• Toverland has announced a €98m investment programme that will add accommodation, attractions and operational infrastructure
• The plans include the new Ithaka Resort, which will become the Dutch theme park's first on-site accommodation offering
• A major dark ride and additional family attractions are planned for the Port Laguna area as part of the expansion
• The operator says the investment follows three consecutive years of record attendance growth and is one of the largest development programmes in the park's history
The Toverland theme park in the Netherlands has announced a €98m expansion programme that will add a resort, new attractions and staff facilities as it pursues plans to become a multi-day destination.
The plans follow approval of an updated zoning plan by the municipality of Horst aan de Maas. They include the development of the new Ithaka Resort, a major dark ride, additional family attractions and a range of operational facilities.
Central to the project is Ithaka Resort, which will be the park's first accommodation offering. Early concept designs show a themed resort with lodgings, food and beverage outlets and leisure facilities.
Industry reports suggest the resort could accommodate around 774 guests, although Toverland has yet to confirm final capacity figures.
The park is also planning a major dark ride in its Port Laguna area. Few details have been released so far, but the attraction is expected to anchor a wider expansion around the park's entrance area.
Additional family attractions are also planned.
Away from the visitor experience, Toverland is investing in a new workshop and employee centre. The facility will house offices, staff amenities and operational space and is being designed with sustainability and energy efficiency in mind.
The announcement follows a period of strong growth for the operator, which recently reported a third consecutive year of record attendance.
Local media reports suggest €78m of the funding package has already been secured through a combination of park reserves and commercial financing, while discussions are continuing over additional support from the Province of Limburg.
Since opening in 2001 as an indoor family attraction, Toverland has grown into one of the Netherlands' leading theme parks, with multiple themed lands, rollercoasters, family rides and indoor attractions. The latest plans represent one of the biggest investments in the park's history.