Paul Noland, president and CEO of IAAPA opened the Asian Attractions Expo 2014 today in Beijing - the association's first time in mainland China.

Noland said IAAPA was excited to be in Beijing for the first time and the presence of the event reflected the huge growth of the industry in the region. "The Chinese market is the fastest growing in the world," he said "There are 59 theme parks under development in China alone."

Marion Mamon, Chair of IAAPA played his part in the opening of the event by taking to his stage with his wife, Cynthia Romero Mamon, and members of his family and team from his park - Enchanted Kingdom in the Philippines - for a rousing song and dance routine.

Mamon thanked Lou Jingwang, chair of CAAPA for his support in bringing the event to China.

It's expected the expo will move around the region over the next few years,with Shanghai likely to host at some point soon given the opening of the new Disney Shanghai - originally scheduled for 2015, but now likely to be 2016.

Noland said record numbers of exhibitors were taking part in the trade show, with visitors attending from 70 countries.