Today, officials with the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) announced Asian Attractions Expo 2009 will be held in Seoul, South Korea. The Asian Attractions Expo is the largest trade show and conference for the attractions industry in Asia. It will take place at the COEX Convention & Exhibition Center in Seoul, June 10-12, 2009.

Asian Attractions Expo

The Asian Attractions Expo is the premier event for the multibillion dollar leisure and attractions industry in Asia. More than 3,000 professionals from amusement and theme parks, waterparks, zoos, aquariums, museums, family entertainment centers, casinos, and resorts participate in the annual event to develop and purchase new attractions and products for their facilities, see what’s new in the industry, learn about best practices, discuss the latest industry trends, and network with colleagues.

More than 150 exhibitors from 25 countries will showcase their innovative products and services during the three-day event in more than 100 categories, including amusement and theme park rides; architectural and design services; coin-operated games, skill games, and redemption prizes; theatrical productions; and maintenance services and equipment.

Attractions Industry Growing in Asia

The recent success of the Asian Attractions Expo has been fueled by the tremendous growth of the attractions industry in Asia. Business analyst PricewaterhouseCoopers predicts by 2012, Asia’s amusement and theme parks will entertain 290 million guests a year and annual revenues will grow 5.7 percent, from $6.4 billion (USD) to $8.4 billion (USD). Asia is the second fastest growing region of the industry and is home to eight of the top 25 most-visited theme parks in the world.  Within the region, China, Singapore, and South Korea are hotbeds of amusement and theme park development.

Attractions Industry Growth in South Korea

Theme park revenue in South Korea is projected to grow from nearly $60 million (USD) in 2008 to more than $900 million (USD) in 2012. This growth is generated by a combination of improved economic conditions and the development of several major new parks. MGM Studios, Paramount Pictures, and Universal Studios have all announced plans to work with developers and open new parks in South Korea by 2012.

Seoul and COEX Ideal for Expo

Seoul has more than 600 years of history and is the world's second largest metropolitan area with over 11 million people. Seoul’s modern skyline and timeless temples and palaces contribute to the sophistication of this world-class city.

COEX is a state-of-the-art facility and the world’s 10th largest convention center.  It is conveniently located in the central business area of Seoul. COEX is also home to Asia’s largest underground shopping mall, more than 200 restaurants, an aquarium, and a casino, making it a primary destination for business, shopping, and entertainment.

“The combination of a contemporary cultural city like Seoul with the modern amenities of COEX provides a dynamic setting for Asian Attractions Expo 2009,” said Charles Bray, president and CEO of IAAPA. “This is an exciting time for the industry in Asia, and Seoul is the ideal site for our 2009 event.”

Asian Attractions Expo is an event for attractions industry professionals.  It is not open to the general public.