The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) has announced the induction of three attractions industry legends — Bernard Harrison, Masatomo Takahashi, and Kelly Tarlton — into the IAAPA Hall of Fame. The inductions were announced during the Opening Ceremony at Asian Attractions Expo 2018 in Hong Kong, China. The IAAPA Hall of Fame honors individuals whose work and accomplishments have made significant and lasting contributions to the worldwide attractions industry.
In celebration of IAAPA’s 100th anniversary, the association inducted this esteemed group of leaders from Asia-Pacific who have positively shaped both the region and the global attractions industry. The recent inductees joined the ranks of industry visionaries who are members of the IAAPA Hall of Fame.
IAAPA Hall of Fame inductions typically take place each year during IAAPA Attractions Expo in Orlando, Florida. In honor of IAAPA’s centennial anniversary, special inductions are taking place at each IAAPA Expo, including Asian Attractions Expo 2018 and Euro Attractions Show 2018 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
“We are pleased to welcome Bernard Harrison, Masatomo Takahashi, and Kelly Tarlton as the newest inductees to the IAAPA Hall of Fame,” said Jack Morey, 2018 chairman of the IAAPA Hall of Fame and Archives Committee and executive vice president of Morey’s Piers. “Throughout their careers, each brought a spirit of innovation, creativity, and passion that not only changed the landscape of the attractions industry in Asia-Pacific, but throughout the world. Their powerful legacies and lasting contributions are nothing short of remarkable.”
Bernard Harrison, Wildlife Reserves Singapore, Singapore
Bernard Harrison has created a legacy of innovation in the zoological world over the span of four decades with his creativity and enthusiasm. At the age of 29, Harrison accepted the position of CEO for the Singapore Zoo, becoming one of the youngest zoo directors to ever hold the position. In 1994, he created the “Night Safari,” a groundbreaking concept that has been hailed as one of the most significant paradigm shifts in zoological history. The 100-acre development showcased nocturnal animals using subtle, atmospheric lighting in a naturalistic forest setting. Recognized as a game-changing innovation for modern zoos, the “Night Safari” has inspired similar installations around the world, and Harrison’s focus on naturalism and animal welfare has been adopted worldwide.
Masatomo Takahashi, Oriental Land Company, Tokyo, Japan (1913-2000)
Masatomo Takahashi rose through the corporate ranks of leadership at the Oriental Land Company, eventually becoming president and CEO in 1978. He dreamed of bringing the magic of Disneyland to the people of Japan and approached the Walt Disney Company with the idea of Tokyo Disneyland. Takahashi understood the people of Japan and correctly predicted the appeal of a Disneyland theme park that would be just like the one in the United States. His leadership and unwavering perseverance guided the multi-million dollar project to fruition and the park opened in 1983. Tokyo Disneyland was embraced by the Japanese public, and today draws more than 17 million guests each year. In the late 1990s, he presented the idea for Tokyo DisneySea, inspired by the myths and legends of the ocean, which opened in 2001. Takahashi’s vision, creativity, and courage have brought a lifetime of memories to millions of Japanese families.
Kelly Tarlton, Underwater World, Auckland, New Zealand (1937-1985)
An avid scuba diver, archeologist, and lover of marine exploration, Kelly Tarlton’s innovative approach changed the way aquarium visitors around the world view marine life. Inspired by the discovery of some unused sewage tanks along the Auckland waterfront, Tarlton imagined an aquarium that would provide the opportunity for guests to be underwater without actually getting in the water. After connecting the tanks, he used heavy-duty, clear acrylic sheets, molding them with heat into a tunnel that would provide a passage through the tank. The underwater observation tunnel opened for the first time at Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World in 1985. Adding to the experience, Kelly created a curved, moving walkway, adapted from airline baggage delivery belts, to move visitors through the tunnel. Today, this underwater experience is enjoyed in hundreds of aquariums and marine exhibits around the world.
IAAPA Hall of Fame Honors Those Who Have Made Lasting Contributions to the Global Industry
The IAAPA Hall of Fame was established in 1990 to honor legends and pioneers for their significant and lasting contributions to the growth and development of the attractions industry. Over the past 28 years, dozens of industry pioneers from around the world have been inducted to the IAAPA Hall of Fame including Walt Disney (The Walt Disney Company); Milton Hershey (Hersheypark); Dick Knoebel (Knoebels Amusement Resort); Bo Kinntorph (Liseberg); Will Koch (Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari); Jack Lindquist (Disneyland), Franz Mack (Mack Rides/Europa-Park); Bob Rogers (BRC Imagination Arts); Jay Stein (Universal Studios Florida); Geoffrey Thompson (Blackpool Pleasure Beach); Tom Williams (Universal Parks & Resorts); Antonio Zamperla (Zamperla); Philippe de Villiers (Puy du Fou); Henri and Pamela Landwirth (Give Kids The World); and Richard M. Sherman (Iconic Songwriter).
