'People' on Planet Attractions | Planet Attractions

About

Submit news

Get in touch

Home

News

Opinion

In depth

Video

LIVE news

Interviews

Company profiles

Events diary

Jobs


All news	Theme parks	IP and Brands	Technology
Visitor attractions	STEM	Cruise	Tourism
Museums and galleries	Culture	Animal Attractions	Suppliers
Events	Waterparks	Heritage	Disney

'People' on Planet Attractions | Planet Attractions

'People' on Planet Attractions

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

		Bridging realities: How Miirage’s no-glasses holographic experience could change the game for immersive experiences Miirage is a new modular holographic system bringing the virtual world to life without any additional need for mobile devices, screens or wearables. The creators behind the technology speak to Planet Attractions about the new product and exactly what it can do... Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 05 Jun 2023

		Qatar unveils ‘next generation’ of cultural institutions at Venice Biennale Qatar has launched an exhibition showcasing plans for four new museums, with the Art Mill Museum, Lusail Museum, Qatar Auto Museum and Dadu Children’s Museum of Qatar all to open in the country by the end of the decade Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 02 Jun 2023

		Adjaye expansion will turn museum into India’s largest art and culture centre An expansion of the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) in Delhi will make the institution the largest art and culture centre in India when it opens in 2026. Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 02 Jun 2023

		Science Centre Singapore debuts emerging technologies exhibition Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 02 Jun 2023

		London’s Horniman Museum reveals plans for £10m ‘Nature + Love’ regeneration project London’s Horniman Museum is to undergo a £10m (US$13m, €12m) renovation that will ‘reinvigorate and re-interpret’ the Grade-Ilisted building and its surrounding hilltop gardens. Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 02 Jun 2023

		Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund commits £22m to attractions in the Scottish Highlands Scotland’s Natural & Cultural Heritage Fund (NCHF) has awarded a share of £22m (US$27m, €25m) to more than a dozen tourist attractions in the Scottish Highlands and Islands, as part of a new scheme to promote tourism in the area. Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 01 Jun 2023

		Cairns Aquarium seeks investors as Colliers launches global search Cairns Aquarium is on the hunt for a new investor, with Colliers appointed to seek expressions of interest for the popular Queensland attraction Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 01 Jun 2023

		Hebrew Bible to go on display at Jewish Museum following US$38.1m purchase A late ninth- or early 10th-century book thought to be the earliest, most complete copy of the Hebrew Bible has sold at auction for US$38.1m (€35.5m, £30.5m), with the religious artefact set to become part of the permanent collection at the Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv, Israel. Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 01 Jun 2023

		It takes a village: How to increase spending and social reach through micro-influencing with Attractions.io How can you leverage user-generated content and photo purchases to drive revenue and simultaneously promote your attraction? Attractions.io’s Peter O’Dare has the answers... Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 25 May 2023

		Denver Museum to close ‘harmful’ Indigenous people gallery The Denver Museum of Nature and Science in Colorado, US, is to close a gallery dedicated to Indigenous people and culture, which it says perpetuates racist stereotypes. Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 25 May 2023

		Expo 2020 site transformation continues as site prepares to welcome new businesses The Expo 2020 Dubai site continues to undergo its repurposing following the event, with more than 3,000 workers set to be based on-site by September. Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 24 May 2023

		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 Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 24 May 2023

		Major names shortlisted to create £100m Belfast visitor experience Seven architects and design firms have been named on a shortlist of seven to design a £100m attraction in the heart of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 23 May 2023

		Attendance doubles at revamped Wolverhampton Wanderers football museum A revamped museum at the home of Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club has doubled attendance over the last 10 months, the Premier League club has said. Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 23 May 2023

		Death penalties linked to Saudi Arabia’s The Line project condemned by UN UN experts have expressed alarm after three people evicted from homes to make way for Saudi Arabia’s The Line, now face the death penalty Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 23 May 2023

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

		Architects selected for major museum projects in Saudi Arabia The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has appointed celebrated architects Lina Ghotmeh and Asif Khan to design two major museums in Saudi Arabia. Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 22 May 2023

		Carnival cruise ship rescues 17 people near Belize The Carnival Dream cruise liner helped a number of people in need after their boat capsized in the Belize Channel. Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 19 May 2023

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

		Turning fitness and wellbeing into entertainment with RWS and MSC Cruises Showcasing exactly what it means to produce an immersive entertainment experience, RWS Entertainment Group and MSC Cruises have turned their eyes to fitness and wellbeing, with a new programme on MSC’s Euribia debuting in May and June for teens and kids. Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 12 May 2023

		Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex partners with Attractions.io to reimagine guest experience platform Attractions.io has teamed up with the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to develop a brand new experience platform for guests of the popular destination Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 12 May 2023

		Transformers announced as latest brand to come to Saudi Arabia under Seven banner A major Transformers attraction is planned for Seven’s upcoming entertainment destination in Riyadh, with plans for two further attractions in the kingdom as Saudi Arabia’s PIF continues to expand its entertainment offerings Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 11 May 2023

		London’s Imperial War Museum to open exhibition exploring The Troubles in Northern Ireland A new exhibition, sharing multiple perspectives on The Troubles in Northern Ireland, will open at London’s Imperial War Museum at the end of May Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 09 May 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 09 May 2023

		New funding initiative commits US$11m to promote diversity in leadership at US art museums A consortium of art foundations and charitable organisations has launched a new funding initiative that aims to promote diversity and inclusion in art museum leadership roles across the US Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 05 May 2023

		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 Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 04 May 2023

		Columbus Zoo set to debut Adventure Sky Wheel Ohio’s Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is set to debut a Ferris wheel attraction later this month, with the new Adventure Sky Wheel set to open to the public on May 27. Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 04 May 2023

		British Museum offers self-guided tours with new audio app The British Museum has launched a new audio app to enhance its visitor experience. 03 May 2023

		Pilsner Urquell: BRC’s Christian Lachel on Prague’s new ‘Original Beer Experience’ A new brand home dedicated to Pilsner Urquell has opened its doors in Prague. BRC’s Christian Lachel tells Planet Attractions how the attraction celebrates the brand’s place in Czech history and culture Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 02 May 2023

		Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum partners with Landmark Trust to transform Georgian station house into a heritage holiday home Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum has announced a new partnership with the Landmark Trust, which will see one of the UK city’s oldest surviving Georgian properties transformed into a heritage holiday home. Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 02 May 2023

		UK’s Tank Museum becomes world’s first museum to reach 100 million views on YouTube A UK-based military museum has become not only the first museum in the world to reach 100 million views on Youtube but also the most-watched museum-based YouTube channel in the world Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 27 Apr 2023

		Planet Shark touring exhibition set to make UK debut at Chester Zoo Chester Zoo is set to host "Planet Shark: Predator or Prey," a touring exhibition dedicated to sharks. Taking visitors through 310 million years of shark evolution, the immersive experience debuts in May Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 26 Apr 2023

		CBBC’s ‘Operation Ouch!’ to become major exhibition at Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum A new blockbuster exhibition based on hit CBBC show Operation Ouch! will open at the Science and Industry Museum (SIM) in Manchester, UK, in July Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 26 Apr 2023

		Burning Man-inspired art gallery opens in Las Vegas A new outdoor art gallery, inspired by annual arts and music festival Burning Man, has opened on the Las Vegas strip Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 25 Apr 2023

		Rising with the rides: RWS’s Ryan Stana on how the cruise and attractions industries are reimagining entertainment With the attractions and cruise industries seemingly closer than ever before, RWS CEO Ryan Stana speaks to Planet Attractions about what that means and the steps we can take to bring these two powerhouses under one metaphorical roof Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 25 Apr 2023

		Jeff Shell steps down as NBCUniversal CEO following ‘inappropriate conduct’ Jeff Shell has been removed from his position as CEO of NBCUniversal following a misconduct investigation Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 25 Apr 2023

		Rooftop walk and skybar included in entertainment-focussed expansion of Manchester City stadium Architects Populous have revealed new images of plans to expand Premier League football club Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, with the plans including a new ‘skybar’ and rooftop walk visitor attraction. Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 24 Apr 2023

		High hopes: Construction begins on Atlantic City’s new cannabis museum Work has started on a new agriculture museum dedicated to cannabis in Atlantic City. The museum is one of several marijuana-themed projects greenlit by the city in the hopes of attracting a new wave of ‘weed tourists’ Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 22 Apr 2023

		M+ Museum to gift 10,000 tickets to Yayoi Kusama exhibition to foster discussions on mental health Hong Kong’s M+ Museum is to give away thousands of tickets to its blockbuster Yayoi Kusama exhibition in the hope that it will help raise discussions about mental health Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 18 Apr 2023

		The 407: Gateway to Adventure breaks ground on ‘Smoky Gap’ entertainment district A major new development in Tennessee has broken ground, with The 407: Gateway to Adventure’s ‘Smoky Gap’ entertainment district promising to feature world-class attractions when it opens in 2025 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 14 Apr 2023

		Brand new Loch Ness attraction set to open in May Continuum Attractions has taken up operations of the Loch Ness Centre, which is set to reopen next month following a £1.5m redevelopment Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 14 Apr 2023

		Amnesty International says Cambodian government is overseeing ‘mass forced evictions’ from Unesco World Heritage site Amnesty International says that Cambodian officials are forcing residents of the Angkor Wat World Heritage site to ‘voluntarily’ leave in the name of preserving the popular heritage attraction, with the move affecting an estimated 10,000 families Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 11 Apr 2023

		Major US$250m cruise destination under development in the Bahamas The Caribbean’s most popular cruise destination is about to gain a major new port, with work on Calypso Cove to start towards the end of this year Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 11 Apr 2023

		Asad Ayaz named Disney’s first-ever chief brand officer Disney’s leadership structure continues to change, with Bob Iger naming company veteran Asad Ayaz as the company’s first-ever chief brand officer Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 06 Apr 2023

		Bruce Museum reopens after US$60m expansion The Bruce Museum of Arts and Science in Connecticut, US, has reopened following a US$60m (€55m, £48m) expansion. Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 04 Apr 2023

		I asked an AI to develop a Sonic the Hedgehog dark ride. Here’s what it came up with Will AI take over the planet or could it just maybe develop your next new dark ride attraction? Tom Anstey asked an AI a few simple questions to see how it would do in developing such a ride concept Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 04 Apr 2023

		Tucson’s Children’s Museum set to undergo major expansion The Children’s Museum in Tucson, Arizona, US, is set to undergo a major expansion to accommodate more visitors to the popular attraction. Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 31 Mar 2023

		SeaTrade Cruise Global kicks off in Tampa SeaTrade Cruise Global has returned to Tampa, Florida, US, with a day of conferencing ahead of the launch of the show floor tomorrow (March 28). Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 27 Mar 2023

		English Heritage CEO to step down Kate Mavor CBE has announced that she will step down as CEO of English Heritage later this year Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 24 Mar 2023

		Everything you need to know about SeaTrade Cruise Global 2023 SeaTrade Cruise Global is returning to Florida. Here’s everything you need to know... Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 23 Mar 2023

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

		Natural History Museum London’s most visited attraction in 2022 London’s Natural History Museum was the British capital’s most visited attraction in 2022, new statistics have revealed. Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 21 Mar 2023

		UK’s culture venues, museums and libraries receive £60m funding boost More than 70 cultural organisations across Britain are to be given a financial boost by the government so they can improve people’s access to arts, support local economic growth through culture and safeguard vital local collections for future generations. Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 21 Mar 2023

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

		Sonia Coleman appointed to lead HR at Disney Sonia Coleman has been appointed to lead human resources at Disney after being named executive vice president and chief human resources officer. Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 17 Mar 2023

		Green retrofit of UK’s heritage sector could provide £35bn economic boost Teaching the construction sector the necessary skills to retrofit the UK’s heritage structures could provide the British economy with a £35bn boost, a new report has suggested Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 09 Mar 2023

		After two decades at the helm, Adam Weinberg is set to step down as Whitney director The Whitney Museum of American Art’s long-term director Adam Weinberg is set to leave the institution in November, with Scott Rothkopf set to succeed him in the role Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 09 Mar 2023

		Derry theatre becomes first in Ireland to achieve Makaton Friendly Status The Millennium Forum theatre in Derry has become the first Irish cultural venue to achieve Makaton Friendly Status Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 08 Mar 2023

		Tate Liverpool to close in October ahead of £25.5m renovation Tate Liverpool will close its doors in October ahead of a £25.5m multi-year redevlopment helmed by British architecture firm 6a architects Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 08 Mar 2023

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

		Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art partners with Republic of Yemen Government to store repatriated objects The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art has entered into a partnership with the Republic of Yemen Government, which will see the institution provide safe storage and care for 77 objects that are being repatriated to the country from the US. Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 07 Mar 2023

		BoldMove bridging the physical and the digital with interactive experiences BoldMove Nation is developing two new ‘phygital’ worlds - attractions that use technology to bridge the digital world with the physical world with the purpose of providing a unique interactive experience for the user. Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 07 Mar 2023

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

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

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

		Nicole Scherzinger teams up with P&O Cruises to create entertainment extravaganzas Nicole Scherzinger has partnered with P&O Cruises in a deal that will see the multi-award-winning performer create “spectacular music and dance extravaganzas” for the operator in an exclusive entertainment partnership. Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 03 Mar 2023

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

		Royal Ontario Museum returns belongings to family of Cree leader Objects belonging to the great Cree leader Poundmaker were returned to his family by the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) on Wednesday, February 22, more than 136 years after his death. Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 24 Feb 2023

		Convious expanding advertising platform in 2023 Attractions management platform Convious is set to grow its advertising module in 2023, with the technology creating a new solution to maximise promotion for its clients. Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 24 Feb 2023

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

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

		Father of 14-year-old who died falling from ride hopes new bill will prevent future tragedy The father of a 14-year-old boy who fell to his death from the Orlando FreeFall attraction last year has expressed his hope that a new law in the works will help ensure such an incident never happens again. Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 21 Feb 2023

		Museum of Homelessness developing first permanent base in Finsbury Park Work has started on repairs to the lodge that will eventually become the first permanent space for the Museum of Homelessness (MoH). Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 21 Feb 2023

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 16 Feb 2023

		BIAZA rejects survey suggesting large animals should be phased out of zoos but agrees more can be done to support animal conservation A recent survey suggesting the public would support the phasing out of large animals in zoos doesn’t ‘seem to relate to the real world’, according to BIAZA Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 16 Feb 2023

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

		Museum switches to pay what you can model A UK museum has switched from a model of free exhibitions and paid-for temporary ones by introducing a ‘pay if and what you can’ one. Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 15 Feb 2023

		Council hits back at Jeremy Clarkson over Diddly Squat Farm Shop A local council in the UK has hit back at British TV personality Jeremy Clarkson, saying that his popular Diddly Squat Farm must be treated like any other. Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 14 Feb 2023

		Supplier Showcase 2023: The biggest attractions projects landing worldwide this year From waterpark suppliers and media specialists to creative designers and dark ride producers, Planet Attractions has gone to every corner of the globe to find out what’s hot in 2023 Tom Anstey and Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 14 Feb 2023

		National Portrait Gallery gets new logo ahead of June reopening While London’s National Portrait Gallery (NPG) undergoes its facelift, the institution is also revamping its branding, with a new logo based on a 19th-century sketch. Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 13 Feb 2023

		Disney releases new video looking back at 100 years of storytelling Disney continues to celebrate its centenary, with the company unveiling a new video looking back at the last 100 years. Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 13 Feb 2023

		Disney to axe 7,000 jobs in US$5.5bn cost cutting plan following Q1 results Disney is set to axe 7,000 people as part of a US$5.5bn cost cutting plan following its Q1 results. The operator’s parks however continue to thrive with the Parks, Experiences and Products division performing strongly Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 09 Feb 2023

		Two-hundred-year-old mummified cat among the exhibits as Scotland’s first witchcraft museum prepares to open in Edinburgh A museum dedicated to sharing Scotland’s history with the occult will open in Edinburgh at the end of February Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 09 Feb 2023

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

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

		Dubai 100: Industry names among Dubai’s most powerful people Three names involved in the tourism and attractions industries have been named in the Dubai 100 - a list representing the 100 most powerful people in the UAE city. Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 09 Feb 2023

		New research suggests cruising ‘more popular than ever’ ‘More people than ever’ are exploring the possibility of booking a cruise, with new research showing a 10% increase in the number of people planning such a journey. Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 08 Feb 2023

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

		Fortune names Disney world’s most-admired media and entertainment company for 20th consecutive year Disney has been recognised as the top-ranked media and entertainment company on Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 07 Feb 2023

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

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

		Kids in Museums launches ‘Future is Now’ youth summit to engage young people in the museum sector Kids in Museums has launched a new initiative aimed at having young people discuss, learn and advocate for the future of the museum sector Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 30 Jan 2023

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

		Baby Trump set to fly again as Museum of London reinflates blimp While Donald Trump’s hopes for re-election as US president may be faltering, the nappy-wearing depiction of him made famous during a UK protest in 2018 has had new life breathed into it, as the Museum of London has reinflated it. Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 26 Jan 2023

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

		First black history statues return to Brixton Three statues thought to be the first sculptures depicting black British people on display in England are set to return to Brixton station later. Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 25 Jan 2023

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

		Grand Egyptian Museum at 100% completion as ticket prices announced One of the world’s most anticipated museums will finally open this year after a more than 20-year development process with work now complete on Cairo’s Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 24 Jan 2023

		Ukrainian refugees on Glasgow cruise ship to be rehomed Ukrainian refugees living on an Ambassador Cruise Line ship in Glasgow are to be rehomed as the Scottish government's contract with the vessel comes to an end. Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 23 Jan 2023

		Meteorite that crashed down to earth trebles local museum visitors Visitor numbers at a museum in Winchcombe, UK, have trebled following the small attraction’s acquisition of a meteorite that crashed into a driveway of the market town in 2021. Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 20 Jan 2023

		SeaWorld’s Arctic Rescue aims will send climate change message when it opens later this year Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 19 Jan 2023

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

		Tampa’s Florida Aquarium has largest attendance since opening in 1995 The Florida Aquarium just saw its best attendance since it opened at the edge of downtown Tampa 27 years ago. Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 17 Jan 2023

		Joyland to close after 50 years in operation The original owners of a 50-year-old theme park in Lubbock, Texas, US, have announced that the park will not reopen following the collapse of a sale. Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 17 Jan 2023

		Police arrest three in Egypt after failed attempt to steal 10-tonne statue of Ramesses II A plot to steal a 10-tonne ancient statue of Egyptian Pharaoh Ramesses II has been foiled after police arrested three men attempting to make away with the gigantic antiquity Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 16 Jan 2023

		Gibraltar’s Alameda Wildlife Park undergoes digital transformation A zoo in Gibraltar has embarked on a new mission to modernise its technology in an attempt to better engage with visitors both digitally and in person. Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 11 Jan 2023

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

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

		Hey Disney!’: Amazon Alexa-powered digital voice assistant gets Disney facelift A new version of Amazon’s Alexa digital voice assistant will come complete with Disney branding and the ability to work alongside the operator’s MagicBand+ technology Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 06 Jan 2023

		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. Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 06 Jan 2023

		London’s National Portrait Gallery to reopen in 2023 after £35.5m renovation London’s National Portrait Gallery (NPG) will reopen in June 2023 after a three-year closure. Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 22 Dec 2022

		Thousands gather at Stonehenge for winter solstice Around 4,500 people gathered at Stonehenge for the annual winter solstice, with a further 100,000 watching the event online. Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 22 Dec 2022

		New £40m waterpark attraction proposed for UK A huge new outdoor waterpark centred around a lagoon capable of producing 2m waves has been proposed for the county of Kent in the UK. Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 21 Dec 2022

		‘Boundless exploration’: Shanghai’s Neobio Museum opens to the public The Neobio Museum is a brand new attraction in Shanghai, China, offering experiential STEM education to young people Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 21 Dec 2022

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

		World’s largest freestanding aquarium, home to 1,500 fish, explodes Berlin’s AquaDom aquarium exploded in the early hours of the morning on December 15. It contained a million litres of water and more than 100 different fish species Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 19 Dec 2022

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

		Paul Moreton succeeds Mark ‘Fish’ Fisher as chief development officer at Merlin Merlin Entertainments has named Paul Moreton as its new chief development officer, effective from January 1, 2023. Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 12 Dec 2022

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

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

		Spree Interactive picks up People’s Choice Award at MAPIC Virtual reality specialist Spree has been named winner of the People’s Choice Award at this year’s MAPIC event, with the recognition adding to an ever-expanding list of industry awards and nominations picked up in 2022. Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 07 Dec 2022

		Convious named tech partner for West Midland Safari Park Convious has signed a multi-year deal with West Midland Safari Park to supply its fully-integrated eCommerce and guest experience platform Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 07 Dec 2022

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

		Artificial intelligence will build Saudi Arabia’s The Line The Line at NEOM - an upcoming vertical city that will house nine million people and feature numerous cultural attractions - is being built through AI, its developers say. Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 02 Dec 2022

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

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

		Severn Lamb announces major acquisition of US company Trams International World-leading visitor transportation specialist Severn Lamb has announced a major move in the acquisition of US company Trams International Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 28 Nov 2022

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

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

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

		Bob Iger named CEO of Disney as Bob Chapek is ousted In a shocking move, Disney has reappointed Bob Iger as CEO, effective immediately, as Bob Chapek is ousted after less than three years in the role Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 21 Nov 2022

		Red Raion to preview new title at IAAPA Expo Red Raion will offer an exclusive preview of its latest title - ‘Around the World in 80 Days - Journey of Wonders’ - at this year’s IAAPA Expo Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 07 Nov 2022

		Shanghai Disney shuts doors as visitors are unable to leave park without negative Covid test Visitors to Shanghai Disney were shut inside the park, with people not allowed to leave the popular theme park until they were able to show a negative Covid test. 01 Nov 2022

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

		Beijing’s Universal Resort shuts as Covid cases rise again in China The Universal Resort theme park in Beijing has been closed due to Covid-19 prevention measures. 27 Oct 2022

		National Emergency Services Museum wins Family Friendly Museum Award 2022 The National Emergency Services Museum in Sheffield has been named the UK’s most family-friendly museum. 26 Oct 2022

		Storm Coaster officially named record breaker 26 Oct 2022

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

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

		iPhone 14 Pro’s crash detection feature is calling emergency services when people ride on rollercoasters The new iPhone 14 Pro has a fantastic feature that activates when it thinks a user has been in a crash. This however isn’t great for theme parks, with the phone reportedly automatically calling emergency services after riding on a rollercoaster. 20 Oct 2022

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

		TrustRadius recognises accesso with Tech Cares award TrustRadius - a research and review platform for business leaders - has recognised attractions technology solutions provider accesso as part of its “Tech Cares 2022” award programme. 14 Oct 2022

		‘Surge’ in investor interest from Abu Dhabi for UAE’s US$5bn Moon Resort A resort earmarked for Dubai could find its home in Abu Dhabi, after it was revealed that the Moon Resort has “caught the eye” of a number of investors. 13 Oct 2022

		Edinburgh Zoo’s Giraffes About Town raise £246,000 for wildlife conservation The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) raised nearly a quarter-of-a-million pounds following the auction of 37 giraffe sculptures which had been placed around the city of Edinburgh during the summer. 11 Oct 2022

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

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

		Natural History Museum partners with National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine to help save historic artworks Researchers from the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and London’s Natural History Museum have discovered the cause of damage to several medieval murals in a Unesco World Heritage site in Ukraine Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 06 Oct 2022

		Heygo takes streaming tours into museums sector Live streaming tour platform Heygo is venturing into the culture sector, with the company announcing a number of partnerships with various museums to “create a space for all to interact, learn and connect with like-minded people”. 05 Oct 2022

		Florida’s museums reopen in wake of Hurricane Ian A number of museums in Florida have reopened their doors after escaping the worst of Hurricane Ian, a devastating storm that tore a path of destruction through the state last week. 04 Oct 2022

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

		Heavy flooding in Orlando as Hurricane Ian continues through Florida More than a foot of rain fell overnight in Orange County last night with winds of up to 80mph, according to reports, with Disney World, Universal and other major theme parks in the area affected by the weather event. 29 Sep 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

		BoldMove to showcase AR Hybrid Quest attraction at IAAPA Expo Europe BoldMove will offer attendees a close-up look at its AR Hybrid Quest attraction Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 12 Sep 2022

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

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

		WhiteWater to showcase Icon Tower at IAAPA Expo Europe WhiteWater is set to offer attendees a first look at its record-breaking Icon Tower at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 10 Sep 2022

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

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

		Convious to demonstrate full capabilities of eCommerce platform on rocket ship booth at IAAPA Expo Europe Convious will recreate the guest experience to showcase the full capabilities of its cloud-based sales and marketing solution with an interactive, rocket ship-themed booth Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 08 Sep 2022

		UK’s National Marine Aquarium bounces back from Covid to make £1m profit The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth, UK, has shown positive post-Covid recovery, with the attraction announcing profits of more than £1m in 2021. 07 Sep 2022

		Guests can now enjoy different experiences on the same ride at the same time thanks to new TiO innovation from Holovis Holovis has created an innovative two-in-one system that supports the delivery of two different media or real-time interactive experiences simultaneously within the same ride or attraction Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 07 Sep 2022

		Sixteen injured as tower drop ride crashes to the ground in India Sixteen people have reportedly been hospitalised after a drop tower plummeted around 50ft (15.2m) before crashing into the ground with force at a carnival in Mohali, India. 06 Sep 2022

		accesso promises to ‘showcase the future of mobile’ at IAAPA Expo Europe accesso is set to showcase what it calls ‘the future of mobile consumer engagement’ at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe, with expanded solutions designed to help operators connect, engage and build loyalty with visitors Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 06 Sep 2022

		Meet Planet Attractions at IAAPA Expo Europe! Taking place at Excel London in the heart of the British capital, this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe will feature an extensive trade show floor with more than 500 exhibitors taking part, including 05 Sep 2022

		Alterface unveils new Action League theme designs ahead of IAAPA Expo Europe Alterface has revealed new theming and media packages for its award-winning Action League dark ride Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 02 Sep 2022

		FORREC to showcase new projects at IAAPA Expo Europe Experience design firm FORREC will be on hand to discuss several of its high-profile projects, including the new Legoland Korea Resort, at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 31 Aug 2022

		Community-focused children’s museum central to Queens’ gallery expansion The US$69m addition furthers the Queens Museum mission to bring arts and education to a diverse and international community Alice Davis \| Planet Attractions \| 31 Aug 2022

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

		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 Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 19 Aug 2022

		Triotech to present new standing theatre attraction and announce major European theme park project at IAAPA Expo Europe Media-based attractions specialist Triotech will showcase a new stand-up flying theatre attraction and announce a major European theme park project at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 19 Aug 2022

		Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition chartered to house Ukranian refugees in Scotland With an influx of Ukranian refugees threatening to overwhelm available housing in Scotland, the government has announced plans to accommodate up to 1,750 people onboard Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition on a temporary basis Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 17 Aug 2022

		Happy National Rollercoaster Day! There might be quite a lot of national days about but none can surely be as important as August 16 - National Rollercoaster Day. 16 Aug 2022

		Simworx to showcase new ride concepts at IAAPA Expo Europe The dynamic media-based attractions specialist will showcase several new ride concepts at IAAPA Expo Europe Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 16 Aug 2022

		Three injured in shooting outside Six Flags Great America Three people have been injured following gunfire outside Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois, US. 15 Aug 2022

		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’ Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 12 Aug 2022

		Rollercoaster crash at Legoland Germany leaves 30 injured More than 30 people have been injured after two rollercoaster trains crashed into each other at Legoland Germany Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 11 Aug 2022

		‘We’re very flexible’ says Chapek in response to anger over Disney’s increasing park prices Bob Chapek has been questioned about anger on social media over increasing park prices with the Disney CEO telling 11 Aug 2022

		RWS to showcase full capabilities at IAAPA Expo Europe following key multi-national acquisitions RWS Entertainment Group will showcase its capabilities as a full-service provider of visitor attractions and experiences at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe following two major acquisitions Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 11 Aug 2022

		Carnival to cut fleetwide emissions by 500,000 metric tons with new sustainability initiative Carnival’s new sustainability plan will cut its emissions by 500,000 metric tons per year and save US$150m annually in fuel costs Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 11 Aug 2022

		Earnings reports: SeaWorld, Cedar Fair and Universal all soar in the face of Covid-19 SeaWorld, Cedar Fair and Universal have all experienced strong second quarters with the operators also revealing some hints as to what’s coming for each in the near future Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 08 Aug 2022

		New Unesco guidance aims to reduce impact of development on World Heritage sites Unesco has issued new guidance aimed at reducing impacts from development on World Heritage sites. 05 Aug 2022

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 04 Aug 2022

		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. 02 Aug 2022

		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. 02 Aug 2022

		Big Cat Public Safety Act passes the US House of Representatives A change in the law will see private ownership of big cats in the US banned, putting an end to possession of tigers, lions and other big cat species except by qualified entities Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 02 Aug 2022

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 01 Aug 2022

		London’s Natural History Museum launches fundraising campaign for free-to-visit green space Fundraising has started for the Natural History Museum’s Urban Nature Project, a scheme which will allow the museum to turn its five-acre site into a free-to-visit educational outdoor space Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 28 Jul 2022

		Activists glue hands to 15th-century Botticelli masterpiece A 15th-century painting by renowned Italian artist Sandro Botticelli was recently the target of climate activists after they glued themselves to one of his works at the Gallerie degli Uffizi in Florence. 28 Jul 2022

		Some handy tips to get waterpark operators through the busiest time of year As we enter the busiest time of the year for most waterpark operators, the team at WhiteWater has offered some tips to ensure the season runs smoothly WhiteWater \| 28 Jul 2022

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 27 Jul 2022

		Lottery-based tickets to new Ghibli attraction as visitor numbers are capped With just a few months to go until the grand opening of the highly-anticipated Ghibli Park in Nagoya, Japan, the attraction has revealed that tickets will be sold via a lottery-based booking system, with attendance to the attraction being limited to create an atmosphere likened to that of the Ghibli adventures themselves. 25 Jul 2022

		Horniman Museum and Gardens named Art Fund’s Museum Of The Year 2022 22 Jul 2022

		Parthenon Marbles replica carved by AI to go on display in London Detailed replicas of the controversial Elgin or Parthenon Marbles, created by a robot, will soon go on display in London Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 20 Jul 2022

		‘We're the industry of fun and it's time to have fun again’: Peter van der Schans on IAAPA EMEA, industry challenges and what to expect at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe Planet Attractions travelled to Belgium recently to meet Peter van der Schans, IAAPA’s new executive director and vice president for the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region. Here’s what he had to say Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 18 Jul 2022

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 14 Jul 2022

		Saudi Arabia unveils plan to transform museums sector Saudi Arabia’s Museums Commission has announced plans to transform its museum sector, unveiling a new strategy, which will see the number and types of museums across the Kingdom increase in an attempt to boost visitor numbers. 13 Jul 2022

		Meow Wolf co-founder Matt King dies Matt King, co-founder of arts and entertainment collective Meow Wolf has passed away Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 12 Jul 2022

		Adjaye Associates to lead £57m redevelopment of UK’s International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum Celebrated architecture firm Adjaye Associates will lead a major redesign project at two UK museums; The International Slavery Museum and the Maritime Museum Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 08 Jul 2022

		Glastonbury founder celebrated with painting at National Portrait Gallery, named as patron at Radstock Museum Glastonbury founder, Michael Eavis has been commemorated with a specially-commissioned portrait at the National Portrait Gallery. He has also been named as a patron of Somerset’s Radstock Museum Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 07 Jul 2022

		The museum that’s introduced special glasses to help colour-blind people see art in a whole new light Colour deficient and colour-blind visitors to Australia’s Chau Chak Wing Museum are now being offered special glasses to see works of art in clear, vibrant colour for the first time Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 05 Jul 2022

		Edinburgh Zoo installs giraffe statues around Scottish capital A collection of 42 eight-foot-tall giraffe statues have popped up around the Scottish capital of Edinburgh, with the installation declared a ‘celebration of nature’ by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS). 05 Jul 2022

		Merlin introduces career acceleration scheme for frontline staff Merlin is introducing a new education scheme that will offer training opportunities to guest-facing staff members to help elevate their careers and encourage diversity in the company’s senior ranks Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 04 Jul 2022

		Visiting a museum can help reduce your anxiety A recently-released study suggests that a museum visit can help an array of mental and physical conditions, including anxiety, chronic pain and even dementia Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 28 Jun 2022

		The Horrors of Blumhouse coming to Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights 27 Jun 2022

		Building commences in Lhasa on world's highest planetarium Tibet Planetarium, which could open in two years’ time, hopes to welcome over 100,000 guests annually Alice Davis \| Planet Attractions \| 24 Jun 2022

		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 Alice Davis \| Planet Attractions \| 22 Jun 2022

		Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum gifted £3m for Power Hall renovation The Science and Industry Museum has received a generous donation from The Law Family Charitable Foundation for the refurbishment of its Power Hall Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 21 Jun 2022

		Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum launches The Open Era gallery The redeveloped ‘The Open Era’ gallery is now open to the public at the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 17 Jun 2022

		Elephant not a person declares US judge following attempt to free Bronx Zoo’s Happy New York's top court has rejected an attempt to free Happy the elephant from the Bronx Zoo, declaring that the animal is not a person and can therefore not be released through a habeas corpus proceeding, which is a way for people to challenge illegal confinement. 15 Jun 2022

		Universal theme parks experiencing ‘historic’ park attendance, CEO reveals NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell has revealed that Universal theme parks are experiencing ‘historic’ park attendance and hotel bookings Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 15 Jun 2022

		Chicago’s Adler Planetarium to receive share of US$12.5m in NASA STEM funding The Adler Planetarium in Chicago is one of a number of informal education institutions to receive NASA funding to serve students from communities underrepresented in STEM fields Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 13 Jun 2022

		Japan reopens to tourists under strict Covid guidelines Japan has finally reopened its borders to tourists from 98 countries and regions, though it comes with strict conditions to try and prevent the spread of Covid-19 from overseas. 10 Jun 2022

		WATCH: Go behind the scenes of Epcot’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind With Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind now open at Walt Disney World, Disney has released a behind-the-scenes look at how the attraction and its special scenes have been brought to life Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 09 Jun 2022

		HK$3.5bn Hong Kong Palace Museum sets July opening date The Hong Kong Palace Museum is the newest addition to the West Kowloon Cultural District with the HK$3.5bn attraction set to open its doors to the public for the first time next month Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 08 Jun 2022

		Virtual walkthrough unveiled for Walt Disney’s Kansas Laugh-O-Gram Studio Thank You Walt Disney, Inc has launched a virtual tour of Walt Disney’s historic Laugh-O-Gram Studio, with the historic animation site set to open to the public following work in Q4 2023 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 07 Jun 2022

		Carnegie Museums names Gina Winstead its new vice president for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh has named Gina Winstead its new vice president for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA). 07 Jun 2022

		Portland Museum of Art plans US$45m expansion The Portland Museum of Art (PMA) in Maine, US, has launched an international competition for a new US$45m (€42.2m, £36m) extension that will see the historic art centre double its exhibition space. 07 Jun 2022

		‘Bloody expensive’: ABBA need to recoup £140m to cover costs of virtual Voyage residency Pop supergroup ABBA need to earn £140m from ticket sales of their London residency Voyage to cover the cost of the virtual spectacle Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 01 Jun 2022

		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. Lauren Heath-Jones \| Planet Attractions \| 01 Jun 2022

		Efteling celebrates 70 years by surprising first 70 visitors Efteling reached a significant milestone today (May 31), with the Dutch theme park celebrating 70 years since it first opened in 1952. 31 May 2022

		Man smears cake on the Mona Lisa as he encourages people to ‘think of the earth’ A man entered the Louvre on Sunday disguised as an old lady in a wheelchair in an attempt to deface the Mona Lisa with cake Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 30 May 2022

		The cat’s (almost) out of the bag at Eureka! Science + Discovery Eureka! Science + Discovery - a new STEM attraction coming to Wirral, UK, later this year - has unveiled its first exhibit, a 12-foot tall cat statue. 30 May 2022

		Legoland construction starts up again as Covid lockdown starts to ease Site workers will be kept inside a ‘closed-loop’ system following strict prevention and control measures Alice Davis \| Planet Attractions \| 27 May 2022

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 24 May 2022

		Whitney Museum workers protest at fundraising gala A group of around 100 people gathered at the Whitney Museum during its annual fundraising gala event, with the members of the Whitney Museum Union (WMU) protesting over a pay dispute. 23 May 2022

		The generation game: How modern POS is transforming attractions operations How do you develop a POS system that caters to both digital natives and the generation before them? Convious’s Miendu Dang has the answers Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 18 May 2022

		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. Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 17 May 2022

		Ryan Stana and Robin Breese-Davies on what’s next for RWS and ted Following the RWS acquisition of The Experience Department, Planet Attractions travelled to ted HQ to meet RWS CEO Ryan Stana and ted CEO Robin Breese-Davies to see what’s next following the landmark deal Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 17 May 2022

		Dubai establishes Supreme Committee to oversee future development of Expo 2020 District A new Supreme Committee has been formed to plan and implement the future of the Expo 2020 Dubai district Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 12 May 2022

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 11 May 2022

		Unesco releases statement on Havana hotel explosion Unesco’s World Heritage Centre has released a statement on the accidental explosion that ripped through much of the Saratoga Hotel, in Havana, Cuba on Friday (May 6), killing at least 35 people. 10 May 2022

		Two sustainability mantras from the House of Gucci movie What can the House of Gucci movie teach us about sustainability? WhiteWater’s Una de Boer tells all Une de Boer \| WhiteWater \| 09 May 2022

		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 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 06 May 2022

		Pandemic resurgence as SeaWorld soars with record results in first quarter Visitation and revenue soared for SeaWorld in the first three months of the year, with the most visitors in Q1 since 2013 and record all-time revenue for the period Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 05 May 2022

		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 Planet Attractions \| 05 May 2022

		Attractions Calendar: May We've rounded up all the special events you should be attending this month Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 03 May 2022

		Liverpool introduces inclusivity charter following successful museum trials The city of Liverpool has introduced a new charter encouraging visitor attractions, cultural venues and restaurants in the British destination to be as inclusive as possible. 03 May 2022

		Nick Varney and Mark Fisher both announce retirements from Merlin Entertainments Nick Varney who has led Merlin since its inception and Mark Fisher, who played a key role in the company’s formation, have both announced their intention to leave the attractions giant in 2023 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 29 Apr 2022

		World-first Nerf-themed land coming to Beto Carrero World in 2023 The iconic Nerf brand will gain its first themed land in its 53-year history with the debut of a new attraction coming to Brazil’s Beto Carrero World in 2023 Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 26 Apr 2022

		Universal’s famous Studio Tour trams go green Universal Studios Hollywood has converted its world-famous studio tour trams, with the operator debuting the first four of what will eventually be a fleet of 21 electric vehicles. 26 Apr 2022

		Suppliers recognised in Asia Attractions Golden Crown Awards A number of attractions suppliers and manufacturers have been named winners of China’s prestigious Golden Crown Awards Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 26 Apr 2022

		Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park finally allowed to reopen after Covid restrictions eased With Hong Kong’s worst outbreak of Covid-19 finally starting to subside, authorities have relaxed pandemic restrictions, meaning that Disneyland and Ocean Park can finally reopen their doors. 22 Apr 2022

		The Netflix approach: How user segmentation is changing the visitor experience game Attractions.io’s Peter O’Dare explains how user segmentation is transforming the visitor experience for the better Tom Anstey \| Planet Attractions \| 21 Apr 2022

Industry insights

Video

In Depth


© Kazoo 5 Limited 2023

About

Get in touch

News

Opinion

In depth

Interviews


All news		Tourism
Visitor attractions		STEM
Museums and galleries		Culture
Events		Waterparks
IP and Brands		Heritage
Cruise		Technology
Animal Attractions		Suppliers
Theme parks		Disney


LIVE news Profiles Diary Video
Jobs

'People' on Planet Attractions | Planet Attractions

'People' on Planet Attractions

Travelling science exhibitions serve more than 500 million people in China

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 05 Jun 2023

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 05 Jun 2023

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 02 Jun 2023

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

Adjaye expansion will turn museum into India’s largest art and culture centre

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 02 Jun 2023

An expansion of the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) in Delhi will make the institution the largest art and culture centre in India when it opens in 2026.

Science Centre Singapore debuts emerging technologies exhibition

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 02 Jun 2023

London’s Horniman Museum reveals plans for £10m ‘Nature + Love’ regeneration project

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 02 Jun 2023

London’s Horniman Museum is to undergo a £10m (US$13m, €12m) renovation that will ‘reinvigorate and re-interpret’ the Grade-Ilisted building and its surrounding hilltop gardens.

Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund commits £22m to attractions in the Scottish Highlands

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 01 Jun 2023

Scotland’s Natural & Cultural Heritage Fund (NCHF) has awarded a share of £22m (US$27m, €25m) to more than a dozen tourist attractions in the Scottish Highlands and Islands, as part of a new scheme to promote tourism in the area.

Cairns Aquarium seeks investors as Colliers launches global search

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 01 Jun 2023

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

Hebrew Bible to go on display at Jewish Museum following US$38.1m purchase

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 01 Jun 2023

A late ninth- or early 10th-century book thought to be the earliest, most complete copy of the Hebrew Bible has sold at auction for US$38.1m (€35.5m, £30.5m), with the religious artefact set to become part of the permanent collection at the Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv, Israel.

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 25 May 2023

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

Denver Museum to close ‘harmful’ Indigenous people gallery

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 25 May 2023

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science in Colorado, US, is to close a gallery dedicated to Indigenous people and culture, which it says perpetuates racist stereotypes.

Expo 2020 site transformation continues as site prepares to welcome new businesses

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 24 May 2023

The Expo 2020 Dubai site continues to undergo its repurposing following the event, with more than 3,000 workers set to be based on-site by September.

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 24 May 2023

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

Major names shortlisted to create £100m Belfast visitor experience

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 23 May 2023

Seven architects and design firms have been named on a shortlist of seven to design a £100m attraction in the heart of Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Attendance doubles at revamped Wolverhampton Wanderers football museum

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 23 May 2023

A revamped museum at the home of Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club has doubled attendance over the last 10 months, the Premier League club has said.

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 23 May 2023

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

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 23 May 2023

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

Architects selected for major museum projects in Saudi Arabia

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 22 May 2023

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has appointed celebrated architects Lina Ghotmeh and Asif Khan to design two major museums in Saudi Arabia.

Carnival cruise ship rescues 17 people near Belize

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 19 May 2023

The Carnival Dream cruise liner helped a number of people in need after their boat capsized in the Belize Channel.

Disney scraps US$1bn Florida campus amidst DeSantis feud

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 19 May 2023

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

Turning fitness and wellbeing into entertainment with RWS and MSC Cruises

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 12 May 2023

Showcasing exactly what it means to produce an immersive entertainment experience, RWS Entertainment Group and MSC Cruises have turned their eyes to fitness and wellbeing, with a new programme on MSC’s Euribia debuting in May and June for teens and kids.

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 12 May 2023

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 11 May 2023

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

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 09 May 2023

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 09 May 2023

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

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 05 May 2023

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

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 04 May 2023

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

Columbus Zoo set to debut Adventure Sky Wheel

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 04 May 2023

Ohio’s Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is set to debut a Ferris wheel attraction later this month, with the new Adventure Sky Wheel set to open to the public on May 27.

British Museum offers self-guided tours with new audio app

03 May 2023

The British Museum has launched a new audio app to enhance its visitor experience.

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 02 May 2023

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

Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum partners with Landmark Trust to transform Georgian station house into a heritage holiday home

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 02 May 2023

Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum has announced a new partnership with the Landmark Trust, which will see one of the UK city’s oldest surviving Georgian properties transformed into a heritage holiday home.

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 27 Apr 2023

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

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 26 Apr 2023

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

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 26 Apr 2023

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

Burning Man-inspired art gallery opens in Las Vegas

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 25 Apr 2023

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 25 Apr 2023

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

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 25 Apr 2023

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

Rooftop walk and skybar included in entertainment-focussed expansion of Manchester City stadium

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 24 Apr 2023

Architects Populous have revealed new images of plans to expand Premier League football club Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium, with the plans including a new ‘skybar’ and rooftop walk visitor attraction.

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 22 Apr 2023

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

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 18 Apr 2023

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 14 Apr 2023

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

Brand new Loch Ness attraction set to open in May

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 14 Apr 2023

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 11 Apr 2023

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 11 Apr 2023

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 06 Apr 2023

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

Bruce Museum reopens after US$60m expansion

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 04 Apr 2023

The Bruce Museum of Arts and Science in Connecticut, US, has reopened following a US$60m (€55m, £48m) expansion.

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 04 Apr 2023

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

Tucson’s Children’s Museum set to undergo major expansion

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 31 Mar 2023

The Children’s Museum in Tucson, Arizona, US, is set to undergo a major expansion to accommodate more visitors to the popular attraction.

SeaTrade Cruise Global kicks off in Tampa

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 27 Mar 2023

SeaTrade Cruise Global has returned to Tampa, Florida, US, with a day of conferencing ahead of the launch of the show floor tomorrow (March 28).

English Heritage CEO to step down

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 24 Mar 2023

Kate Mavor CBE has announced that she will step down as CEO of English Heritage later this year

Everything you need to know about SeaTrade Cruise Global 2023

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 23 Mar 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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 21 Mar 2023

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

Natural History Museum London’s most visited attraction in 2022

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 21 Mar 2023

London’s Natural History Museum was the British capital’s most visited attraction in 2022, new statistics have revealed.

UK’s culture venues, museums and libraries receive £60m funding boost

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 21 Mar 2023

More than 70 cultural organisations across Britain are to be given a financial boost by the government so they can improve people’s access to arts, support local economic growth through culture and safeguard vital local collections for future generations.

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 20 Mar 2023

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

Sonia Coleman appointed to lead HR at Disney

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 17 Mar 2023

Sonia Coleman has been appointed to lead human resources at Disney after being named executive vice president and chief human resources officer.

Green retrofit of UK’s heritage sector could provide £35bn economic boost

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 09 Mar 2023

Teaching the construction sector the necessary skills to retrofit the UK’s heritage structures could provide the British economy with a £35bn boost, a new report has suggested

After two decades at the helm, Adam Weinberg is set to step down as Whitney director

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 09 Mar 2023

The Whitney Museum of American Art’s long-term director Adam Weinberg is set to leave the institution in November, with Scott Rothkopf set to succeed him in the role

Derry theatre becomes first in Ireland to achieve Makaton Friendly Status

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 08 Mar 2023

The Millennium Forum theatre in Derry has become the first Irish cultural venue to achieve Makaton Friendly Status

Tate Liverpool to close in October ahead of £25.5m renovation

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 08 Mar 2023

Tate Liverpool will close its doors in October ahead of a £25.5m multi-year redevlopment helmed by British architecture firm 6a architects

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

Una de Boer | WhiteWater | 08 Mar 2023

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

Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art partners with Republic of Yemen Government to store repatriated objects

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 07 Mar 2023

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art has entered into a partnership with the Republic of Yemen Government, which will see the institution provide safe storage and care for 77 objects that are being repatriated to the country from the US.

BoldMove bridging the physical and the digital with interactive experiences

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 07 Mar 2023

BoldMove Nation is developing two new ‘phygital’ worlds - attractions that use technology to bridge the digital world with the physical world with the purpose of providing a unique interactive experience for the user.

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 06 Mar 2023

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

Transforming the business: Meet the minds behind RWS Entertainment Group

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 03 Mar 2023

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

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 03 Mar 2023

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

Nicole Scherzinger teams up with P&O Cruises to create entertainment extravaganzas

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 03 Mar 2023

Nicole Scherzinger has partnered with P&O Cruises in a deal that will see the multi-award-winning performer create “spectacular music and dance extravaganzas” for the operator in an exclusive entertainment partnership.

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

Adam Hattan | The Hattan Company Ltd | 03 Mar 2023

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

Royal Ontario Museum returns belongings to family of Cree leader

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 24 Feb 2023

Objects belonging to the great Cree leader Poundmaker were returned to his family by the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) on Wednesday, February 22, more than 136 years after his death.

Convious expanding advertising platform in 2023

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 24 Feb 2023

Attractions management platform Convious is set to grow its advertising module in 2023, with the technology creating a new solution to maximise promotion for its clients.

Merlin bringing multi-million-pound Gruffalo attraction to Blackpool

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 24 Feb 2023

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

Manhattan’s first public beach to open in the summer

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 22 Feb 2023

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

Father of 14-year-old who died falling from ride hopes new bill will prevent future tragedy

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 21 Feb 2023

The father of a 14-year-old boy who fell to his death from the Orlando FreeFall attraction last year has expressed his hope that a new law in the works will help ensure such an incident never happens again.

Museum of Homelessness developing first permanent base in Finsbury Park

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 21 Feb 2023

Work has started on repairs to the lodge that will eventually become the first permanent space for the Museum of Homelessness (MoH).

Cedar Fair makes record US$1.82bn in 2022

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 16 Feb 2023

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

BIAZA rejects survey suggesting large animals should be phased out of zoos but agrees more can be done to support animal conservation

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 16 Feb 2023

A recent survey suggesting the public would support the phasing out of large animals in zoos doesn’t ‘seem to relate to the real world’, according to BIAZA

London to get its own Highline after Camden plans approved

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 15 Feb 2023

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

Museum switches to pay what you can model

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 15 Feb 2023

A UK museum has switched from a model of free exhibitions and paid-for temporary ones by introducing a ‘pay if and what you can’ one.

Council hits back at Jeremy Clarkson over Diddly Squat Farm Shop

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 14 Feb 2023

A local council in the UK has hit back at British TV personality Jeremy Clarkson, saying that his popular Diddly Squat Farm must be treated like any other.

Supplier Showcase 2023: The biggest attractions projects landing worldwide this year

Tom Anstey and Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 14 Feb 2023

From waterpark suppliers and media specialists to creative designers and dark ride producers, Planet Attractions has gone to every corner of the globe to find out what’s hot in 2023

National Portrait Gallery gets new logo ahead of June reopening

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 13 Feb 2023

While London’s National Portrait Gallery (NPG) undergoes its facelift, the institution is also revamping its branding, with a new logo based on a 19th-century sketch.

Disney releases new video looking back at 100 years of storytelling

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 13 Feb 2023

Disney continues to celebrate its centenary, with the company unveiling a new video looking back at the last 100 years.

Disney to axe 7,000 jobs in US$5.5bn cost cutting plan following Q1 results

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 09 Feb 2023

Disney is set to axe 7,000 people as part of a US$5.5bn cost cutting plan following its Q1 results. The operator’s parks however continue to thrive with the Parks, Experiences and Products division performing strongly

Two-hundred-year-old mummified cat among the exhibits as Scotland’s first witchcraft museum prepares to open in Edinburgh

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 09 Feb 2023

A museum dedicated to sharing Scotland’s history with the occult will open in Edinburgh at the end of February

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 09 Feb 2023

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

Titanic Belfast to reopen in March following £4.5m revamp

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 09 Feb 2023

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

Dubai 100: Industry names among Dubai’s most powerful people

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 09 Feb 2023

Three names involved in the tourism and attractions industries have been named in the Dubai 100 - a list representing the 100 most powerful people in the UAE city.

New research suggests cruising ‘more popular than ever’

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 08 Feb 2023

‘More people than ever’ are exploring the possibility of booking a cruise, with new research showing a 10% increase in the number of people planning such a journey.

Plans submitted to redevelop former Pleasure Island site into tourist destination

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 08 Feb 2023

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

Fortune names Disney world’s most-admired media and entertainment company for 20th consecutive year

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 07 Feb 2023

Disney has been recognised as the top-ranked media and entertainment company on

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 07 Feb 2023

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

British Museum workers among those set to strike in February

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 31 Jan 2023

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

Kids in Museums launches ‘Future is Now’ youth summit to engage young people in the museum sector

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 30 Jan 2023

Kids in Museums has launched a new initiative aimed at having young people discuss, learn and advocate for the future of the museum sector

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 27 Jan 2023

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

Baby Trump set to fly again as Museum of London reinflates blimp

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 26 Jan 2023

While Donald Trump’s hopes for re-election as US president may be faltering, the nappy-wearing depiction of him made famous during a UK protest in 2018 has had new life breathed into it, as the Museum of London has reinflated it.

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 25 Jan 2023

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

First black history statues return to Brixton

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 25 Jan 2023

Three statues thought to be the first sculptures depicting black British people on display in England are set to return to Brixton station later.

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 25 Jan 2023

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

Grand Egyptian Museum at 100% completion as ticket prices announced

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 24 Jan 2023

One of the world’s most anticipated museums will finally open this year after a more than 20-year development process with work now complete on Cairo’s Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM).

Ukrainian refugees on Glasgow cruise ship to be rehomed

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 23 Jan 2023

Ukrainian refugees living on an Ambassador Cruise Line ship in Glasgow are to be rehomed as the Scottish government's contract with the vessel comes to an end.

Meteorite that crashed down to earth trebles local museum visitors

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 20 Jan 2023

Visitor numbers at a museum in Winchcombe, UK, have trebled following the small attraction’s acquisition of a meteorite that crashed into a driveway of the market town in 2021.

SeaWorld’s Arctic Rescue aims will send climate change message when it opens later this year

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 19 Jan 2023

Fourteen of 2023’s most anticipated museum openings

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 18 Jan 2023

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

Tampa’s Florida Aquarium has largest attendance since opening in 1995

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 17 Jan 2023

The Florida Aquarium just saw its best attendance since it opened at the edge of downtown Tampa 27 years ago.

Joyland to close after 50 years in operation

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 17 Jan 2023

The original owners of a 50-year-old theme park in Lubbock, Texas, US, have announced that the park will not reopen following the collapse of a sale.

Police arrest three in Egypt after failed attempt to steal 10-tonne statue of Ramesses II

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 16 Jan 2023

A plot to steal a 10-tonne ancient statue of Egyptian Pharaoh Ramesses II has been foiled after police arrested three men attempting to make away with the gigantic antiquity

Gibraltar’s Alameda Wildlife Park undergoes digital transformation

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 11 Jan 2023

A zoo in Gibraltar has embarked on a new mission to modernise its technology in an attempt to better engage with visitors both digitally and in person.

Twelve of the biggest rollercoaster openings of 2023

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 10 Jan 2023

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 06 Jan 2023

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

Hey Disney!’: Amazon Alexa-powered digital voice assistant gets Disney facelift

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 06 Jan 2023

A new version of Amazon’s Alexa digital voice assistant will come complete with Disney branding and the ability to work alongside the operator’s MagicBand+ technology

Visitor numbers surge as 7.8 million visit Louvre in 2022

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 06 Jan 2023

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

London’s National Portrait Gallery to reopen in 2023 after £35.5m renovation

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 22 Dec 2022

London’s National Portrait Gallery (NPG) will reopen in June 2023 after a three-year closure.

Thousands gather at Stonehenge for winter solstice

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 22 Dec 2022

Around 4,500 people gathered at Stonehenge for the annual winter solstice, with a further 100,000 watching the event online.

New £40m waterpark attraction proposed for UK

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 21 Dec 2022

A huge new outdoor waterpark centred around a lagoon capable of producing 2m waves has been proposed for the county of Kent in the UK.

‘Boundless exploration’: Shanghai’s Neobio Museum opens to the public

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 21 Dec 2022

The Neobio Museum is a brand new attraction in Shanghai, China, offering experiential STEM education to young people

New York’s Museum of Sex is expanding into Miami

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 20 Dec 2022

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

World’s largest freestanding aquarium, home to 1,500 fish, explodes

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 19 Dec 2022

Berlin’s AquaDom aquarium exploded in the early hours of the morning on December 15. It contained a million litres of water and more than 100 different fish species

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 14 Dec 2022

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

Paul Moreton succeeds Mark ‘Fish’ Fisher as chief development officer at Merlin

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 12 Dec 2022

Merlin Entertainments has named Paul Moreton as its new chief development officer, effective from January 1, 2023.

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 12 Dec 2022

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 08 Dec 2022

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

Spree Interactive picks up People’s Choice Award at MAPIC

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 07 Dec 2022

Virtual reality specialist Spree has been named winner of the People’s Choice Award at this year’s MAPIC event, with the recognition adding to an ever-expanding list of industry awards and nominations picked up in 2022.

Convious named tech partner for West Midland Safari Park

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 07 Dec 2022

Convious has signed a multi-year deal with West Midland Safari Park to supply its fully-integrated eCommerce and guest experience platform

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 05 Dec 2022

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

Artificial intelligence will build Saudi Arabia’s The Line

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 02 Dec 2022

The Line at NEOM - an upcoming vertical city that will house nine million people and feature numerous cultural attractions - is being built through AI, its developers say.

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 30 Nov 2022

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

Merlin promotes Fiona Eastwood to oversee midway attractions and theme parks

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 28 Nov 2022

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

Severn Lamb announces major acquisition of US company Trams International

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 28 Nov 2022

World-leading visitor transportation specialist Severn Lamb has announced a major move in the acquisition of US company Trams International

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 28 Nov 2022

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

IAAPA Expo 2022: 36,000 gather for industry extravaganza

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 22 Nov 2022

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

Industry pays tribute to legendary Alberto Zamperla following his death

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 21 Nov 2022

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

Bob Iger named CEO of Disney as Bob Chapek is ousted

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 21 Nov 2022

In a shocking move, Disney has reappointed Bob Iger as CEO, effective immediately, as Bob Chapek is ousted after less than three years in the role

Red Raion to preview new title at IAAPA Expo

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 07 Nov 2022

Red Raion will offer an exclusive preview of its latest title - ‘Around the World in 80 Days - Journey of Wonders’ - at this year’s IAAPA Expo

Shanghai Disney shuts doors as visitors are unable to leave park without negative Covid test

01 Nov 2022

Visitors to Shanghai Disney were shut inside the park, with people not allowed to leave the popular theme park until they were able to show a negative Covid test.

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 28 Oct 2022

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

Beijing’s Universal Resort shuts as Covid cases rise again in China

27 Oct 2022

The Universal Resort theme park in Beijing has been closed due to Covid-19 prevention measures.

National Emergency Services Museum wins Family Friendly Museum Award 2022

26 Oct 2022

The National Emergency Services Museum in Sheffield has been named the UK’s most family-friendly museum.

Storm Coaster officially named record breaker

26 Oct 2022

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 26 Oct 2022

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 24 Oct 2022

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

iPhone 14 Pro’s crash detection feature is calling emergency services when people ride on rollercoasters

20 Oct 2022

The new iPhone 14 Pro has a fantastic feature that activates when it thinks a user has been in a crash. This however isn’t great for theme parks, with the phone reportedly automatically calling emergency services after riding on a rollercoaster.

WATCH: Meet IAAPA’s president and CEO Hal McEvoy

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 19 Oct 2022

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

TrustRadius recognises accesso with Tech Cares award

14 Oct 2022

TrustRadius - a research and review platform for business leaders - has recognised attractions technology solutions provider accesso as part of its “Tech Cares 2022” award programme.

‘Surge’ in investor interest from Abu Dhabi for UAE’s US$5bn Moon Resort

13 Oct 2022

A resort earmarked for Dubai could find its home in Abu Dhabi, after it was revealed that the Moon Resort has “caught the eye” of a number of investors.

Edinburgh Zoo’s Giraffes About Town raise £246,000 for wildlife conservation

11 Oct 2022

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) raised nearly a quarter-of-a-million pounds following the auction of 37 giraffe sculptures which had been placed around the city of Edinburgh during the summer.

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 10 Oct 2022

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 07 Oct 2022

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

Natural History Museum partners with National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine to help save historic artworks

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 06 Oct 2022

Researchers from the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and London’s Natural History Museum have discovered the cause of damage to several medieval murals in a Unesco World Heritage site in Ukraine

Heygo takes streaming tours into museums sector

05 Oct 2022

Live streaming tour platform Heygo is venturing into the culture sector, with the company announcing a number of partnerships with various museums to “create a space for all to interact, learn and connect with like-minded people”.

Florida’s museums reopen in wake of Hurricane Ian

04 Oct 2022

A number of museums in Florida have reopened their doors after escaping the worst of Hurricane Ian, a devastating storm that tore a path of destruction through the state last week.

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 30 Sep 2022

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

Heavy flooding in Orlando as Hurricane Ian continues through Florida

29 Sep 2022

More than a foot of rain fell overnight in Orange County last night with winds of up to 80mph, according to reports, with Disney World, Universal and other major theme parks in the area affected by the weather event.

WATCH: Meet Katapult’s creative strategist Kelly Herrick

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 29 Sep 2022

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

WATCH: Meet Vantage president Michael Jungen

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 28 Sep 2022

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 27 Sep 2022

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

WATCH: Meet Conductr CEO and co-founder Peter Cliff

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 26 Sep 2022

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 23 Sep 2022

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

Paddy Dunning announces worldwide locations for ‘The Giant’

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 21 Sep 2022

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

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 16 Sep 2022

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

BoldMove to showcase AR Hybrid Quest attraction at IAAPA Expo Europe

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 12 Sep 2022

BoldMove will offer attendees a close-up look at its AR Hybrid Quest attraction

Everything you need to know about IAAPA Expo Europe 2022

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

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

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 12 Sep 2022

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

WhiteWater to showcase Icon Tower at IAAPA Expo Europe

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 10 Sep 2022

WhiteWater is set to offer attendees a first look at its record-breaking Icon Tower at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 09 Sep 2022

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

Meet the team behind IAAPA Expo Europe

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 09 Sep 2022

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

Convious to demonstrate full capabilities of eCommerce platform on rocket ship booth at IAAPA Expo Europe

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 08 Sep 2022

Convious will recreate the guest experience to showcase the full capabilities of its cloud-based sales and marketing solution with an interactive, rocket ship-themed booth

UK’s National Marine Aquarium bounces back from Covid to make £1m profit

07 Sep 2022

The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth, UK, has shown positive post-Covid recovery, with the attraction announcing profits of more than £1m in 2021.

Guests can now enjoy different experiences on the same ride at the same time thanks to new TiO innovation from Holovis

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 07 Sep 2022

Holovis has created an innovative two-in-one system that supports the delivery of two different media or real-time interactive experiences simultaneously within the same ride or attraction

Sixteen injured as tower drop ride crashes to the ground in India

06 Sep 2022

Sixteen people have reportedly been hospitalised after a drop tower plummeted around 50ft (15.2m) before crashing into the ground with force at a carnival in Mohali, India.

accesso promises to ‘showcase the future of mobile’ at IAAPA Expo Europe

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 06 Sep 2022

accesso is set to showcase what it calls ‘the future of mobile consumer engagement’ at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe, with expanded solutions designed to help operators connect, engage and build loyalty with visitors

Meet Planet Attractions at IAAPA Expo Europe!

05 Sep 2022

Taking place at Excel London in the heart of the British capital, this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe will feature an extensive trade show floor with more than 500 exhibitors taking part, including

Alterface unveils new Action League theme designs ahead of IAAPA Expo Europe

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 02 Sep 2022

Alterface has revealed new theming and media packages for its award-winning Action League dark ride

FORREC to showcase new projects at IAAPA Expo Europe

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 31 Aug 2022

Experience design firm FORREC will be on hand to discuss several of its high-profile projects, including the new Legoland Korea Resort, at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe

Community-focused children’s museum central to Queens’ gallery expansion

Alice Davis | Planet Attractions | 31 Aug 2022

The US$69m addition furthers the Queens Museum mission to bring arts and education to a diverse and international community

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 27 Aug 2022

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

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 19 Aug 2022

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

Triotech to present new standing theatre attraction and announce major European theme park project at IAAPA Expo Europe

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 19 Aug 2022

Media-based attractions specialist Triotech will showcase a new stand-up flying theatre attraction and announce a major European theme park project at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe

Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition chartered to house Ukranian refugees in Scotland

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 17 Aug 2022

With an influx of Ukranian refugees threatening to overwhelm available housing in Scotland, the government has announced plans to accommodate up to 1,750 people onboard Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambition on a temporary basis

Happy National Rollercoaster Day!

16 Aug 2022

There might be quite a lot of national days about but none can surely be as important as August 16 - National Rollercoaster Day.

Simworx to showcase new ride concepts at IAAPA Expo Europe

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 16 Aug 2022

The dynamic media-based attractions specialist will showcase several new ride concepts at IAAPA Expo Europe

Three injured in shooting outside Six Flags Great America

15 Aug 2022

Three people have been injured following gunfire outside Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois, US.

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 12 Aug 2022

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’

Rollercoaster crash at Legoland Germany leaves 30 injured

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 11 Aug 2022

More than 30 people have been injured after two rollercoaster trains crashed into each other at Legoland Germany

‘We’re very flexible’ says Chapek in response to anger over Disney’s increasing park prices

11 Aug 2022

Bob Chapek has been questioned about anger on social media over increasing park prices with the Disney CEO telling

RWS to showcase full capabilities at IAAPA Expo Europe following key multi-national acquisitions

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 11 Aug 2022

RWS Entertainment Group will showcase its capabilities as a full-service provider of visitor attractions and experiences at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe following two major acquisitions

Carnival to cut fleetwide emissions by 500,000 metric tons with new sustainability initiative

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 11 Aug 2022

Carnival’s new sustainability plan will cut its emissions by 500,000 metric tons per year and save US$150m annually in fuel costs

Earnings reports: SeaWorld, Cedar Fair and Universal all soar in the face of Covid-19

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 08 Aug 2022

SeaWorld, Cedar Fair and Universal have all experienced strong second quarters with the operators also revealing some hints as to what’s coming for each in the near future

New Unesco guidance aims to reduce impact of development on World Heritage sites

05 Aug 2022

Unesco has issued new guidance aimed at reducing impacts from development on World Heritage sites.

Planet Attractions to host influencer panel at IAAPA Expo Europe

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 04 Aug 2022

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

02 Aug 2022

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

02 Aug 2022

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.

Big Cat Public Safety Act passes the US House of Representatives

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 02 Aug 2022

A change in the law will see private ownership of big cats in the US banned, putting an end to possession of tigers, lions and other big cat species except by qualified entities

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 01 Aug 2022

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

London’s Natural History Museum launches fundraising campaign for free-to-visit green space

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 28 Jul 2022

Fundraising has started for the Natural History Museum’s Urban Nature Project, a scheme which will allow the museum to turn its five-acre site into a free-to-visit educational outdoor space

Activists glue hands to 15th-century Botticelli masterpiece

28 Jul 2022

A 15th-century painting by renowned Italian artist Sandro Botticelli was recently the target of climate activists after they glued themselves to one of his works at the Gallerie degli Uffizi in Florence.

Some handy tips to get waterpark operators through the busiest time of year

WhiteWater | 28 Jul 2022

As we enter the busiest time of the year for most waterpark operators, the team at WhiteWater has offered some tips to ensure the season runs smoothly

Everything you need to know about Shark Week

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 27 Jul 2022

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

Lottery-based tickets to new Ghibli attraction as visitor numbers are capped

25 Jul 2022

With just a few months to go until the grand opening of the highly-anticipated Ghibli Park in Nagoya, Japan, the attraction has revealed that tickets will be sold via a lottery-based booking system, with attendance to the attraction being limited to create an atmosphere likened to that of the Ghibli adventures themselves.

Horniman Museum and Gardens named Art Fund’s Museum Of The Year 2022

22 Jul 2022

Parthenon Marbles replica carved by AI to go on display in London

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 20 Jul 2022

Detailed replicas of the controversial Elgin or Parthenon Marbles, created by a robot, will soon go on display in London

‘We're the industry of fun and it's time to have fun again’: Peter van der Schans on IAAPA EMEA, industry challenges and what to expect at this year’s IAAPA Expo Europe

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 18 Jul 2022

Planet Attractions travelled to Belgium recently to meet Peter van der Schans, IAAPA’s new executive director and vice president for the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region. Here’s what he had to say

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 14 Jul 2022

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

Saudi Arabia unveils plan to transform museums sector

13 Jul 2022

Saudi Arabia’s Museums Commission has announced plans to transform its museum sector, unveiling a new strategy, which will see the number and types of museums across the Kingdom increase in an attempt to boost visitor numbers.

Meow Wolf co-founder Matt King dies

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 12 Jul 2022

Matt King, co-founder of arts and entertainment collective Meow Wolf has passed away

Adjaye Associates to lead £57m redevelopment of UK’s International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 08 Jul 2022

Celebrated architecture firm Adjaye Associates will lead a major redesign project at two UK museums; The International Slavery Museum and the Maritime Museum

Glastonbury founder celebrated with painting at National Portrait Gallery, named as patron at Radstock Museum

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 07 Jul 2022

Glastonbury founder, Michael Eavis has been commemorated with a specially-commissioned portrait at the National Portrait Gallery. He has also been named as a patron of Somerset’s Radstock Museum

The museum that’s introduced special glasses to help colour-blind people see art in a whole new light

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 05 Jul 2022

Colour deficient and colour-blind visitors to Australia’s Chau Chak Wing Museum are now being offered special glasses to see works of art in clear, vibrant colour for the first time

Edinburgh Zoo installs giraffe statues around Scottish capital

05 Jul 2022

A collection of 42 eight-foot-tall giraffe statues have popped up around the Scottish capital of Edinburgh, with the installation declared a ‘celebration of nature’ by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS).

Merlin introduces career acceleration scheme for frontline staff

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 04 Jul 2022

Merlin is introducing a new education scheme that will offer training opportunities to guest-facing staff members to help elevate their careers and encourage diversity in the company’s senior ranks

Visiting a museum can help reduce your anxiety

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 28 Jun 2022

A recently-released study suggests that a museum visit can help an array of mental and physical conditions, including anxiety, chronic pain and even dementia

The Horrors of Blumhouse coming to Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights

27 Jun 2022

Building commences in Lhasa on world's highest planetarium

Alice Davis | Planet Attractions | 24 Jun 2022

Tibet Planetarium, which could open in two years’ time, hopes to welcome over 100,000 guests annually

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

Alice Davis | Planet Attractions | 22 Jun 2022

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

Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum gifted £3m for Power Hall renovation

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 21 Jun 2022

The Science and Industry Museum has received a generous donation from The Law Family Charitable Foundation for the refurbishment of its Power Hall

Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum launches The Open Era gallery

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 17 Jun 2022

The redeveloped ‘The Open Era’ gallery is now open to the public at the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum

Elephant not a person declares US judge following attempt to free Bronx Zoo’s Happy

15 Jun 2022

New York's top court has rejected an attempt to free Happy the elephant from the Bronx Zoo, declaring that the animal is not a person and can therefore not be released through a habeas corpus proceeding, which is a way for people to challenge illegal confinement.

Universal theme parks experiencing ‘historic’ park attendance, CEO reveals

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 15 Jun 2022

NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell has revealed that Universal theme parks are experiencing ‘historic’ park attendance and hotel bookings

Chicago’s Adler Planetarium to receive share of US$12.5m in NASA STEM funding

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 13 Jun 2022

The Adler Planetarium in Chicago is one of a number of informal education institutions to receive NASA funding to serve students from communities underrepresented in STEM fields

Japan reopens to tourists under strict Covid guidelines

10 Jun 2022

Japan has finally reopened its borders to tourists from 98 countries and regions, though it comes with strict conditions to try and prevent the spread of Covid-19 from overseas.

WATCH: Go behind the scenes of Epcot’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 09 Jun 2022

With Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind now open at Walt Disney World, Disney has released a behind-the-scenes look at how the attraction and its special scenes have been brought to life

HK$3.5bn Hong Kong Palace Museum sets July opening date

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 08 Jun 2022

The Hong Kong Palace Museum is the newest addition to the West Kowloon Cultural District with the HK$3.5bn attraction set to open its doors to the public for the first time next month

Virtual walkthrough unveiled for Walt Disney’s Kansas Laugh-O-Gram Studio

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 07 Jun 2022

Thank You Walt Disney, Inc has launched a virtual tour of Walt Disney’s historic Laugh-O-Gram Studio, with the historic animation site set to open to the public following work in Q4 2023

Carnegie Museums names Gina Winstead its new vice president for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility

07 Jun 2022

Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh has named Gina Winstead its new vice president for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA).

Portland Museum of Art plans US$45m expansion

07 Jun 2022

The Portland Museum of Art (PMA) in Maine, US, has launched an international competition for a new US$45m (€42.2m, £36m) extension that will see the historic art centre double its exhibition space.

‘Bloody expensive’: ABBA need to recoup £140m to cover costs of virtual Voyage residency

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 01 Jun 2022

Pop supergroup ABBA need to earn £140m from ticket sales of their London residency Voyage to cover the cost of the virtual spectacle

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

Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 01 Jun 2022

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

Efteling celebrates 70 years by surprising first 70 visitors

31 May 2022

Efteling reached a significant milestone today (May 31), with the Dutch theme park celebrating 70 years since it first opened in 1952.

Man smears cake on the Mona Lisa as he encourages people to ‘think of the earth’

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 30 May 2022

A man entered the Louvre on Sunday disguised as an old lady in a wheelchair in an attempt to deface the Mona Lisa with cake

The cat’s (almost) out of the bag at Eureka! Science + Discovery

30 May 2022

Eureka! Science + Discovery - a new STEM attraction coming to Wirral, UK, later this year - has unveiled its first exhibit, a 12-foot tall cat statue.

Legoland construction starts up again as Covid lockdown starts to ease

Alice Davis | Planet Attractions | 27 May 2022

Site workers will be kept inside a ‘closed-loop’ system following strict prevention and control measures

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 24 May 2022

‘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

Whitney Museum workers protest at fundraising gala

23 May 2022

A group of around 100 people gathered at the Whitney Museum during its annual fundraising gala event, with the members of the Whitney Museum Union (WMU) protesting over a pay dispute.

The generation game: How modern POS is transforming attractions operations

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 18 May 2022

How do you develop a POS system that caters to both digital natives and the generation before them? Convious’s Miendu Dang has the answers

SEA Expo enters second day

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 17 May 2022

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

Ryan Stana and Robin Breese-Davies on what’s next for RWS and ted

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 17 May 2022

Following the RWS acquisition of The Experience Department, Planet Attractions travelled to ted HQ to meet RWS CEO Ryan Stana and ted CEO Robin Breese-Davies to see what’s next following the landmark deal

Dubai establishes Supreme Committee to oversee future development of Expo 2020 District

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 12 May 2022

A new Supreme Committee has been formed to plan and implement the future of the Expo 2020 Dubai district

Everything you need to know about SEA Expo 2022

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 11 May 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

Unesco releases statement on Havana hotel explosion

10 May 2022

Unesco’s World Heritage Centre has released a statement on the accidental explosion that ripped through much of the Saratoga Hotel, in Havana, Cuba on Friday (May 6), killing at least 35 people.

Two sustainability mantras from the House of Gucci movie

Une de Boer | WhiteWater | 09 May 2022

What can the House of Gucci movie teach us about sustainability? WhiteWater’s Una de Boer tells all

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

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 06 May 2022

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

Pandemic resurgence as SeaWorld soars with record results in first quarter

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 05 May 2022

Visitation and revenue soared for SeaWorld in the first three months of the year, with the most visitors in Q1 since 2013 and record all-time revenue for the period

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

Planet Attractions | 05 May 2022

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

Attractions Calendar: May

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 03 May 2022

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

Liverpool introduces inclusivity charter following successful museum trials

03 May 2022

The city of Liverpool has introduced a new charter encouraging visitor attractions, cultural venues and restaurants in the British destination to be as inclusive as possible.

Nick Varney and Mark Fisher both announce retirements from Merlin Entertainments

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 29 Apr 2022

Nick Varney who has led Merlin since its inception and Mark Fisher, who played a key role in the company’s formation, have both announced their intention to leave the attractions giant in 2023

World-first Nerf-themed land coming to Beto Carrero World in 2023

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 26 Apr 2022

The iconic Nerf brand will gain its first themed land in its 53-year history with the debut of a new attraction coming to Brazil’s Beto Carrero World in 2023

Universal’s famous Studio Tour trams go green

26 Apr 2022

Universal Studios Hollywood has converted its world-famous studio tour trams, with the operator debuting the first four of what will eventually be a fleet of 21 electric vehicles.

Suppliers recognised in Asia Attractions Golden Crown Awards

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 26 Apr 2022

A number of attractions suppliers and manufacturers have been named winners of China’s prestigious Golden Crown Awards

Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park finally allowed to reopen after Covid restrictions eased

22 Apr 2022

With Hong Kong’s worst outbreak of Covid-19 finally starting to subside, authorities have relaxed pandemic restrictions, meaning that Disneyland and Ocean Park can finally reopen their doors.

The Netflix approach: How user segmentation is changing the visitor experience game

Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 21 Apr 2022

Attractions.io’s Peter O’Dare explains how user segmentation is transforming the visitor experience for the better


© Kazoo 5 Limited 2023