Magic Memories establishes partnership for expansion into China

Attractions imaging experience company, Magic Memories has launched its first operation in China providing holiday memories and storytelling photobooks for guests who visit Shanghai Chang Feng Ocean World.

China's first large scale aquarium, Shanghai Chang Feng Ocean World is a flagship tourist attraction of the Oceanis Australia Group (a subsidiary of the Living and Leisure Australia Group) and is the only aquarium in China that combines marine sightseeing with ecological education.

Striking a partnership with local businessman Thomas Lu, the company now has a strong stake in the giant continent and expects huge growth in the market over the next year.

Magic Memories has worked with Lu for several years - Lu's company being an integral part of the Magic Memories worldwide supply chain providing printing and production services. During his time working with the Queenstown company, Lu made it clear he'd like to enter a partnership and use his skills to secure tourism photography experience business in China.

Magic Memories Chief Executive John Wikstrom says the journey into China has been exciting and promising, stating "we have been very lucky having a local partner to work with.

"(Thomas) Lu knows us well, he knows how we work and what we can offer. He fully understands how we can add revenue and improve the guest experience to Shanghai Chang Feng Ocean World. We see this as a fantastic first step into the China market."

Lu is optimistic about the future of his partnership with Magic Memories, adding "I have watched this company build its business over the past few years and have been impressed with how they understand the guest journey and how their product adds value at many levels

"Magic Memories operates a very different model from any competitors. I approached them because their photography solutions have huge potential and my research tells me they will be very successful in China."

Magic Memories launched its photography solutions at Shanghai Chang Feng Ocean World on 13th January 2012, integrating services and products seamlessly into the guest experience. The initial results have exceeded expectations with guests generally excited about the new photography solution.

Lu expects to secure more sites in China over 2012, with many potential partners impressed with what they now see in operation.

The launch is the latest in the Magic Memories global expansion which has resulted in operations at more than 70 attractions across New Zealand, Australia, Europe and South Africa.

A US-based sales team has also been established within the last few months.

Magic Memories employs more than 220 people worldwide, is headquartered in Queenstown, New Zealand, and offers innovative photo products that add value to both the guest and the attraction operators.

The Living and Leisure Australia Group are currently subject of a takeover bid by Merlin Entertainment.

For more information contact Magic Memories on email: enquiries@magicmemories.com, www.magicmemories.com

19th December 2011 - MERLIN SNAPS UP LIVING AND LEISURE AUSTRALIA

8th November 2011 - MAGIC MEMORIES EXPANDS IN THE US