Gothenburg's mayor, Lena Malm, has welcomed exhibitors and delegates to the Euro Attractions Show (EAS) today (6 October), with the three-day event showcasing new products and innovations to the European attractions market and beyond.

“We are so proud and honoured that you have brought this event to city of Gothenburg,” Malm told the audience at the opening ceremony.

The event is set to be the second largest in EAS's history. Up to 10,000 people and more than 400 exhibitors are expected to attend the 2015 edition of the trade show, which is being held at the Swedish Exhibition and Conference Centre and the adjacent Liseberg theme park.

The show comes at the close of what has been a strong year for the attractions industry in the region, which has now been formally expanded by IAAPA to include the Middle East and Africa (IAAPA EMEA).

Theme parks across the region have been investing millions of euros in new attractions this year as the industry continues to strengthen. Examples of new rides include the Cu Chullain wooden coaster at Tayto Park, Ireland, the Forbidden Caves dark ride at Bobbejaanland, Belgium, the dive coaster Baron 1898 at Efteling in the Netherlands and Mechanica at Liseberg. Other attractions have expanded and added new areas, such as Chester Zoo’s Islands and Drayton Manor’s Thomas Land in the UK, and World of Peppa Pig at Leolandia, Italy.

“We see this growth reflected at our trade shows, which continue to expand in size and attendance. IAAPA is enjoying an epic year,” said IAAPA president and CEO Paul Noland.

Scandinavia is a region with more than 500 attractions, attracting 30 million visitors and generating a turnover of more than €1bn (US$1.1bn, £739m)

In 2016, EAS will be held in Barcelona, Spain.

Attractions Management is on hand for EAS 2015 in Gothenburg to provide live coverage throughout the event. Check back here for all the latest breaking news, which is sure to excite the attractions sector from some of the industry's biggest names.