New Theme Parks and Attractions Opening in Asia

At the Asian Attractions Expo 2008, taking place 16 - 18 July in Macau, more than 3,000 amusement industry professionals from 50 countries will learn about best practices, discuss the latest trends in the industry, and network with colleagues. More than 160 exhibitors from 33 countries will showcase their innovative products and services in more than 100 categories, including rides, design and theming, coin-operated games, theatrics production, landscaping, inflatables, and redemption prizes.

Participants will include attractions industry professional from amusement parks, waterparks, zoos, aquariums, family entertainment centers, museums, science centers, and resorts. The trade show is not open to the general public.

According to statistics compiled by PricewaterhouseCoopers in a report titled Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2008-2012 – Theme Parks and Amusement Parks report, the Asia Pacific region is the second fastest growing segment of the amusement park industry in the world. New parks and attractions and improved economic conditions will increase tourism and boost attendance throughout Asia. China, South Korea, Singapore, Vietnam, and India will see new theme park openings, while Australia, Hong Kong, and Japan will see new attractions and park expansions.

New Theme Parks, Expansions, and Other Attractions in Asia Pacific Region

Australia

- In 2008, SeaWorld in Surfers Paradise is expected to add a Sesame Street 4-D film, as well as a new penguin exhibit.

- Warner Brothers Movie World in Queensland is opening a new stunt show in 2008 to replace the old Police Academy Stunt Show that has been running since the park opened in 1991.

China

- Chimelong Paradise in Guangzhou, China will add the world's longest inverted roller coaster. The 200-million-Yuan ($27 million USD) roller coaster is one of the world’s most expensive and the first of its kind introduced to China's mainland. The new coaster offers riders a vertical drop of 80 meters, the same height as a 30-story building.

- Joy Valley Theme Park in Shanghai will be the biggest amusement park in China. The 87-hectare Joy Valley Theme Park, expected to open in 2010, includes a hotel, a conference center, and theatre, and is expected to receive five to seven million visitors every year.

- Shanghai’s Chongming Island will build the country’s first theme park for bicycles that will include bike paths, competitions, and entertainment. Three cycling stadiums are planned, including one for motocross. The park will also include a training school, a gallery, and a bicycle museum.

- Overseas Chinese Town, a new park in Sheshan, will add the country’s first wooden coaster, “Fireball,” in 2009. The coaster will stand 108.25 feet tall with a first drop of 103 feet. It will feature 3,819 feet of twisted track and reach a top speed of 56 mph.

- Kids City in Hangzhou allows children ages 5 to 10 to experience adult professions. The indoor entertainment and education park offers more than 50 professions, including pilot, doctor, police officer, and lawyer.

- Outside of Shanghai in the neighboring city of Zhouzhuang, a $40 million park will open to celebrate the theme “5,000 Years of Chinese Culture.”

Hong Kong

- In 2008, Hong Kong Disneyland debuts the “It’s A Small World” boat ride complete with other much-loved Disney favorites and an expanded look at the Hong Kong culture and skyline.

India

- A $70-million, yet to be named park, is planned for Jammu on the banks of the Tawi River.

- A $36-million park called Wonderla is planned for Mumbai. 

- Percept Holdings is building a Bollywood theme park in Mumbai. The park will allow guests to go behind the scenes to see how films are made. The park will include Bollywood sets and rides themed to the industry. 

- Turner International and Unitech are developing two American-style amusement parks based on its children’s television channels, Cartoon Network and Planet Pogo. Planet Pogo will be located in Rohini in West Delhi, while the Cartoon Network Townsville will be part of Worlds of Wonder in Nodia, an eastern suburb of New Delhi. Worlds of Wonder is expected to be completed in 2010.

Singapore

- “The Singapore Flyer,” the world’s largest Ferris wheel, allows passengers to see Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia from 541in the air. “The Flyer” is higher than the previous record-holder, the “London Eye.” Twenty-eight people can ride in each bus-size capsules. The Flyer is 492 feet in diameter, and treats passengers to a 30-minute ride

- The Universal Theme Park, located on Sentosa Island in Singapore, is scheduled to open in 2010.

- Resorts World at Sentosa will also develop several additional entertainment venues, including a large marine-life park and maritime museum.

South Korea

- A theme park based on the country’s myths and legends is being developed on the resort island of Jeju. The park, which is expected to open in 2011, will contain rides and shows as well as an international zone where guests can experience food and cultures from around the world.

 - MGM will build a studio theme park in South Korea by 2012. It will be MGM’s first theme park outside the United States.

- Daewoo Motor Sales Corp. and Paramount Pictures announced plans to build a theme park in Inchon, near Seoul. The park, which is expected to open in 2010, is estimated to cost $1.6 billion. In addition to the theme park, the facility will include a film studio, a 300-room hotel, and a shopping mall.

- Universal Studios announced plans to build a $3 billion theme park at a seaside location near Hwaseong, southwest of Seoul. The park will open in 2012 and include attractions featuring Korean films. The complex will also include hotels, golf courses, and a shopping mall.

Vietnam

- CT Group announced plans to develop a $180 million entertainment project that includes an amusement park and is expected to be completed by 2015.

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