GEOFF CHUTTER IS ERNST AND YOUNG’S CANADIAN ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR 2019 WINNER

BY GABRIELLE

Geoff Chutter, president and CEO of leading waterpark manufacturer WhiteWater, has been awarded with Ernst and Young’s prestigious Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year award.

These high-profile awards attract more than 300 entries from across Canada each year.

Sharing every successful entrepreneur’s characteristics of courage, vision, and a tireless work ethic, Chutter has had a profound impact on WhiteWater’s prolific growth. The company began in 1980 as one of Canada’s first waterparks, progressing as a leading international brand within the world of waterparks, employing over 600 people in offices in Dubai, Barcelona, Shanghai, San Diego, Vancouver and Denver.

Chutter, through a combination of strategic acquisitions and in-house innovation, has developed a diverse product portfolio, enabling WhiteWater to create pioneering water attractions to cater for the requirements of individual waterparks and theme parks with a water ride product line.

Lui Petrollini, EY’s assurance partner and the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Pacific program director, commented on Geoff Chutter’s accolade: “Geoff’s and WhiteWater’s entrepreneurial ride towards being crowned the EY Canadian Entrepreneur Of The Year is truly an inspiring, ‘feel good’ story.

“It’s one thing to be acknowledged for entrepreneurial achievement, it’s another to be acknowledged in a sector that supports family values by enabling dreams to come true and lasting memories to be made. Becoming the largest global designer and the biggest manufacturer of water park products is no small feat.

“It’s taken Geoff, and WhiteWater, years of dedication to their business, product mix, and customer base to achieve this global reach and success,” Petrollini added.

INTU COSTA DEL SOL TO FEATURE INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO ZONING BY GABRIELLE

BY GABRIELLE

Intu, owner of a number of the largest retail and entertainment destinations in Spain and the UK, has announced it is bringing an entirely new approach to zoning.

The new zoning design will see a set of distinct neighbourhoods built at its flagship global resort development, intu Costa del Sol in Torremolinos, Spain. Each area will be designed to deliver a unique experience for guests.

The Lake zone will provide fun for guests at all times. The Arena will feature the stage for the park’s highly anticipated performances. The Hills area will be the place where guests can wine, dine and relax.

The Hood will be a hub of creative energy. The Boulevard will be designed in a Mediterranean style and Wonderland will be a themed world made to entertain and enthral children. The Gallery zone will be the resort’s shopping hub and Central Park will be the heart of the entire development.

Martin Breeden, development director for intu, commented: “Designed to be a resort like no other, intu Costa del Sol is breaking the mould across many aspects. These neighbourhoods will be instrumental in ensuring the resort has something for everyone, allowing each and every visitor to have a unique experience and create memories for life.”

Ian Sandford, project director for intu Costa del Sol and president of intu’s JV partner Eurofund, said: “What sets intu Costa del Sol apart is our approach, rooted in an ethos born from the need for a refreshing new way of thinking. The neighbourhood approach is a vital part of this, and one that we believe will truly make the project stand out on the world stage.”

BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH’S NICK THOMPSON TO OPEN INTERFUN EXPO 2020

BY GABRIELLE

Nick Thompson, deputy managing director of Blackpool Pleasure Beach, is to open the 2020 Interfun Expo in Leeds next April.

Thompson visited this year’s Interfun Expo and said he would be delighted to open next year’s event.

The Pleasure Beach’s deputy managing director was brought up in Blackpool. He first started working at the family-run business when he was at school.

After travelling the world working in different capacities within the leisure and tourism industry, Thompson returned to his roots, taking the role as catering manager at the amusement site in 1993.

A year later, he was promoted to catering and retail director and also became a Blackpool Pleasure Beach board director.

As head of the Sponsorship Committee, Nick Thompson attended the international attractions and amusement parks Association business course in the US.

In 2004, Thompson took over as deputy managing director, working with Amanda Thompson OBE to transform the iconic Blackpool amusement park.

In 2017, Thompson made history by becoming the first ever third generation chairman of the British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions. The post sees Thompson follow in his father and grandfather’s footsteps, who also held this prestigious title.

InterFun Expo is taking place at the New Dock Hall, the Royal armouries, Leeds, on April 28 to 29, 2020.

HOLOGATE LAUNCHES NEW VR MULTIPLAYER SYSTEM, DAS BOOT – VR ESCAPE

BY GABRIELLE

Hologate, a world leader in the development of multiplayer virtual reality systems, has announced the launch of a new VR experience – the Das Boot – VR Escape.

The innovative virtual reality system was showcased at IAAPA Expo 2019 in Orlando. The attraction will be rolled out around the world to Hologate Arena systems.

The Das Boot – VR Escape propels players on an immersive submarine experience centred on the much-loved TV series, ‘Das Boot.’

Players work together taking to try and take control of a German submarine by intercepting allied ships sailing the Atlantic. The action takes place in an escape room-style environment, as players have to guide a damaged boat back to safety, while avoiding additional enemy fire.

Players onboard the U0612 vessel can take the role of four different characters, the Chief Engineer, the Watch Officer, the Commander and the Helmsman.

Hologate’s virtual reality turnkey systems are featured in more than 300 locations around the world, with more than five million players taking part in the VR games each year, making Hologate the largest network of VR multiplayer systems.

BIG SNOW AMERICAN DREAM TO OPEN ON DECEMBER 5

BY GABRIELLE

Big SNOW, American Dream’s indoor ski park, is to open on December 5. The retailtainment attraction comprises of a 180,000 sq. ft. ski and snowboard centre.

The snow site features four acres of snow-covered slopes that provide around 1,000 feet of skiing length, including a 160 ft. vertical drop and more graduated slopes to cater for all ages and abilities of skiers and snowboarders.

Visitors to Big SNOW can participate in introductory lessons, snow plays, private coaching, children’s activities and programmes and more.

The first phase of American Dream’s ambitious new facilities opened on October 25, 2019 with the Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park and The Rink. The second phase was due to open on November 27 but was postponed.

Big SNOW is the third phase of the facilities with a fourth phase scheduled to open in March 2020 at the New Jersey SEA LIFE Aquarium.

Hugh Reynolds, vice president of marketing and sales for Big SNOW, commented: “We’re very excited to start sharing Big SNOW with our guests next week.

“There seems to be a lot of interest in what we’re doing, with guests reaching out daily asking about how and when they can buy tickets.

“Launching our ticket sales is a major milestone and brings us one step closer to welcoming guests to year-round winter starting on December 5.” Reynolds added.

DISCOVERY KINGDOM BECOMES WEST COAST’S FIRST SOLAR-POWERED THEME PARK

 BY GABRIELLE

Six Flags’ Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, California, has become the first theme park on the West Coast to be powered by renewable energy.

Working in partnership with Borrego Solar Systems and sPower, the official switch to solar power at Discovery Kingdom was made during a special event to mark the theme park’s 12th Holiday in the Park.

The annual Holiday in the Park features festive F&B and themed entertainment, as well as visitors being able to ride of Six Flags’ iconic rides, rollercoasters and attractions.

Bob Sampayan, mayor of Vallejo, turned on a giant switch at the event, which lit up millions of Christmas lights powered by solar energy.

80% of the theme park is now powered by a 7.5-megawatt solar carport, which is one of the largest solar carports in the United States. The solar carport installation will create 11.9 million kilowatt hours of energy every year, offsetting around 8,400 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.

Tom Iven, senior vice president of the US park operations, said: “We are thrilled to be introducing the nation’s first solar powered Holiday in the Park event.

“The marvellous wonder of this special time of year truly comes alive in our parks with a smorgasbord of seasonal delights to see and experience.”

SOUTH KOREA ANNOUNCES SUPPORT TO BUILD ASIA’S SECOND LARGEST THEME PARK

BY GABRIELLE

South Korea’s finance minister recently announced that the government will support the construction of a new amusement site in the country, which will be the second largest theme park in Asia.

Shinsegae, the south Korean retailer, is to build the $3.8 billion theme park in Hwaseong, approximately 45km southwest of Seoul.

Construction of the park is due to begin in 2021, with an initial opening scheduled for 2026 and a full opening in 2031.

The 4.2 sq. km site will feature five hotels, an 18-hole golf course, as well as three shopping malls.

During a ceremony that took place at the site the theme park is being built on, Hong Nam-ki, South Korea’s finance minister, said the project could employ around 15,000 people. Attracting both local and foreign tourists, Hong added that the theme park would give the country’s economy a huge boost, potentially generating around 70.6 trillion won for the economy.

Shinsegae Property, a real estate unit of Shinsegae, has a 90% stake in the theme park project. The remaining 10% is held by Shinsegae Engineering & Construction.

CHIMELONG OCEAN KINGDOM IN ZHUHAI ADDS NEW ATTRACTIONS

BY GABRIELLE

Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, one of the biggest marine theme parks in China, has got even bigger and better, with new facilities, attractions and entertainment.

In July 2019, a 6,700-seat Chimelong Theatre opened its doors at the theme park, where ‘Dragon’, a 100-minute long Broadway-type show took place, featuring striking performances brought to life with spectacular lighting systems and world-class performers dancing, singing and acting on a 270-degree water ring stage.

Chimelong Ocean Kingdom is set to impress even further in 2020, with a line-up of new attractions in the pipeline, including the opening of the Marine Science Park and the Marine Science Hotel, which are due to open in early 2020.

A spokesperson for Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, spoke of Zhuhai’s bourgeoning tourism market: The Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macau markets registered continuous and stable growth since the Hongkong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HZMB) opened a year ago. It shortens the travelling time and draws more overseas visitors from Hong Kong International Airport to Zhuhai.

“Apart from residents or visitors departing from Hong Kong, we also observe more visitors who are willing to spend one or two days to explore Zhuhai. The HZMB offers visitors a novel and seamless travel experience,” added the spokesperson.

MK THEMED ATTRACTIONS ANNOUNCE AND SUCCESSFUL FIRST SEASON FOR TIGEREN

BY GABRIELLE

Danish theming experts, MK Attractions, has announced Tigeren, its new 45-metre tall Gyro Swing located at Djurs Sommerland in Denmark, is proving to be a big success.

MK Themed Attractions worked on the theming of the new ride, ahead of it opening at the park in time for the 2019 summer season.

Tigeren is the tallest Gyro Swing in Europe. Rotating at 100 kmph, it is also the fastest attraction at Djurs Sommerland.

According to the theming specialists, visitors at Djurs Sommerland enjoyed Tigeren throughout the summer season.

As Henrik Nielson, managing director at Djurs Sommerland, said: “During the one season Tigeren has had so far, we have experienced it being just as popular as the most popular attractions we have.

“Tigeren has actually at times exceeded our expectations in popularity, which is truly great,” Nielson continued.

Tigeren, which means ‘Tiger’ in English, is situated in Djurs Sommerland’s Asian themed area where Dragekongen, Europe’s fastest and longest Family Suspended Coaster, can be found.

The theming for Tigeren is of an extremely high standard, with close attention to detail.

René Hansen, managing director at MK Themed Attractions, said: “We always seek to improve ourselves and strive to deliver the best quality possible, which we have done for Tigeren, and we are glad that Djurs Sommerland and their guests have noticed how much effort we have put into the production of the theme.”