The Park World Excellence Awards 2018 honoured parks and professionals across the theme park and attractions industry last week at a ceremony in Amsterdam.
The awards were launched in May this year by Datateam Business Media, publisher of British theme park magazine Park World.
Billed as ‘an awards scheme with a difference’, European operators, suppliers, manufacturers and other entertainment specialists can put themselves forward for consideration, as well as nominate other companies.
Media Director at Datateam Business Media, Paul Ryder, described all the finalists as having performed to an ‘Oscar-winning standard’. Ryder highlighted their dedication and passion, and said they should be congratulated for their contribution to the theme park and attractions industry.
“It was a very close call in some categories, making for an exciting evening,” he added.
British comedian, Ian Moore, presented the awards. Winner of ‘Large Theme Park of the Year’ went to Efteling, which also picked up a second trophy for ‘Seasonal Event of the Year’.
The UK’s Paulton’s Park, home of Peppa Pig World, scooped Family Park of the Year, with Siam Park taking Waterpark of the Year.
Puy du Fou won Live Entertainment of the Year for Le Mystère de La Pérouse, while Bollinger & Mabillard took the Roller Coaster of the Year award for Valkyria at Lisberg.
This is Holland scooped Media Based Attraction of the Year
Thrill Ride of the Year went to Technical Park for the Squadron 33 at Dennlys Park, while Alterface (main image), Jora Vision and ETF picked up the Family Ride of the Year honour for Bazyliszek at Legendia. Intamin received Water Ride of the Year for Speed at Energylandia.
Virtual reality also made an appearance, with wiegand.maelzer taking the Waterpark Attraction of the Year award for the VRÂ waterslide at Therme Erding.
Vekoma, Brogent and Leisure Expert Group scooped Media-Based Attraction of the Year for Amsterdam’s immersive flying theatre attraction, This Is Holland.
Themed Attraction of the Year was won by Holovis (below), Scruffy Dog and Merlin Magic Making for Wicker Man at Alton Towers Resort. The Best Ticketing & Access Control Product category recognised Omnico for its cloud-based POS and customer engagement technology.
Best Use of Technology went to ETF Ride Systems for its trackless ride vehicles, used for the Basiliszek Dark Ride at Legendia.
An “Industry Icon” award was given to Hubert Gerstlauer, founder of Gerstlauer Amusement Rides GmbH.
Guests at The Park World Excellence Awards ceremony donated generously to Make-A-Wish Netherlands, a charity nominated by sponsor ProSlide. Make-A-Wish helps to empower children aged 3-18 with critical illnesses by making their wishes a reality.
The event organisers expressed their thanks to sponsors including MACK Rides, Polin Waterparks, ProSlide, wiegand.maelzer and Semnox.
