Understanding the impact that human actions are having on the sustainability of our planet is influencing how we’re choosing to spend our spare time. Operators canny enough to adopt ecologically sound practices and hatch thought-provoking exhibitions – which are informative, interactive and fun – offer our increasingly savvy visitors of all generations both an entertaining and erudite day out with their friends and family.
This edition’s Developing Pipeline features many such stand-out projects. In New Zealand, the forthcoming Napier National Aquarium is set to become “an eco-tourism destination of major significance”, and “guests will learn more about apex predators and their importance to our ocean” at the new shark gallery at Georgia Aquarium in the US. In response to mounting pressure on cetacean captivity, a programme at Vancouver Aquarium in Canada will educate visitors on healthier oceans. In the Middle East, at National Geographic’s Ocean Odyssey, deep-sea explorers will share their stories while gaming challenges will put visitors at the centre of cleaning up the oceans, encouraging them to take an individual pledge.
Science centre operators are embracing this deeply aware and receptive visitor mindset too, with Abdul Kalam Science City in India “encouraging the participation of locals and Bihari diaspora in engaging activities to develop scientific temperament”. Closer to home, in the UK, the second Eureka! site “will open the eyes of parents and young people, showing them how anyone from any background can go on to change and transform the world”.
Although these forthcoming attractions are on the case, we must applaud those that are one step ahead. Museon in the Netherlands invites visitors to contribute their ideas and proceed to action – making themselves “heroes on our planet”. WAZA members are on the road to eliminating single-use plastic and using only certified sustainable palm oil. For the future of our planet, let’s hope that even more attractions get on board.
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally
opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its
next phase. [more...]
Understanding the impact that human actions are having on the sustainability of our planet is influencing how we’re choosing to spend our spare time. Operators canny enough to adopt ecologically sound practices and hatch thought-provoking exhibitions – which are informative, interactive and fun – offer our increasingly savvy visitors of all generations both an entertaining and erudite day out with their friends and family.
This edition’s Developing Pipeline features many such stand-out projects. In New Zealand, the forthcoming Napier National Aquarium is set to become “an eco-tourism destination of major significance”, and “guests will learn more about apex predators and their importance to our ocean” at the new shark gallery at Georgia Aquarium in the US. In response to mounting pressure on cetacean captivity, a programme at Vancouver Aquarium in Canada will educate visitors on healthier oceans. In the Middle East, at National Geographic’s Ocean Odyssey, deep-sea explorers will share their stories while gaming challenges will put visitors at the centre of cleaning up the oceans, encouraging them to take an individual pledge.
Science centre operators are embracing this deeply aware and receptive visitor mindset too, with Abdul Kalam Science City in India “encouraging the participation of locals and Bihari diaspora in engaging activities to develop scientific temperament”. Closer to home, in the UK, the second Eureka! site “will open the eyes of parents and young people, showing them how anyone from any background can go on to change and transform the world”.
Although these forthcoming attractions are on the case, we must applaud those that are one step ahead. Museon in the Netherlands invites visitors to contribute their ideas and proceed to action – making themselves “heroes on our planet”. WAZA members are on the road to eliminating single-use plastic and using only certified sustainable palm oil. For the future of our planet, let’s hope that even more attractions get on board.
A new immersive attraction designed to transport visitors into the final hours of ancient Pompeii
is preparing to open near the world-famous archaeological site in southern Italy.
Experience design company, BRC Imagination Arts, has completed a transition that sees founder
Bob Rogers pass ownership of the business to four long-serving senior executives, while
remaining actively involved with the company.
Movie Park Germany has opened a new Paramount Pictures-themed attraction as part of its 30th
anniversary celebrations, using immersive storytelling and adaptive reuse to reinforce the park’s
longstanding “Hollywood in Germany” positioning.
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions
that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once
complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK.
Efteling has opened Hooghmoed, a new family drop tower designed to broaden the appeal of its
recently launched Sirene Island themed area and introduce younger visitors to thrill attractions.
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’
planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–
Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism inv
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-
Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional
revenue opportunities.
The UK government has announced a temporary reduction in VAT on visitor attractions and
children’s meals as part of a summer cost-of-living support package designed to stimulate the
visitor economy and encourage family days out.
As designer Yinka Ilori prepares for his first solo gallery show in London, he speaks exclusively
to CLADmag about his mission to spread joy, the power of play, and his bold approach to using
colour (including the colours you won’t see in his work).
The government of Thailand is exploring plans for a THB300bn (£6.3bn, US$8.3bn)
entertainment complex in the country’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), with officials
proposing a large-scale theme park and sports destination as part of a broader tourism and
economic development strategy.
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally
opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its
next phase. [more...]
