A dedicated water parks arena is to be introduced, for the first time, at next year's Theme Parks and Fun Centers (TPFC), a regional trade showcase for the rapidly developing amusement parks and attractions industry, launched by show organizer International Expo-Consults (IEC).
"This arena will be a forum to showcase the latest products in this sector, which is expanding in tandem with the region's burgeoning tourism industry, fuelling the need for facilities," said Mohammed Falaknaz, IEC vice president.
In Dubai it is projected that the number of visitors will rise to 15 million by 2010, a tenfold increase. Similar growth is predicted in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia is intent on diverting between 10 and 25 percent of the $14.4 billion Saudis spend on travel abroad by encouraging foreign investment in domestic destinations.
"Consequently, billions of US dollars are being spent on entertainment facilities throughout the Middle East and with 50 percent of all projects having a water park element there is great potential for companies seeking to expand their regional market share," said Falaknaz.
"Currently, approximately 60 percent of the Arabian Gulf population is under the age of 25. In Saudi Arabia alone, 42 percent of the Kingdom's 15.6 million indigenous population is made up of kids up to 14 years of age," said Falaknaz. "The development of the region's retail sector is another factor driving demand for the latest leisure technologies that will be seen at TPFC, some for the first time in this region."
While in the past the show has been dominated by American and European companies, the 2003 TPFC show will also have a sharper focus on Far East exhibitors. "We believe the presence of the Korea Amusement Machine Manufacturers Association (KAMMA) at this year's show will create greater awareness of the exhibition in that region," said Falaknaz.
TPFC 2002 opens at the Dubai World Trade Center April 23, 2002 and will run until Thursday April 25. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
