Trip.com Group and Merlin Entertainments partner to enhance Asia’s aquarium attraction experiences

Trip. com Group, a world-leading travel service provider, and Merlin Entertainments Group, a global leader in branded entertainment destinations, have partnered to enhance Asia’s aquarium attraction experiences.

The strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at Chang Feng Ocean World Shanghai aims to attract purpose-driven travellers to marine-focused events and experiences across Asia.

This partnership represents a momentous opportunity for Trip. com Group to enhance its attraction offerings in key markets and provide its global customers with purposeful and bespoke travel experiences. Merlin Entertainments operates over 140 attractions in over 20 countries and regions worldwide, including SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds, and iconic theme park resorts like LEGOLAND®.

Trip. com Group and Merlin Entertainments will collaborate on events across the Asia region, utilising attractions such as Chang Feng Ocean World Shanghai, SEA LIFE Bangkok, SEA LIFE Busan, and the COEX Aquarium in Seoul.

Visitors may experience a variety of programs ranging from moonlit "Science Nights" at the aquarium, learn from experts, workshops on habitat restoration, mangrove planting and coral proliferation, or immerse themselves in on-site educational activities and marine-centred festivals across Merlin Entertainments' aquariums in Asia. More details will be shared progressively by the respective aquariums.

These diverse programs across different markets not only aim to educate and engage travellers but also foster a deeper understanding of marine environment, highlighting the crucial role people play in protecting the world's oceans. This follows previous announcements by Merlin Entertainments and the SEA LIFE TRUST earlier this year to boost funding for 16 new global conservation projects around the world.

Developing Bespoke Experiences
Beyond marine awareness, exclusive curated experiences were a key area highlighted during this MoU, incorporating Merlin Entertainments's other brands, such as Madame Tussauds and LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre. Trip. com Group stated its intent to expand such experience offerings further in the Asia region, enhancing the product variety for global audiences as the region is positioned as a primary engine for travel growth.

Curated experiences are becoming increasingly popular across the Asia-Pacific region. It has also been widely reported that Gen Zers value experiences more than any other expense categories during travel. In the second quarter of 2024, there was a 30% quarter-over-quarter growth in attractions and activities, with unique experiences such as kayaking and scuba diving gaining popularity. Trip. com Group also saw double-digit growth in ticket sales at Merlin Entertainments's aquatic parks in Asia Pacific over the same period, highlighting the partnership's significant potential.

Jim Ji, Vice President of Trip. com Group, Chief Executive of Attractions & Tours, said at the signing ceremony "Chang Feng Ocean World Shanghai is the perfect backdrop to announce Trip. com Group's new partnership with Merlin Entertainments.

"Our partnership will explore exciting new avenues and emphasise bespoke products for our customers around the world. Together, we aim to enrich the traveller's journey and make global exploration more accessible and fun through rich branded entertainment destinations."

Fiona Eastwood, Chief Operating Officer of Merlin Entertainments Gateway and Resort Theme Parks enthused "we are thrilled to bring our longstanding partnership with Trip. com Group to the next level. We know the needs of travellers today are evolving, they demand greater immersion and purpose when they travel. The partnership is not just about driving business growth; it's about delivering the exceptional experiences to our guests and our ongoing commitment to conserving marine ecosystem for future generations."

Trip. com Group and Merlin Entertainments also restated their commitment to pioneer new technologies to transform products and elevate guest experiences. This approach not only paves the way for industry-first prototypes, but also sets a new benchmark for the future of travel, inspiring an era of exploration and discovery.

More information on Trip.com Group 

More information on Merlin Entertainments

Image top: Jim Ji, Vice President of Trip.com Group, CEO of Attractions & Tours, signs MoU with Fiona Eastwood, Chief Operating Officer of Merlin Entertainments Gateway and Resort Theme Parks; image above: Announcing Trip.com Group's exciting new partnership with Merlin Entertainments at Chang Feng Ocean World Shanghai