IAAPA Vice Chair engages delegates at AALARA Gold Coast conference

Ahead of the IAAPA Expo Asia 2024, running next week in Bangkok 27th to 30th May, Massimiliano Freddi, Chief Executive Wonderwood and IAAPA Vice Chair delivered an engaging and passionate address at the AALARA conference which is currently on at the Gold Coast Convention Centre.

Freddi highlighted the power of connections noting “Magic happens when people come together”.

Freddi added that the attractions industry has a significant platform to inspire on global best practices and asked delegates attending the AALARA session, “Why are we here today” -answering ‘to change” – and elaborating that “change happens when we fall in love with a different version of the future”.

Rather than calling actions to be addressed as ‘Fears’, Freddi prefers the term Pillars and pointed to five which he expanded upon.

Pillar 1: Industry response to a climate that has already changed: more shaded and protected structures; water misters; splash zones; indoor and air conditioned rides; offering weather insurance policies; climate resilient infrastructure; water conservation measures; solar canopies

Pillar 2: Connected World – highlighted that 67% of population say they no longer have a sense of community and 71% feel lonely with 91% wanting to feel more emotion.

Pillar 3: Demographic Shifts: Embracing a multi-generational approach and ‘Tinderisation’ – with endless choices now available – there is the constant search for what is next; welcoming retirees; empowering women

Pillar 4: Fracturing World

Pillar 5: Urbanisation: transforming operations; urban nature as an attraction; embracing comprehensive change; pioneering sustainability.

Freddi highlighted the power of story telling which is at the forefront of many attractions within the amusement industry and also noted that ‘empathy’ is the key word that needs to be considered when businesses design their marketing plans to connect with people.

IAAPA this week have also shared that the Asia-Pacific (APAC) attractions market isn’t just surviving but thriving – forecasting almost 385 million in attendance to themes and amusement parks, U$16.8 billion in visitor spending by end of 2024, and (pending economic conditions) between 619-750 million visitors in the region.

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.

Chan notes “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.

“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.”