(30 April 2012, Hong Kong) As a testament to Ocean Park’s continued success in park management, business accomplishments and attendance generation, Ocean Park has recently been shortlisted as one of three finalists for the world famous “Applause Award”, the highest level of international recognition presented by Liseberg Amusement Park in Sweden, which is analogous to the Oscars for Cinematography, within the Theme Park Industry. The Park has also been chosen by FoxNews.com as one of the world’s top five most popular theme parks.
The Applause Award, determined and presented every two years by amusement industry executives from Sweden, the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland and the U.S., "honours an amusement park whose management, operations and creative accomplishments have inspired the industry with their foresight, originality and sound business development."
The winner will be announced during the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo in Orlando, U.S., in November 2012. Previous winners include Magic Kingdom Park at Disney World and Universal Studios in Florida, Xetulul in Guatemala, Europa-Park in Germany, as well as Efteling in Holland.
Separately, Ocean Park was also listed in a Fox News article on April 27 as one of the world’s top 5 most popular theme parks. Praised as “one of Asia’s most impressive theme parks”, Ocean Park was commended for its picturesque landscape, exciting thrill rides and exquisite animal exhibitions. Other recognized theme parks include Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, U.S., Universal Studio in Osaka, Japan, Everland Resort in South Korea and SeaWorld Orlando in Florida, U.S.
"It is a great honor to receive recognition from these prestigious organizations," said Mr. Tom Mehrmann, Chief Executive of Ocean Park. "Having just recently broken our annual attendance record by reaching the 6 million mark for the first time in the Park’s 35-year history, we are further inspired and empowered by these international recognitions to strive even harder for better results in the future. Our goals, since the beginning have been to focus on Education, Conservation and Entertainment, while connecting our guests to nature and building lifelong learning and advocacy for conservation. I would like to express my most sincere appreciation to our staff for their tireless efforts and dedication, and I look forward to welcoming more guests to the Park in the future."
