IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, recently wrapped up the much anticipated IAAPA EMEA Spring Summit 2024, which took place at the Rixos Hotels resort complex and The Land of Legends on Turkey’s south Mediterranean coast.
Over 120 attendees from 15 nations gathered for a two-day event which featured networking, education, and discovery. The Summit represented a major landmark for IAAPA and the leisure market in Turkey.
The association aims to promote exploration, enable connections, and increase its members’ proximity to growing markets.
Peter van der Schans, vice president and executive director at IAAPA EMEA, says: “The Spring Summit in Türkiye exemplified this commitment, providing a platform for industry professionals to explore the rich cultural tapestry and dynamic leisure offerings of this vibrant country.
“We extend our gratitude to our host, The Land of Legends, for their warm hospitality and invaluable insights as we continue to forge meaningful connections and uncover the opportunities present in the growing Turkish market.”
Engaging educational sessions
The Turkish Amusement Parks Association opened the event with a keynote address on the Turkish leisure market.
This was followed by engaging presentations with speakers from Breda University of Applied Science, DOF Robotics, KidZania Istanbul, The Land of Legends, Merlin Entertainments, and PwC Türkiye. They spoke on subjects spanning sustainability case studies, artificial intelligence in attractions, insights into the local market, and leadership skills in times of instability.
Attendees enjoyed immersive EDUTours organised by the host, which provided an inside look at various elements of The Land of Legends. They gained an understanding of the resort’s operations and innovations through sessions which ranged from experiencing the 365-day open theme park to participating in a chocolate-making class, and reimagining the retail experience.
In addition, before the event the IAAPA EMEA team was met by local member DOF Robotics, who hosted visits to their headquarters and factory in Istanbul, providing significant insights into their products and future plans.
Last month, IAAPA released the first attractions industry economic analysis for the Middle East region including several African countries. This comprehensive publication offers insight into the transformative effect that attractions have on the economy.
