Amusement parks body adds Asia Pacific arm

 HONG KONG –The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) has established a regional office in Hong Kong, naming Andrew Lee its executive director for the trade.

 

Starting on September 16, Mr Lee will oversee government relations, communications, membership development, education, and the Asian Attractions Expo, a conference and trade show for the industry in Asia.

 

IAAPA chairman, Chip Cleary, said: “Asia has the fastest-growing attractions industry in the world so it is only natural for IAAPA to open an office in the region. IAAPA  Asia Pacific extends the trade association’s global presence and becomes the association’s third regional office, joining those already established in Europe and Latin America.”

 

Mr Lee most recently served as director, business ventures for a joint alliance between AsiaWorld-Expo, Global Sources, and Pico Global Services. Previously, he was executive director of the World Events Organization (WEO).

 

IAAPA claims to be the largest international trade association for permanently-situated amusement facilities and attractions worldwide, representing more than 4000 facility, supplier, and individual members from more than 90 countries.

 

Member facilities include amusement/theme parks, waterparks, attractions, family entertainment  centers, arcades, zoos, aquariums, museums, science centers, resorts, and casinos. It maintains regional offices in Europe and Latin America, and the association's global headquarters is in the US.