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Monday June 8th, 2020
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Dennis Speigel to be Featured Speaker in “Morale & Motivation in Tourism Panel” for Major Turkey Tourism Group
 
On Wednesday, June 10, 2020, Dennis Speigel, Founder & CEO of International Theme Park Services, Inc. (ITPS), will be a featured speaker and guest panelist for an online meeting coordinated by the Travelshop Turkey & Murti’s Tours.  This major Turkish tourism and tour group has been the flagship operator in the travel industry since 2005.  They offer over 1,000 different tours, 2,000 hotels, 500 villas, and 200 yacht cruises to different destinations in Turkey and beyond.
 
Along with tours to Turkey, Travelshop Turkey holds highly successful online events that speak to overall tourism globally.  Dennis Speigel will be the key panel speaker in their upcoming Morale & Motivation in Tourism Panel to be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at 17:00 Turkey time, or 10:00 US Eastern time.
 
Everyone in the leisure and amusement industry is welcome to attend at no charge.  Dennis will be providing a wealth of insight into the impact that COVID-19 has had, and will continue to have, on the amusement and travel industry.  This will include discussion on when theme parks and leisure facilities closed, how this has impacted their planned capital spend, and how they are planning to re-open.  Dennis will also share insights on how the amusement industry will change in the post-pandemic period, and will opine on how the industry will adapt its growth strategies moving forward.

The session will be available by Zoom, but requires registration at the following:  www.travelshopturkey.com/OnlineMeeting.html

Date:  10th of June, 2020
Time:  17:00 Turkish Time (10:00 a.m. EST)
Platform:  Zoom online 
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak
Daily Update
NBA's Orlando reopening plan gives Disney a boost

ESPN’s Wide World of Sports facility stretches over hundreds of acres near Orlando, Florida, including enough playing space to fit seven city blocks.  The Walt Disney Co.-owned center, which opened in 1997, includes baseball diamonds, a basketball arena, field house and a running track.

“Disney needs it right now,” said Dennis Speigel, a theme-park consultant in Cincinnati. “It gives them something positive to wave around. It touches all the Disney elements, from broadcasting through resorts. It’s a big economic multiplier.”

Other News

Mall of America plans to reopen June 10

World Health Organization updates its guidance to recommend the use of masks for everyone in public settings

Consumers are excited to return to restaurants, but they want a safe and relaxing experience, Datassential says

WHAT WILL BRING CUSTOMERS BACK?


 
Today's Update to Parks and Attractions Reopening Dates

As the list keeps growing, we've dedicated a page to the reopening dates for parks and attractions.  Find the complete list here.
 
Parks
Holiday Park – June 10
Ocean Park Hong Kong – June 13
The Park at OWA – June 5
Plopsaland De Panne – July 1
Six Flags Over Georgia – June 15


Waterparks
Coney Island (Cincinnati) – June 13
Electric City Water Park – June 13
Noah’s Ark Waterpark – June 20
Six Flag White Water – June 29
Sun Splash Water Park – June 6
Zoombezi Bay – June 19


Zoos / Aquariums
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo – June 6
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium – June 12
Lucknow Zoo – June 8
Mill Mountain Zoo – June 10
Saginaw Children’s Zoo – June 16
Sunshine Aquarium (Tokyo) – June 8
Toledo Zoo & Aquarium – June 12
Topeka Zoo (Indoor Buildings) – June 8
Virginia Living Museum – June 6


Museum / Attractions
Cincinnati Museum Center – July 17
Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center (HHC) – July 17
Navy Pier (no indoor spaces,museum or rides) – June 10
Prado (Madrid) – June 6
Reina Sofia (Madrid) – June 6
Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum (Madrid) – June 6
Tree Rush Adventures – June 10
Virtual Center (France - Paris , Vannes, Troyes, Chambly, Clermont-Ferrand and Lorient) – May 11
Wyoming State Museum – June 9

 

1.  Kings Island has been given green light to reopen but no reopening date set yet

Gov. Mike DeWine announced Friday that amusements parks and water parks can reopen June 19.

Dennis Speigel is the CEO and founder of International Theme Park Services. He spoke with WLWT as an expert in the field and not as a spokesperson for Kings Island.

"People should understand, when they do come back, there are going to be rules and procedures that haven't been in place before," Speigel said. "It is going to be spacing, distancing, masks. Temperatures are going to be taken. You're going to be, if you're not with somebody, separated, and spaced on a ride."

 

2.  Can theme parks make money reopening at reduced capacity?

The new normal for theme parks such as Disney, Universal, Six Flags, SeaWorld and Cedar Fair will mean reopening with reduced capacity. Fewer visitors will pass through the gates as attractions reopen after extended coronavirus closures with strict government-mandated health and safety restrictions.

'We felt super safe': Universal Orlando reopens; here's what it's like with coronavirus precautions


Universal’s Florida Theme Parks See Few Guests on Reopening
Consumers aren’t yet in the mood to travel to crowded places, said Dennis Speigel, a theme-park consultant in Cincinnati. That’s particularly true for families, he said. “Mom is the decision-maker for the children,” he said. “She’s being cautious and we’ve seen that in the past.”

 

3.  Ocean Park has a short time to reinvent itself

Ocean Park as we know it will be around for at least another nine months. The coronavirus pandemic forced its temporary closure along with competitor Disneyland on January 26 and when it can take visitors again is for now guesswork. But should its gates swing open, those of us with fond memories of Hong Kong’s only home-grown theme park should make an effort to visit as the HK$5.4 billion funding lifeline recently approved by lawmakers is only enough to finance the attraction through to the end of next March. In that time, it has to reinvent itself and among the options are refocusing, downsizing or, if a viable plan cannot be found, shutting down.

4.  Hong Kong Disneyland Set To Re-Open As Region Looks To Boost Economy Following Virus & Protest Disruption

The South China Morning Post is reporting that Ocean Park will open to visitors from Saturday (June 13), with the Disneyland resort on Lantau Island set to follow soon on an unspecified date. Both parks have been close since late January after the coronavirus began to spread in the territory from neighboring China.

5.  Six big ways Orlando theme parks are changing, aside from coronavirus safety measures

When talking about Orlando’s tourism industry, a few things are always guaranteed to come up, like those ever-increasing ticket prices. But there are still plenty of unique things ahead for the industry, once parks fully reopen again after after coronavirus pandemic.

Park Hopping Suspended Indefinitely as Walt Disney World Ticket Sales Prepare To Come Back Online

6.  Universal Studios Japan reopens to locals after three-month hiatus

OSAKA – Universal Studios Japan reopened its doors Monday to annual pass holders in Osaka Prefecture after the popular theme park was shut down for about three months for the coronavirus pandemic.

7.  Extra toilets in Walibi Holland during the corona crisis

Walibi Holland makes an attempt to tackle the long queues at the toilets. Due to the corona virus, the amusement park currently allows a maximum of one party at a time in toilet areas. Toilet seats and urinals must then be disinfected. The new working method can ensure a considerable waiting time.

8.  As theme parks reopen, advisors strive to set expectations

While some of the new requirements to enter theme parks as they reopen have been off-putting to clients, especially the provision that guests must wear face coverings, travel advisors agree that the safety measures are necessary to keep guests and employees safe during the coronavirus crisis.

9.  Kennywood Park offers first look inside the Old Mill’s return

WEST MIFFLIN, Pa. — Kennywood Park is offering a first look inside their efforts to restore The Old Mill.  The classic ride was replaced by Garfield’s Nightmare in the early 2000s, but Kennywood announced earlier this year that Garfield’s Nightmare was closing and the Old Mill was coming back.

10.  Walt Disney World Resort Provides Update that Hotel Reservations Do Not Guarantee Theme Park Access

We knew that Disney would be putting in place a new reservation system that meant in order to visit a theme park, you needed valid theme park admission as well as a reservation for the park that day.

11.  We wore a mask all day in the hot sun at a theme park; Here’s our experience and advice

Yesterday was the first time the Universal Orlando Resort theme parks re-opened to the public. I went with a friend, to enjoy the parks from 8 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Universal Orlando, along with many other locations in Florida, require guests to wear face coverings in the parks. While many of us have worn a mask in a grocery store for about 30 minutes, this endeavor was entirely different. And, somewhat more difficult than I originally anticipated. 

12.  Gulf Coast amusement park joins Alabama reopening push

FOLEY, Ala. (AP) — An amusement park on the Alabama coast is joining the state’s push to reopen is economy amid the global pandemic.

13.  MENALAC members prepare to open amusement facilities with a re-opening strategy after Covid-19 crisis eases

As the economies of the Middle East countries are gradually re-opening, the Middle East North Africa Leisure Attractions Council (MENALAC) has started working on recommended minimum standards before re-opening

14.  Multi-million-dollar package to support theme park workers

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has today announced $11 million to support Gold Coast tourism icons to continue to pay workers through the COVID-19 pandemic.

15.  Seoul theme park closed following virus patient's visit

South Korea's largest indoor theme park was forced to close early Sunday after health authorities confirmed that a virus patient had visited the entertainment facility.

Lotte World Adventure, an amusement park in Songpa Ward, southern Seoul, suspended its operation around 1 p.m. for the safety of visitors and workers.

16.  What to expect the £3.5 billion London Resort theme park to look like when it opens

For years now we've heard about plans for a huge theme park to rival Disneyland Paris to be built just outside London and we have finally moved a step closer to it becoming a reality as a consultation has been launched to get views on it.

17.  Pleasure Island could be sold four years after it shut its doors

A deserted theme park near Lincolnshire is on the verge of being sold.  Pleasure Island, in Cleethorpes, which was popular with people in Lincolnshire for more than two decades closed down at the end of the 2016 season.

18.  Avonturenpark Hellendoorn sells classic roller coaster wheels

Avonturenpark Hellendoorn is a pleasure for collectors. The amusement park in Overijssel temporarily sells parts of the classic roller coaster Tornado, opened in 1990. In the souvenir shop of the amusement park are several old wheels from the thirty-year-old roller coaster.

19.  Samson explains Plopsaland corona rules: 'Follow the dirty signs'

Plopsaland De Panne can welcome visitors from Wednesday 1 July. In a new video, Studio 100 mascot Samson makes an attempt to explain the new corona rules in the theme park. The talking dog tells in its own way what visitors can expect from a day "Plops distance" .

20.  Topolino's Terrace will host the only character dining experience when the Walt Disney World resort hotels reopen

Face coverings will be required for each Guest age 2 and up, which must be worn in all public areas—including while entering and exiting dining locations—and can be removed while eating or drinking.

21.  Willy Wonka-like chocolate factory to open outside Amsterdam

Plans for Tony’s Chocolonely Chocolate Circus, released by the Amsterdam-based architecture and urban planning company SeARCH, call for three buildings — with one housing the rollercoaster.

22.  Universal Orlando has not announced its new Jurassic Park roller coaster, but it's quickly taking shape

For more than two years, its been well known that Universal Orlando was working on a new roller coaster for its Jurassic Park section in Islands of Adventure. Now, with track work well underway, the future of this land is coming being realized, even if Universal is still holding off on acknowledging anything is underway.

23.  Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk partially reopens — but not for thrill-seekers

The salt-water taffy is back. The exhilarating rides on the Giant Dipper will have to wait.  After the COVID-19 crisis forced the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to shut down for only the second time in its history, this coastside attraction is again welcoming guests.

24.  PHOTOS: Zootopia Land Expansion Goes Vertical at Shanghai Disneyland

The highly-anticipated Zootopia expansion coming to Shanghai Disneyland is finally on its way to us! Today, the Shanghai Disney Resort went vertical on its first major expansion project! Let’s take a look at the photos, shall we?

1.  SFMOMA Lays Off an Additional 55 Staff Members as Museums Prepare for a Reckoning Heading Into a New Fiscal Year

In the weeks after museums across the United States closed their doors to preserve public health in March, a steady drumbeat of layoffs and furlough announcements plagued the sector. Among those making dramatic cutbacks was the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, which laid off or furloughed some 60 percent of its more than 500-person staff. Now, as the museum prepares to enter a new fiscal year in July, it is making another round of cutbacks, laying off 55 people from a variety of departments last week.

2.  Chuck E. Cheese in Talks With Lenders About Financing Deals

Chuck E. Cheese, the restaurant chain and popular children’s party venue, is in talks with its lenders to raise money to avoid filing for bankruptcy, according to people familiar with the matter.  At the same time the Irving, Texas-based food-and-games chain has also approached lenders in recent weeks to gauge their interest in providing a $200 million loan to finance a stay in bankruptcy, according to one of the people familiar with the matter.

3.  The Earth Project plans ‘world-class visitor attraction’ in North Wales

The Earth Project, a new platform to showcase the planet and promote sustainable stewardship of Earth, is planning a ‘world-class visitor attraction’ in North Wales.  Snowdonia has been selected for a global energy and climate hub, which will lead efforts to solve some of the planet’s biggest environmental challenges.

4.  Helsinki constructing Architecture and Design Museum as part of COVID-19 recovery

The Finnish government will fund the construction of a new Architecture and Design Museum in Helsinki as part of its coronavirus support package. The new museum is set to open to the public in 2025.  The Architecture and Design Museum has received a contribution of €60 million, which is part of the government’s €1.3 billion supplementary budget to help the country recover from COVID-19.

5.  Managing large crowds at indoor attractions amid the pandemic

 With double reg flags flying on the beaches Saturday and a weekend forecast with plenty of rain, indoor attractions tend to see more crowds.  "People want to get out, they've been in long enough. so, they're coming in," Funland Manager Ginny McDavid said.

6.  Majid Al Futtaim's VOX Cinemas and Tesla host the region's first carbon-neutral drive-in cinema screening for Tesla Cars

Dubai: Majid Al Futtaim, the leading shopping mall, communities, retail and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and VOX Cinemas celebrated World Environment Day by hosting the region’s first carbon neutral drive-in movie screening for Tesla cars. To mark the international awareness day, and in continuation of its ongoing sustainability efforts, Majid Al Futtaim also announced that it is partnering with Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence to offset the carbon emissions from all VOX Cinemas Drive-In screenings

7.  Virtual Center: health protocol and opening of a new room

The leading network of entertainment centers dedicated to virtual reality, the  Virtual  Center  brand wanted to reassure its customers about their concerns about hygiene in leisure places during this period of health crisis due to  Covid-19 .  The brand has in fact implemented all the actions necessary to protect and welcome visitors in the best possible conditions, at all levels.
 

8.  Zip line park in Fontenelle Forest reopens for season after COVID-19 forced shutdown

The COVID-19 pandemic stalled business for Fontenelle Forest's high-flying adventure.  Tree Rush Adventures' season started in mid-march, but just days into operation, directed health measures required them to shut down. Now, Metro-area families going back to nature have another way to get some fresh air.

9.  Parts of Navy Pier to reopen Wednesday with masked staff

 Chicago's Navy Pier plans to begin reopening Wednesday, nearly three months after closing as part of state and city efforts to limit the spread of the coronavirus.  Initial reopening plans include outdoor restaurant spaces, tour boats, parking garages and outdoor parks and piers.  Navy Pier officials said carnival rides including its Ferris wheel and indoor spaces including the Chicago Children's Museum will not reopen yet. Fireworks shows also remain shut down.

10.  Cincinnati Museum Center, Holocaust & Humanity Center plan July 17 reopening; guest safety top priority

After what will be a four-month closure, Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) and the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center (HHC) are planning to reopen on July 17.  Both museums, which share Union Terminal as a home, have taken extensive measures to ensure guest and staff safety upon reopening. Visits with a dinosaur or tour through HHC’s Humanity Gallery may be a little different, but the impact of the experience will not be diminished.
Waterpark / Aquatics News

1.  Zagame Pulls Out of $100m Water Park Play

Diversified property group Pellicano will press ahead with plans for a $100 million water park in south-east Melbourne after the unexpected withdrawal of its high-profile joint venture partner.  The project, originally dubbed Zagame’s Wild Water Park, was set to be delivered by Melbourne's Zagame family and construction and development firm Pellicano.
 

2.  Aquatica San Antonio reopens after months-long closure

Aquatica San Antonio welcomed guests back to the park Saturday after being forced to close in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.  However, although the park is reopening, there are new safety guidelines and protocols in place. For starters, guests are now required to use a new online system to make reservations before they visit.

3.  Sun Splash Waterpark reopens with new safety measures

Now that Florida is in Phase 2 of reopening, Sun Splash in Cape Coral is opening its doors to guests. The park will be less crowded because it is only operating at 50 percent capacity. 

4.  Electric City Water Park to open Friday in Great Falls; coronavirus precautions in place

The city-run Electric City Water Park at 100 River Drive S. will open for the season at noon on Friday, but residents are being asked to take precautions to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

5.  Water Park Opens with Social Distancing Measures

YONGIN, June 8 (Korea Bizwire) — Caribbean Bay, a water park in Yongin, south of Seoul, opened its doors for a new season on Friday.
 

6.  Great Wolf Lodge reopens Tuesday to 50% occupancy

SCOTTSDALE, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) -- Great Wolf Lodge in Scottsdale will be reopening their doors Tuesday following the coronavirus pandemic.  When you visit Great Wolf Lodge, you can expect to find new protocols including sanitizing and cleaning stations. In addition, physical distancing will be in place, minimized surface interactions in all the guest rooms and there will be sanitization stations available.

7.  Making a Splash: Costa del Sol’s Water Parks Expect to Re-Open by Early July

Spain is slowly progressing towards the ‘new’ normality and part of this trajectory includes water parks on the Costa del Sol re-opening, as they hope to make a splash during the summer by late June and early July.

8.  Zoombezi Bay set to reopen June 19

COLUMBUS (WCMH) — Zoombezi Bay is set to kick off its delayed 2020 season on June 19.  Season pass holders and gold members will be allowed into the park beginning the weekend of June 19 -21, with all guests allowed starting June 22.

9.  Coney Island announces plans to reopen Friday -- with restrictions

CINCINNATI — Cincinnati's Coney Island will open for the 2020 season on Friday, park officials announced Monday morning.  According to Gov. Mike DeWine, water parks and amusement parks are permitted to reopen June 19. Swimming pools, however, were permitted to reopen May 26.

10.  Noah’s Ark Waterpark opening with pre-entry temperature checks, limited capacity

Noah’s Ark Waterpark in Wisconsin Dells is preparing to open for the season on Saturday, June 20. Visitors will notice new safety measures, including limiting capacity and pre-entry temperature checks.  “The health and safety of our Guests and Team Members continues to be our top priority as we work to reopen in this new environment,” said General Manager Mark Whitfield. “We will continue working in step with local leaders, health experts and our industry colleagues to ensure best practices are in place at Noah’s Ark.”
Aquarium / Zoo News

1.  Panda escapes from enclosure at Danish zoo; returned safely

One of Copenhagen Zoo's giant pandas escaped from its enclosure early Monday and roamed the park before staff were able to sedate it and bring it back.  Xing Er, a 7-year-old male who arrived at the zoo last year, was seen on surveillance video breaking out of the newly built, 160 million-kroner ($24.2 million) Panda House that also houses female panda Mao Sun.

2.  As Columbus Zoo and Aquarium preps to open, it welcoms several harbor seals, sea lions

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has announced the arrival of 10 California sea lions and four harbor seals in another milestone marking that the zoo’s newest region, Adventure Cove, is edging toward completion.  Accompanied by Columbus Zoo staff and a marine mammal veterinarian, the seals and sea lions traveled from Florida and safely arrived at the Zoo on Sunday, May 17. 

3.  Topeka Zoo to start reopening buildings; baby lemur to debut

The Topeka Zoo will begin reopening buildings to the public on Monday, which will also bring the debut of its newest resident, a recently born black and white ruffed lemur.  The zoo on Monday will reopen facilities that will include Camp Cowabunga, the Lianas Forest and the Animals and Man building, said Molly Hadfield, the city’s media relations director.

4.  Erie Zoo Employee Bitten On Arm By Orangutan

An employee at a northwestern Pennsylvania zoo was bitten on the arm by an orangutan over the weekend, authorities said.  Erie County emergency dispatchers said the 29-year-old zookeeper sustained puncture and bite wounds to his forearm during Saturday afternoon’s attack at the Erie Zoo.

5.  Closed for nearly 3 months due to pandemic, Brookfield Zoo cuts 56 jobs

Brookfield Zoo is eliminating 56 full-time positions, as all facilities remain closed amid the COVID-19 pandemic.  The zoo placed nearly a third of its staff on furlough in April and now joins a number of cultural institutions forced to begin permanent layoffs in response to the pandemic.

6.  Toledo Zoo & Aquarium to reopen Friday, June 12

The Toledo Zoo & Aquarium is about to reopen.  In a post on social media, the zoo announced a firm date for reopening following the statewide shutdown and subsequent reopening due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  It's reopening date will be Friday, June 12, 2020.

7.  Cheyenne Mountain Zoo begins phased reopening

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is back open.  The zoo has been closed for nearly three months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Saturday, visitors got a special treat as they were the first to see the zoo's new hippo and penguin exhibits.

8.  Lucknow zoo set to reopen, no kids below 10 years allowed

A visit to the Lucknow zoo from Monday will be marked by several conditions due to the corona pandemic.  R. K. Singh, Director of the Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Zoological Garden in Lucknow, said, “Tickets will now have to be purchased online from the website and the ticket window will remain closed as a precaution to minimise human contact.”

9.  Shedd Aquarium shows off new baby penguins, seahorses ahead of reopening

There will be plenty of new babies to see when The Shedd Aquarium reopens.  Four penguins recently hatched and are all doing fine, staff says.  The aquarium also shared video of a new batch of newborn seahorses. Staff said they are keeping them separated until they're a big bigger.

10.  Rooftop Aquarium Reopens for the First Time in 3 Month

People flock to the Sunshine Aquarium located on the roof of a tall building in Tokyo after the venue was closed down for three months due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
 

10.  Shuttered zoos are hemorrhaging money, and they want federal help for endangered species work

Three months after stranding on a Delaware beach, a gray seal dubbed Pippi Longstocking is recovering at the National Aquarium in Baltimore and will soon be released to the wild. She may be the facility’s last such patient for the foreseeable future.
Tourism / Other News

1.  Could food and drink save the tourism industry?

As we emerge from the Covid-19 lockdown, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is hosting a free public webinar exploring the role of food and drink in reimagining New Zealand tourism.  Will food tourism facilitate our reconnections with friends and families throughout New Zealand, and provide interesting diversions on our road trips through the country, or will it just be for the ‘foodies’ who can afford luxury experiences?

2.  Las Vegas Is Open - Here’s What You Need to Know

It’s a cause for celebration. Las Vegas, one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, re-opened for business this week in some select hotel-casinos, with more scheduled to unlock the doors this coming week.

3.  Economic pain from cruise industry shutdown is far-reaching

In late April, CLIA calculated that if the suspension of cruising continued for 60 days, the loss worldwide would total $21 billion in economic activity, 2,500 jobs per day and $7.3 billion in wages.

4.  Returning tourism won’t save airlines from coronavirus

I wrote for Abacus in late April about how I thought equity investors would start to shift their investment strategies out of “growth stocks”, and that we would see a return to “value stocks” for longer-term outperformance and steady income.
Did you hear about the cross-eyed teacher who lost her job because she couldn't control her pupils?
 
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News Releases can be submitted to Shawn at
shawnhaas@interthemepark.com 

 
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