Keith James was in Saltlake City airport when he got a phone call that made him break down and cry. But don’t worry – it was good news. Bob Ward was ringing to tell him he’d been awarded the themed entertainment industry’s most prestigious accolade, the Buzz Price Thea Award for a Lifetime of Distinguished Achievements.
Months later, on 2 April, 700 people attended the Thea Gala Awards ceremony at Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, where James picked up his award. For many, he’s one of the founding fathers of the modern themed entertainment industry.
James, CEO of Jack Rouse Associates and 45-year industry veteran, has worked with everyone from Coca-Cola to Jack Daniels, Ferrari to Hershey’s, Crayola to Lego, Warner Bros to Universal Studios and Six Flags – but he is nothing if not humble.
“I learned early on you need to surround yourself with good people, the best people you can. Receiving an award like this has always been the furthest thing from my mind because the success is due to all the thousands of people I have worked with – not me,” he says.
James was introduced to Jack Rouse in the 1970s. As well as teaching him to ride a motorbike, Rouse opened his eyes to the world of themed entertainment and the two went on to work together for TAFT Broadcasting.
“I just needed a summer job to pay for college, and that’s how this whole thing started,” James says. “Back then, there was hardly even an industry. It’s grown up beneath me and I’ve been very lucky to have the experiences and friendships that I have had.”
He returned to work with Rouse in 1992, becoming JRA’s owner in a 2008 buyout.
Most of his time now is spent travelling from site to site in countries across the globe. Nine and half million air miles later, James shares his best piece of advice: “Always say yes. Whatever you’re asked to do, say yes, even if you don’t have a clue how you’re going to do it. You can panic and figure it out later.”
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Promotional feature: IDEATTACK
IDEATTACK’s new project in Hainan, China,
introduces the storytelling elements of a
theme park to the oceanarium concept
Science Museums: Shaping Tomorrow
Brazil’s Museum of Tomorrow uses
constantly updating, real-time digital
collection to communicate with visitors.
We met members of the team
Promotional feature: EAS
This year, the Euro Attractions Show is
coming to the Spanish city of Barcelona
Disney Special: Shanghai Disney: The Best Yet?
As Disney opens its first resort in mainland
China, our special feature examines its
business model, its potential impact and
the modernisation of the Disney castle park
New Openings: Space Inversion
A new contemporary museum district
in the Netherlands – Museumplein
Limburg – features a science centre,
a design museum and an inverted
planetarium. We take a closer look
Promotional feature: Polin
Polin’s patented technologies, extensive R&D and creative flair have made it one of the world’s leading waterpark design and manufacturing companies
Waterparks: Taking the Plunge
Waterpark suppliers constantly develop
their product offers. We dive into the
world of waterpark R&D to find out more
Zoos & Aquariums: The Long Game
UK safari park Longleat is undertaking a
decade-long upgrade that starts by going
back to its roots. As the attraction turns
50, CEO Bob Montgomery explains how
he’s bridging the past and the future
Keith James was in Saltlake City airport when he got a phone call that made him break down and cry. But don’t worry – it was good news. Bob Ward was ringing to tell him he’d been awarded the themed entertainment industry’s most prestigious accolade, the Buzz Price Thea Award for a Lifetime of Distinguished Achievements.
Months later, on 2 April, 700 people attended the Thea Gala Awards ceremony at Disneyland Resort, Anaheim, where James picked up his award. For many, he’s one of the founding fathers of the modern themed entertainment industry.
James, CEO of Jack Rouse Associates and 45-year industry veteran, has worked with everyone from Coca-Cola to Jack Daniels, Ferrari to Hershey’s, Crayola to Lego, Warner Bros to Universal Studios and Six Flags – but he is nothing if not humble.
“I learned early on you need to surround yourself with good people, the best people you can. Receiving an award like this has always been the furthest thing from my mind because the success is due to all the thousands of people I have worked with – not me,” he says.
James was introduced to Jack Rouse in the 1970s. As well as teaching him to ride a motorbike, Rouse opened his eyes to the world of themed entertainment and the two went on to work together for TAFT Broadcasting.
“I just needed a summer job to pay for college, and that’s how this whole thing started,” James says. “Back then, there was hardly even an industry. It’s grown up beneath me and I’ve been very lucky to have the experiences and friendships that I have had.”
He returned to work with Rouse in 1992, becoming JRA’s owner in a 2008 buyout.
Most of his time now is spent travelling from site to site in countries across the globe. Nine and half million air miles later, James shares his best piece of advice: “Always say yes. Whatever you’re asked to do, say yes, even if you don’t have a clue how you’re going to do it. You can panic and figure it out later.”
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Promotional feature: IDEATTACK
IDEATTACK’s new project in Hainan, China,
introduces the storytelling elements of a
theme park to the oceanarium concept
Science Museums: Shaping Tomorrow
Brazil’s Museum of Tomorrow uses
constantly updating, real-time digital
collection to communicate with visitors.
We met members of the team
Promotional feature: EAS
This year, the Euro Attractions Show is
coming to the Spanish city of Barcelona
Disney Special: Shanghai Disney: The Best Yet?
As Disney opens its first resort in mainland
China, our special feature examines its
business model, its potential impact and
the modernisation of the Disney castle park
New Openings: Space Inversion
A new contemporary museum district
in the Netherlands – Museumplein
Limburg – features a science centre,
a design museum and an inverted
planetarium. We take a closer look
Promotional feature: Polin
Polin’s patented technologies, extensive R&D and creative flair have made it one of the world’s leading waterpark design and manufacturing companies
Waterparks: Taking the Plunge
Waterpark suppliers constantly develop
their product offers. We dive into the
world of waterpark R&D to find out more
Zoos & Aquariums: The Long Game
UK safari park Longleat is undertaking a
decade-long upgrade that starts by going
back to its roots. As the attraction turns
50, CEO Bob Montgomery explains how
he’s bridging the past and the future
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant
redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining
training, recovery and relaxation.
Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth, on the northeast coast of Saint Barthélemy in the French
West Indies, is offering a programme of ocean-inspired yoga classes between 8-14 June to
celebrate Global Wellness Day (GWD).
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package
that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, in Malaysia, has revealed a schedule for Global Wellness Day
(GWD) that includes guided rainforest walks, mindful movement and guided coastal meditation
experiences.
Longevitix, a clinical platform for preventive and longevity medicine, has launched its AI-
powered intelligence system to help physicians deliver continuous, personalised longevity-
focused care at scale.
Atmantan Wellness Centre, an integrative wellness destination in Mulshi, near Pune in India, is
expanding its portfolio by adding a new centre in Hyderabad that will launch between 2028 and
2029.
A recent survey by the UK Spa Association (UKSA) into the industry’s approach to cancer care
has revealed that almost half of participating respondents (46 per cent) are unaware that
cancer is a disability and guests with a cancer diagnosis must be given
Mexican operator, Solmar Hotels and Resorts, is hosting a series of events in celebration of
Global Wellness Day, including a Temazcal ceremony at its Playa Grande Resort and Spa in Los
Cabos.
Mandarin Oriental has announced a standalone residence brand, Mansions, which will debut at
Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental Mansions, Abu Dhabi, in 2029.
