Jan 08, 2013 Judith Rubin #45 - IAAPA & WWA Wrap-Up, Asia, Business, Theme Parks Comments Off on Themed Attractions Malaysia joins popular parks and brands
We caught up with executives from Themed Attractions Malaysia while at the IAAPA Attractions Expo in November: MD/CEO Tunku Dato’ Ahmad Burhanuddin, CFO Vallo Mutto and VP Branding and Group Communications Waikuan Wong. From them, we learned some details about the government-supported push for tourism development in the commonwealth, especially in the Southern corridor. As Malaysia receives many tourists from China, India and the Middle East, and has a sizable Chinese community, a growing middle class and easy proximity to Singapore and Bangkok, and everybody speaks English plus one other language, it is well-favored to serve both locals and travelers.
Focusing on jump-starting things with a family-friendly selection of attractions, the company sought out top entertainment design firms and suppliers: The Hettema Group, BRC Imagination Arts, Thinkwell, Forrec, WhiteWater West and Pro Slide have all contributed – and top brands: Legoland Malaysia (Legoland Malaysia opened September 2012); KidZania (KidZania Malaysia opened February 2012); The Little Big Club and Sanrio Hello Kitty Town (both at Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park, opened in late 2012). Other human and company resources have included Bain & Co. for master planning, Darrell Metzger, Chairman of the Themed Attractions Malaysia Executive Committee, Steve Peet former COO of Village Roadshow, and Philip Whittaker, as chief marketing officer. approach has succeeded and tourism has grown 10% year over year.
Legoland Malaysia joins other popular brands like KidZania and Hello Kitty in the quickly expanding Asian market for attractions.
Photo courtesy of Legoland Malaysia.
With the market of children under age 12 and their families now reasonably well covered, a new surge of development will emphasize the natural beauty and culture of the area, with Leisure Tour Asia initiative aiming to embrace all five senses with food, arts & culture, heritage attractions, seaside resorts and increased leveraging of holidays. Ride parks are also forecast in the future. The group also has the license to open KidZania Singapore in 2015. Just 15 minutes away to the South by bridge, Singapore is seen as a complementary region in terms of tourism, especially in terms of its gaming attractions.
Tunku Dato reported that Malaysia’s prime minister as well as its people are quite happy with the development trend, which includes hotels and residential complexes. “It’s a long-awaited thing,” he said. “We had no theme parks for a very long time. The community is very hungry for it and attendance has been beyond all expectations. And with all the new development it brings in its wake, we are creating jobs directly and indirectly. We are fostering a local industry.”
• • •
Comments Off on The InPark Magazine editors: Meet the press
Comments Off on Global attractions industry reacts to coronavirus outbreak
Comments Off on Editorial: Cross platforming and cross pollination
Comments Off on Editorial: Creative risks and theme park attendance
Jan 17, 2021 Comments Off on IAAPA moves 2021 Asia Expo to Shanghai in August
Jan 15, 2021 Comments Off on LEGOLAND Florida Resort to kick off 10th Anniversary celebration with high wire walk by Nik Wallenda
Jan 14, 2021 Comments Off on Panasonic providing specialized projection technology for Illuminarium experience centers
Jan 13, 2021 Comments Off on SeaWorld San Diego introduces Sesame Street drive-thru experience
Dec 29, 2020 Comments Off on Cedar Fair seeks Corporate Director, Communications
The position will lead strategy development and execution...Dec 28, 2020 Comments Off on Pursuit seeks Financial Analyst, FP&A
This role will focus on all aspects of financial planning...Dec 26, 2020 Comments Off on AOA seeks Show Set Designer
There will be a great deal of freedom, which will be...Dec 09, 2020 Comments Off on Visualization firm THE THIRD FLOOR has openings for a variety of positions
THE THIRD FLOOR is currently seeking Postvis Generalists,...Dec 09, 2020 Comments Off on CineVenture seeks 3D character animator
CineVenture develops high-end content for the global...