Welcome to the April 2024 edition of the ASVA E-Zine asva.co.uk   [email protected]   07458 306982 Record investment in new European attractions April 2014 European theme parks have made a record investment in new rides and attractions for 2014, according to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). The trade association said new attractions worth a combined €500m in capital expenditure (CAPEX) would open as more than 300 amusement parks in Europe begin their 2014 seasons. The new attractions include rides, water parks, entertainment and immersive themed environments. “2014 has seen an unprecedented investment in innovative new attractions to drive attendance from repeat and new visitors,” said Karen Staley, VP of European operations at IAAPA. The organisation linked the expenditure to a strong performance across the continent in summer 2013, both in attendance numbers and revenue, as well as “increased interest” in seasonal events such as Halloween and Christmas openings. Three new parks are opening in Europe this year. Sochi Park will be located on the site of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Russia; Le Parc du Petit Prince in Ungersheim, France aims to be the world’s first hot air balloon theme park; and Cinecittà World, in Rome, Italy will be dedicated to the international cinema industry. Among the new attractions opening are Angry Birds Land at Thorpe Park in the UK; a dark ride and mini-land based on the Pixar film Ratatouille at Disneyland Paris, France; and an indoor attraction at Europa-Park, Germany inspired by the popular movie trilogy Arthur and the Invisibles. « back Member News Stirling Old Town Jail Awarded Coveted Five-Star Grading by VisitScotland Quality Assurance Scheme Stirling Old Town Jail has proudly achieved a prestigious five-star grading from the VisitScotland Quality Assurance Scheme. Read more » Edinburgh Zoo Named Best Zoo in Scotland The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo has been named the best zoo to visit in Scotland by TripAdvisor, the world’s biggest travel guidance platform.   Read more » Summerlee Celebrates Four Millionth Visitor Summerlee Museum of Industrial life welcomed its four millionth visitor since opening its doors in 1988. Read more » Research Reveals Da Vinci Code Impact at Rosslyn Chapel - 21 Years After Publication Visitors to Rosslyn Chapel are still strongly influenced by its role in The Da Vinci Code according to new research undertaken to mark the 21st anniversary of the book, which was first published on 18th March 2003. Read more » Internationally Acclaimed Artists Join Kelpies Tenth Anniversary Celebrations The creator and sculptor of the iconic Kelpies at The Helix, one of Scotland’s top visitor attractions, Andy Scott, has returned to Scotland from his home in Los Angeles, California, in advance of the tenth anniversary celebrations of the world- renowned equine structures, as the latest star to perform at Kelpies 10 on 27 April 2024, is announced. Read more » The Search is on for Scotland’s Nature Tourism Champions Whether you are a pioneering business or a collaborative partnership, this is your moment to be celebrated. With headline sponsor NatureScot, RSPB are recognising the people and initiatives protecting Scotland’s nature – open to all. Read more » Major Exhibition Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk to Open at V&A Dundee The fascinating story of the style, appeal and influence of the kimono is explored in a major exhibition opening at V&A Dundee on Saturday 4 May. Read more » The National Trust for Scotland Launches Global Access to its Robert Burns Collection Over 2,500 historic items from the National Trust for Scotland’s internationally important collections from the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway are now available to explore from anywhere in the world. Read more » Verdant Works Undergoes Brand Refresh with Thanks to UK Shared Prosperity Fund Scotland’s only jute museum, founded in a refurbished 1833 mill in the heart of Dundee - the city once coined ‘juteopolis’ - has undergone a brand refresh, with thanks to funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Read more » Introducing ‘LemurLounge’: A New Chapter in Enrichment at Blair Drummond Safari Park Blair Drummond Safari Park are proud to announce their latest collaboration with researchers from the University of Glasgow to introduce groundbreaking enrichment for zoo lemurs. Read more » Learn About 17th Century Medicine at The Real Mary King’s Close The Real Mary King’s Close launched its brand-new Medical History Tours, a unique guided experience which takes guests on a journey through the fascinating development of medicine through time. Read more » Aberdeen Science Centre Promotes Inclusivity with New Sensory Space Aberdeen Science Centre has introduced a new Sensory Space to support visitors that could feel overwhelmed or overstimulated whilst at the centre. Read more » Get Your Quack On! Dalkeith Country Park to Host Doddie Duck Race in Support of My Name'5 Doddie Foundation Grab your rubber duckies and mark your calendars because Dalkeith Country Park is gearing up for a quack-tastic charity event - the Doddie Duck Race! Read more » Read more ASVA news » Industry News from attractionsmanagement.com The Everyday Heritage initiative celebrates and preserves working class histories Off the back of the success of the first round of Everyday Heritage Grants in 2022, Historic England is funding 56 creative projects that honour the heritage of working-class England. Read more » Heartbreak for Swedish theme park, Liseberg, as fire breaks out A fire has destroyed part of the new water world, Oceana, at Liseberg in Sweden, and a construction worker has been reported missing. Read more » Raby Castle reveals ambitious plans to become a major visitor destination Raby Castle, known as one of the finest medieval fortifications in England, is nearing the end of an ambitious two-year renovation project. Read more » Read more industry news » Job vacancies from attractionsmanagement.com Director of Operations Active Luton Luton, UK Read more » Chief Executive Officer, Mount Batten Centre Mount Batten Group Plymouth, UK Read more » More jobs » Exhibitions & Events 26th January – 18th May 2024 Andy Warhol: The Textiles Location: Dovecot Studios, 10 Infirmary Street, Edinburgh EH1 1LT Find out more » Diary dates from leisurediary.com 08-08 May 2024 Hospitality Design Conference Hotel Melià , Milano , Italy Read more » 10-12 May 2024 Asia Pool & Spa Expo China Import & Export Fair Complex, Guangzhou, China Read more » 18-22 May 2024 Eco Resort Network The Ravenala Attitude Hotel, Mauritius Read more » 23-24 May 2024 European Health Prevention Day Large Hall of the Chamber of Commerce (Erbprinzenpalais), Wiesbaden, Germany Read more » 06-07 Jun 2024 World Sauna Forum 2024 Sataman Viilu , Jyväskylä, Finland Read more » 03-05 Sep 2024 ASEAN Patio Pool Spa Expo IMPACT Exhibition Center, Bangkok, Thailand Read more » 01-04 Oct 2024 Synergy - The Retreat Show REVĪVŌ Wellness Resort Nusa Dua Bali, Kabupaten Badung, Indonesia Read more » 01-03 Nov 2024 HEALING SUMMIT 2024 - The Heart Retreat Broughton Sanctuary, Skipton, Yorkshire , Portugal Read more » 04-07 Nov 2024 Global Wellness Summit (GWS) In person, St Andrews, United Kingdom Read more » More diary dates »

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