During a trip through European amusement parks the acting Chairman of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Darrell Metzger has also visited Germany´s biggest theme park on 7 and 8 July 2009. He was accompanied by IAAPA CEO Charles Bray as well as Andreas Veilstrup Andersen, Vice President IAAPA Europe.
10.07.2009
Darrell Metzger and Charles Bray at Europa-Park
During their stay, Roland Mack, managing partner of Europa-Park and Vice Chair of IAAPA, presented “his” Europe to the leisure professionals. Apart from a tour through the elaborately designed European themed areas, they also went on numerous attractions in Germany´s biggest theme park. Highlight of the visit was a ride in the new MACK Rides product “blue fire Megacoaster”, during which Darrell Metzger was upside down not just once, but even four times.
Moreover, the amusement park professionals took the opportunity to discuss about the future of IAAPA especially in Europe. They talked about the development of the European theme park industry and about strategic measures.
Towards the end of their visit Darrell Metzger, Charles Bray and Andreas Veilstrup Andersen informed themselves about the activities of the Youth Peace Camp, which is currently held at Europa-Park in cooperation with the Council of Europe. Approximately 40 young persons from Georgia, Kosovo, Israel and the Palestinian territories spend one week in Germany´s biggest theme park in order to build mutual trust, strengthen common understanding and dissipate prejudice and stereotypes. Darrell Metzger was impressed by the concept and outlined the international orientation of the amusement park industry to the participants.
