François Fassier predicts the factors that will shape the European market in the next five years:
“There is a major difference between the public’s perception of top parks and others. We have to exceed guests’ expectations in terms of quality, and quality is becoming more expensive. Not everyone will be able to follow the new standards.”
“As theme parks, we will face new competition from other leisure activities. We will have to be more innovative and more focused to achieve growth. But, if I compare Europe with the United States, which is a mature market like us, it is still growing. Customers will continue to visit us if we are able to deliver good products.”
“For me, the Erratic dark ride is a future product. (The nonlinear, interactive dark ride featuring Alterface’s “Popcorn Revenge” intellectual property premiered at Walibi Belgium this season.) It combines emotion, interactivity, and objectives: Guests themselves are part of the ride.”
“Roller coasters will stay at the top of the list, but with a lot more interaction and scenography. Guests have to be surprised. We must increase the experience.”