Global attraction awards recognise Hong Kong theme parks

Hong Kong attractions have received global recognition this week, winning awards at international ceremonies organised by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) and the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA).

Hong Kong Disneyland's newly opened attraction, Mystic Manor received the TEA's 20th Thea Award for outstanding achievement in attractions for its excellence in original storyline, special effects, Audio-Animatronics technology, musical score by Danny Elfman, and the trackless, wire-guided ride vehicles.

Meanwhile, Ocean Park Hong Kong was a major winner at IAAPA's Brass Ring Awards, presented at the IAAPA Attractions Expo 2013 in Orlando, Florida, USA.

Ocean Park received the Brass Ring Award for Digital Marketing, for the second year, along with the Spirit Award for excellence in training and professional development in entertainment.

The Ngong Ping 360 Limited attraction on Hong Kong's Lantau Island won the IAAPA Brass Ring for Retail Excellence for Soft Goods in the category for amusement parks with more than one million annual visitors.

East Asia's only other winner at IAAPA's awards was Universal Studios Japan which won the award for Best Overall Entertainment Production with a budget of more $1 million.

The tradition of the brass ring in the attractions industry dates back to the carousels of the late 1800s when rings were suspended above riders; low enough to reach, but high enough to pose a challenge. Most rings were made of iron, so grabbing the brass ring was the rare and cherished prize. Skilled riders who grabbed a brass ring earned a second ride on the carousel.

Today, the term 'brass ring' is synonymous with high achievement in the attractions industry.

28th November 2010 - OCEAN PARK PRODUCES ASIA’S FIRST WINNER OF IAAPA BRASS RING SPIRIT AWARD