At blooloopLIVE Asia 2017 in Singapore, we asked some of our speakers and sponsors to share with us what they think the most exciting new developments and future trends are for the Asian attractions industry.
Here are their answers…
Kevin Barbee, Senior VP & Chief Creative Officer, IRMS
Asia is the happening test ground where investors are not afraid to build the latest trends and ideas in entertainment. Due to population and demographics, Asia will soon surpass all of the rest of the world combined in offering top-notch entertainment attractions and destinations.
Being Asia-connected, on the ground, and experienced is key to helping form and drive the future of location based entertainment world-wide.
Asia is the happening test ground where investors are not afraid to build the latest trends and ideas in entertainment
Ernest Yale, President & CEO, TRIOTECH
We see a lot of new parks being developed in Asia. This is driven by an increase in the number of travellers. Tourism, especially intra Asia, is growing. What is interesting is the trend towards using globally known IP brands in major parks as a competitive advantage to capture visitors market share.
What is interesting is the trend towards using globally known IP brands
Alan Wright, CEO of Picsolve
The Asian entertainment industry has seen rapid expansion in recent years – Ernst & Young noted that China’s in particular is growing at a much faster pace than the overall economy. As the region develops, more people find themselves with extra disposable income, which they’re spending, in part, on leisure activities.
The evolution of the industry is evident from investment such as Disney’s recent $5.5 billion park in Shanghai, with rumours that it could become Disney’s most-visited park. In fact, our research suggests the number of people frequenting theme parks in Asia is expected to surpass those visiting American attractions by 2020.
With this increased spending, both from the industry and consumers, we’re increasingly seeing entertainment destinations providing visitors with compelling experiences that they want to engage with and share. We live in an era of technology enabled content and in this region more than most, consumers now expect an integrated digital experience. The Asia-Pacific region understands the importance of creating exciting content and empowering their visitors to share it instantly, wherever they are.
in this region more than most, consumers now expect an integrated digital experience
Mario Mamon, Chairman & President at Enchanted Kingdom Inc.
The continued growth of the amusement and attractions industry in Asia is not only fueled by the “China phenomenon” but goes beyond into other developing and maturing economies in such areas as the ASEAN states, South Asia led by India and even enjoys a “renaissance” in such mature markets as Japan and Korea.
a “renaissance” in such mature markets as Japan and Korea
Tim Mackey, Attorney-at-Law, Paul Hastings LLP
From a legal perspective, the most interesting development in the attractions industry in Asia is likely to be the continued maturing of the people involved in developing such attractions.
The competition for the public’s increasing entertainment dollar spend throughout Asia is only going to get tougher. Developers will need to really look hard at what is likely to be successful, and how to achieve great results while also maintaining some flexibility and not being too hamstrung by, in particular, the licensor’s terms.
On the other hand, licensors are also likely to increasingly look past entering into quick tie-ups that may appear lucrative upfront, and focus on choosing partners that are going to help grow, rather than potentially damage, their brands in each location in the long term. From the public’s perspective, this should lead to more choices and better venues over all.
developers will need to really look hard at what is likely to be successful
Michael Reid, Founder & Director, ICONPATH Curated Experiences
We’re really excited about the diversity of new venues in the region and the enthusiasm by owners to introduce original, tailored experiences for different types of audiences.
As creators of immersive experiences, this means we are now able to explore a wider range of formats which is extremely rewarding from a creative point of view.
This might be an experience with a longer duration so we can include a richer level of detail at a more relaxed pace, or a more boutique scale that increases the feeling intimacy, or simply tackling new topics for story-telling and design to offer guests something they wouldn’t see anywhere else in the world.
We’re really excited about the diversity of new venues in the region
Victor Danau, Director, Asia Pacific Development & Operations, Ripley Entertainment
Middle class consumers are growing across the region daily with more and more disposable income. Many countries in Asia still suffer from a severe lack of family friendly activities and we’re excited to expand our unique brand of family fun to more families across the region.
Many countries in Asia still suffer from a severe lack of family friendly activities
Alan Mahony, Director of Design & Operations, Pinnacle International Enterprise
The industry is at a very exciting time of expansion now in the Asian region. We are seeing an exciting expansion in waterparks, but see the challenge developing waterparks that can be market leaders not just now but into the future. We also see the introduction of IP’s into the theme park arena as a growth market, especially with the new amazing creative concepts we have produced for BBC Earth and Top Gear.
the challenge developing waterparks that can be market leaders
Dominic Wong, Senior Associate, Entertainment + Culture Advisors (ECA)
Interest for attraction development has reached unprecedented level in Asia. Many IP holders are actively seeking local partners for strategic partnerships in developing various formats of LBE in the increasingly competitive markets of Asia. They often view the Asian market as of equal or greater importance than their home countries in the United States or Europe.
IP holders are actively seeking local partners for strategic partnerships
Henry Corrado, Representative Director, Tejix
We serve Asia from our base in Tokyo. Even more than the numerous new projects, we are fascinated to witness the maturation of market, and how the best operators adapt their products to local culture and consumption habits.
how the best operators adapt their products to local culture and consumption habits
Jean de Rivière, SVP Location Based Entertainment, Ubisoft
We are considering all opportunities that will bring value for our fans and for theme park goers. There’s been a lot of excitement around our brands in emerging markets such as the Middle East and Asia. In China for instance, we have recently announced partnerships with local video game developers and publishers to create games tailored to the local market. All this generates opportunities, along with traditional markets like Europe and North America, which we are exploring too.
As for potential adaptations, our only objective is to create great entertainment experiences. We understand that certain markets have specificities and need a special treatment, as long as we stay true to our brand’s DNA.
we stay true to our brand’s DNA
Extract from an exclusive Blooloop interview with de Rivières. Read the full interview here: Ubisoft takes iconic brands from virtual to location-based entertainment
Shaun McKeogh, Vice President, Head International Training Academy, Management Resources & ProFun Management Group
It’s exciting to support and witness new Asian attractions make leaps and bounds in the way they operate and the way in which they manage for a quality guest experience.
Across Asia developing world class attractions and a globally experienced market demand a shift in management practices and attitudes to achieve world class goals and it’s exciting to be able to support organizations to make these changes.
a shift in management practices and attitudes to achieve world class goals
Andrew Darrow, Chief Strategy & Business Development Officer, THE VOID
Asian audiences have become particularly demanding for premium entertainment experiences and are prepared to pay for them. Cheap imitations won’t cut it anymore.
Immersive storytelling, using Chinese culture and intellectual property, is at the heart of any truly effective entertainment property that wants to be more than just another thrill ride.
Cheap imitations won’t cut it anymore
Thank you to blooloopLIVE Asia 2017 sponsors and supporters
Thanks to the Asian Civilisations Museum for providing a fantastic venue.
We are enormously grateful to our sponsors and supporters.
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Image courtesy Shanghai Disney Resort