Visitor attractions and theme parks across the world were celebrated at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo in Orlando, Florida, US, last week, when five sites were awarded 2008 Spirit of ExcellenceAwards in recognition of their human resources programmes.

Warner Village Theme Parks, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, Morey's Piers, SeaWorld San Diego, and Wild Wadi Water Park were all honoured for their commitment to training and professional development.

Australia-based Warner Village Theme Parks won the Best Guest Services Training Program for its 'Be Our Guest' initiative; Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in Ohio, US, won the award in the Best Safety Awareness Program category; Morey's Piers Beachfront Waterparks in Wildwood, New Jersey, US, won the Best Orientation Program award; SeaWorld San Diego in California, US, won the Best Employee Recognition Program category and Wild Wadi Water Park in Dubai, UAE took the Best Supervisor Training Program award.