1. Be one with the All Blacks
The All Blacks Experience in Auckland is an immersive journey powered by storytelling that celebrates the legacy of New Zealand’s national rugby team. From interactive exhibits to behind-the-scenes tours, visitors will experience what it feels like to face the team performing the Haka and simulate walking onto the playing field.
2. Films and fantasies
One of Auckland’s premier attractions, Weta Workshop Unleashed is a high-sensory experience for fans of New Zealand’s famous fantasy films. The 90-minute guided tour takes you through a hands-on world of special effects, animatronics and creature design.
3. Chocolatey goodness
Chocolate enthusiasts will love bringing their dream creations to life using locally sourced ingredients and packaged with artwork by New Zealand artists. Chocolate making at the Wellington Chocolate Factory adopts artisan methods from the 18th century, is sustainable, and is made ethically to support cocoa growers.
4. Sustainable stays
Period undies and fragrant shower bombs that clean the water drain at the same time? Five-star boutique hotel Sudima Christchurch City is not only brand new and bold, but it is also blending sustainability with style like few of its competitors. It has great apartment options too.
5. Auckland Bridge adventures
Climb your way to breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline and traffic whizzing past and below, while learning about the history of the Auckland Bridge. The bridge also offers the Bungy Pod for next-level adventure.
6. Dine like a Maori
Dinner at Hiakai Restaurant in Wellington is unforgettable with sophisticated boundary-pushing cuisine celebrating Maori ingredients and traditional ways of cooking. Guests leave with a newfound appreciation for New Zealand’s culinary heritage, thanks to celebrated Mãori-Samoan chef Monique Fiso.
Cefalú, who joined the company in 2016 as regional development director for EMEA, will oversee the development of the group’s pipeline of hotels and residences worldwide.
He brings a wealth of experience to the role, and was previously the general manager of Hyatt Regency Hua Hin & The Barai in Thailand.
Taking place at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore next month (June 13-16, 2023), IAAPA Expo Asia will feature industry leaders from renowned attractions like Shanghai Disney Resort, Water World Ocean Park Hong Kong, Legoland Shanghai Resort, Universal Beijing Resort, Puy du Fou Asia, and Six Flags Qiddiya.
“Knowing we have been without an in-person IAAPA Expo Asia since 2019, we worked hard to select top industry veterans to best mark the return of this premier event,” said June Ko, executive director and vice president of IAAPA Asia Pacific. “Education is a main component for any IAAPA expo and the Singapore programme brings the best of our region together for impactful learning.”
This year’s show pillars focus on technology, innovations and solutions, sustainability and diversity. Speakers during the four-day education conference will discuss the process to create inclusive operations, how to operate a sustainable business, retail and merchandising, and tips for cultivating tomorrow’s workforce.
One key highlight from this year’s event is an all-new CEO Talk, which gives attendees unique access to four of today’s most influential leaders in the attractions business.
Audience members will get to listen in on a casual, unrehearsed conversation that will touch on what it takes to have a successful career in the industry of fun, and how to maintain focus on priorities while building a company culture that lasts.
This panel will be moderated by IAAPA president and CEO Jakob Wahl and features Darrell Metzger, an industry innovator; Wuthichai Luangamornlert, managing director of Siam Park Bangkok; Jim Pattison Jr., president of Ripley Entertainment and chairman of the 2023 IAAPA Board of Directors; and Massimiliano Freddi, founder and CEO of Wonderwood.