Cittadella Visitors’ Centre, designed by leading experience design company, Sarner International, has won the Themed Entertainment Association’s (TEA) Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement.
The judges praised the Cittadella for its special combination of ‘traditional exhibition techniques, exceptional storytelling and the 360° show finale, within the unique setting’.
The award was accepted by H.E. Mr Pierre Clive Agius, Ambassador of the Republic of Malta to the United States of America, and Ross Magri, Sarner’s Managing Director.
In his acceptance speech, the ambassador praised the ‘beautiful work’ of everyone involved:
“The Visitors’ Centre brings the history of the island to life and has considerably helped increase tourism to Gozo. It’s a real honour to be here to accept this award which goes to each and every person that was involved in the project.”
Awards for the Cittadella just keep coming
The Cittadella Visitors’ Centre was in illustrious company at the event. Other Thea Award winners included ‘Pandora – The World of Avatar’ at Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Jameson Distillery Bow St. in Dublin and the DreamWorks Animation Zone at MOTIONGATE™ Dubai.
During the TEA Summit, Sarner’s Project Director, Ed Cookson, and Sarner’s Creative Director, Michael Bennet, presented a case study on the project to around 300 delegates in the Magic Kingdom Ballroom at the Disneyland Hotel. The pair shared key insights, reviewing the project’s major milestones from the development process all the way through to visitors’ overwhelmingly positive reactions.
“It’s been an absolute privilege to be here,” confirmed Magri. “Not only to have received a Thea Award in recognition of the dedication and hard work of the entire Sarner team, but also to have been able to present a case study of the Cittadella project to esteemed colleagues within our industry.”
Sarner’s mantelpiece is already groaning with awards for the attraction. Last year, the Cittadella Vistors’ Centre won Best Visitor Attraction Project at the Install Awards and was named ‘Entertainment Venue of The Year’ at the prestigious AV Awards ceremony in London.
