Attractions executive highlights Asian potential

Soaring demand for entertainment and leisure experiences in Asia has opened up the floodgates for theme park professionals in the emerging Asian market.
Former Sunway Lagoon Chief Executive Aaron Soo Boon Choon said that the leisure industry, and especially themed attractions, have attained marked growth in Asia over the last few years boosted by the growing affluence of the Chinese and Asian middle-class.
"Though the scenario appears rosy, there are not many theme attractions in Asia. All the 'big boys' like Walt Disney, Universal Studios Inc and Merlin Entertainment are based in Europe and North America.
"In Asia, there is no company offering themed attractions, whether in concept or management."
As a result, Soo sees that "there is a hug gap. Opportunities are there for ... attractions professionals to move forward."
In an interview with Bernama, Malaysia's national news agency, Soo, who resigned from Sunway Lagoon at the end of February, sees Asian leisure as a "sunrise industry."
Launching his consultancy career, Soo is already working on the development of a theme park on Iran's Kish Island. Construction of the park on the Iranian resort island, is due to start later this year and be completed by 2015.
However, rising political tensions between Iran and the USA are creating an uncertain environment for the park's developers.
Soo concludes "because of these (political) developments, final submission of the theme park's plan has not been made. The project's construction timeline will depend on the authorities' approval."