Kirmes & Park Revue EAS Extra Issue 2019

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INTERNATIONAL EXTRA ISSUE

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European Star Award 2019

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EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2019 We are inviting all Top 10 Parks to celebrate their success together with friends and manufacturers. All Top 5 Winners are receiving looping sculptures – which are exclusively hand-made from real Bohemian Crystal.

ISSN 1436-6525 appears 12 x per year ■ Gemi Verlags GmbH Pfaffenhofener Straße 3 85293 Reichertshausen Tel.: +49 (0) 84 41/40 22-0 Fax: +49 (0) 84 41/718 46 info@gemiverlag.de www.kirmesparkrevue.de ■ Managing Directors Gerd Reddersen Rudolf Neumeier ■ Editoral Manager Star Award Frank Lanfer frank.lanfer@gemiverlag.de ■ International Representative Translation, Advertisements

A very warm-hearted "Bienvenue" to this year’s European Star Award and to the IAAPA Expo Europe in Paris.

Agi Reddersen Phone: +49 (0 ) 84 41/8 10 57 Facsimile: +49 (0 ) 84 41/8 61 05 www.ag-advertising.de Kirmes.A@t-online.de ■ Proof Reader

We are very proud that the independent and non-profit European Star Award is well established. This year we

Marcus Gaines ■ Representative Great Britain

INTRODUCTION

are celebrating the 8th edition in a row, and during this period the award has become Europe's most important award for the leisure industry. In fact, this award is dedicated explicitly to European theme parks, bringing

Michele Emmett ■ Layout

attention to entrepreneurial courage and innovations.

Frank Lanfer, Heidi Jeude ■ Production

In 14 categories, winners were voted by an international team of 44 experts. In each category, members of

Westner Medien GmbH ■ Printing

the trade jury were able to vote for their personal favourites. Choices could be made from theme parks and water parks throughout Europe including Russia and Turkey, with the minimum criteria of at least one ride or slide attraction in operation.

Kössinger AG Schierling ■ Advertisements GEMI Verlags GmbH ■ Sales and Marketing

An important note regarding this year’s results: A number of attractions were opened very late. In some instances, too late to be able to be taken into account before the end of voting. Unfortunately, as a result some attractions are not reqresented in the Top 10. For example the coaster innovation “Desmo Race” at Mirabilandia.

Or the world’s tallest hybrid coaster “Zadra” at Energylandia, which you can see on this year’s cover.

The European Star Award remains a non-profit organization. But to keep this independent award alive, we requested supporting adverts only after the voting was completed. However, we would like to give thanks our this year's sponsors – The Coca-Cola Company and Popcorn Affairs.

This year the European Star Award 2019 is presented at one of Europe’s best theme parks: Parc Astérix. We would like to say thank you to Compagnie des Alpes, in particular to Sébastien Retailleau, Benoit Spriet and Francois Fassier for their support in making it possible to have the event take place at their beautiful park.

We are pleased to congratulate all Top 10 winners, and we wish all visitors to the IAAPA Expo Europe a great time in Paris, together with many stimulating inspirations for future attractions!

With kind regards… or to say it in French: Cordialement Frank Lanfer

Gerd Reddersen ■ Subscriptions DataM-Services GmbH Postfach 91 61 97091 Würzburg phone: +49 (0) 931/4170-178 (Mo-Tu 8-17, Fr 8-15) Facsimile +49 (0) 931/4170-179 services-abo@verlagsunion.de ■ Cover Photo Energylandia ■ Photo Credits We like to say thank you to all parks, manufacturers and authors ■ Free Special Edition Online Free online version on: www.kirmesparkrevue.com/de/ info/esa.html Please visit our website: www.kirmesparkrevue.de Follow us on facebook: facebook.com/kirmesparkrevue All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be duplicated or published without written permission from the publisher. This prohibition also pertains to the commercial duplication by copying, input into an electronic database, and duplication onto a CD-ROM. Certified active member of the

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THE EXPERT-JURY OF THE EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2019 Prof. Dr. Salvador Anton Clavé (Spain) He is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Tourism and Geography at the Rovira i Virgili University and Director of the Doctoral Program in Tourism and Leisure. He is also Senior Research Scholar at the International Institute of Tourism Studies at the George Washington University as well as Research Director at the Department of Tourism Innovation at Eurecat -Technological Center of Catalonia.

He is author of the book “The Global Theme Park Industry” (CABI, 2007). His research concentrates on analysis of the

Dr. Salvador Anton Clavé

Nergis Aslan

evolution of tourism destinations, theme parks and visitor attractions, destination image, policies and planning.

Nergis Aslan (Turkey) She is the founding partner of Tureks Uluslararası Fuarcılık, the organizer company of ATRAX Exhibition, which is the only trade fair for the amusement industry of Turkey and region. With her profound knowledge in the amusement industry, Nergis played an important role in gathering the players of the sector under one roof for the first time in Turkey. Along with ATRAX, she continues to contribute to the efforts aimed at the further development of the sector with the Shining Star Awards and the Atraksiyon Magazin as well. She also carries out a detailed sectorial analysis and statistical study in the amusement and recreations industry of Turkey, which has never been done before. With a view to monitoring the development of the industry closely, she continues to travel globally. Nergis

Bas Bakkers

for the award-winning “FiestAventura Nighttime Spectacular” and the “Templo del Fuego” attractions at Universal PortAventura. He has a degree in Audio/Visual Communication from the University Autonoma de Barcelona.

Jessica De Jong (Netherlands) Jessica has always been into themeparks and thrill rides.

She started as a ride operator on several rides in Walibi Holland and expanded her field of expertise by becoming RollercoasterGirl 2018 where she worked as an influencer for Mack Rides. Subsequently, she started working in Europa-Park as Junior Social & Media Producer.

Rik Engelen (Belgium) He lives in Belgium, has a law degree and works at the Belgian insurance company Ethias. He has always had a childhood fascination for everything theme park-related, particularly coasters and water rides. He grew up with his hometown park Bobbejaanland. Later he started to visit other parks. His passion, along with his other interest in photography, makes a good combination for also writing for the Park International and other magazines. In 2001 he started cooperating with www.rcdb.com. For a few years now he has been handling the site’s photo management.

Francesco Fabris (Italy)

Bas Bakkers (Netherlands)

both independently and through Amusement Project

international engagement with the Leisure and Hotel Industry. Bas has 20 years of experience in the Coca-Cola system where he was responsible for sales and business development roles in the home and away from home markets in the Netherlands.

David Callen (Great Britain) He is a 34 year old geophysicist and enthusiast who resides in London, UK. He is also owner of the page VH Coasters (www.vhcoasters.com) which has a heavy emphasis on highlighting news and information about obscure theme parks around the world not usually covered by other news sites. He has been passionate about both theme parks and travelling since he was a kid and wanted a way for people to hear about all the smaller amusement parks in countries they may otherwise miss.

Victor Cavaller (Spain) He is the Managing Director of Garmisch Consulting Group (www.garmischconsulting.com), the TAA Design firm. Among others he has led concept and design development for new rides at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, themed hotels for Merlin Entertainments, and FECs for Parques Reunidos. Prior to leading GCG he was part of Thinkwell Europe, serving as Show Producer for the 2007 “Furius Baco” coaster at Port Aventura, as Producer “Police Academy Stunt Show” at Parque Warner Madrid, as Project

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many, as well as Ski Dubai’s Snow Park at the Mall of the Emirates. Victor was also a part of the team responsible

has an undergraduate degree in Sociology.

He is working for the Coca-Cola Company and leads the

David Callen

Manager for “Ice Age Adventure!” at Movie Park Ger-

For nearly 20 years engaged in the amusement industry, (Italian consulting firm), Francesco has always combined his deep passion for the amusement parks with the interest in studying and improving all the issues that belong to this complex but at the same time engaging business. The goals he always puts in first place are to achieve a memorable experience while maintaining a high level of guest satisfaction in an well organized environment.

Thomas Frank (Germany) He is the founder and editor-in-chief for Parkerlebnis.de (www.parkerlebnis.de), the most popular theme park magazine on the internet in the German speaking region.

Thanks to his parents, Thomas grew up with theme park visits during almost every family holiday. He is fascinated by articial worlds ever since. Thomas has been working in the entertainment industry for more than 15 years. Since 2013, he is running Parkerlebnis.de with focus on coverage for the general public and providing informaton for more than 4 million unique visitors a year.

Dr. Felix Fritz (Germany) He has been fascinated by theme parks, and sometime later by coasters, ever since his father took him to Europa-Park as a child. As a result, after attaining his degree in mechanical engineering, he worked on “roller coaster dynamics” during his time as a doctoral candidate. These days he does reviews of technical documentation and onsite testing of rides worldwide for TÜV SÜD in Munich

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Victor Cavaller

Jessica De Jong

Rik Engelen

(www.tuev-sued.de). Although he knows the business

and until 2005 he was responsible for development of pro-

behind the magic, he still likes to visit parks and loves to

jects such as “Python”, “Pirana”, “Haunted Castle”, “Villa

get some airtime on a good roller coaster.

Volta”, “Fata Morgana”and “Dream Flight”. In 2004 he was

Marcus Gaines (Great Britain)

Leisure and Entertainment) in Maastricht. After a working period of more than 30 years at Efteling, he retired in 2005

days as a child involved visiting at least one theme park

and started his own consulting company (Alex Lemmens

somewhere in the world. As the father of two young boys,

Consultancy) for the leisure industry and is a permanent

Marcus now pays as much attention to family rides as thrill-

adviser to the Blijdorp Zoo in Rotterdam, amusement park

ing coasters. Graduating from university in 1999 with an

Toverland and Van den Berk Nerseries in St. Oedenrode,

honours degree in Media Production and Technology, his

Netherlands. In 2014 a documentary about his working life

first job was as a show technician for Disney Cruise Lines.

was made and can be seen (subtitled in English) on

These days he works for Britain’s largest broadcasting

www.devijfzintuigen.nl and on YouTube.

of the amusement industry to work on related documen-

Mario O. Mamon (Philippines)

taries and news features. Marcus is currently working with

He is the Chairman and President of Enchanted Kingdom

a number of ride manufacturers to produce their promo-

for more than twenty years (www.enchantedkingdom.ph).

tional videos for trade shows and their websites. More

The park has been at the forefront of the amusement and

information on www.coastertouring.com

attractions industry in the Philippines and is expected to

Marshall Hill (Great Britain)

transform itself from a standalone themed amusement park into an integrated attractions destination resort. The

Amusement Parks, Piers and Attractions). Prominent at the

park is divided into seven meticulously themed zones that

association’s meetings and many other industry events

transport the park visitor into a certain place and time in

and trade shows, he is known for his down-to-earth and

history, accentuated by the various rides, attractions and

approachable personality. Marshall is the third generation

entertainment offerings in each of the different zones.

of his family to operate the traditional Funland amusement

Mario became the thrid Vice-Chairman of IAAPA in 2011,

park on Hayling Island on the south coast of England

rising to become the association’s first Asian Chairman in

(www.funland.info). He also buys and sells rides on behalf

2014. In the course of his official duties with IAAPA, he had

of other parks and also travelling showmen.

been able to travel extensively around the world including

He has been a theme park fan all his life, and his love for

Europe, visiting and familiarizing himself with many European amusement parks and attractions.

parks comes from his parents. He realized his dream and

François Mayné (France)

worked as an international worker at Disneyland Paris on

Born in Brussels, François has had a passion for the theme

“Space Mountain”. Marc then moved on to La Ronde in

park industry for years. At the beginning of the 2000s, he

Montreal and then had the privilege to be a guest relations

was involved in the management of several websites that

host at Epcot in Florida. He is currently working for a major

formed the core of an emerging French-speaking fan

airline and runs the Park Vault blog (www.parkvault.net)

community. After getting a degree in marketing, he deci-

after holding the responsibility of international reporter for

ded to create his own busines and became the editor of

Newsparcs. Park Vault concentrates on the historical as-

NewsParcs.com, an online magazine dedicated to the

pect of the industry.

professionals of the park industry. Then he chose to focus

Alex Lemmens (Netherlands)

Dr. Felix Fritz

continue to do so in the coming years as it prepares to

He is the past-chairman of BALPPA (British Association of

Marc Lacombe (Canada)

Thomas Frank

chairman of the international conference "TilE" (Trends in

He grew up as a theme park and funfair fan. Family holi-

company and is often called upon to use his knowledge

Francesco Fabris

Marcus Gaines

on another website developed for a mainstream audience: www.ooparc.com is an online guidebook about theme

After his mechanical and electrical studies at the technical

parks in Europe. Together with running that business,

university, Alex joined Efteling in 1975 as Director of tech-

François also offers his services as a freelance reporter

nical services. From 1987 to 1992 he was Park Manager

for trade publications covering the attractions industry.

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Marshall Hill

Marc Lacombe

Alex Lemmens

Shaun McKeogh (Australia) François Mayné

He has extensive experience across the breadth of the amusement industry. His expertise lies in Human Resources, Training and Operations Management to build strong workplace cultures. As a highly respected specialist for the attractions industry, Shaun is passionate about workplace reward and recognition, leadership, performance management and quality service excellence systems. He is co-author of the book “Reasons 2 Reward” and author of numerous attractions industry features. He is Chair for the IAAPA Asia Pacific Education Sub Committee, member of the IAAPA Global Education Committee, he serves for the IAAPA Institute for Attraction Managers. He is founder and president of Attractions Academy (www.attractionsacademy.com), providing global attractions training development, delivery and consultancy.

Shaun McKeogh

Yves Merienne (France) He has been passionate about parks since his childhood.

It's thanks to some pictures in the encyclopedia “Tout l'Univers” that he discovered Disneyland California, before he visited his park in 1979. Since the 1990's, he has been traveling extensively worldwide to discover new parks. It is by meeting other French enthusiasts during his travels around the world that he had the idea to create Parcs Passion in 2002 (www.parcspassion.org) to connect parks with the fans and to make discover the job to the fans. In his everyday life, he works in a Foundation that cares for people with autism. He never wanted to work in a park, because he prefers to stay a “professional guest”, as the former director of Parc Astérix named him.

Martin J. Palicki (USA) Yves Merienne

He is the publisher of InPark Magazine, a trade publication covering themed entertainment, technology and storytelling. Martin loved parks and rides since a child and enjoyed working at Six Flags Great America, Adventureland (Iowa), and Walt Disney World before deciding to start his own magazine. Now in its 15th year, InPark has subscribers and distribution around the world and is available online at www.inparkmagazine.com

Frédéric Pastuszak (France) His passion for theme parks started after his first visit to Europa-Park in 1989, where he found his lifetime vocation.

After graduating as an architect, Frédéric developed his skills and expertise of creativity and innovation in planning,

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Mario O. Mamon

design and art directing of parks, creating amazing rides and attractions and leaving timeless memories through storytelling. During his 15 years within the industry, working in various project locations worldwide, his greatest achievements are the acclaimed attraction "Arthur - In the Minimoys Kingdom" at Europa-Park, where he was Creative Director, and most recently, as Senior Art Director, for the newly opened Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi.

Wolfgang Payer (Austria) Born in 1957 in Vienna, the retired former electrical engineer of Vienna airport is a passionate photographer.

He is a father of two daughters and a happy grandfather since this year. He has been photographing rides and attractions professionally for more than 10 years. His photographs are used by many different suppliers at trade shows, in their leaflets and on their websites as well as in various trade magazines of the amusement industry.

Since 2017 he is working for the media agency mov(e)motions, which is producing ride and park videos as well as photos for ride manufacturers and theme parks.

Jochen Peschel (Germany) The patent attorney in a Munich law firm is occupied in the areas of Intellectual Property and other topics, as well as questions concerning commercial legal protection in the amusement branch. As a student, Jochen was able to take a look behind the scenes of the Pützchens Markt, with his interest in fairgrounds and theme parks being awakened during his electrical engineering studies. Since then he is responsible for the contents of the online magazine www.coastersandmore.de. A career as engineer at a manufacturer never came into question, and instead he concentrated on being a part-time journalist specialized in the area of the technical aspects of coasters and other rides.

Marek Pisarski (Poland) He is a consultant in the edutainment sector and founded PAIT Consulting, calling Marek Pisarski Imagineering (www.marekpisarski.pl). Over many years he has authored multiple projects in the leisure parks and science centre in Poland and abroad. He was also responsible for major changes in Polish tourism industry when he was working with government organizations as the main advisor of the Sport and Tourism Minister, member of the board of Polish Tourism Development Agency and the General Manager of Polish Tourism Office in the Nether-

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Martin J. Palicki

Frederic Pastuszak

lands, creating new products and solutions. Since early 2000s he has been popularising theme parks and science centres, which had been previously hardly known in Poland. He was also responsible for the operating of the different attractions and science centre sectors. Moreover, he is engaged in imagineering design and production of a variety of attractions, decorations and exhibitions.

Sven Popelier (Belgium) He is living in Belgium, and besides working as a Product Manager at Beobank, he’s definitely a theme park enthusiast. He’s writer and manager of the European division of The Coaster Kings. In Dutch, he writes for the website www.pretparken.be and Brakesection Magazine.

Owen Ralph (Great Britain) He has been writing about theme parks, funfairs and attractions for over 20 years, for industry publications including Kirmes Revue, Park International, Blooloop, Park World, and World's Fair. Interested in rides and attractions from an early age (growing up 30 minutes from Blackpool Pleasure Beach probably helped), he shows no signs of growing out of it any time soon and is pleased to have made many friends and contacts in the business on a professional basis.

Darya Ratmanskaya (Russia) She studied law at the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, and has gained many years of vast and successful experience working for the Russian Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, participating in and promoting of key professional events of the amusement industry on the national and international arena.

Dr. Igor Rodionov (Russia) He is a graduate of the Moscow State University of Culture and Arts and earned a PhD in Pedagogic sciences. And he is also Vice President of the Russian Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (www.raapa.ru/en), General Director of the RAAPA Training & Education Centre that provides training for entertainment centres and amusement park operators, is Chief Editor of the “Attractions and Entertainments” magazine (Russia), and also Assistant Professor at the Moscow State Institute of Arts. He has published numerous of articles and publications for Russian and foreign industry specialized magazines, and he acts as a speaker at many conferences.

Wolfgang Payer

Jochen Peschel

Stefan Rothaug (Taiwan) Born in Germany, his first contact with theme parks came about in his childhood. During his studies of economic

Marek Pisarski

sciences he was employed in the marketing divisions of Fort Fun, Panoramapark and Phantasialand temporarily.

After he fell in love with the Asian continent through countless trips to Japan and Korea, he moved to Tokyo in 2006 and later to Taiwan. Stefan's focus has changed: whilst in the early years he was mainly travelling in Japan, the first and foremost in his calendar in the meantime is Chinese parks, thus travelling through Southeast Asia. He enjoys connecting his enthusiasm for Asia, theme parks and travelling. Since 2016 he is working for Taiwanese ride supplier Brogent Technologies in a marketing role.

Adam Sandy (USA) He is Ride Entertainment’s President Business Development Division and has been a part of the team since 2004.

He oversees all of the company’s ride sales, contracts for

Sven Popelier

the installation division, and works on special projects.

During his tenure, Adam has been involved with hundreds of millions in sales. Working with groups like Six Flags, Herschend Family Entertainment, and family-owned parks such as Canobie Lake Park. He has sold and run projects throughout the world. Adam was responsible for multimillion dollar installations like Dollywood’s famed “Fire Chaser Express” and the roll-out of Six Flags’ 11 “Sky Screamer” towers across North America.

Wieland Schwarzkopf (Germany) As son of the coaster pioneer Anton Schwarzkopf, he grew up quite literally between carousel constructions and coaster innovations, and is these days a sought after expert of attraction technology and tourist transportation for more than 45 years. From 1998 to today, he is the Chair-

Owen Ralph

man of the German Association of Attraction Manufacturers and Suppliers (VDV), and since 2002 he is also the Chairman of the European Association of Amusement Supplier Industry (EAASI).

Dennis L. Speigel (USA) Dennis is the President of International Theme Park Services, Inc. (ITPS), a leading, independent full-service management/consulting firm in USA (www.interthemepark.com). He is an internationally recognized expert in the theme park and leisure industry with over 50 years of experience. He began in 1960 as a seasonal employee

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Darya Ratmanskaya

Wieland Schwarzkopf

Dr. Igor Rodionov

Stefan Rothaug

at Coney Island Ohio, and worked his way up to manage

coaster” in Orlando. He is an AIMS licensed ride inspector,

Kings Island and Kings Dominion. Then he became Vice

OSHA 501 & 500 health and safety inspector, TÜV ISO

President of International Operations for the Taft Broad-

quality auditor and has broad knowledge in project ma-

casting’s Leisure Division. He is also a former President of

nagement and development, technical and operational

IAAPA and currently serves on the Board of Directors. In

management, deep knowledge in all kinds of rides and

2010 he received the Life-Time Achievement Award. He

ride constructions management, risk assessment, bud-

regularly appears in the Wall Street Journal, New York

geting and control. As an analytical driver he has a pas-

Times, USA Today, Financial Times, China Daily, and

sion for working with collaborative cross functional teams.

others. His company has worked on over 500 projects in more than 50 countries. He is regarded as one of the pioneers of the leisure industry.

Marc Spies (Germany) He is a social education worker, and now he is mainly

Dennis L. Speigel

She has more 20 years of experience working in the amusement and travel industry. She is the Global Communications Director for IAAPA. An avid fan of the attractions industry, Susan has combined her passion for speaking and writing with her love of roller coasters. Her career

adult education consultancy, as well as freelancing for

began with the Walt Disney World College Program, and

media companies. He has been interested in fairs, parks,

has led public relations roles serving to Cedar Fair Enter-

and water parks since his early childhood, and with

tainment Company, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation,

increasing age and mobility often travels inland and ab-

Great Wolf Resorts and SeaWorld Orlando. When she is

road to test novelties. For years now he has been indis-

not at work, Susan and her son Aiden can be found ex-

pensible in the area of water parks for the Park Internatio-

periencing theme parks and water parks.

Dr. h.c. Werner Stengel (Germany)

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Susan L. Storey (USA)

occupied in stationary youth welfare. He also works in

nal, but also reports about coasters and fairs.

Marc Spies

Adam Sandy

Eric Christopher Straube (Germany) For 10 years now he is Theatre and Film Director and

There’s hardly another person who has impacted the

studied Scenic Art at the Privately Funded University

amusement industry as strongly as Dr. Werner Stengel,

Hildesheim. His research focus was the staging and

who is now over 80 years of age. In 1963 he began his

dramaturgy of mobile ride constructions and theme park

work together with Anton Schwarzkopf on the first German

attractions. He is the editor-in-chief of the park+ride, the

steel coaster. Together with him, and later with other

club magazine of German fan club FKF, as well as co-or-

manufacturers also, he repeatedly revolutionized the

ganiser of the FKF-Convention. Currently he is working at

amusement branch, with for example, the world’s first

the Theater Junge Generation Dresden, as dramaturge for

modern coaster with a vertical loop. Since 1974, he has

digital media, and directs with modern and experimental

been an active member of the German standard commit-

stage forms in kids and youth theatres. Further along he

tee for DIN 4112, now the EN 13814. In 2004, he stepped

also writes regularly for the Park International.

back from daily office work. Over the past decades, his firm Stengel GmbH has developed the design of 700

Dr. Sacha Szabo (Germany)

coasters plus another 600 ride attractions.

He is a sociologist and works as a trend researcher at the

Francis Stokkel (USA)

Freiburg, examining popular culture. He has been a guest

Institut für Theoriekultur (www.institut-theoriekultur.de) in

The native-born Dutch Engineer began his career in the

lecturer at the Uni Freiburg and the HfMT Hamburg. He

industry with the establishment of the Warner Bros. Movie

wrote his PhD thesis about cultural dimensions of thrill and

Park in Germany (now Movie Park Germany) and has now

amusement rides, and has written a number of books and

almost 30 years of experience in the leisure industry.

articles about amusement culture, which examines rides

Francis was involved in numerous theme park projects

from a scientific view. In 2015 he published “Sozioanalyse

such as Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Six Flags Holland and

des Alltags” making some conclusions about fairs like

Tropical Islands in Germany. Currently he is working as

Oktoberfest, for example. Currently he works on the so-

Project Executive on the world’s tallest coaster, the “Poler-

cio-phenomenological effects of funfairs.

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Dr. h.c. Werner Stengel

Francis Stokkel

Prof. Dr. Torsten Widmann (Germany) He studied tourism geography, business administration, and economics at the University of Trier. Since 2007 he has been Professor for Tourism and Leisure Management, initially at the Cologne Business School, and since 2009 as Director of the Bachelor course of studies “Management of Leisure and Recreation Facilities” at the Cooperative State University of Baden-Württemberg. The study path has since developed into a proven cooperative education model, joined together with numerous training partners for junior managers for the parks and amusement industry. A practical training in partner operation evolved within the frames of the dual study, the theoretical training at Campus Ravensburg. New partner operations are very welcome:

www.ravensburg.dhbw.de/studienangebot/

bachelor-studiengaenge/bwl-tourismus-hotellerie-undgastronomie-freizeitwirtschaft.html

Susan L. Storey

Eric Christopher Straube

ted to the leisure industry in Poland (www.parkmag.pl). As independent consultant he’s working on many ongoing projects in Poland.

Dr. Sacha Szabo

Melanie Yankers-Lauterbach (Germany) She received a diploma in journalism and has worked ever since for 17 years for the popular weekly magazine Abenteuer Leben, shown by the German TV station Kabel 1 (www.kabeleins.de/tv/abenteuer-leben). As editor she produces her own documentaries, and she is additionally also Deputy Duty Editor, plans and organises shows, and supervises her colleague's films. In her reports for, she has often covered various aspects of parks and attractions.

For example, she has accompanied showmen from fairground to fairground, has documented the build-up of rides at theme parks, and reported about the opening of water parks. Thus she has become a top insider of the leisure industry virtually in passing, as part of her job.

Piotr Wiecha (Poland)

Melanie Yankers-Lauterbach

He is theme park enthusiast and professional, and is also the third generation working in the showman industry, being engaged in the industry since he was born. He grew up with the Silesian Amusement Park (now Legendia), the only park during the communist times in Poland, spending whole days there working with his parents. Piotr has personally visited the majority of European parks, including smaller ones, and is a fan of wooden and classic coasters. He is also founder and publisher of Parkmag, an internet magazine dedica-

Prof. Dr. Torsten Widmann

OUR ADS

Piotr Wiecha

I

t is important to point out

…ADDITIONALLY THE EDITORS OF KIRMES & PARK REVUE

the independence of the

votes. Targeted advertising sales began only after the count of votes. How-

Frank Lanfer

Agi Reddersen

Karl Ruisinger

Gerd Reddersen

ever, we want to thank all advertising clients as well as our sponsors for their support, helping us to keep this non-profit award alive. Thank you!

■

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EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2019

EUROPE’S BEST MAJOR THEME PARKS

S

ince the European Star

EUROPA-PARK

Award was first bestowed

in 2012, Europa-Park has been voted continuously to first place. Undoubtedly the park's consistent theming is responsible as well as familyfriendly attractions and five on-site hotels, creating an integrated multiple day resort.

The family-run destination is testimony to honesty and integrity in management, and a great willingness to invest. It also has one other trick up its sleeve: No other park has the good fortune that the operator is also a major international ride manufacturer. ■

EFTELING

he historic Dutch theme park con-

T

in the European leisure industry. The

tinues to entertain families with its

overnight accommodation possibilities

storybook of classic fairytales set in-

that have been added in recent years,

side a comprehensive theme park

in perfect harmony with nature, also

environment. Efteling is an institution

make the establishment unique in the

in the Netherlands, and a milestone

sector.

■

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PORTAVENTURA

A

nother best theme park of the conti-

Street themed area and lavish vegetation

nent is PortAventura World. The

make PortAventura an experience for all

convincingly themed property, which

ages. Together with Ferrari Land, Caribe

thanks to the six park-owned hotels and

Aquatic Park, a golf course, and its own

easy access to the Mediterranean

beach club, the resort offers an extensive

Coast, can also be described as a holi-

experience, which cannot be found any-

day destination. Europe's only Sesame

where else in the world.

■

LISEBERG

1923 has a particular allure due to its set-

T

family public and thrill seeker. No wonder it's Sweden's top

ting and unique topography. Located within

amusement park. Liseberg is also considered locally to be

the city borders of Gothenburg, it is built on

the first choice for evening entertainment due to its con-

a hill. With its six coasters and countless

certs, gastronomy and festive atmosphere.

he park that has been in existence since

other attractions, the park offers exactly the right mix for the

■

TIVOLI GARDENS

T

he world’s oldest still existing

is also Copenhagen’s “parlour” with

theme park is located in the city

restaurants and concerts. Being open

centre of Denmark’s capital since

until midnight, the park offers all night

1843. It is dedicated to both tra-

owls attractive rides and a festive

dition as well as thirll sieekers, but

atmosphere, too.

■

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EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2019

EUROPE’S BEST THEME PARKS (REGIONAL)

ERLEBNISPARK TRIPSDRILL

T

he family-run enterprise

Germany. But it was in 1960 that the first ride was erected. Today Trips-

that stemmed from an ex-

drill offers its almost 800,000 annual guests an attractive mix of original

cursion destination founded in

family attractions, modern thrill rides and characterful Swabian the-

1929 is considered to be the

ming. Its offer is rounded off with a wildlife park and a small overnight

oldest surviving theme park in

resort comprising of high class tree houses and shepherd huts.

■

TOVERLAND

O

pened in 2001 as an indoor park, this Dutch facility grew only three years later with a second hall of attractions and an outside

area including Vekoma's first ever Motorbike type coaster, and later the Great Coasters‘ “Troy”. At the very latest with last year’s huge extension – among them with B&M’s “Fenix”, Toverland has become a fully-fledged outdoor theme park.

■

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NIGLOLAND

T

he park in the French Ardennes was founded in 1987 by the

some unusual attractions. As well as six roller coasters (four from Mack

brothers Philippe und Patrick Géli. Over the 30 years that have

Rides alone), guests can enjoy a 60 m high ferris wheel from Gerst-

followed, it has developed into a notable theme park also containing

DJURS SOMMERLAND

lauer, and a 100 m freefall tower from Funtime.

■

I

n the past years, the owner family has deliber-

ately invested in large thrill attractions that can compete

Europa

among

wide

them

–

large

coasters and attractions.

More and more attention has been paid to the theming of the individual constructions as well as the overall

theming.

Ad-

ditionally, there is a great kiddie area as well, where the

whole

family

can

spend enjoyable times. ■

FRAISPERTUIS CITY PARC

FANTASIANA STRASSWALCHEN

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EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2019

EUROPE’S BEST FAMILY PARKS

DISNEYLAND PARK PARIS

U

ndisputedly Disneyland is among the best theme parks in the world, and so too its European subsidiary outside the French capital. Dis-

neyland Park Paris is consistently the busiest theme park in Europe. From “Space Mountain” to “Pirates of the Caribbean”, many of the Disney favourites are here. In fact, it contains considerably more thrill attractions than any other Disney park in the world. The wider Disneyland Resort Paris with its two theme parks, huge hotels, evening entertainment options, and water park resort, is an attractive holiday destination for all ages. ■

PARC ASTERIX

A

lso Europe's most popular comic

can be experienced together with the fear-

hero has his own theme park since

less Gauls, the overall theming is particularly

1989. Parc Astérix contains coasters

remarkable, as European themes have been

from B&M, Vekoma, Mack and CCI, as

used in full awareness, which makes the

well as attractions from Aerophile, Zam-

park a sharp contrast to the nearby Disney

perla and Intamin. In addition to these

competitor. Two themed hotels round off the

and countless other ride adventures that

offering at the park near Paris.

■

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PLOPSALAND DE PANNE

F BOBBEJAANLAND

ounded in 1936 by a honey produ-

Vicky the Viking and Heidi moved in. In addi-

cer, Studio 100 took over the park

tion to over 30 rides and attractions and the

in 1999 and continually expanded it.

first class theming matching popular Europe-

And as luck would have it, a year later

an kiddie series, the park can be described as

the popular Maya the Bee as well a

extremely remarkable.

■

T

he park, which was originally opened by singer Bobbejaan

Schoepen in 1961, was bought

by Parques Reunidos in 2004.

For a couple of years now, the theme of the entire park has been overhauled extensively. For example,

the

completely

new

themed area “Land of Legends” was introduced this season with the opening of the “Fury” coaster, which shows its thematic potential.

The

award

winning

“Sledge Hammer” from Huss, the world’s first giant swing ride, shines in new splendour as well now.

PAULTONS PARK

■

T

he park covers 56 hectares of

land and features a collection

of around 80 species of birds and animals, in addition to the rides.

Most of the theme park rides are designed for children. But it’s not just one of England’s premier family theme parks, but also home of the world’s first “Peppa Pig World” area – long before the Merlin group introduced it to their parks. The area opened in 2011 and annual visitor numbers increased from 500,000 to 1 million immediately.

■

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EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2019

EUROPE’S BEST WATER PARKS

SIAM PARK

S

ince the European Star Award was

for its truly breathtaking water slides, all from

first bestowed in 2012, Siam Park

ProSlide. With an area of 18.5 hectares, it is,

has been voted continuously to first

together with Therme Erding the largest water

place. The aquatic paradise on the is-

park in Europe, and contains among others

land of Tenerife is well-known for its

Europe’s longest lazy river, and a wave pool

spectacular overall theming, but also

with the world’s highest artificial breakers. ■

THE LAND OF LEGENDS

T

he huge resort in Antalya of the same

park with water slides and dry attractions. Particu-

name is the new member of the Rixos re-

larly remarkable is the continuous theming with ar-

sorts, and contains in addition to a 5 star hotel

tificial rocks. A whole lot of water fun is provided

and a City Walk like shopping and entertain-

by the large and spectacular slides from Polin

ment discrict, also a type of hybrid theme

Waterparks, which leave nothing to be desired. ■

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THERME ERDING

E

urope's largest thermal baths, located near the Munich airport, com-

maelzer. For example, the world's longest slide, the “High Fly” ski jump,

prises five large indoor theme areas (including nude saunas, adult

hybrid slides, and a VR slide. All light-flooded indoor halls can be opened

wellness oases, family worlds). The slide area is called Galaxy, and it

during favourable weather conditions, an additional outdoor area with

offers a lot of world’s firsts from manufacturers Klarer and wiegand.-

stages and bars in the water are available during summer months.

■

CARIBE AQUATIC PARK

T

he water park at Spain's PortAventura

and a number of water slides from White

World, which is divided into three

Water West that provide a tropical holiday

themed areas, opened in 2002. In addi-

atmosphere. An extension added in 2013

tion to a small indoor area, the outside

provides Sesame Street theming, flat water

section has an attractive Caribbean flair

areas for the kids, as well as the highest water

with lush vegetation, a large wave pool,

slide in Europe.

■

ETNALAND ACQUAPARK

L

ocated near the city of Catania, in Sicily, with a real active volcano as its backyard, Etnaland is one of the most popular water parks in Italy. Together

with amazing water slides and pools, the park offers additional rides like a spillwater, a rapids ride and a log flume that aren't normally found in water parks. ■

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EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2019

EUROPE’S BEST NEW COASTERS 2019

UNTAMED

E

urope’s first conversion of an existing

unusual ride elements never seen before in Eu-

wooden coaster into a hybrid coaster is

rope. After the 80° steep drop, 4 inversions follow

“Untamed”, located at Walibi Holland. RMC

on the 1,085 m long and 36.5 m high track cour-

used its famous “iBox” track system to re-

se, with for example a 45° outward angled curve

place the steel track and to include many

and a double inverting 270° Corner Stall.

■

TAIGA

A

breathtaking new coaster has been erected in the Finnish Linnanmäki park: “Taiga” is an attraction with an unusually diverse track course, two launch

sequences and 4 loopings – and for the non-profit operated park there is a new unequalled main attraction! The 1,104 m long and 52 m high coaster simulates the flight of the Taiga-bird, and captivates all its passengers emotionally.

■

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DYNAMITE

T

he 492 m long and 40 m high

that the two-row individual cars have

power-course from Mack Rides,

made a creative layout on the smallest

as well as the animatronics from Hof-

of areas possible. Additionally, various

mann figures make the new coaster

sitting positions are available: Sit-down

at Freizeitpark Plohn a first class

and floorless seats for varied experi-

experience. The highlight in short is

ences.

■

FURY

MYSTIC

he new roller coaster at Bobbejaanland is

T

course! Gerstlauer Rides is the manufacturer

a worldwide novelty: Passengers can

of this kind of triple launch coaster that is the

vote and decide if their one and half minute

main part of the new area “Land of Legends”.

ride should travel forwards or in reverse over

The wonderful and atmospheric design was

the 600 m long and up to 43 m high track

done by Leisure Expert Group.

WILDE HILDE

■

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EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2019

EUROPE’S BEST STEEL COASTERS

SHAMBHALA

A

lthough the 2012 opened “Shambhala” from

as the consistent stringing together of the parabola

B&M had to give up its record as Europe’s hig-

formed hill, which offers long running and breath-

hest coaster, its status as best steel coaster in Eu-

taking airtime. The ride's 1,564 m long track of pure

rope was nevertheless retained this year. The now

airtime exhilaration is interrupted only by an over-

3rd highest coaster still has much going for it, such

banked turnaround in the form of a standing 8. ■

HELIX

E

urope's most varied coaster is located

1,300 m of track in a lively layout on a moun-

at the famous Swedish park Liseberg.

tain slope. And despite all this, the complete

Helix not only has seven completely diffe-

course is not visible, which leads to many

rent inversions, but also two launch cour-

surprising moments – for both passengers

ses, a track difference of 51 metres and

and viewers.

■

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HYPERION

E

urope’s 2nd highest coaster “Hyperion” open-

ed in 2018 at the aspiring theme park Energylandia, and appears to have established itself as one of Europe’s top coasters. With a height of 80 m and a length of 1,447.5 m as well as an exciting Out-andBack layout including a sequence of airtime hills as well as a simultaneous lateral banking of 180°, the Intamin coaster promises an incomparable high altitude euphoria.

■

TARON

T

his absolute mega coaster has called Phantasialand home since 2016. The extremely varied 1,320 m long course of “Taron” in the

theme area “Klugheim” travels along the narrowest of areas, and more

under than over ground level. But everything is just right here: The perfect hardware with a double launch course and intensive airtime moments interacting with a perfect theming lacks in nothing.

■

OZIRIS

T

he spectacular inverted coaster at Parc Astérix has justifiably been

attractive track course passes an unterwater tunnel and some amazing

voted to a top position once again. The 1,030 m long and 35 m high

elements. Additionally, the inside and outside theming is world class. ■

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EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2019

EUROPE’S BEST WOODEN COASTERS

COLOSSOS – KAMPF DER GIGANTEN

H

eide-Park has dared to defy the current trend: The Intamin “Colossos”

the 50 m high and 1,350 m long coaster were – and still are – perfect. The

erected in 2001 has not been rebuilt to a hybrid coaster, but remains

new theming with fire elements was provided by MK Themed Attractions

a real wooden coaster! And that’s good, as the layout and dynamics of

and Universal Rocks. This bravery has been rewarded by First Place! ■

TROY

T

he Great Coasters‘ woodie at Tover-

tion, celebrating its 10th anniversary in

land offers not only a great ride

2017, marked a turning point for what had

experience with a lot of airtime, but is

previously been more or less a child-

also an attractive visual pleasure for all

focused indoor park. The ride is 1,070 m

visitors to Toverland. The fierce attrac-

long and 31 m high.

■

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BALDER

T

he ride's 1,070 m of tracks were pre-

Sweden. Riders can enjoy countless airtime

fabricated exactly according to CNC

moments in addition to many "near misses"

calculations, and erected on a compact

whilst travelling through the 37 m high

site at the famous park in Gothenburg,

wooden structure.

â–

WODAN TIMBURCOASTER

T

he almost 40 m high and 1,050

struction. A varied layout and a number of

m long construction is a master

unusual ride gimmicks allow the track bed to

work in wooden roller coaster con-

CU CHULAINN

vibrate from beginning to end.

THE WICKER MAN

â–

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EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2019

EUROPE’S BEST NEW RIDES

SESAME STREET: STREET MISSION

E

urope’s first “Sesame Street” dark ride was opened at PortAventura

Park this year. Because of the trackless vehicles from ETF and the

easy to handle “Clue Collectors” and interaction from Alterface, and especially because of the famous and perfectly designed “Sesame Street” with its concept, theming and animatronics from general contractor Sally Corporation, this amazing ride is a real family attraction for all ages.

HIGHLANDER

I

n the competition for the highest gyro drop tower in the world, Hansa-Park has set new standards.

The “Highlander” from Funtime has a fully 120 m total height and a real fall height of 103 m. In combination with the tilted seats, the park on the Baltic Sea has created a highlight once again for visitors but also for thrill seekers.

■

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POPCORN REVENGE

T

he world’s first so-called “Erratic Ride” from Alterface stands at Walibi

virtual targets in random sequence, in which the crazy little popcorn men

Belgium since this season. The trackless vehicles from ETF absolve

have to be captured with candy sauce. The storyline has been de-

a number of the 7 cinemas with interactive projection and a total of 1,000

veloped by Alterface (with theming/decoration from JoraVision).

■

THE HAUNTED HOUSE MONSTER PARTY

S

ince the new indoor ride has opened, little monsters are invited to

join the frightfully friendly Lord Vampyre for a monstrous party at

his spooky new haunted home. Then, once sitting comfortably in the

attraction built by Vekoma Rides, Lord Vampyre will reveal his magical party trick – bringing the banquet hall swinging to life and turning the room upside down.

■

BOOM!

T

he new vertical ride from Zamperla has an impressive 68 m height. In contrast to a real freefall, the tower offers a

varied ride with a cable drive, as the gondola doesn’t only fall once, but depending on the drive programme, also gives the feeling of simulated falling more often – thus allowing visitors to experience up to 4 g.

■

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EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2019

EUROPE’S BEST THRILL RIDES

TALOCAN

T

he 18 metres high suspended version of the “Top Spin” from Huss Park Attractions enjoys great popularity at many theme parks around the world. However, the ride

opened at Phantasialand in 2007 conveys a great and exciting ride feeling due to the intensive theming: Water and fire effects and a setting that half encompasses the ride are simply impressive.

■

LOKE

T

he ride that has been named after a Nordic godhead catapults all its guests buoyantly

towards the deity, as after all, a maximum ride height of 40 m is reached. Together with the rotating gondola and the outward swing to the side of 120°, a breathtaking speed of up to 100 km/h is reached.

■

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T

his double-tower

THRILL TOWERS

construction from

S&S has been located at the new Ferrari Land

since

2017,

which is part of thePortAventura World.

Both towers are 55 m high. While one of the freefall towers offers a pneumatic launch from below to above, the other one shoots the passengers from up

above

down-

wards.

■

TIK TAK

T

he Mondial delivered “Shake R5” has been skilfully set in the scene as a clockwork mechanism and presents itself as a top attraction.

During the day the prisms coming through the roof make great effects, and in the evening the disco atmosphere is almost unsurpassable. “Tik Tak” is a successful anniversary attraction for 175-year-old Tivoli.

■

IKAROS

T

he world’s only second “Sky Jump” attraction from Intamin opened in 2017 at Gröna Lund. In this 95 m high freefall tower the seats tilt

to the front at 90°, so that each of the 16 passengers speed downwards horizontally with their line of vision towards the ground.

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EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2019

EUROPE’S BEST FAMILY RIDES

ARTHUR

T

he attraction that opened in

minute ride travels inside, passing

2004 is a never before combi-

film scenes of the cinema hit of the

nation of inverted powered coaster

same name, before landing out-

and dark ride with horizontally ro-

side. The on-board sound and a

tating cars. The trains move at a

detailed and consistent theming

variable speed over the 505 m long

make "Arthur" an experience for the

course. A large part of the four-

whole family.

■

PEGASE EXPRESS

T

his ride is unique in Europe! The 918 m long and

and banked steep curve, the chain lift is followed by

up to 21 m high coaster from Gerstlauer offers

a number of curved parallel turns, an indoor stop-

not only attractive theming, but also a very varied

off and a lively reverse section back to the station.

track course. Beginning with a friction drive launch

Riders never know what to expect next!

■

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ANGKOR

I

t’s Europe's longest and perhaps also wettest boat-battle. The 323 m long water canal winds through the impressive Cambodian landscape,

and by aiming at various targets, different actions can be triggered.

There is no age or size restriction, so the whole family can enjoy wet and happy fun on "Angkor: Adventure in the Lost Kingdom".

■

DIE SCHLANGE VON MIDGARD

T

he perfect "beginner" coaster for all future coaster fans is located at Hansa-Park. Passengers with a size from 100 cm can already

board and enjoy a speedy and varied ride over the nine metres high and 200 m long track course. The lift is located in the interior building, and the curvy ride takes place mostly over a water surface.

KAMELEN

ACCELERATOR

A

nother brilliant “beginner coaster” is the new installation at Tivoli

Gardens. The small kiddie coaster from Zierer replaced an older one

with the same measurements (60 m long, 3.5 m high). But the new round course is as smooth as possible for the kids, and themed very well.

■

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EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2019

EUROPE’S BEST DARK RIDES

RATATOUILLE: THE ADVENTURE

T

ogether with the rat Rémy, the main figure in "Ratatouille", a 4D darkride with elaborate theming, carries passengers through impressive

settings that almost melt with the visual animation on the screen.

Thanks to the cars in rat design, the trackless ride system, and a child orientated size approval, the attraction is fun for the whole family.

■

SYMBOLICA

T

he gigantic “Symbolica” palace is the centrepiece of the main street style pedestrian walkway. The exterior is already over-

whelming; however, the visitors then find themselves inside an enchanted castle again. At the end of the waiting area a trackless "Multi Mover" from ETF Rides is ready to transport passengers on three different routes throughout the estate. In the process, visitors can discover secret passages and magic rooms, and enjoy everything without shooting or throwing equipment.

■

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VOLETARIUM

A

t long last the spectacular flying theatres that are located at Northern American Disney Parks have entered Europe since a few years now. The largest and probably

best themed is the “Voletarium” at Europa-Park. In the two theatres from Brogent, 1,400 passengers per hour can experience a flight over Europe – naturally with Europa-Park as the start and destination. The expensive film was produced by MackMedia.

■

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN

E

very year the indoor Log Flume from Disney is right up front, and is a permanent component at every Disneyland in similar versions.

No wonder then that the excellent theming and the clever storyline is convincing in all aspects. Additionally, there is no age restriction. In the case of Disneyland Paris, the 1992 erected hardware is from Intamin, and as feature has a vertical lift.

■

DERREN BROWN’S GHOST TRAIN

T

horpe Park is a draw especially for all English teenagers, and the park is well-known for its psycho effect attractions – and not

only during the Halloween season. The virtual reality ride “Derren Brown’s Ghost Tour” is one of these year-round psycho rides that is only once in the world. The Simworx attraction was realized in cooperation with Intamin, Severn Lamb, and others.

■

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EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2019

EUROPE’S BEST WATER RIDES

CHIAPAS

D

ue to the confined space conditions, a new

only lively drops including one with a double-dip

solution had to be found for the 2014 erected

and pleasant airtime, but also a switch system

water ride to have a maximum course length and

that brings the boat from one water canal to the

to offer maximum fun. The result is a prototype with

other at lightning speed. "Chiapas" also has an

a new type of technology. And so there are not

impressive Mexican theme.

■

VALHALLA

T

he indoor water ride is 610 m long and has a height difference of

grandiose effects, the temperature fluctuations from -20° to + 40°

18 m. Nevertheless, it is the incomparable overall concept, that has

Celsius and – typical England – the unbelievable moisture degrees are

made "Valhalla” into something very special: The elaborate design, the

the outstanding features.

■

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PULSAR

A

completely new type of water ride was opened in

Belgium a year ago. A 20-seat boat is accelerated

per LSM on the 217 m long and up to 45 m high U-

formed track a number of times, before water flows in a flash into a part of the basin, surprising both passengers and viewers with a huge splash.

■

T

POSEIDON

here are two water coasters at Europa-

Park

with

"Poseidon"

having the longest coaster sequence. The 836 m long and 23 m high attraction

from

Mack

Rides has two built-in lifts, and each lift is followed by a coaster ride with an ensuing water sequence. An airtime hill has been built into the final drop. The successful

integration

in

the

Greek theme area is an optical pleasure also. ■

WASCHZUBER RAFTING

A

s the unusual Swabian theming and name (“Washing Vat”) already promises, the rapid river from Hafema offers all passengers a com-

plete machine-wash. The ride begins in a beautifully designed washhouse and ends in a 435 m long ride with guaranteed wetness.

■

34_59_Categories_2.qxp_34_61_Categories_2 09.09.19 13:23 Seite 24

EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2019

EUROPE’S BEST THRILL WATER SLIDES

LE KING COBRA

E

rected by Polin Waterparks in 2012, Aqualand Fréjus was the first

sequence, before a steep drop follows with surprising airtime. A kind

of, in the meantime, many more structurally identical "King Cobra"

of boomerang element is waiting that is a recreated snake head spitting

slides. They all lead the sliders initially through an enclosed figure-8

water. Also the slide’s colours and theming make them so special. ■

KINAREE

T

his combo slide from

ces. Large rafts accommodating four passengers

ProSlide unites a funnel

provide for an adequate and satisfied capacity. De-

slide, a sidewinder, and a

spite its respectable size, the construction is perfec-

number of tunnel sequen-

tly integrated into the terrain.

■

34_59_Categories_2.qxp_34_61_Categories_2 09.09.19 13:23 Seite 25

SPACE COMBO

T

he new 180 m long slide from Polin Waterparks combines three slide

elements into one: Starting from a height of 18.6 m it follows an uphill

“Navigatour”, a “Space Shuttle”, a second “Navigatour” uphill experience, and a “Space Boat” bowl. The capacity is 360 pph.

■

SINGHA

T

he world novelty from 2015 combines three "Rocket Blaster" LIM

to their open construction provide an unexpected feeling of freedom.

uphill sequences with the so-called "Flying Saucer" curves that due

Three-seated tubes slide down the 240 m long course.

SURF SAFARI

T

■

he slide course is de-

termined

predomi-

nantly by the attraction’s wave-shaped element.

A powerful water stream pushes the 4-seat rafts unerringly along in the direction of the flow off, but not before a number of oscillations to both sides. In fact, “Surf Safari” from Polin Waterparks is one of the most intense and exciting water slide experiences on the market.

■

34_59_Categories_2.qxp_34_61_Categories_2 09.09.19 13:23 Seite 26

EUROPEAN STAR AWARD 2019

EUROPE’S BEST FAMILY WATER SLIDES

DISCOVER BATMAN

T

he black and yellow “Discover Batman: La Sombra del

the upper indoor section. In actual fact it‘s a 4-person fusion

Murciélago” is part of the “DC Comics” slides. The “Shadow

slide with an “AquaSphere” and a “Rattler” element from White

of the Bat” has light effects throughout the tour, sound effects

Water West. The total length of the slide path is 158.2 m. Mini-

just released, and a very special surprise with the Bat sign in

mum height is 1.1 m.

■

JUNGLE SNAKE

I

n actual fact the “Jungle Snake” con-

where guests can see the scenery, but

sists of four slides with varying degre-

others are closed tubes. The “Jungle

es of difficulty: Two are somewhat slo-

Snake” offers much variety and is ideal as

wer, two somewhat faster. Each slide is

an entry point into the park world. Minimum

around 200 m long with some open

height is 1.1 m.

■

34_59_Categories_2.qxp_34_61_Categories_2 09.09.19 13:24 Seite 27

AQUAVENTURE

T

he main element of this new development from wiegand.

closed pipe element has a width of 2.7 m and offers place for

waterrides resembles a part of a lotus blossom, whilst the

4-seat round rafts. The entire slide course is around 117 m. ■

MAGIC EYE

T

his slide is the only one offering single, double, and triple rafts. The impressive size of the “Magic Eye” from Klarer (2.5 m wide pipes)

allows riders to zig-zag, pull 360°s or experiment to find their own sweet sliding spot. Starting point is at a 22 m height. With a 356 m length it’s the longest family water slide worldwide. Minimum age is 6 years.

HOULA HOOP

A

ctually still family friendly or already thrill? Nevertheless, the fusion slide from White Water West was voted as one of the best family slides. Combining "Constrictor" with

the "Rattler" elements, this 140 m long slide offers speedy curves, changes in varied diameter sized pipes, and funnel type elements, much to the surprise of all passengers. ■

■

60_61_Coca-Cola_xx_Sponsoren 09.09.19 12:06 Seite 2

HOW COCA-COLA COOPERATES WITH THEME PARKS TO ENCOURAGE RECYCLING

Two years ago, The Coca-Cola Company announced an industry-first goal to collect and recycle the equivalent of every bottle or can it sells globally by 2030. This goal is part of a holistic plan called ‘World Without Waste’. With a renewed focus on the entire packaging lifecycle.

Starting point of this all: everything that can be recycled, should be recycled. The CocaCola Company and the bottling partners have been working together with several leisure parcs around Europe to create inspiring activations to stimulate visitors to dispose their plastic bottles and cans sensibly and help create a clean waste stream.

Therese Noorlander

60

World Without Waste: 100% collection and recycling

T

so partnerships are a key pillar of World Without Waste.”

To address this immensely complex challenge, The

he Coca-Cola Company and its global network

Coca-Cola Company organized the global work

of bottling partners are working hard to achieve

around three key areas:

the ‘World Without Waste’ goals set in 2030.

■ Design – design better bottles and create tech-

Therese Noorlander, Sustainability Director Europe

nology to help reduce the need for single-use pla-

at The Coca-Cola Company: “It’s clear that the world

stics altogether.

has a packaging waste problem, and we have a

■ Collect – help create or improve collection sy-

responsibility to help solve it. We’re very committed

stems around the world so Coca-Cola can help

to act as we want to continue to grow our business

collect and recycle a bottle or can for each one they

in the right way. But we can’t do this alone. No one

sell.

can. A problem of this size and scale requires

■ Partner – work with other companies, organiza-

bringing people together from governments, com-

tions, governments, and local communities to raise

panies, and NGOs. We’re building a global and lo-

awareness and find solutions that promote a litter-

cal network of partners to help us achieve our goals,

free environment and stimulates circularity.

60_61_Coca-Cola_xx_Sponsoren 09.09.19 12:06 Seite 3

Noorlander: “Any time our packaging ends up where it doesn’t belong is unacceptable to us,

Coca-Cola Great Britain teams up with Merlin Entertainment

especially when it harms the environment and the communities connected to it. That’s why litter reduc-

Recycle your empty 500 ml plastic bottle and

tion and recycling initiatives in leisure parcs are also

receive 50 percent discount on your visit to a Merlin

highly valuable to us, together we can make a differ-

Entertainment theme park. It is as easy as that.

ence. And it can be fun too!”

Rewarding people after recycling is the perfect way to increase their interest in recycling. This trial was

Smart bins in Dutch theme park Efteling

the first, multilocation reverse vending machine trial in the UK to increase recycling rates on-the-go.

Efteling is usually all fantasy, folklore and ancient

People could receive 50 percent discount on theme

myths, but the addition of two smart bins at the park

parks like Thorpe Park, Alton Towers, Legoland and

shows just how modern and cutting edge the Dutch

Chessington. Coca-Cola emphasises that this is the

amusement park can be too.

first trail to reward consumers with something of

Plastic bottles account for about 15-20% of the

significantly greater value than the item they’ve

waste at Efteling. Co-created with Coca-Cola

deposited.

■

Netherlands, the two plastic bottle recycling smart bins are part of a pilot to encourage visitors to dispose of their plastic bottles responsibly.

The park’s new smart bins automatically sort the plastic bottles that visitors deposit in them, checking the barcode on the bottle against a database of barcodes. If the bin reads a new barcode, the bottle is separated from the others and sorted manually at the end of the day.

The new barcode is then added to the database. Both bins can collect about 600 bottles a day.

The bins also earn their ‘smart’ tag by recognizing when something other than a plastic bottle gets mistakenly dropped into the bin. No chance of wayward banana peels ending up among the bottles then!

61

62_63_Popcorn_xx_Sponsoren 09.09.19 12:08 Seite 2

POPCORN AFFAIRS

A good year ago we reported about the new trend of gourmet popcorn in Europe, and the entrance of colourful popcorn to the theme parks, so this is a good time to present the first résumé. We reported earlier about Popcorn Affairs, a company that already is supplying the first theme parks with this new type of trend product in many different flavours. The offer is available to visitors at an impressive Pick & Mix station, which encourages the theme park visitor to impulsive buying additionally at the park.

62

Dear Mr von Geldern, you acquired your first

customer at that time at the EAS. What has been

your experience since the introduction of the product at theme parks?

Right from the beginning many park owners

showed a lot of interest, and so we made available our self-developed and legally protected gourmet popcorn Pick & Mix stations to them free of charge.

The range has been well received by park visitors,

and the park operators made a profit from the very first day without any financial risk. The business model to offer a tasty and colourful popcorn variety over

That sounds great – and what happened then?

All the parks that we acquired in the beginning

have continued to operate the Pick & Mix stations and

are continuing to use them at a profit for the second year. In the meantime, we are also present at large

parks such as Europa-Park, Heide-Park and SeaLife.

What are the advantages for the park visitors

and park operators, and how does your Pick & Mix model function?

The park operator receives a very noticeable

the Pick & Mix stations to theme parks has func-

Pick & Mix station suitable for its location in the park

win situation for the park visitor, park operator

corn in the most popular of flavours. Visitors see the

tioned more than well right from the start. It’s a winand us.

for free, which contains the colourful gourmet pop-

striking looking popcorn and can have a taste. After

62_63_Popcorn_xx_Sponsoren 09.09.19 12:08 Seite 3

SPONSOR INFO

P

opcorn Affairs is once

again sponsor of the Euro-

pean Star Awards this year.

Samples of gourmet popcorn are available during the event, as well as on all exhibition days at the booth no. 1442 of the KR & Park International.

Additionally, information and samples can be requested: testme@popcornaffairs.com

that the guest may put together his own individual mix-

Affairs offers natural and sustainable products. The

duced them to the trend of experience gastronomy

tomers is of great concern to us.

ture himself. This way we have successfully intro-

with trend popcorn in various flavours. We ourselves produce the popcorn in advance, which remains

fresh and crisp for around 6 months. The advantage for the park: Another new attraction without any invest-

ment with additional turnover. Advantage for the

environment and particularly the health of our cus-

Schloss Dankern (above) and at Europa-Park (opposite)

Thank you for the interview and all the best

for the Paris exhibition.

Pick & Mix stations at

■

An indoor and an outdoor shop at Heide-Park

visitor: Another pleasurable experience at the park.

In other words, the park has no effort, invest-

ment risk, and doesn’t need to employ extra personnel for weighing?

No, we offer the parks an exciting solution with

added value: The park receives the station from us

for free and is delivered crisp and lasting popcorn.

There is no need for machines and more personnel

for production. The park visitor only purchases an

empty cup according to the size required and mixes the popcorn personally from the ample supply.

The awareness of the end customer has in-

creased strongly in the past years. More and more parks are presenting sustainable products and have banned plastic and unhealthy wares. You

have said that the popcorn is colourful and the colours follow the flavours. What is the situation with you regarding sustainability and health?

Thank you for the good and important question!

We naturally don’t use any of the so called azo dyes that are currently disappearing from the market.

Apart from a natural blue and black, we use no colourings. Our fruit varieties are made from real

fruits that are naturally colourful, for example red

raspberries, or yellow pineapple. The little packa-

ging that we use is recyclable. And finally we plant

and grow our own special popcorn corn regionally,

together with a neighbouring corn farmer. Popcorn

63

64_70_Parc_Asterix.qxp_Park Redaktion 09.09.19 12:04 Seite 2

PORTRAIT

30 Years Parc Astérix

The whole of Europe is firmly in

the hands of the American co-

mic, film and theme park industry. All of Europe? No, a

small country has put up brave

eriously though, doesn’t the typical entry se-

S

And it was in this magazine for teenagers and young

and themes since 1959, and

quence of the Astérix-comic books with always

adults that was published from 1959, that the first

the same characterisation of the Gauls, French an-

Astérix comicstrips were published – initially as a

this doesn’t necessarily make

company operating in the Pari-

resistance with its own figures even more so since 1989. But

cestors, and their battle against the encompassing

series, and later expanded with its own comic

life easier for the large, global

Romans fit to the downright pitiful and seemingly

books.

hopeless fight of the French against the all-encom-

And so the construction of a typical French theme

sian metropolitan region.

passing American cultural imperialism?

park à la Astérix had to be possible. Those were the

The “Astérix” comics have shown that it is possible

thoughts in any case of script writer Pierre Tchernia,

to create something new, of a non-American main-

illustrator Marcel Gotlib, dubbing actor Roger Carl,

Text:

H. Jürgen Kagelmann

stream type. Illustrator Albert Uderzo in an interview

actor Gérard Herandez, illustrator Fred, as well as

Photos:

Parc Astérix, Frank Lanfer

in 2008: “We wanted to make something typically

Astérix-author and inventor Albert Uderzo. When

French because we were living in a time that was

the Astérix tales became a phenomenal success in

Albert Uderzo visited the construction site frequently

64

completely dominated by the comics and sketches

France, Europe, and even in many countries over-

of the Americans. The initiator of Pilote wanted a

seas, surely this success could also be transferred

magazine for the French and for French children”.

to a theme park.

64_70_Parc_Asterix.qxp_Park Redaktion 09.09.19 12:04 Seite 3

The enthusiasm of this “Parc Astérix clique” could

(Roman Emporium), “La Grèce” (Greece), “Le Vi-

not be deterred by the fact that none of them had

kings” (Vinkings) as well as the shopping area “À

any type of practical experience in the construction

Travers le Temps” (Journey through History) and the

or operation of a theme park. They remained intima-

main street “Via Antiqua” (Old Street), and the 5,000

te with the subject matter and a very special magic

m² sized “Forêt d’Idéfix” for all smaller park visitors.

potion, namely the unparalleled Astérix enthusiasm

On the other hand, money is needed for a promising

of almost all French people, regardless of being

park project, actually quite a lot of money, which for

young or old – and additionally also many other

a long time was a not to be underestimated problem,

European nations, who could make a great differ-

even though illustrator and millionaire Uderzo con-

ence as target groups for the planned park. For ex-

tributed large sums – just how much is unknown, but

ample the German readers, because as it turned

it was apparently a matter close to his heart to create

out, the Astérix comic books that had been trans-

a real place for his heroes. Certain parallels to Walt

lated to German were the most sold after the original

Disney are therefore undeniable. Even after the suc-

French editions. In fact Astérix comic books are a

cessful market launch further investments were

tremendous success – being the most sold printed

necessary in order to consolidate the product on the

product in the world, following the bible and Harry

market. Thanks to the additional purchase of fitting

Potter. And this park was to open exactly 30 years

experience worlds and the clever merger with state-

after the publication of the first adventure of both

owned corporations, it was possible to establish

Gauls, Astérix & Oberlix – an endeavour, taking into

and preserve the existence of the park in the course

consideration the already in-planning stage of Euro

of time.

Disneyland, appeared to be far too adventurous, but was a success never-

Opening day with (from left) Pierre Tchernia (French TV), Obelix, Eric Licoys (General Manager of Barclay’s Bank and first President of Parc Astérix), Olivier de Bosredon (first General Manager of Parc Astérix), Michel Kalt (Architekt of Parc Astérix) and Astérix himself

Albert Uderzo never stopped visiting Parc Astérix, not even in the old age of over 90 years

theless: Parc Astérix opened it doors three years before its all-powerful appearing competitor.

And there was a second magic potion – the fact that Astérix and Obelix, as well as their doggie Idéfix, and sometimes other “buddies” travelled to many countries and continents of the world, to experience adventures there. As a result, there was no clumsy one-dimensionality to fear in the theming of the attractions.

There’s enough diversity provided, and for this reason there are seven themed lands realized at Parc Astérix – “La Gaul”

(Gaul),

“L’Empire

Romain”

65

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PORTRAIT Some of the park’s attractions: “L’Aerolaf” and “Goudurix”, “Tonnere de Zeus”, “DiscObelix”, “Trace du Hourra”, “OzIris”, “Pégase Express”, and “Vol D’Icare”

There have been many economic highlights and many milestones through the park’s first 30 years: ■ 1987: Founding of Parc Astérix S.A. ■ 1989: Opening of Parc Astérix in Plailly on 30th April, located around 30 km from Disneyland Park Paris, which opened three years later.

■ Since 1996: Acquisition of already existing theme parks (partly to be resold).

■ 1997: Initial public offering.

■ 1999: Opening of the first hotel (2018/19 a second added). For the first time, Parc Astérix reached the phenomenal 2 million annual visitors figure.

■ 1999: Purchase of the traditional Parisian Waxworks Musée Grévin and renaming it to Grévin & Cie. ■ 2002: The French Compagnie des Alpes, S.A. (CdA), which is a state-owned company in de facto overtakes within the frames of a friendly takeover around 60% of Grévin & Cie, and then more and

66

64_70_Parc_Asterix.qxp_Park Redaktion 09.09.19 12:04 Seite 5

more parts until reaching up to around 95% (CdA was founded in 1989 by the state-owned French financial institute Caisse de Dépots; 2004 around 60% was given to private companies among them 13% to three banks, and retains only 40%; CdA is the largest operator of winter sports areas in the Alpine region).

■ 2006: Takeover of five Walibi-Parks of the StarParks Group (earlier Six Flags European Divison) in France, Belgium, and Holland.

■ From 2007: Skiing areas purchased worldwide.

■ 2011: The scientific and media park Futuroscope was purchased.

■ From 2011: CdA advised and participated in the development of new skiing centres abroad (e.g.

Sotchi) and leisure destinations (e.g. Casablanca).

■ Since 2016: Restaurant du Lac served the famous Obelix’ wild boar meal.

67

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At “Forêt d’Idéfix” there are smaller rides and the possibility to meet the famous Gauls

Some of the water attractions and the flat ride called “L’hydre de Lerne”

This history is a changing corporate policy, never-

diversification, and then even faster growth. In the

theless a very successful one. An important factor

meantime, the large rival in Marne-La-Vallée went

in the process is the continued and sustained suc-

through a number of difficult phases as is known,

cess of Park Astérix. Satisfying for the French soul,

and was standing shortly before insolvency – due to

and pleasing for the owner of the park company,

its problematic economic construction, but partic-

was the fact that the Parc Astérix grew to an import-

ularly also due to the fact that it never quite made it

ant economic size firstly through the acquisition of

into the hearts of the French, which was to be the

small experience worlds, then slowly through skilled

primary target group. That was and remains the great plus factor for Parc Astérix. Consequently, the preferred theme park of the French emphasises this fact in its advertising: “Le Parc d’attractions préféré des Gaulois”.

Thanks to its success, the Gallic park could steadily strengthen its appeal, and extend its attractions.

Currently there are 40 attractions in six lands, including seven water attractions (among them the “Rafting Styx”, the “Menhir Express” and “Le Gran Splatch”), and seven coasters. The operator has long known that without a decent range of thrill attractions, nothing works. The first large coaster was built straight away in 1989: the seven looper “Goudurix” from Vekoma Rides. The 410 metre long family coaster “Vol d’Icare” (Ikarus’ Flug) from Zierer was installed in 1994, and in 1997 the wooden coaster “Tonnerre de Zeus” (Thunder of Zeus) which is tremendously popular to this day from CCI, with 1,230 metres of track, followed in 2001 by the bobsled “Trace Du Hourra” from Mack Rides.

68

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09.09.2019

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supported by

www. glueh weint assen .de

www.koessinger.de

64_70_Parc_Asterix.qxp_Park Redaktion 09.09.19 12:05 Seite 8

A large Launch Coaster will open in 2021

Then there was an eleven-year pause until the new

comics are extremely popular in German speaking

money-maker, the inverted coaster “OzIris” from

countries. At the very least English should be estab-

B&M was purchased in 2012, followed in 2017 by

lished as a second language, although 85 % of all

the greatly acclaimed family coaster “Pégase

visitors currently come from France (and for example

Express” with a catapult start and reverse ride (from

only 7 % from Belgium and 1 % from Germany). The

Gerstlauer Rides, theming by Jora Vision).

prices are also not particularly clear with many special

The careful, original and detailed the-

and seasonal offers. Improved however is the access-

ming is definitely to be highlighted here,

ibility to the park, such as a shuttle bus service from

and storytelling is a major plus at Park

the Louvre (underground), or also from the Charles de

Astérix. Let’s take for example the inver-

Gaulle airport nearby.

ted coaster “OzIris” from B&M, which is

Future plans: In contrast to the Astérix-stories where

not only convincing with its five inversi-

everything stays the same as it is in the Gaul village,

ons, but also with its delightful wall pain-

there’s always something new at the Astérix park: In

tings and many optical illusions, which

2020 the third hotel “Les Quais de Lutèce” will be

alone cost eight million Euro out of the

opened. And in 2021 a gigantic coaster with quadruple

total investment of 20 million Euro. Also

launch and a very unusual layout from Intamin will be

the mystic swing “Le Défi de César” from

erected. And the future? That can be seen very

Mack Rides which opened in 2008, or

optimistically as it’s well known that the Gauls are

the impressive Montparnassos station of

“irreductibles” – invincible… with “Teutates”.

■

“Pegasus Express”.

Additionally, the range of attractions is well mixed for all age groups and differing tastes. Both families and coaster fans are well catered for – undoubtedly another reason for the positive visitor development.

It could however be even better if a number of

A third well-themed hotel will open in 2020

70

PARC ASTERIX

3

0 years Parc Astérix, and 60 years of Astérix are not only celebrated with a

new cinema film and a new comic book, but

details were improved, for example the language

also with an official and special French

barrier should be thoroughly addressed. A lot is only

coin. This is the first valid 2-Euro coin Euro-

communicated in French, a little also in English, but

pe-wide that has been dedicated to a

nothing in German, despite the fact that the Astérix-

comic figure – this alone emphasises the special position of Astérix and Obelix in France and the whole of Europe.

■

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