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The article reveals that Asia's theme and water parks achieved a 5.8 percent increase in 2012 with visitation rising to 108.7 million attendances. According to the figures of the annual Themed Entertainment Association (TEA)/AECOM Theme Index, Asia represents more than a third of the global visitor attractions market with Asia beginning to pull ahead of traditional market leader North America.

This section offers news briefs on the leisure industry in Australia as of July 2010. The Tower of Terror ride will be relaunched at the theme park Dreamworld on the Gold Coast, Queensland. Attendances at museums operated by the organization Museum Victoria reached two million in 2009. Consultancy SGL Group has been selected by Cairns Regional Council to conduct research on options for redeveloping the Sugarworld Waterpark.

The article discusses the operation of water parks in the Arabian Gulf. It mentions Wild Wadi which features Jumeirah Sceirah long water slide and Aquaventure that offers thrilling rides and waterscapes. It cites actions taken by parks to adapt with the modesty and conservatism of Muslim women such as the indoor spaces from Water Waves Land and Burqini swimwear for women. It notes the first aid rooms, extensive water reserves, and water chilling technology to address extreme heat problems.

The article features the WhiteWater World water park owned by Macquarie Leisure Trust Group company in Queensland. The $60 million park, situated directly adjacent to Dreamworld theme park, offers six main rides and separate themed children's and toddler's areas. The park's three unique rides include the Blue Ringed Octopus, Super Tubes Hydrocoaster, and the Rip.

The article discusses key issues concerning carnival ride operations during the 2006 Royal Adelaide Show in Australia. The event faced tough media scrutiny and carnival ride operators have to deal with tough safety compliance regulations in Australia. Consequently, attendance figures dropped by 3% from 2005 to 533,145 visits.

This section offers news briefs on the Australian leisure industry. Australia's sporting clubs could recruit about 1.1 million Australian primary school aged children in sport if they can overcome key barriers to their sport participation, according to a report by the Federal Ministry for Sport. Worksafe Queensland has released an amusement ride safety alert advising that prohibition notices will be issued to ride operators who do not follow ride safety requirements.

The article focuses on a study that aims to investigate how a theme park or carnival ride's features might be adapted to rider behaviour to make the ride experience both safe and enjoyable conducted by Kathryn Woodcock, professor of the School of Occupational and Public Health (OPH) of Ryerson University in Canada. The researchers have developed an error-tracing method to support better analysis of rider injury events.

The article reports on the phased opening of the Resorts World Sentosa integrated resort in Singapore in March 2010. The first facility to open is the Universal Studios Singapore, followed by the Festive Hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel Singapore, the Crockfords Tower, and the Hotel Michael. The Equarius Hotel and Spa Villas are scheduled to open in 2011. It also cites the Battlestar Galactica ride at the Universal Studios Singapore, which was closed after just a week of operation due to safety issues.

The article announces several leisure park openings and attractions inn Australia including the Hair Raiser drop tower ride at Luna Park Sydney, the Pelotone indoor cycle studio in Western Sydney, and the Palmersaurus dinosaur park at the Palmer Coolum Resort in Queensland.

The article reports that the Universal Studios Singapore (USS) has launched the Sesame Street indoor theme park ride, the Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase at the Resorts World Sentosa, featuring 12 characters in a science-fiction plot.

The article describes the Airborne Shot rides delivered by the Italian amusement ride manufacturer SBF-VISA Group to clients in Turkey, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia.

The article focuses on the Polin Waterparks and Pool Systems waterslides to be featured at the South Australian State Aquatic Centre.

The article reports on the completion of WhiteWater West's first Abyss waterslide at Hanwha Resort in South Korean.

The article focuses on the forecasted growth of the Indian theme park industry according to Rajive Kaul, executive chairman of Nicco Corp. Factors that will contribute to the growth include the rise in the number of children born every year. Only 15 percent of India's 120 amusement and waterparks can be classified as large according to the 2008 to 2009 financial report of Nicco Parks.

The article evaluates the Dueling AquaLoops waterslides from WhiteWater West Industries Ltd.

The article reports that go kart tracks which cater to growing children and young adults will be established in Arabian Gulf countries by Family Entertainment Centres.

The article reports that Adventure World Co. has launched its new thrill ride called Free Fall on January 1, 2010 to mark the start of the year.

The article reports that the opening of a 15,000 squared meter aqua-park called Wahooo! Waterpark Bahrain has already been set. It states that the park was also created by the makers of the world's famous indoor snow resort Ski Dubai. It notes that chutes, mix of slides, and other attractions such as the 'Flowrider' surfing wave will be offered at the aqua-park. It adds that the park will be located inside the Bahrain City Centre, the largest shopping mall of the country.

The article offers information on the Moomba Waterfest Carnival 2010. It cites that the expressions of interest for the operators of carnival, game and amusement are invited for the 2010 Mooba Waterfest. It states that the operators are invited to submit their expression of interest for the inclusion of their ride, game or novelty by 2:00 p.m. in the Moomba Carnival on October 27, 2009. Moreover, it adds that operators will be informed by December 7, 2009 for their selection.

The article focuses on the plans for the second stage of The Great Reef Resort in western Sydney, New South Wales. It notes that a theme park with state-of-the-art amusement rides, indoor and outdoor waterparks, 250-room four-star hotel, conference facilities, day spa as well as themed restaurants will be added in the resort. It reveals that JVPlay developed the plans for the park and that owners Julianne Cusumano and Vince Cusumano are looking for investors for the project.

The article offers information on the 2009 Asian Attraction Exposition (AAE) at the COEX Convention & Exposition Centre in Seoul, South Korea from June 9-12.

The article reports that Luna Park Sydney is offering Unlimited Rides Passes at a cost of $30 in connection with its fifth year anniversary in April in New South Wales. Jeremy Nance, marketing manager of Luna Park, states that the $18 discount on the cost of their usual price is their anniversary gift to the public. Moreover, the park is also highlighting its value for money status with no cost entry and its overall value of its rides.

The article reports that the Wet 'n' Wild Waterworld of Warner Village Theme Parks (WVTP) has opened its combined wet and dry tourist attraction and multi-million dollar ride called Kamikaze in Australia. It tells that the exciting giant U-shaped slide uses water spray jets to provide frictionless boundary for rafts that dive down an 11 meter drop angled at 70 degrees. It adds that WVTP chief executive John Menzies has said that the first of its kind ride forefronts innovation and design.

The article reports that the South Bank and the World Tourist Attractions in Brisbane, Queensland, have opened the South Bank's Cultural Forecourt attraction called "The Wheel of Brisbane." It tells that the self-supporting Wheel stands 60 meters tall and weighs 350 tonnes with 42 enclosed glass capsules. It adds that guests can experience a 360 degree panoramic view of Brisbane City whenever the Wheel rotates.

The article offers information on the Asian Attractions Expo 2009 to be held at COEX Convention and Exhibition Centre in Seoul, South Korea on June 10-12.

The article reports that amusement park Dreamworld has opened SpongeBob FlyPants ride in Gold Coast, Queensland. The ride is inspired by Nickelodeon's prime character SpongeBob SquarePants. With a capacity of 24 individuals, the ride takes flight aboard on a giant wild jellyfish. Stephen Gregg, chief executive officer (CEO) at Dreamworld, says that the new project is an exciting addition to the kids' entertainment.

The article reports on the reopening of the Great Scenic Railway, one of the oldest roller coasters in the world, at Melbourne's Luna Park in Victoria. The classic wooden coaster, which was voted in the top eight roller coasters according to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, was developed in 1911. The coaster has been reopened after the restoration of its cable car system and section of track.

The article reports on business and security issues for major agricultural shows in Australia, citing the results of the 2008 Sydney Royal Easter Show in New South Wales. Overall attendance for the show declined by ten percent. Amusement ride operators and showbag sellers reported an even larger decline in revenue. Another trend was ride operators indicating a rise in credit card and electronic funds transfers payments.

The article reports on the acquisitions, business operations and strategies of the Australia-based leisure and attraction company Village Roadshow as of May 2008. The company has purchased Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World in Auckland, New Zealand and the Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park in Oahu. Details for expansion and operations of attraction sites owned by Village Roadshow are cited.

The article reports on the opening of the S$240 million, 165 meter high Singapore Flyer for visitors. The observation wheel offers 30-minute rides in 28 air-conditioned capsules boasting 360-degree views over neighboring Marina Bay and parts of Malaysia and Indonesia. It is expected to welcome 2.5 million visitors in the first year and the operators anticipate corporate bookings and ticketing packages to make up 80 percent of sales revenue.

The article reports on the plan of the Victorian government to build an African safari park on the grounds of the Werribee Open Range Zoo. Village Roadshow proposed the $220 million plan for African Safari World. The safari-themed adventure park would feature thrill rides, as well as upgraded areas for the existing zoo's lions, rhinoceros, giraffes, zebras and other animals.

The article reports that a Michael Stuart, a 21-year-old worker at Rainbow's End amusement park in South Auckland, New Zealand, died after becoming trapped in the park's Ferris Wheel whilce conducting ride maintenance. Stuart was trapped between a carriage on the Ferris wheel carriage and its frame.

The article reports on the opening of the first phase of the water park called Adventure Park Geelong in Victoria. The water park, which is the first water park in Victoria, features the Six Lane Aqua Racer and Bonito's Bay Water Play Splash Zone. The second phase of the park will feature the River Torrent lazy-river ride and a tiny-tots area for children under five years old.

The article reports that the Jamberoo Action Park in New South Wales has opened its Taipan water ride in December 2007. The ride features five-person rafts which travel on a 20-second journey of drops, twists and turns through two darkened giant waterslides and then drop into a giant pool. The ride is considered the first of its kind in the world to be in total darkness for the entire ride.

The article reports that Gold Coast waterpark Wet'n'Wild Water World has reached one millionth customer visitor for the year 2006-2007 in Queensland. The factors contributing to the waterpark's performance are the completed Extreme H2O Zone and the prolonged summer season. The waterpark has announced that it will strengthen its attractions when it launches a roller coaster style thrill ride. Comments from Warner Village Theme Parks chief operating officer (COO) Steve Peet are also mentioned.

The article reports on the plan of Coffs Harbour to revitalize its Big Banana attraction in New South Wales. The Shire Council approved the waterpark's development in tandem with the redevelopment of part of the attraction's plantations as housing. The Big Banana development will be the first part of developments of regional waterparks around Australia.

The article reports on Dreamworld's launch of a thrill ride, the “Mick Doohan Motocoaster,” in Australia. Group chief executive officer (CEO) Greg Shaw notes that the thrill ride demonstrates Dreamworld's commitment to introducing cutting edge ride technology and brand new experiences to the Australian market. He adds the thrill ride will complement the park's existing suit of scream machines including the Giant Drop, Tower of Terror, Cyclone Rollercoaster, Wipeout and the Claw.

The article reports on Altiora Insurance Group's introduction of legal expense insurance for amusement ride and plant operators in Australia. The legal expense insurance is an extension to the company's public liability program. The article also reports on the uncertain environment for amusement ride operators following SafeWork SA's impounding of a ride at the 2006 Royal Adelaide Show.

The article reports that New South Wales's largest amusement park Jamberoo Action Park, has recorded its 2.5 millionth visitor in its 27 years of operation. According to General Manager Dax Eddy, the park's success is attributed to its convenient location and family-based rides that allow it to stay true to its original objective of providing safe and value-based excitement for the whole family.

The article reports on Warner Bros. Movie World's opening of the thrill amusement ride called the Batwing Spaceshot. The Batwing Spaceshot takes riders on a rapid 4.5G vertical launch up a 60 meter tower, followed by a drop into a breathtaking negative descent. The ride is the first of its kind in Australia, and adopts the theme of one of DC Comic's super hero.

The article cites that the death of four-year-old Daudi Bamuwamye after riding the Mission:SPACE simulator at Walt Disney World's Epcot Center in 2005 has raised the issue of whether amusement parks should keep defibrillators near such rides. The lawsuit filed by the child's parents alleged Walt Disney World was negligent for not keeping a defibrillator near one of the park's most intense rides to save people from heart arrhythmia.

The article reports that the Twin Flip ride of the Royal Adelaide Show was returned to its owners although the ride has prohibition notice and inspections clearance in Australia. Representatives from the Australian Amusement, Leisure and Recreation, Safework SA and Royal Adelaide Show Society conducted had a meeting after the return of the rides. The Transportable Rides and Attractions Committee are convinced that the seizure and week inspection period was not an overkill.

The article reports that Sea World Eye, the first ever giant observation wheel, will be opened in early December 2006 in Australia. The impressive wheel offers sweeping views of the Gold Coast area, including unparalleled views across the Broadwater and of the park. The structure which was manufactured by Swiss company, Ronald Bussink Professional Rides, offers 42 air-conditioned Gondolas.

The article reports on the staging of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions' (IAAPA) Asian Expo in Shanghai, China in 2006. IAAPA representatives from various countries met to discuss issues relevant to safety standards for amusement rides. The event includes a long process of review and contributions from participating standard organizations.

The article reports on the Australian Amusement Leisure and Recreation Association Inc.'s 2007 Conference and Trade Exhibition at the Conrad Jupiters Hotel and Casino in the Gold Coast, Queensland on May 13 to 16, 2007. The event will include a trade show for different exhibitors, as well as various educational sessions on amusement parks and rides.

The article reports on the opening of the new Tornado thrill slide at the Wet'n'Wild Water World in the Gold Coast of Australia in 2006. The raft ride, which is made by ProSlide Technology Inc., sends guests through a 40-meter-long tunnel and into a giant tunnel. The key features and specifications of the Tornado thrill slide are also cited.