Themed Entertainment Association announces formation of China Development Council
The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) has announced the formation of a new division in its membership, the China Development Council - tasked with cultivating member and sponsor prospects in mainland China including the Hong Kong and Macau administrative regions.
A standalone entity endorsed by the TEA International Board of Directors to serve an advisory role to the General Manager of the WFOE (wholly foreign-owned enterprise) in China, the new Council will be chaired by Owen Zhao, President of Max-Matching Entertainments Co., Ltd.
Zhao, who previously served two, two-year term as President of TEA’s Asia Pacific Division’s Board of Directors, will serve a two-year term as Chairman through to November 2023.
The China Development Council will work to achieve many goals including to:
- Identify and cultivate member and sponsor prospects in mainland China
- Assist TEA China staff in closing membership and sponsorship relationships
- Identify new markets and strategic relationships with media, government and other institutions
- Collaborate with the TEA General Manager on the development of a growth strategy and prospecting list
- Support the TEA General Manager in the annual program and budget planning process for TEA C China
- Serve as an ambassador of the TEA China and global themed entertainment industry
Commenting on his role, Zhao advised “I eagerly accepted this role and am looking forward to working with the TEA China staff. I think we will play an important role in cultivating membership in the organization in China.”
In addition to Zhao, the Council will include current TEA members based in China, membership or sponsor prospects, media and/or event partners and other leaders in global themed entertainment, including:
- Fang Hong Feng, Vice President, Hai Chang Ocean Park Group
- Li Ze, General Manager, Ctrip Group
- Duan Dong Dong, President, China Cultural Tourism Group
- Peng Wang, Director, BSH Investment
- Jin Wang, Vice President- Show Lead, Project Development, Galaxy Entertainment Group
TEA President, Chuck Fawcett stated “we’re very pleased that Owen agreed to serve as Chairman of this newly-formed entity.
“His leadership will drive growth in China and help us develop mutually beneficial relationships with institutions in the region.
TEA China has already begun to grow a strong base of membership in China, starting with its first member, the Beijing Shouhuan Cultural Tourism Investment Co., Ltd., the majority shareholder of Universal Beijing Resort.
To learn more about TEA China or join as a member, visit teaconnect.com
Images: Ocean Park Hong Kong (top, credit: Ocean Park) and Owen Zhao (below, credit: TEA).
Related Articles
12th January 2022 - Hong Kong Disneyland presents in-park live orchestral performance
11th January 2022 - accesso renews global partnership with Merlin Entertainments
8th January 2022 - Universal Beijing Resort looks to second phase expansion with five new hotels
23rd December 2021 - Happy Valley Group and SimEx-Iwerks partnership to deliver 4D theatres to Chinese theme parks
16th December 2021 - ProSlide celebrates global waterpark industry’s achievements in 2021
22nd November 2021 - Themed Entertainment Association names Thea Award winners at IAAPA Expo
15th November 2021 - Disney advises of revival of theme park earnings
3rd November 2021 - Walltopia’s new attraction opens at China’s Ocean Flower Island
24th September 2021 - Global attraction attendance report shows industry resilience in 2020 and the beginnings of recovery
21st September 2021 - Ocean Park Hong Kong opens new Water World waterpark
5th September 2021 - Shanghai Municipality releases five-year cultural development plan
3rd September 2021 - Universal Beijing Resort set for official opening on 20th September
28th August 2021 - Merlin breaks ground on US$1 billion Legoland Shenzhen Resort
27th May 2021 - Shanghai Disneyland trial enhancement of facial recognition technology
21st December 2020 - Chinese amusement trade exhibitions look forward to 2021
11th March 2020 - Amusements and attractions exhibitions in Dubai and Taiwan impacted by Coronavirus
26th January 2020 - Coronavirus fears sees closure of Hong Kong and Shanghai Disney resorts
5th August 2019 - Reports chart ongoing growth of Chinese theme parks
13th June 2019 - Dynamic Attractions to create rides for Jialong Parks China
18th May 2018 - Historic levels of growth in global theme park industry in 2017
11th September 2017 - Fastpass to get digital transformation at Shanghai Disney Resort
15th February 2017 - Themed Entertainment Association to award WhiteWater’s Slideboarding initiative
5th September 2015 - More than 50 theme parks under development in China