Efteling and Vekoma inspire industry peers on sustainability at IAAPA Sustainability Day
24 September - Prior to the international leisure industry IAAPA Expo exhibition in Amsterdam, Sustainability Day took place yesterday at Efteling. Here, theme park resort Efteling and roller coaster manufacturer Vekoma combined to showcase a concept for the most sustainable attraction of the future. The two leading Dutch organisations in the industry want to inspire fellow parks and suppliers in sustainability practices. The scale model revealed what it could look like when an attraction generates its own energy and uses it directly for the experience. The importance of environmentally friendly practices and material choice was discussed. The need for knowledge exchange and open dialogue without a direct assignment was also emphasized. Industry representatives from all over the world came to the Efteling theme park to inspire each other and exchange knowledge on sustainability.
Cooperation is essential
Fons Jurgens, General Manager of Efteling, said, ‘We take our social responsibility seriously at Efteling and find that working together and talking to suppliers is a simple yet effective way to better understand the problems we face. Earlier this year, during a multi-day Sustainable Attraction Building workshop, we held extensive discussions with one of our well-known suppliers, Vekoma. Over the years, we have learnt that although it is down to theme parks to demand sustainability, suppliers must also adapt to produce sustainable rides. To become more sustainable, cooperation with external partners is essential.’
Anne-Mart Agerbeek, General Manager at Vekoma, agrees: ‘It's special to engage with each other in this way, without an order. This was a first for us as a supplier, but we hope to do this more often with clients. It is incredibly valuable to gain insight into what sustainable building really means. That is why we were happy to share this knowledge with industry peers during Sustainability Day. We hope that everyone will take up this social responsibility.’
IAAPA Expo Europe 2024
IAAPA, the leading global organisation for the attractions industry, is bringing this year's IAAPA Expo Europe to Amsterdam. From 23 to 27 September, the premier event for theme parks, attractions and other companies in the leisure industry will take place at the RAI in Amsterdam. With an exhibition floor of 18,500 square metres, it is the largest European edition ever and will feature more than 750 exhibitors from across the continent. Visitors can visit the world's most renowned manufacturers and suppliers and discover a wide range of products, services and solutions. IAAPA Expo Europe is a must-attend event for everyone within the global entertainment industry.
