Bangkok--29 Jun--Thana Burin Asia Pacific ASIA: FASTEST GROWING SEGMENT OF WORLDWIDE THEME PARK AND ATTRACTIONS INDUSTRY Attendance Projected to Hit 278 Million by 2010 The Asia region is now home to more than one third of the world’s top 25 attended theme parks. Visitation growth at its own top 10 parks is twice that of worldwide park attendance growth in 2006. According to analysts at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC), attendance at Asia’s theme parks is expected to hit 278 million by 2010, growing at an annual rate of 3.5 percent, with China and India continuing to emerge as major theme park markets. Analysts view the region as the international growth leader. PWC sees Asia leading the way in the industry in terms of annual growth rate, at 6 percent over the next several years. The consulting firm Economics Research Associates (ERA) predicts a rate of 8 percent. Numerous new projects are on the horizon and will accelerate that growth in the future. Over the next five years, a host of projects financed by both local and overseas investors are slated to be augmented by Universal Studios parks in Singapore and South Korea, a Paramount Pictures-themed park in South Korea, an MGM/Tengxum Entertainment Management park in Shanghai and perhaps a second Disney park elsewhere in China. The potential for additional visitors to the region’s parks and attractions is so great that, by 2010, experts predict that Asia will account for 30 percent of the world’s theme park revenues ($8.2 billion out of $27.6 billion). Such expectations are further supported by a rapidly expanding middle class in China and an increasing number of budget airlines flying more routes in the region, which has broadened access to travel beyond just the wealthy. Both of these developments are fueling the growth in Asia’s consumer tastes and sophistication when it comes to entertainment. “The attractions industry is clearly charging ahead in Asia and holds even more promise in the future,” commented Charlie Bray, president and chief executive officer of IAAPA. “The IAAPA Asian Expo 2007 in Bangkok is a key component in our efforts to serve and help grow the industry in this part of the world. In addition to offering the region’s facilities easy access to the world’s top parks and attractions suppliers, this event also provides first-class educational offerings and numerous networking opportunities for industry professionals.” IAAPA Asian Expo 2007 is not open to the general public. Exhibitors, registered attendees, and credentialed media may attend. More information about IAAPA Asian Expo 2007 is available at www.iaapa.org/expos/asian . IAAPA is the premier trade association for the attractions industry worldwide. Founded nearly 90 years ago, IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently-situated attractions worldwide and is dedicated to the preservation and prosperity of the attractions industry. IAAPA represents more than 4,100 facility, supplier, and individual members from more than 90 countries. Member facilities include theme parks, waterparks, attractions, family entertainment centers, arcades, zoos, aquariums, museums, science centers, resorts, and casinos. IAAPA is a non-profit organization. Funds generated by the association’s involvement in trade shows are returned to the association to provide services for its members and the industry. IAAPA maintains offices in Europe and the United States. In addition, the association’s Global Alliance partnership program includes international liaisons representing Asia, Latin America, India, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. More information is available at www.IAAPA.org . Media inquiries Thailand: Thana Burin Asia Pacific Ltd Kasemsri Kaewthammachai(08 1 611 4696) Tel: +66 (0) 2231 6158 Email: [email protected] Yuwadi Chombun(08 9 669 5286) Tel: +66 (0) 2231 6159 Email: [email protected] Contact: David Mandt IAAPA Press Office +1 703/299-5127 [email protected] Click for photo release at www.thaipr.net