EAS 2013 had 390 exhibitors – a record number – and was attended by an estimated 8,500 attraction industry professionals.
While not yet on the scale of the Orlando IAAPA show, there are a number of good reasons for attending EAS. The show provides a rare opportunity to arrange meetings with a large number of people in a short space of time, network and learn from the industry at the seminars during the show.
Industry trends The CEO talk, led by Reinoud van Essendelft of Leisure & Culture Consultants and featuring Bart de Boer of Efteling, Miikka Seppala of Tampereen Sarkanniemi Oy, Amanda Thompson of Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Nicolas de Villiers of Puy du Fou, included a debate about the extent to which the industry is recession proof.
While the industry was reported to have performed well so far, there was some concern about the length of the economic downturn and the impact of this on the price sensitivity of some markets. With the exception of Puy du Fou, who don’t participate in discount promotions, the other parks felt that discount vouchers have become so ingrained in our cultures that theme parks have to participate in promotions – particularly those in markets where competitors are discounting.
Another trend related to potential shifts in consumer behaviour in visiting theme parks. Recent Mintel research in the US was quoted, showing that the proportion of teenagers who consider themselves as regular theme park goers has fallen from 76 per cent to 67 per cent in recent years.
Resort development Another seminar considered the opportunity for lodging and resort development at attractions. Statistics show this is a growth area, with smaller, niche appeal accommodation offers being added to the themed hotel offers at major parks.
The Zoo de la Fleche’s recent development of safari lodges was particularly fascinating. The lodges are set within the themed zones of the zoo and integrated into the enclosures, providing a unique level of interaction with the animals, including the opportunity to open your bedroom curtain in the morning and come face to face with a white wolf or to eat your breakfast watched over by tigers.
Not surprisingly, the cost of the lodges was high (including providing glass which is strong enough to safely view the animals through) but the lodges have been sold out and the park reported that most weekends in 2014 are already booked up.
Extracurricular activities The Paris show set a new standard for the opening reception with a stunning evening at the Musee des Arts Forains (Museum of Fairground Arts), attended by 1,200 delegates. The museum houses an amazing collection of fairground rides and attractions dating from 1850 onwards, all restored and brought back to life by the owner, Jean Paul Favand, an actor and antiques dealer. All in all, EAS 2013 was an excellent show.
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Profile: Joe Schott
The COO of Disneyland Paris talks about
the park's new immersive Ratatouille
dark ride, which is slated to open in 2014,
and how the park has evolved from an
American theme park to a European one
The Spa Life UK Convention returns from 21–23 June 2026 at Whittlebury Park Hotel, Spa &
Golf Resort, bringing together spa managers, directors and owners for two days of focused
education, meaningful connection and commercial insight. [more...]
EAS 2013 had 390 exhibitors – a record number – and was attended by an estimated 8,500 attraction industry professionals.
While not yet on the scale of the Orlando IAAPA show, there are a number of good reasons for attending EAS. The show provides a rare opportunity to arrange meetings with a large number of people in a short space of time, network and learn from the industry at the seminars during the show.
Industry trends The CEO talk, led by Reinoud van Essendelft of Leisure & Culture Consultants and featuring Bart de Boer of Efteling, Miikka Seppala of Tampereen Sarkanniemi Oy, Amanda Thompson of Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Nicolas de Villiers of Puy du Fou, included a debate about the extent to which the industry is recession proof.
While the industry was reported to have performed well so far, there was some concern about the length of the economic downturn and the impact of this on the price sensitivity of some markets. With the exception of Puy du Fou, who don’t participate in discount promotions, the other parks felt that discount vouchers have become so ingrained in our cultures that theme parks have to participate in promotions – particularly those in markets where competitors are discounting.
Another trend related to potential shifts in consumer behaviour in visiting theme parks. Recent Mintel research in the US was quoted, showing that the proportion of teenagers who consider themselves as regular theme park goers has fallen from 76 per cent to 67 per cent in recent years.
Resort development Another seminar considered the opportunity for lodging and resort development at attractions. Statistics show this is a growth area, with smaller, niche appeal accommodation offers being added to the themed hotel offers at major parks.
The Zoo de la Fleche’s recent development of safari lodges was particularly fascinating. The lodges are set within the themed zones of the zoo and integrated into the enclosures, providing a unique level of interaction with the animals, including the opportunity to open your bedroom curtain in the morning and come face to face with a white wolf or to eat your breakfast watched over by tigers.
Not surprisingly, the cost of the lodges was high (including providing glass which is strong enough to safely view the animals through) but the lodges have been sold out and the park reported that most weekends in 2014 are already booked up.
Extracurricular activities The Paris show set a new standard for the opening reception with a stunning evening at the Musee des Arts Forains (Museum of Fairground Arts), attended by 1,200 delegates. The museum houses an amazing collection of fairground rides and attractions dating from 1850 onwards, all restored and brought back to life by the owner, Jean Paul Favand, an actor and antiques dealer. All in all, EAS 2013 was an excellent show.
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Profile: Joe Schott
The COO of Disneyland Paris talks about
the park's new immersive Ratatouille
dark ride, which is slated to open in 2014,
and how the park has evolved from an
American theme park to a European one
Global Wellness Day (GWD) will mark its 15th anniversary on Saturday 13 June 2026, with the
theme: #JoyMagenta – a celebration of the healing qualities of simple gestures and activities
that spark joy.
Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider,
HUM2N, to launch a clinic at Six Senses London, at The Whiteley.
As part of its first hotel partnership, Mayrlife – the medical health resort company known for its
site in Altaussee, Austria – has launched a day clinic at the Rosewood Vienna.
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
The Spa Life UK Convention returns from 21–23 June 2026 at Whittlebury Park Hotel, Spa &
Golf Resort, bringing together spa managers, directors and owners for two days of focused
education, meaningful connection and commercial insight. [more...]
