Poised for an Upswing:
The Leisure and Entertainment Industry

This issue’s Business Strategies feature, where you can read about the expected upswing in the leisure and entertainment, road and infrastructure and health care sectors of the economy, is the perfect accompaniment to the 2010 IAAPA Attractions Expo. The show has felt optimistic and positive for several years, and this year’s edition will likely fit that pattern. As the largest and most comprehensive trade and educational event in the industry, it is a valuable opportunity to meet with friends and colleagues, get fresh ideas on how to improve your location’s outlook, see new products and services and sit in on instructive seminars to gain insights into today’s business climate. Each issue, we also offer a wealth of ideas and tips on how to run a stronger and more productive and profitable operation. In addition to the Business Strategies report, you can read about new attractions in 2011 for the country’s parks in The Large Park Report, another sign of an industry that is sustaining itself. The close-to-home, affordable and fun nature of waterparks has also proven a perfect fit for cash-strapped families. In the Waves section, two waterpark executives discuss the state of their businesses and the viewpoint for 2011.
Every type of leisure entertainment location, from the most modest family entertainment center to the largest amusement park, can turn profits with an effective and efficient food service operation. In the Food Service Spotlight section, we examine how to keep refreshment lines moving and customers satisfied at amusement parks, and offer a look at the policies and procedures employed by museums to keep food preparation safe.
Giving guests the feeling that they are experiencing a unique, one-of-a-kind experience has incalculable value, and zoos are accomplishing this goal by offering nighttime programming. Visitors to zoos at night can experience a broad range of activities, from viewing nocturnal animals to attending an event in a memorable setting, and we report on trends at several United States zoos, and at an attraction in Singapore, in our Association of Zoos and Aquariums feature.
Like waterparks, family entertainment centers are enjoying popularity because of an affordable price for fun and close proximity to the customer base. In our Family Entertainment Center Report, we offer a look at hiring the right employees and trends in redemption merchandise in our Industry Owls section, adding batting cages to go-kart and miniature golf locations, food service and tips to getting the carpeting right in bowling centers, making roller skating rinks central to a community and laser tag ticketing and specials trends and a facility profile in the ILTA section.
IAAPA is often the perfect venue to introduce new vending and amusement machines, and in our Street Beat section we look at trends in bulk vending and report on the best-earning devices in 2010 straight from the street operators on the front lines of the business.
Additionally, our Amusement Rental & Inflatable News section offers a story on the drawbacks and benefits of adding portable fun food equipment to the party rental mix, the Haunted Attractions Feature presents a story on an interactive, walk-through haunt in Australia and the Foundations Entertainment University story presents insights from attendees on what they have learned from this recurring educational seminar. Also, don’t forget to check our IAAPA booth number list of Tourist Attractions & Parks’ advertisers for all of the must-see companies at the show. Stop by and visit us at Booth 2202.
I hope you enjoy the issue. Please contact me at the e-mail address below with your comments, questions and suggestions.
Scott C. Borowsky
President and Executive Editor
Tourist Attractions and Parks magazine
editortapmag@kanec.com