Park life

From Singapore’s Resorts World Sentosa to Enchanted Kingdom in the Philippines, family fun is big business across the region. Ahead of the Asian Attractions Expo 2015 in Hong Kong, Southeast Asia Globe talked to June Ko, vice-president of Asia-Pacific for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions
Do all attractions and amusement parks have to become a member of the IAAPA? How does membership work and what exactly does the IAAPA do?
While it’s not a requirement that amusement parks and attractions join IAAPA, most companies understand the benefits and are members. The association provides more than 4,800 facilities, suppliers and manufacturers, plus individual members from more than 90 countries, the tools and resources needed to create unique and safe guest experiences, improve staff performance and strengthen a company’s bottom line. Member benefits include daily news clips from around the world, a monthly magazine filled with the latest industry trends, education conferences and institutes focused on increasing safety and developing leaders, as well as the industry’s three most prestigious trade shows and conferences.
What are some of the biggest attractions you work with in Southeast Asia?
We work with key industry companies around the world, including the Walt Disney Company, Universal Resorts, Legoland, Ocean Park, Resorts World Sentosa, Themed Attractions Malaysia and more. However, IAAPA represents and recruits companies of all sizes, from small businesses to corporations.
Which countries in Southeast Asia are the most exciting in terms of attractions right now, and where are you most enthusiastic about for the future?
The growth of the industry allows each country to flourish in their own ways. We see the attractions blending local culture into the parks and experiences allowing each to be unique and special. Some counties such as Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia are experiencing more growth and opportunities compared to prior years.
The IAAPA does a lot of work on safety. What are the main challenges in those terms in Southeast Asia?
Promoting safe operations is the cornerstone of IAAPA’s mission and is the association’s number one priority. IAAPA works year-round to harmonise safety standards globally, including Southeast Asia, and offers several educational opportunities to help its members stay up-to-date on the latest safety innovations and best practices.
Regardless of the region of the world, developing and safely operating an attraction is a multilayer system of checks and balances that includes a good understanding of related laws and standards, manufacturer guidelines, local culture, area demographics and more.
If you could take your family to one theme park/attraction in the whole world, where would it be and why?
I am fortunate that my job allows me to travel the world and experience countless amusement parks and attractions. Each has its own unique and endearing quality with fantastic rides, attractions, games and shows. So, for me, the closest theme park is always my favourite.
Founded in 1918, IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently located amusement facilities and attractions, working towards the preservation and prosperity of the attractions industry. IAAPA promotes safe operations, global development, professional growth and the commercial success of the amusement parks and attractions industry worldwide.