MR-PROFUN ACQUIRES ICON GLOBAL PARTNERS

BY GABRIELLE

MR-ProFun, a well-established provider of independent operational consulting and management services in the attractions industry, has acquired Icon Global Partners Limited, a leading supplier of consulting services for waterparks.  

The acquisition is designed to significantly enhance waterpark consulting and management capabilities.

Talking about the new merger, Brad Merriman, president of MR-ProFun, said:

“This is a terrific moment for our organization. Acquiring the extensive operational and technical expertise of Icon Global Partners significantly enhances MR-ProFun’s ability to further apply our forty years of experience in the ever-expanding waterpark sector.”

Mike Oswald, managing partner of MR-ProFun’s Management Services division, shared his enthusiasm towards the acquisition.

“We are confident that our newly-acquired waterpark focused talent and resources cements our place as the attractions sector’s go-to resource for operational consulting and management.  This acquisition will also allow us to expand our ability to service our clients in South East Asia and China from Icon’s office in Bangkok, Thailand,” Oswald commented.

Icon Global Partners is equally excited about the partnership. As Tim Mow, partner and chief of technical services of Icon Global Partners, said:

“The Icon team is excited!  MR-ProFun brings significant resources and experience to the table which allows us to greatly improve the service and offering to our world class clients and projects.” said Mow.

ODISHA GOVERNMENT ALLOCATES LAND FOR SEVEN TOURISM PROJECTS

 BY GABRIELLE

The Odisha government has approved the allocation of land for seven hotel and tourism projects, including a waterpark and theme park. The total investment in the projects comes to around $50 million.

The $1million waterpark is planned to be built near Sambalpur by the Aquamagic Water Amusement Park. The proposed theme park is to be located near Rourkela and has an investment of around $455,000.

Further projects approved by the Odisha government include the building of a golf resort at Satpada. The development is being carried out by Mayfair hotels and Resorts Limited.

There is also plans for the constructing of Gopalpur Palm Resort at Udayapur by Swosti Vacations Club Private Limited, a resort at Gopalpur by Luxurio Assets, a resort at Tampara by Lifeline Multi Venture Private Limited, and a hotel at Trisulia by Lalchand Resort Private Limited.

Kumar Dev, Odisha’s tourism secretary, commented:

“The lands have been allotted for seven projects in different parts of the State after due diligence and technical assessment for land requirement. These projects will bring in an investment of Rs 354.34 crore.

“The projects will be developed over a total area of around 79.5 acres, out of which government has decided to allot around 42.5 acres. Some project proponents have arranged balance land on their own privately.

“These projects, apart from creating direct employment opportunities, also have potential for large indirect employment.”

HUGE NEW ATTRACTION SITE TO OPEN IN KAZAKHSTAN IN 2020

BY GABRIELLE

A major new tourist facility, including a children’s waterpark, heated swimming pool, tennis court, golf course, football field, accommodation and congress hall, is to open on the coast of Aktau on the Caspian Sea in Kazakhstan.

The new 600-room resort is being built by Turkey’s Sembol Construction and will create around 2,000 jobs.

Arystanbek Mukhamediuly, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Culture and Sports, spoke about the aim of the project.

“This is the first step in the implementation of the state programme on tourism development. The first stage of construction will be implemented on 16 hectares of land along a three-kilometre coastline.

“Due to this project, the Mangistau Region will change for the better. I believe this facility will attract tourists,” said Mukhamediuly.

The Caspian Sea coast is one of Kazakhstan’s leading tourist areas and the country aims to attract investment to build 45 hotels along the coast.

The ambitious tourist facility on the coast of Aktau is due to open in July 2020.

AMSTERDAM TO LAUNCH REPLICA PIRATES SHIP ATTRACTION

BY GABRIELLE

An immersive, ‘socialentertaiment’ attraction is coming to Amsterdam. Part boat and part historic re-enactment, the Pirates Experience is designed to let guests travel back in time and lose their grip on reality.

The Pirates Experience has been created by the Amusement Hub, developers of visitor attractions on a global scale.

The adventure is centred on the principles of sailing and life as a pirate, providing guests with the opportunity to sing along together, pull ropes in harmony and share meals, encouraging collaboration, cooperation and fellowship.

The history of pirates will play a central role in the experience, enabling guests to learn historical facts about pirates.

The Amusement Hub refer to the principles of the ride as being ‘socialentertainment’ – an invigorating journey with a social experience.

The ride’s creators intend to share the profits from the attraction with charities such as Healing Helpers and Musicians Without Borders.

The Pirates Experience’s 23.5m boat is made of oak and has a 19m mast. The attraction can accommodate up to 27 people at one time.

The boat’s first voyage will take place on 11 July 2020, setting sail from Amsterdam. Both day and night tours are available on the Pirates Experience, with guests sleeping on the replica pirates ship during the night on the night tours.