Despite attracting fewer visitors than the record-breaking Euro Attractions Show 2010, this year’s IAAPA-organised showcase has been hailed a success by the amusements and leisure industry.

EAS 2011 closed its doors yesterday (Thursday), after having hosted a record number of exhibitors at the Olympia in London, UK.

More than 7,000 visitors attended the European amusements and out-of-home leisure industry expo.

Although attendance figures were down on the record-breaking 9,000 visitors reported at the 2010 event in Rome, IAAPA said the statistics reconfirm the event’s position as the "premier trade show" for the attractions industry.
 
Mats Wedin, chairman of the IAAPA European Advisory Committee, said yesterday: "We are extremely pleased with this show and the support of the associations in the UK. Not only did we have a record number of exhibitors, we noticed that the European industry is as vibrant as ever."

Helen Ede, marketing manager for Rainbow productions, added: "We attracted lots of interest in our bespoke walk-about mascots from visitors all over Europe – particularly from French parks, where the company is increasingly supplying mascots.

"This year’s London location also meant we were able to meet a greater proportion of UK visitors and specifically promote the availability for personal appearances at UK attractions of over 100 licensed children’s characters."

A full show report will feature in the next issue of InterPark.