Press Releases

IAAPA Asian Expo Media Release: Future Locations For IAAPA Asian Expo Announced

SHANGHAI, CHINA (JUL. 14, 2006) – The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions announced today the future locations for the IAAPA Asian Expo 2007-2009.   The largest amusement industry tradeshow in Asia will be held in Bangkok in 2007, Macau in 2008 and Beijing in 2009.

“Coming to Shanghai was the right decision, as evidenced by the large numbers of attendees and business we’ve seen,” said Bob Masterson, IAAPA Second Vice Chair and Chair of  IAAPA's Convention and Trade Show Committee. “We focus on attracting qualified buyers for our exhibitors, and we are pleased to present future shows in three of the great cultural cities of the world.”

As Thailand’s capital, Bangkok is the country’s largest city and is rich in cultural history.  It has world-class hotels and food, and  it  is recognized around the globe as a superior tourist destination. Visitors may also reach the ancient city and explore the centuries old heritage within a short drive.

Together with industry partner, the China Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (CAAPA), IAAPA announced Macau as the 2008 location and a return to Mainland China, Beijing in 2009.

A blending of old and new, Macau, China ,  is an ideal destination for visitors from around the world. The spectacular growth of Macau as one of the world’s most vibrant leisure destinations makes this location at the mouth of the Pearl River a logical choice for the IAAPA Asian Expo 2008.

Beijing , the capital city of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), will be more inviting than ever when delegates from throughout Southeast Asia and the rest of the world convene following the 2008 Olympic Games. Add the efficiency of a well-dressed modern metropolis with its remarkable historical offerings, including the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, and the Forbidden City, and Beijing promises to be a truly fascinating host for the Asian Expo.

“The IAAPA Asian Expo has great growth potential.  As one of the fastest growing amusement and attractions markets in the world, the demand for products and services in Asia will skyrocket,” Masterson adds.  “It is our intention to mix people from around the world to create a better industry as a whole.”

As one of the amusement industry’s prime markets, Asia is home to five of the ten most visited amusement parks in the world.  These parks attract more than 65 million visitors annually.  According to Price Waterhousecoopers, LLP 's  Media Outlook report, the Asian amusement industry is expected to have an average yearly revenue growth rate of 5.9 percent generating RMB 65.6 billion (USD$8.2 billion) in revenues by 2010.

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IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently situated amusement facilities worldwide. The organization represents over 4,500 facility, supplier, and individual members from more than 90 countries. IAAPA strives to help members improve their safety, efficiency, marketing, and profitability while maintaining the highest possible professional standards in the industry. www.iaapa.org