Theme Parks & Fun Centres 2005 takes off to a rousing start

The exhibition was officially inaugurated by H.E. Qassim Sultan, Director General, Dubai Municipality in the presence of senior personnel from the assembled trade, visiting professionals, senior officials from the DWTC and the media.

TPFC 2005 sets the tone for the industry that has displayed spectacular growth and performance over the years. This year's trade show demonstrates impressive numbers with a record turn out of 150 companies from over 26 countries. TPFC organised by International Expo Consults has the support of various International & Industry associations like American Amusement Machines Association (AAMA), International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA) and the Themed Entertainment Association amongst others.

In opening remarks directed to the Press and Exhibition participants, Mr. Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, President, International Exhibition Consults stated "The economic climate for this industry today tells us that we are living in the middle of the greatest global boom for entertainment & leisure in human history. This event offers the exhibitors & visitors a chance to participate and cooperate in an exploding global entertainment market - a market that offers rewards on a global scale."

Mr. Falaknaz also emphasized the growing potential of this booming and lucrative sector in the region "The Pan Arab Amusement & Entertainment market is already worth 10 billion US$ a year, excluding land & construction costs and is growing at a phenomenal 27% per annum. With mega projects like the Dubailand in Dubai, Durrat al-Arus in Saudi Arabia, Iceberg Towers in Bahrain & countless other major recreational developments in Oman, Jordan, Kuwait & Lebanon being announced on almost a daily basis the Entertainment, Recreation and Leisure Industry is poised to take off in a big way. TPFC has emerged as the industry platform mirroring this rapid growth in the region. The Exhibition is the perfect venue for exhibitors, representatives, buyers and media to checkout the latest technology as well as meet, inspect, buy exchange and sign up lucrative deals."

The exhibitors also seem too agree about the importance of TPFC as the launching board for their Middle East Activities - As one of the Key exhibitors Mr. Doug Smith of KoalaPlay Group, USA, stated, "The Middle East Amusement Industry is growing at a very rapid pace. The owner/operators of the region are now strategically planning quality entertainment venues with goal of long-term success. Soon this region will be a leader in the Global Entertainment Industry. KoalaPlay Group is the worldwide leader in developing custom play attractions for business that feature family fun entertainment. Always at technology's cutting edge, we create the most unique interactive elements such as our patented tipping bucket and Interactive BallPlay - the ultimate in dry play family fun. The Middle East is a critical part of our plans to build a successful distribution network worldwide. We hope to make a strong showing here at TPFC 2005."

Mr. Falaknaz also underlined the impact of emerging technologies, "Many new technologies are transforming the shape of our industry today e.g. advanced - simulators, smart card systems, online game tournaments, holograms, virtual reality, elaborate simulation centres, online music, and a dozen other concepts, are all heralding the next revolution in location-based entertainment. TPFC has a focus on the contemporary technologies and our exhibitors have on display here the latest in international technology, services and products from the world over."

"One of the biggest factors for a successful entertainment & leisure project is the selection of a location; today Dubai & the Middle East offer some of the most prime locations in the world. Couple that with the tourism boom - projections of 15 million tourists who will visit Dubai alone by the year 2010 & the importance of TPFC as an industry platform for the Amusement Leisure Industry is amply defined." concluded Mr. Falaknaz.

Over 7,000 Industry professionals are expected to visit Theme Parks & Fun Centres 2005 to learn of the latest technological breakthroughs, to keep abreast of technical developments, the latest offerings from the industry, exchange information, seek tie-ups, representation and collaboration, source equipment and expertise and vie for the rich pickings the business has to offer or simply network.

Now in its 11th edition TPFC 2005 is the only International B2B event in its category for the MENA markets. TPFC will present leading names, products and services from over 26 countries including Argentina, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, India, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, USA, UK and the Pan Arab Countries.