EWA Meets IAAPA

The European Waterpark Association (EWA) visited, among other destinations, Germany’s Europa-Park in Rust during their summer meeting in Southern Germany taking place from June 14 to 16, 2012 (more details about the summer meeting in our magazine issue). Roland Mack, CEO of Europa-Park, took the opportunity to welcome the waterpark professionals of the EWA in his theme park personally. Roland Mack, who is also Chairman of the Board of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), and who, in this role, is hosting this week’s IAAPA Board Meeting, turned up together with Chip Cleary, President and CEO of IAAPA, to give a short speech about the significance of waterparks and thermal spas for the international leisure industry. Mag. Markus Achleitner, Vice President of EWA and Managing Director of EurothermenResorts OÖ Thermenholding, additionally pointed out the obvious convergence of theme park and waterpark offers. “What we’ve seen here at Europa-Park is theming at the highest stage. In this way you can lead people into a positive leisure world in which they can either be entertained or just relax,” explained Achleitner.

IAAPA boss Chip Cleary, who was working as Senior Vice President for Palace Entertainment’s Water Park Division until 2011, did not only comment on his very own connection to the waterpark industry, but confirmed Achleitner's statement . (eap)