In a year of ups, downs, loops and scoops, Attractions Management looks back at some of the biggest stories to hit the headlines, giving possible indicators at what’s still to come in the year ahead.

The orca issue continued to hound SeaWorld, which in May made assurances over captivity in future attractions. Meanwhile, Disney delivered “the impossible” with its new Avatar attraction at Animal Kingdom, while the Italian government came up with a new method of taking care of its heritage – giving away more than 100 sites for free.

One brand worldwide

During May, SeaWorld CEO Joel Manby confirmed the operator’s commitment to becoming an orca-free enterprise, telling shareholders the company would not consider having killer whales in any of its international endeavours.

SeaWorld’s largest shareholder, Blackstone, this year sold its 21 per cent stake in the theme park operator to Chinese investors Zhonghong Zhuoye Group, with the deal including an agreement to develop entertainment destinations including theme parks, waterparks and FECs across Asia.

Having already made a commitment to end orca captivity at its parks in the US and announcing that its Abu Dhabi venture on Yas Island would be its first orca-free park, Manby said SeaWorld would not be using the animals for any of its international ventures.

“As far as going into China, we'll have one brand worldwide,” he said, speaking during an earnings call. “We've talked in detail with the new board members and the new owners. They know our strategy. They support it. Many of the animal issues that have happened in the US are already happening there.

“In China, we will be a leader in that cause. We will be ahead of the curve, not in the middle of the tip of the spear, so to speak. We know our direction and so do our partners.”

The operator’s last captive orca was born in April, dying just three months later after contracting pneumonia – the same infection that killed the infamous captive whale Tilikum.

Heritage giveaway

Italy’s government came up with an interesting way to protect its historic sites – by giving away more than 100 of them for free, on the understanding that any prospective owners must turn their site into a heritage attraction.

Hoping to breathe new life into disused public buildings, including castles, farmhouses and monasteries, the scheme was unveiled by the government-run Agenzia del Demanio (ADD) – Italy’s state property agency.

Successful applicants receive an “Art Bonus” – a tax break on art-related charitable donations – a scheme with first became available in 2015 and can be used for things such as maintenance and restoration of historic buildings.

Winning bidders gain a nine-year lease on the properties, with the option to renew for a further nine years. Those who are believed to have a strong restoration and operation plan are given a 50-year lease.

“Tourism could be the engine for Italian economic growth if the country addresses the necessary efforts to bring to the surface this hidden potential,” said a statement from ADD.

“It offers valuable opportunities for adding value to Italian historic and artistic heritage, attracting new resources for their conservation and enhancement."

Delivering “The Impossible”

One of Disney’s most ambitious ever projects was completed during the month, with the launch of its new Avatar land at Animal Kingdom.

Celebrating the launch with a “Dedication of Pandora” at the Orlando theme park, the striking ‘Pandora – The World of Avatar’ covers roughly 12 acres (48,500sq m) and feature multiple rides and attractions, entertainment, audio-animatronics, 3-D holograms as well as retail, food and beverage outlets.

The Valley of Mo’ara is the US$500m (€446m, £386m) attraction’s backdrop, with its seemingly floating mountains and bioluminescent rainforests creating an iconic attraction for Animal Kingdom.

Avatar director James Cameron worked with Disney on the creation of Pandora at Animal Kingdom, with Iger saying that his vision helped to “deliver the impossible.”

“Thanks to this collaboration anyone can visit Pandora in all of its majesty,” said Cameron. “Animal Kingdom, a park based on a deep respect for nature, is the perfect place to connect Pandora to our world, helping both to inspire us to understand, and to respect the natural world and our place in it.”

Check back with Attractions Management tomorrow for the biggest news coming out of June