Madame Tussauds Sydney a model of attractions investment

Madame Tussauds Sydney is a great example of the investment in new attractions Australian tourism needs to remain competitive, according to peak industry body, Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF).

With the new attraction now having been officially opened, TTF Chief Executive John Lee said the arrival of the Merlin Entertainment Group's latest investment in Australian attractions "is a fantastic example of the private sector willing to invest in the revitalisation of tourism product.

"With over $40 million of investment in Sydney Aquarium, Oceanworld Manly, Sydney Wildlife World and Sydney Tower Eye, Merlin Entertainment is helping to lead the reinvigoration of Sydney's tourism product.

"Having additional attractions encourages visitors to stay longer in Sydney, driving economic activity and supporting jobs.

"As well as spending money on visiting Merlin's attractions, these visitors stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants, catch taxis and go shopping.

"This investment in new and updated attractions is exactly what is needed to ensure Sydney and Australia remain internationally competitive.

"Merlin's attractions all make a strong contribution to the visitor economy by attracting locals ï¾ Sydneysiders who will plan a day out around a visit to Madame Tussauds or Sydney Aquarium who will also spend money on transport, dining shopping and other activities."

Madame Tussauds Sydney, which features 70 wax-figures, includes notable Australian celebrities such as Lleyton Hewitt, Jimmy Barnes and Cate Blanchett rolled out the red carpet last week for over 250 guests.

Stars and heroes were able to spend the evening with their waxwork doubles and enjoy the enchanting world of Madame Tussauds Sydney.

Attendees included Olympic swimmer Dawn Fraser, whose figure captures her Olympic triumph in 1956, who stood side-by-side with her figure for the very first time and introduced the wax figure to members of her family.

Fraser was astounded by her figure, stating "this is such a weird experience. I'm actually speechless. The wax figure replicated such a momentous occasion in my career, it brings back very happy memories for me. It's truly an honour to be included in the attraction and of course be here tonight celebrating with other Australians that are featured in Madame Tussauds."

Members of the Ledger family paid tribute to the late Heath Ledger, whose wax figure stands in the film section of the attraction.

Others who stood with their replicas included World Champion surfer Layne Beachley and Home and Away star Ray Meagher.

Commenting on the evening Madame Tussauds Sydney General Manager Hywel Mathias stated "we're very excited to be celebrating the permanent arrival of Madame Tussauds in Sydney. We're delighted so many of our local stars and the families of those who could not be here with us tonight are able to join us in this celebration.

"Since opening a month ago, we have had a fantastic amount of support from both local and international visitors alike and we look forward to welcoming more fans in the coming months. We also have some great ideas about who next should be immortalised in wax!"

Madame Tussauds Sydney cost over $14 million to construct and nine themed zones.

Merlin Divisional Director Edward Fuller is interviewed in the May/June 2012 issue of Australasian Leisure Management.

Image shows Madame Tussauds Sydney's figure of US President Barrack Obama with a young visitor.

16th April 2012 - MADAME TUSSAUDS OPENS SYDNEY ATTRACTION

3rd April 2012 - MERLIN TAKES ON SIAM OCEAN WORLD, CONFIRMS MADAME TUSSAUDS SYDNEY OPENING

26th March 2012 - MADAME TUSSAUDS SYDNEY REVEALS MARK WEBBER AS ITS FIRST AUSTRALIAN SPORTS HERO

11th May 2011 - BRADLEY PASSES AALARA PRESIDENCY TO VILLAGE’S LINES

5th October 2009 - FORUM ASSESSES NEEDS OF WOMEN IN SURF RIDING 

28th October 2008 - NEW RIDE FOR SYDNEY TOWER 

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