A Middle East chapter of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) is to be established in Dubai, to support the region's rapidly expanding entertainment and leisure industries.
The move was announced at the opening of the Theme Parks and Fun Centres (TPFC) 2003 show, being held at the Airport Expo Dubai. The initiative has been launched by International Expo Consults (IEC) organizer of TPFC – the Middle East's only trade show for the amusement parks and attractions industry - in association with IAAPA, the largest international trade body for permanently situated
amusement facilities worldwide.
Vice President of IEC Mohammed Falaknaz said a meeting was scheduled for November, at IAAPA's US headquarters, to finalize the details of the new regional body. The organization's inaugural meeting is expected to take place next April, at the 2004 showing of TPFC.
IAAPA is a non-profit organization representing over 5,000 facility, supplier, and individual members from more than 85 countries, including most amusement parks and attractions in the United States.
“The Middle East IAAPA chapter will make a significant contribution to the future development of the amusement park and fun centers industry in the region, by bringing together facility owners, operators and managers under one umbrella organization,” said Falaknaz.
Occupying 4,100 square meters at the Airport Expo, TPFC 2003 features 92 exhibitors from 25 countries spanning North and South America, Europe, the Middle and Far East, Indian Sub Continent and Australasia. The UK is fielding the largest number of participants, with 17 companies taking part, followed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with 12 companies, and Italy with 11 companies. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
