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International Karting Industry Buyer's Guide

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CONCESSION CORNER

CONCESSION IMPRESSION - AN OVERVIEW OF THE AMUSEMENT INDUSTRY
When sunny weather prevails, good times abound at amusement parks and family entertainment centers (FECs). Around the world, weather plays more of a driving influence in amusement park attendance than economic conditions. The sun is always shining somewhere, and wherever its shining consumers are park-bound. Only budgets and vacation schedules determine where, i.e. family entertainment center, regional amusement park, or mega theme park. Always time and cost-conscious, many of today’s busy consumers are turning to affordable, local entertainment destinations for fulfilling and fun min-vacations. Families are discovering that sharing thrills and laughter are stress-busters for kids of all ages.

From major theme parks, to water parks, to go-kart tracks, to miniature golf courses, to Family Entertainment Centers — the amusement industry’s offerings are the leisure activity of choice, appealing to a broad cross-section of consumers. Parks offer a convenient, affordable and enriching vacation experience.

AMERICAN PARKS ENTICE CROWDS
In the United States alone, over 270-million people flock to hundreds of amusement parks and attractions annually. To keep the numbers returning each year, facility operators spend the off-seasons looking for and adding enriching new rides, theme, games, entertainment, educational and cultural events and foods. Doing their homework is paying off for parks as over 75 million households pass through their gates each season. Strong attendance generates an estimated gross revenue of over $6.0 billion and supports over 500,000 seasonal employees each year.

DIVERSITY IS KEY
Today’s amusement seeker may want fast-paced rides and shows, a family learning adventure or the personal thrill of playing virtual reality games. The amusement industry strives to appeal to the ever-growing interests of visitors through its broad scope of attractions and themes. The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions certainly plays a leading role in this effort.

BIG TIMES ABROAD
Fun is a universal craving. Hundreds of parks are being developed outside of the United States to meet the growing demand of an increasingly amusement-minded international tourist. Overseas park operators are tapping American amusement ingenuity as they call upon the country’s top consultants — pioneers and leaders in park design, concept, rides, entertainment and other aspects of the amusement business.

Crowds are heading to Spain’s newest destination park in droves. Half a world away in the Pacific region, park developers are opening offices in Korea, Malaysia and China in preparation for bringing more amusements to the Far East.

Japan, the overseas leader in amusement seekers, hosts more than 60 million park guests annually, Over 18 million guests tour German parks, more than 14 million visit French parks and 10-11 million travel to pars in the United Kingdom.

Whether yours is a small kart track in Tennessee, a huge FEC in California or major theme park in France, good times abound for both the park and for the families who attend thousands of these facilities around the world. The trick is to keep the park fresh, clean and fun! Do that and it will be a successful business and happy customers who will return time and time again.

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