Welcome to the blooloop briefing; a roundup of attractions news from the last seven days.
In the news this week – an enchanted motorbike ride, a magical AR app, realist avatars for social VR and Emaar’s digital currency.
Watch the news in 2 minutes
For a quick run through the week’s most eye catching stories see our briefing video:
Read the news in 5 minutes
Attractions Technology
Warner Bros and Niantic have unveiled Harry Potter: Wizards Unite – a new augmented reality (AR) mobile game inspired by J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world.
Dubai-based Emaar Group, a global property developer and provider of premium lifestyles, has announced plans to launch a blockchain digital currency which will be transferable across its ecosystem.
SXSW’s interactive innovation awards recognised AI, AR, VR and bots. Also at SXSW, HBO marked the final season of Game of Thrones by partnering with the American Red Cross and Giant Spoon on an experiential blood donor campaign, inviting attendees to ‘Bleed for the Throne’.
Oculus and Facebook have launched a series of blogs where they will reveal their vision of the future of AR and VR, and what Facebook Reality Labs are working on. The first blog looks at creating realistic avatars to create a genuine presence on social VR.
New developments
Edge, the highest outdoor observation deck in the Western Hemisphere, is set to open in 2020 at 30 Hudson Yards tower, New York.
Work on the International Rugby Experience in Limerick, Ireland is set to begin in the coming weeks.
JD Wetherspoons is tapping into the boozy brand experience, having been granted permission for a museum and hotel in Wolverhampton, UK.
€70m nature tourism project BARK (Biopark Barquinha), a conservation centre for endangered species, is set to open in 2021 in Vila Nova da Barquinha, Portugal.
Former Guggenheim director Thomas Krens says museums should be more like theme parks as he promotes a vision for a museum hub in North Adams, Massachusetts including the Extreme Model Railroad and Contemporary Architecture Museum (EMRCA).
Saudi Entertainment Ventures Company SEVEN has revealed plans for second mega entertainment hub in Riyadh.
Cinema
Vox announced plans to open 600 cinema screens in Saudi Arabia as the country relaxes its entertainment regulations.
Anyone partial to a bit of art deco should check out this lovely photo essay on saving Oscar Deutsch’s Odeon cinemas from the 1930s.
Theme parks
Puy du Fou have set out their global expansion strategy. By 2030, they hope to have eight shows in both France and Spain, as well as four themed hotels, and future developments in China.
PortAventura World is opening its first carbon-neutral hotel, Colorado Creek, in June.
Six Flags have announced that they are starting recruitment for a new CEO as Jim Reid-Anderson plans to retire in 2020.
Walt Disney World has increased prices again ahead of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opening including date-based ticket pricing system.
Xcaret Parks and Tours, known for combining archaeology, culture and ecology with entertainment in the Mexican Caribbean, is looking forward to welcoming its 50 millionth visitor in 2019.
Rides
New details revealed for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. Universal say the ride will be the most highly themed, immersive coaster experience ever created.
Stupet, Norway’s tallest drop tower, will open this June at Kongeparken. Guests will be able to choose between a slow 80m descent admiring the view, or a thrilling 2 second drop or a lucky dip!
