The 2017 edition of the Asian Attractions Expo, held in Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands, opened its doors yesterday to more than 350 exhibitors from across the global attractions industry.

IAAPA chairman Greg Hale

Organised by IAAPA, the event, which runs until June 16, sees exhibiting countries from over 30 countries take up more than 10,000sq.m of show floor space. With 63 new exhibitors and 8,000 visitors gathering for the show, this is approximately 50 per cent larger than the last AAE held in Singapore in 2013. This year’s turnout is testament to the industry’s strength and potential, said IAAPA chairman Greg Hale (pictured at the opening). 

“AAE is the place for us all to see a great number of interesting and innovative ideas,” Hale said, speaking at the event’s opening ceremony.

“Experiences matter; people want active entertainment and locations like amusements parks create memories that last a lifetime. AAE is where the global industry comes together – each visitor here today can take an idea back with them to improve their business.”

Paul Noland, IAAPA CEO, added: “Next year we celebrate our 100-year anniversary and we want to ensure that the industry prospers for another hundred. The Asian market grows stronger all the time and we are currently moving our world headquarters to Orlando – these are exciting times.”

“We are really pleased that AAE has returned to Singapore,” added Low Yen Ying, senior parliamentary secretary for Singapore’s ministry of education and ministry of trade and industry.

“Over the next three days, over 8,000 attendees will explore the world of entertainment. Last year broke records in tourism in Singapore, with eight per cent growth. This is largely down to the rise in an affluent middle class in Asia. This demographic is also becoming more discerning, however; we are here to show that the industry will work hard to meet their standards.”