The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) has established the IAAPA Foundation to fund the development of information resources for the global attractions industry.

The foundation has been set up as a separate, nonprofit corporation and will aim to improve the scope of research, products, and services as well as educational programmes available to the attractions industry.

Run by a board of members, the foundation will look to conduct its own research and provide the industry with data across a number of business areas.

The IAAPA Foundation board is chaired by Ted Molter, director of marketing at San Diego Zoo.

Board directors include Rene Aziz, president of Grupo Divertido; Jane Cooper, president, Herschend Family Entertainment; Phil Lindsey, vice president of exhibits and business development at The Health Museum; John McReynolds, director of external affairs, Universal Orlando Resort and Jim Seay, president of Premier Rides.

Ted Molter said: "The IAAPA Foundation was created to support the attractions industry by providing education and conducting essential research.

"The Foundation will provide funding to help make these programs and resources available for attraction operators and suppliers around the globe."