KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 (Bernama) -- The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), the global association for the attractions industry, is set to host the eagerly anticipated IAAPA Expo Asia 2024 from May 27 to 30 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok, Thailand.
The amusement industry, one of the hardest hit by COVID lockdowns, border closures and restrictions, has made a strong comeback from the pandemic, recapturing an impressive 98 per cent of spending lost in 2020.
Global total spending for the industry is projected to reach nearly US$58.7 billion by end of 2024, while the Asia Pacific (APAC) amusement market is projected to increase by 67 per cent, second only to the Middle East in growth, signifying huge potential for innovation and profitability. (US$1=RM4.71)
IAAPA Expo Asia Pacific Executive Director and Vice President, Jack Chan said a primary factor contributing to the enduring popularity and growth is the universal appeal of entertainment and recreation activities.
“Amusement and theme parks are a cultural phenomenon that not only provide entertainment to millions, but also contribute significantly to the region’s and global economy,” he said.
“We live in an era where experiences are valued more than ever and consumers’ appetite and expectations for immersive entertainment are rapidly growing, so the task for industry players is to meet these challenges and stay ahead of the game – pardon the pun,” he said.
The three-day international extravaganza will see the global amusement industry converge to learn about the latest innovations and trends, as well as take a sneak peek into its exciting future, in addition to showcasing the newest technological advancements in the attractions industry from more than 300 exhibitors, according to a statement.
This year's theme, ‘Shape your evolution’ reflects the focus on education and growth. Industry experts and specialists will share insights and strategies to help attendees elevate their businesses.
Some prevailing trends and solutions which will be presented at the expo include the rise in 5D multisensory attractions that combine sight, sound, touch and even smell; innovative approaches to improving environmental impact and sustainability; demand for personalisation of guest experiences; and state-of-the-art safety and crowd/queue management technologies.
The jam-packed IAAPA Expo Asia 2024 programme also features a stellar line-up of key speakers from leading parks and entertainment venues, such as Shanghai Disney Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland, Universal Beijing Resort, Enchanted Kingdom (Philippines), Dreamworld (Australia), Studio City Macau and Ramayana Water Park.
-- BERNAMA
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