New IAAPA chair John McReynolds has raised the issue of safety among the attractions body’s members, stating that the industry must stand for safety at all times as a top priority.

McReynolds, who is senior vice president of external affairs for Universal Parks and Resorts, said that his background acting as an advocate for the theme park operator will benefit him in his new role.

“There’s huge growth around the globe for the attractions industry and that means we need to keep strengthening our brand,” said McReynolds speaking to Attractions Management.

“We say ‘One World, One IAAPA’. My background in advocacy and government relations ties in wonderfully with our message that we want to be the safety advocate of the world, and make sure that the industry stands for safety at all times. So that will be one of my focuses – to act as an advocate of the governments round the world in the voice of IAAPA.”

With safety standards always a concern for the attractions industry, particularly in the wake of two high profile accidents at Alton Towers and a Taiwan waterpark earlier this year, McReynolds said that IAAPA can offer expertise to prevent tragedies like these and to increase industry standards across the board.

“Expanding markets are looking for the expertise that IAAPA brings to the table,” said the IAAPA chair. “The educational component, the advocacy and the safety standards.

“In regards to safety, we have had the lead position to make sure that different standards around the world become harmonised. That has been a critical objective of IAAPA over the past handful of years. We’ve had some tremendous leaders in that, whether it’s Steve Blum from Universal or Greg Hale from Disney, or individuals from all over the globe. Through volunteer leadership, this organisation is harmonising those standards to bring everyone up to our level.”