30% Increase in Saudi Visitors to TPFC Show
The Theme Parks and Fun Centres show (TPFC) 2003, held from September 29 - October 1 at the Airport Expo Dubai, United Arab Emirates, exceeded expectations for growth, with a recorded 30% increase in Saudi visitors to the show compared to previous years.
The final visitor count for this three day show was 3,117 trade visitors, traveling from Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Canada, China, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Iraq, Iran, Italy, Japan, Jordan, KSA, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Netherlands, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Singapore, South Africa, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Turkey, UAE, UK, USA and Yemen to attend the show.
2003 saw the TPFC show develop and strengthen industry ties, with the TPFC 2003 certified by US Commercial Service as a Certified Event for US Companies to participate in and endorsed by the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA) and the World Waterparks Association (WWA).
The amusement industry in Saudi Arabia is growing at an unprecedented rate, as demonstrated in the visitor numbers to the TPFC show 2003, leading to optimism and excitement about further growth and expansion in the future. The Indian subcontinent is showing a major growth phase in the amusement and attractions industry, so it has potential to become a leading and influential region for the industry and therefore for the TPFC show.
2004 will highlight the 10th anniversary of the TPFC show, scheduled to run from the 27-29 April. The show is likely to expand to 9000 square metres in area with a dedicated arena for new categories, following the success of the 2003 show.
TPFC show presents an ideal opportunity for industry professionals to see the latest products, technologies and innovations from the world's unique and famous entertainment and leisure manufacturers and suppliers. The TPFC show offers a wealth of opportunities for buyers, investors and operators to source products and services for themeparks, water parks, leisure arcades, FEC's and shopping malls. The show is an ideal platform to liase with international amusement industry contacts and technical professionals, meet suppliers and strengthen relationships, identify and stimulate export/re-export opportunities, attract potential partners and optimise position in the market place.
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