Illuminarium Experiences and Secret Location to supply projectors and maintenance support to a new immersive attraction in Toronto, Canada.


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


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


Voting is soon set to close on this year’s UK Theme Park Awards, with the public vote set to conclude on September 2.


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


The Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) has partnered with British catering and hospitality firms, Searcys and Benugo, to seek industry insights from the two companies that will support its members.


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


A new immersive experience based on beloved pre-school IP


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


The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum in Coventry, UK, has installed a vending machine offering works by local artists, as well as art kits, materials and games.


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


Disney has revealed a first glimpse at the water tower for its new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ride.


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


US theme park Kennywood is on the hunt to fill more than 250 positions for its annual Phantom Fall Fest, voted among the top 10 best Halloween theme park events in the country.


iFLY Indoor Skydiving is set to open its first Nevada location in Las Vegas at the immersive entertainment and events district, AREA15.


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


A Barbie ‘Pop-up Closet’ has come to the Mall of America in Minnesota, with the immersive experience opening ahead of the release of the


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


A Danish giant is laying siege to the stonewalls of Warwick Castle in the UK, with the Merlin-operated heritage attraction introducing an eight-foot giant for its upcoming Dragon Slay summer event.


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


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








Florida’s Republican governor Ron DeSantis is seeking to dismiss Disney’s federal lawsuit against him, claiming that he has “legislative immunity”.


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


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


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


A summer of pop-up events is planned for Bergamo and Brescia - two cities that have been jointly named the 2023 Italian Capital of Culture.


The countries of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia (KSA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that seeks to position both countries as a singular regional and global tourism destination.


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


Vennersys has announced a partnership with the Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret, which will see the online ticketing and integrated POS provider install its VenposCloud attraction management software at the heritage attraction.


The China Science and Technology Museum says it has served more than 500 million people over the past two decades, with mobile projects aimed at popularising science taking place in some of the country’s most remote regions.


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...


The Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Expo (SEA) is in full swing in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the three-day event offering the chance for professionals to network during what is fast becoming one of the most important annual events on the industry calendar.


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


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


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


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 Eurovision Song Contest is expected to net retailers and hospitality venues an extra £470m, with a new report predicting significant boosts in food and drink spend as a result of the show’s return to the UK.


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


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


Universal Parks in the US and China are gearing up for the 30th anniversary of leading IP


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


The largest-single attraction investment in the history of Dollywood theme park is close to its public unveiling, with Big Bear Mountain set to officially open to visitors on May 12.


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


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


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


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


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


Registration is open for this year’s edition of the IAAPA EMEA Spring Summit.


SeaTrade Cruise Global is returning to Florida. Here’s everything you need to know...


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



Europa-Park’s record-breaking Voltron Nevera opens to the public





Getty to return illegally excavated bronze head to Turkey




Alone in the Dark: Alterface’s Stéphane Battaille on Heide Park’s terrifying new Dämonen Gruft dark ride attraction




Industry insights



Spatial Sound, Immersive Audio: What is it and is it here to stay?




Video



Disneyland Paris renames park ahead of €2bn expansion

In Depth



Storm surge: How Chimelong Spaceship’s award-winning and record-breaking Bermuda Storm was brought to life



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'Events' on Planet Attractions

Korean theme parks recover to near pre-pandemic levels


Everland and Lotte World, South Korea’s two largest theme parks, posted their highest-ever profits in 2023, recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic shock, thanks to a sharp increase in visitor numbers and ticket price hikes.

Could nuclear power be the key to carbon neutrality for the cruise industry?


With the cruise industry aiming to hit carbon neutrality by 2050, could nuclear power be the unlikely answer to the problem?

Chuck E. Cheese and American Society for Deaf Children partner on inclusivity initiative


Chuck E. Cheese and the American Society for Deaf Children have partnered up on an initiative that aims to foster greater inclusivity for children who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families

Simworx expands into sports entertainment sector with C360 View partnership


Simworx is expanding its business with a move into the sports entertainment sector, announcing a partnership with C360 View that will see the development of a ‘groundbreaking’ stadium viewing experience

Bright and beautiful: How Europe’s biggest light festival delivered with Christie


Already the largest of its kind in Europe, here’s how the Signal light festival worked with Christie to bring the spectacle to life

British designers collaborate on Blenheim Palace fashion exhibition


Iconic fashion designers and brands including the late Dame Vivienne Westwood, Stella McCartney and Christian Dior have collaborated with Blenheim Palace for the largest exhibition in the heritage destination’s 300-year history.

Thailand places emphasis on festivals in bid to attract more tourists


Thailand is looking to its calendar of major festivals to draw tourists to the country, with its government eyeing to generate more income through the sector.

Seatrade Cruise Global to explore ‘Evolution of Cruise’ at 2024 event


‘Evolution of Cruise’ will be the theme for this year’s Seatrade Cruise Global ahead of the industry-leading event’s return in April

English Heritage sites trial body cameras in attempt to deter anti-social behaviour


English Heritage is testing body-worn cameras at four of the national organisation’s sites in an attempt to deter anti-social behaviour and crime, as well as to protect its staff during ‘confrontational situations’

IAAPA APAC Trade Summit



ASTC Annual Conference



Spatial Sound, Immersive Audio: What is it and is it here to stay?


Natalia Szczepanczyk, segment manager for Experiential and Immersive Applications at Holoplot, shares insights into the status quo of immersive entertainment and the advances in audio technology Holoplot brings

Hawaii’s Waikiki Aquarium celebrates 120 years


Opening its doors on March 19, 1904, Hawaii’s Waikiki Aquarium is celebrating its 120th anniversary with two days of special events.

WWE announces five-day immersive visitor experience to coincide with WrestleMania 40


WWE is offering the ‘ultimate’ five-day fan experience during the week of this year’s Wrestlemania, with WWE World offering a host of immersive experiences, exhibits and interactions this April

Museum exhibition design trends


Gone are the days of stuffy and quiet museums. In today's world, people seek unique experiences, an escape from reality, and a place where they can immerse themselves and express their creativity. With this in mind, we have asked our designers about the trends that are currently shaping museums. Read on to discover their insights

Triple H offers sneak peek at Undertaker’s Graveyard Escape as WWE Experience prepares to open


Legendary professional wrestler Triple H has shared a first look at The Undertaker’s Graveyard Escape - an attraction coming to the all new WWE Experience, set to open this week in Riyadh

Triotech and BoldMove introduce Smash and Reload Maxi alongside Voodoo Festival IP


Triotech and BoldMove have jointly announced the launch of the new Smash and Reload Maxi dark ride product alongside a new IP - Voodoo Festival

Bluey coming to Alton Towers’ CBeebies Land in March


Popular children’s IP Bluey is set to make its way to the Merlin-operated Alton Towers, with the character arriving at CBeebies Land starting March 23.

Paramount and Warner Bros Discovery continue to discuss a potential US$38bn merger - here’s what it could mean for the attractions industry


Warner Bros Discovery and Paramount are in preliminary talks to merge the two companies. Here’s what such a deal could mean for the attractions industry

Nominations open as MENALAC Awards celebrate best in class for Middle East and North Africa region


Nominations are open ahead of the sixth edition of the annual MENALAC Awards, with the event set to celebrate the best in class for leisure and attractions in the MENA region

Prague Planetarium to open world’s largest and Europe’s first LED dome


Prague Planetarium is currently undergoing a major redevelopment that will see the STEM attraction open Europe’s first and the world’s largest LED dome to the public in 2025

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

Polin to unleash Stingray slide at DEAL 2024


With DEAL representing one of the year’s first major industry events, Polin Waterparks is set to exhibit at the show, with its Stingray waterslide to be among the highlights.

International tourism close to full recovery after 2023 arrivals close in on 90 percent of pre-pandemic figures


International tourism has almost completely recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic with many destinations reaching or even exceeding pre-pandemic levels, according to UNWTO

Setting the stage: 30th edition of DEAL opens shop window to MENA market


As the MENA attractions market continues to surge, DEAL represents one of the most important business opportunities of 2024. Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, president of show organisers International Expo-Consults speaks about this year’s upcoming event

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’

SeaWorld and B&M draw big crowd for press event


As the press events continue through day one, B&M and SeaWorld are drawing eyes in particular with a special reveal soon to be unveiled.

Everything you need to know about IAAPA Expo 2023


IAAPA Expo is making its grand return to Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center this week, with the 2023 edition of the event selling out its trade show floor for the first time since 2019

IAAPA Expo 2023: BoldMove to make IAAPA Expo tradeshow debut with Mardi Gras-themed IP for Smash & Reload dark ride


At this year’s IAAPA Expo, BoldMove will host its first booth on the show floor, celebrating the milestone with the launch of a new IP for its Smash & Reload dark ride

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

IAAPA Expo 2023: Industry legends to share insights as panel explores launch of Universal Beijing during global pandemic


A panel of legends representing the elite of the attractions industry will share strategies utilised by Universal Beijing Resort to successfully open despite facing major challenges including the Covid-19 pandemic

Israeli museum officials issue urgent appeal to ICOM to condemn Hamas attacks in open letter


Officials from Israeli museums have called on the International Council of Museums to recognise Hamas as a terror organisation “akin to the Taliban”

Cruise industry gears up for Seatrade Cruise Asia Pacific in Hong Kong


Industry professionals in the cruise sector are gearing up for a major event in the form of Seatrade Cruise Asia Pacific.

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

Dubai Parks and Resorts and Global Village partner with Pink Caravan for breast cancer awareness initiative


Dubai Parks and Resorts and Global Village have joined forces with charity Pink Caravan to provide direct, accessible support and raise awareness about breast cancer.

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

‘Horror Unleashed’: Universal named permanent Las Vegas Horror attraction


Universal has revealed the name of its upcoming Las Vegas horror experience: Universal Horror Unleashed. 

Seasonal favourites set for return has Universal announces Wizarding World and Grinch Christmas events


The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and The Grinch are the headline acts at Universal Studios for the festive period, with events for both IPs starting November 24.

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

Universal leans on horror portfolio for licensing opportunities


Universal is planning to further capitalise on its portfolio of horror IPs, utilising more than 90 years of cinematic experiences to further boost its presence in the licensing sector.

Brand Licensing Expo gets underway with new location-based entertainment trail


The 2023 edition of the Brand Licensing Expo is to host a new location-based entertainment trail offering special events in partnership with several major brands and IP

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


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

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

Former Columbus Zoo executives indicted over US$2.2m corruption scheme


Three former Columbus Zoo and Aquarium executives engaged in a pattern of corrupt activity that cost the facility more than $2.2 million, according to an indictment.

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


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

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

Shanghai Disney Resort reveals details of upcoming Zootopia land


The Shanghai Disney Resort in Pudong, China, has revealed a first look at its upcoming

Christie partners with Illuminarium for immersive experience in Toronto


AV specialist Christie has partnered with Illuminarium Experiences and Secret Location to supply projectors and maintenance support to a new immersive attraction in Toronto, Canada.

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


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

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

Voting on UK Theme Park Awards to close this week


Voting is soon set to close on this year’s UK Theme Park Awards, with the public vote set to conclude on September 2.

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

ALVA seeks catering insights from two major operators


The Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) has partnered with British catering and hospitality firms, Searcys and Benugo, to seek industry insights from the two companies that will support its members.

DeSantis calls for Disney to drop federal lawsuit against him


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

Immersive Peppa Pig experience to open in the UK in 2024


A new immersive experience based on beloved pre-school IP

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


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

Coventry’s Herbert Art Gallery and Museum installs art vending machine


The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum in Coventry, UK, has installed a vending machine offering works by local artists, as well as art kits, materials and games.

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


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

Disney unveils water tower for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ride


Disney has revealed a first glimpse at the water tower for its new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ride.

UK Theme Park Awards 2023 open to public vote


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

Kennywood on the hunt for hundreds of scare actors


US theme park Kennywood is on the hunt to fill more than 250 positions for its annual Phantom Fall Fest, voted among the top 10 best Halloween theme park events in the country.

iFLY coming to Las Vegas in AREA15 expansion


iFLY Indoor Skydiving is set to open its first Nevada location in Las Vegas at the immersive entertainment and events district, AREA15.

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

Barbie ‘Pop-up Closet’ comes to Mall of America


A Barbie ‘Pop-up Closet’ has come to the Mall of America in Minnesota, with the immersive experience opening ahead of the release of the

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

Giant lays siege to Warwick Castle ahead of Dragon Slayer event


A Danish giant is laying siege to the stonewalls of Warwick Castle in the UK, with the Merlin-operated heritage attraction introducing an eight-foot giant for its upcoming Dragon Slay summer event.

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

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

IAAPA APAC Summit



InfoComm



DeSantis claims ‘legislative immunity’ in bid to dismiss Disney lawsuit


Florida’s Republican governor Ron DeSantis is seeking to dismiss Disney’s federal lawsuit against him, claiming that he has “legislative immunity”.

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

Five indoor waterparks that are forecasting future trends


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

Planet Attractions partners with 2023 UK Theme Park Awards


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

Italian Capital of Culture celebrates cities of Bergamo and Brescia


A summer of pop-up events is planned for Bergamo and Brescia - two cities that have been jointly named the 2023 Italian Capital of Culture.

Bahrain and Saudi Arabia reach agreement to position both countries as single tourist destination


The countries of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia (KSA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that seeks to position both countries as a singular regional and global tourism destination.

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

Old Operating Theatre Museum partners with Vennersys to modernise attraction management system


Vennersys has announced a partnership with the Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret, which will see the online ticketing and integrated POS provider install its VenposCloud attraction management software at the heritage attraction.

Travelling science exhibitions serve more than 500 million people in China


The China Science and Technology Museum says it has served more than 500 million people over the past two decades, with mobile projects aimed at popularising science taking place in some of the country’s most remote regions.

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...

Industry descends on Riyadh for Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Expo


The Saudi Entertainment and Amusement Expo (SEA) is in full swing in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the three-day event offering the chance for professionals to network during what is fast becoming one of the most important annual events on the industry calendar.

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


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

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


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

Disney scraps US$1bn Florida campus amidst DeSantis feud


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

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

Eurovision Song Contest set to provide £470m boost


The Eurovision Song Contest is expected to net retailers and hospitality venues an extra £470m, with a new report predicting significant boosts in food and drink spend as a result of the show’s return to the UK.

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


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

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


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

Universal announces new experiences and products to celebrate Jurassic Park anniversary


Universal Parks in the US and China are gearing up for the 30th anniversary of leading IP

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


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

Dollywood’s US$25m Big Bear Mountain coaster to open next month


The largest-single attraction investment in the history of Dollywood theme park is close to its public unveiling, with Big Bear Mountain set to officially open to visitors on May 12.

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

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

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


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

Planet Attractions partners with Park World on Park World Excellence Awards


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

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


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

Registration opens ahead of IAAPA EMEA Spring Summit


Registration is open for this year’s edition of the IAAPA EMEA Spring Summit.

Everything you need to know about SeaTrade Cruise Global 2023


SeaTrade Cruise Global is returning to Florida. Here’s everything you need to know...

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



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