PW NOV08 P21.qxd:PW NOV08 P21.qxd 3/11/08 09:35 Page 21
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Celebration City closes
HFE turns out the lights
Gateway to Atlantis
Gateway Ticketing was responsible for
complete ticketing, access control and even
dolphin encounter reservations at the new
Atlantis The Palm resort in Dubai.
“The only thing we didn’t provide was the
hotel reservations,” notes Gateway’s Michael
Turner.
At the original Atlantis resort in the
Bahamas there was no need for a ticketing
system as the property is open to hotel
residents only. In Dubai however, where the
resort is located on The Palm Jumeirah
Due to “a shift in business strategy,” Herschend Family
manmade island, day-trippers are encouraged
Entertainment (HFE) is closing Celebration City in
to visit such features as the giant Aquaventure
Branson, Missouri. The park, which featured 30 rides
waterpark.
and attractions, opened in 2003 as an afternoon and
The first guests arrived at the end of
evening alternative to HFE's nearby Silver Dollar City.
September, and Turner should probably be
HFE is already exploring various new
pleased he wasn’t handling those hotel
development concepts for the site including an
bookings after chaos ensued when just a few
aquarium, destination retail and dining, other family
days later a water intake valve ruptured and left
attractions and a re-theming of the current park,
many guests waiting for their rooms. We are
which was based around early 20th Century
assured these teething troubles have now been
America.
ironed out.
“As with businesses across the country, we have
had to carefully examine our future plans," reports
Joel Manby, HFE president and CEO. "We need to
make smart, forward-thinking decisions in a tough
Spring Kong
economic climate. HFE has operated attractions in Huss Park Attractions has revealed that both of its
Branson for nearly 50 years and we are confident it planned King Kong attractions will now open in the
will continue to grow as one of America’s premier spring. As readers may be aware, the original ride
vacation destinations for the long-term.” scheduled to open this summer at Bobbejaanland
Approximately 18 full-time employees are directly in Belgium was delayed. A second has since been
impacted by the closure, but HFE stresses it will be sold to Le Pal in France.
able to find new roles for most of the individuals. Both rides are being produced in association
The company currently employs more than 2,000 with Heimo Animated Attractions, which has
year-round and seasonal staff at its properties in the produced the giant gorilla figure that lifts the
region including Silver Dollar City, White Water and tramcar gondola riders will sit in.
the Showboat Branson Belle.
Europarks elects new chairman
Colin Dawson, the chief executive of the British The position of vice-
Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions president was also
(BALPPA), has been elected president of Europarks, confirmed at the meeting.
the European lobbying group for the amusement Mrs Henric Bembom,
park industry. representing the Dutch
Colin’s two-year appointment was confirmed at parks association Club van
the Europarks council meeting in September. “I Elf, was appointed to the
hope that during my tenure we shall increase our role, provoking these
strength as the only European body with sufficient remarks from Dawson:
standing in the European Parliament,” says the 20- “Henric is well known for
year amusement industry veteran. “We have her strong leadership and
Colin Dawson
addressed some major issues in recent years, such will be a very worthy partner. I look forward to
as the introduction of the European Ride Safety working with her.”
Reporting Programme, and will be dealing with a The next Europarks council meeting is likely to
variety of others in future.” be held in the UK during March.
NOVEMBER 2008 21
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