Theme Parks: Europa-Park heads for its 35th anniversary with new record attendance despite economic crisis Blooloop

In spite of the economic crisis and recession, Europa-Park celebrates a new record year with clearly over 4 million visitors in during the summer and winter season 2009.

Thereby, the growth during the year of crisis was on a double-digit level. Europa-Park´s managing partner Roland Mack: ”We are looking for chances during the crisis and even realise positive effects for our business in this difficult economical situation. Many people choose not to go on a large holiday. Instead they spend a short-break at Europa-Park.” The market leader among German leisure parks is continuously focusing on quality and new attractions. Especially the new roller coaster “blue fire Megacoaster” has proven extremely popular in 2009. More and more visitors are repeat visitors, who come to Europa-Park several times a year.

One example for the pioneering role of Germany´s biggest theme park is the realisation of an art exhibition at Europa-Park. The Chagall exhibition “Faith, Hope, Love – Marc Chagall´s Dream of the Bible” was an outstanding highlight during the winter season. More than 100, 000 visitors admired the exceptional exhibition, which was realised in cooperation with Chagall´s grand-daughter Meret Meyer.

During the winter season, which will present countless “magic moments” until 10 January 2010, 2, 500 fir trees, 2.5 million lights, more than 1.500 Christmas bowls and 25 campfires transform Europa-Park into a romantic winter landscape. Fantastic entertainment is guaranteed, when watching the new winter shows, among them the ice-show with the Swiss “queen of pirouettes” Denise Biellmann.

The winter season at Europa-Park has developed into a very successful season a long time ago. Many new guests are attracted during the “magic moments”, says Europa-Park´s managing partner Roland Mack. “The percentage of first time visitors is even higher in winter than in summer”, says Mack. Especially for older visitors, Europa-Park is even more attractive during the winter season.

Also the Dinner-Show “Cirque d´Europe” has reached a new attendance record. Due to the large demand, the booking period for the new programme “Déjà Vu” has been prolonged until end of January 2010.

But also after the end of the winter season, Europa-Park has plenty to offer. Hotel Colosseo with its bars and restaurants is open all year round and also the spa areas at hotel Colosseo and hotel Santa Isabel offer recreation and relaxation all year long. Moreover, many companies hold their business events during the winter months. Two big events will be organised at Europa-Park in February: On 13 February, the most beautiful woman in Germany will be elected during the finale of the beauty contest “Miss Germany 2010”. And from 18 to 21 February, all passionate dancers can visit the Euro Dance Festival, which offers numerous workshops for different dance styles and levels.

Ship ahoy – in 2010, it´s getting wet at Europa-Park! The new family attraction “Whale Adventures – Splash Tours” in the Icelandic themed area invites young and old to go on an exciting expedition. In boats the guests cruise the waters around the volcanic island Iceland and encounter whales and other sea dwellers. Splashy fun is guaranteed, because each boat is equipped with its own water cannon. All those who prefer staying ashore, can admire the new saloon at Europa-Park Camp Resort and the new Western Show.

Numerous expansions will be realised at Europa-Park in 2010. For example the “Pizzeria” will be reconstructed and the Portuguese themed area will be expanded by a restaurant. Moreover, the track of the “Monorail” will be passing the Icelandic themed area. In Iceland, a new three-story event- and information-hall next to “blue fire Megacoaster” will provide the visitors with background information about energy. The new infotainment-hall, which also features two conference rooms, is realised together with Gazprom, which is Europa-Park´s new cooperation partner.

Europa-Park will be open during the winter season until 10 January 2010, daily from 11 am to 7 pm. The Dinner-Show “Cirque d´Europe” presents its programme “Déjà Vu” until end of January. Summer season 2010: 27 March until 7 November, daily from 9 am to 6 pm (longer opening hours during the peak season). Further information on www.europapark.de.