Themed Entertainment Association announces formation of China Development Council

The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) has announced the formation of a new division in its membership, the China Development Council - tasked with cultivating member and sponsor prospects in mainland China including the Hong Kong and Macau administrative regions.

A standalone entity endorsed by the TEA International Board of Directors to serve an advisory role to the General Manager of the WFOE (wholly foreign-owned enterprise) in China, the new Council will be chaired by Owen Zhao, President of Max-Matching Entertainments Co., Ltd.

Zhao, who previously served two, two-year term as President of TEA’s Asia Pacific Division’s Board of Directors, will serve a two-year term as Chairman through to November 2023.

The China Development Council will work to achieve many goals including to:

• Identify and cultivate member and sponsor prospects in mainland China

• Assist TEA China staff in closing membership and sponsorship relationships

• Identify new markets and strategic relationships with media, government and other institutions

• Collaborate with the TEA General Manager on the development of a growth strategy and prospecting list

• Support the TEA General Manager in the annual program and budget planning process for TEA C China

• Serve as an ambassador of the TEA China and global themed entertainment industry

Commenting on his role, Zhao advised “I eagerly accepted this role and am looking forward to working with the TEA China staff. I think we will play an important role in cultivating membership in the organization in China.”

In addition to Zhao, the Council will include current TEA members based in China, membership or sponsor prospects, media and/or event partners and other leaders in global themed entertainment, including:

• Fang Hong Feng, Vice President, Hai Chang Ocean Park Group

• Li Ze, General Manager, Ctrip Group

• Duan Dong Dong, President, China Cultural Tourism Group

• Peng Wang, Director, BSH Investment

• Jin Wang, Vice President- Show Lead, Project Development, Galaxy Entertainment Group

TEA President, Chuck Fawcett stated “we’re very pleased that Owen agreed to serve as Chairman of this newly-formed entity.

“His leadership will drive growth in China and help us develop mutually beneficial relationships with institutions in the region.

TEA China has already begun to grow a strong base of membership in China, starting with its first member, the Beijing Shouhuan Cultural Tourism Investment Co., Ltd., the majority shareholder of Universal Beijing Resort.

To learn more about TEA China or join as a member, visit teaconnect.com

Images: Ocean Park Hong Kong (top, credit: Ocean Park) and Owen Zhao (below, credit: TEA).