Media Release

For immediate release

Voters made their choice on the most popular attractions in Asia 
 

28 June 2007 – The winners of the first ever Asia Attractions Awards have been announced at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Asian Expo at Siam Paragon, Bangkok, Thailand.  
 

Taj Mahal, the pride of India and renowned for its breathtaking beauty especially when viewed under the moonlight, is crowned the Grand Winner of the first Asian Attractions Awards.  
 

Large Attraction category winner is Singapore’s premier tropical island resort, Sentosa.  Helming the country’s tourism blueprint, more than 5.2 million visitors visited the island last year to experience Sentosa’s kaleidoscopic blend of activities and entertainment. 
 

Medium Attraction category winner is Sunway Lagoon, Malaysia, which made a huge splash with votes that came at the eleventh hour from their supporters, with very keen competition from Mount Faber and Enchanted Kingdom.  
 

Another attraction from Singapore emerges victorious again in the Small Attraction category with the Sentosa 4D Magix, which has opened its doors to the public for only 18 months.  
 

There were 11 finalists from 5 countries that qualified for the Asian Attractions Awards. The other finalists were Ocean Park and Ngong Ping 360 from Hong Kong, TigerLIVE, Jurong Bird Park and Mount Faber from Singapore, Dreamworld from Thailand and Enchanted Kingdom from Philippines.  
 
 

About Asian Attractions Awards

This Awards is a joint collaboration between IAAPA and AXN Asia, the action and adventure cable and satellite TV channel under SPE Networks - Asia. 
 

Designed to enhance the attractions industry in Asia, the timing of the Awards “is perfectly aligned with the tourism and travel developments in Asia, plus travel has become so much more convenient and affordable with budget carriers!” according to Mr. Darrell Metzger, the 2nd Vice Chair of the IAAPA. 
 

The Awards is divided into four categories, Grand Winner (overall winner with most number of votes), Large Attractions (2 million visitors and above in attendance yearly), Medium Attractions (1 – 2 million visitors in attendance yearly) and Small Attractions (Below 1 million visitors in attendance yearly).  
 

Winning attractions were chosen not by a panel of judges, but by the public across Asia, who voted online or via text messages.   
 

“We are delighted to partner with IAAPA in introducing this exciting new award in the tourism industry as it is one that gives Asia's leading attractions the due recognition they deserve. As one of Asia's leading international TV networks, AXN has become the preferred choice of Asia's elite - the professionals, managers, executives and businessmen (PMEBs); because of the high energy action and adventure entertainment we offer them. It is a viewer profile that encapsulates those who are frequent jet setters and who are well qualified to vote for this brand new award. In many ways, the big thrill and adrenaline buzz AXN offers it's viewers is also what Asia's leading attractions offers to their visitors,” says Gregory Ho, Vice President of Advertising Sales, SPE Networks - Asia. 
 

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About the IAAPA

The International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA) was founded in 1918 and is a non-profit organization with a membership consisting of fixed-site facilities and suppliers. The association is dedicated to the preservation and prosperity of the amusement industry worldwide. The nearly 4,500 members of the IAAPA provide wholesome entertainment and recreation to millions of people in more than 90 countries each year.  Members include Six Flags, Universal Studios, Disneyland, Sentosa, Ocean Park, Sunway Lagoon, Enchanted Kingdom, Hong Kong Disneyland, Association of Singapore Attractions etc.

About AXN

Delivering top rated series, blockbuster features, adventure-reality and first-run lifestyle sports programming, AXN is a leading international television destination among young adults 18-34. AXN is seen in 50 countries across Asia, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East, and is part of Sony Pictures Television International’s diverse portfolio of over 40 global networks. Sony Pictures Television International is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company.

 
AXN Asia is available to more than 37 million households 24-hours daily throughout Asia in Taiwan, India, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Japan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Cambodia, South Korea, Macau, Papua New Guinea, Nepal, Maldives, Mongolia and in hotels and VIP compounds in China. AXN can also be seen in 40 million cable television households on time-block basis in China. More information about AXN Asia can be found online at www.axn-asia.com 
 

INFORMATION ON FINALIST ATTRACTIONS  
 

Taj Mahal – Grand Winner for Asian Attractions Awards 2007 

For centuries, the Taj Mahal has inspired poets, painters and musicians to try and capture its elusive magic in word, colour and song. Since the 17th century, travelers have crossed continents to come and see this ultimate memorial to love, and few have been unmoved by its incomparable beauty.

From 1631 A.D., it took 22 years in the making. An estimated 20,000 people worked to complete the enchanting mausoleum, on the banks of the Yamuna. For a breathtaking beautiful view of the Taj Mahal, see it by moonlight. The monumental labour of love of a great ruler for his beloved queen. The ultimate realisation of Emperor Shahjahan's dream.  
 

Sentosa – Winner for Asian Attractions Awards 2007 (Large Attractions Category)

Sentosa - Singapore’s premier tropical island resort – is at the helm of the country’s tourism blueprint. Occupying 500 hectares of green tropical flora, guests at this fun-seekers’ paradise can indulge in a host of leisure activities along its stretch of golden beaches or find their slice of heaven among the many themed attractions, spa retreats, nature trails, cultural museums, historical enclaves, world class yachting marina, luxury residences and championship golf courses.

In 2006, more than 5.2 million visitors – made up of both residents and tourists – descended to experience Sentosa’s kaleidoscopic blend of activities and entertainment all year round from foam parties, dance festivals, concerts and international sports events, to colourful country festivals, beach carnivals and Sentosa’s annual New Year’s Eve countdown parties.  
 

Sunway Lagoon, Malaysia – Winner for Asian Attractions Awards 2007 (Medium Attractions Category)

Sunway Lagoon Theme Park is truly one of a kind. It is a unique land of play and leisure that spans over 80 acres, giving it the capability to host events of any size. From 70 to a staggering crowd of 70, 000 if need be. Visitors could stay at the 1234 room Sunway Resorts and Spa or shop at the grand Sunway Pyramid, all within a stone’s throw of each other.  
 

Step inside and you’ll discover a magical kingdom of pure fun and excitement. It has the world’s largest man-made sandy surf beach, different themed lands with over 30 wet and dry rides, a wildlife interactive zoo and the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge.  
 

Sentosa 4D Magix, Singapore – Winner for Asian Attractions Awards 2007 (Small Attractions Category)

Sentosa 4D Magix presents to you the interactive experience with 4-dimensional digital effects.  Built at a cost of S$3.5 million, this is the first & largest 4D Theatre in Southeast Asia.  Using a state-of-the-art digital projection system, movies come to life right off the big screen.  Individually controlled seats create a whole new generation in movie magic together with the synchronization of full spectrum of visual effects, surround sound and special “live” effects. These seats are equipped `with in-built speakers, as well as environmental effects such as water features, seat vibration, leg ticklers and base shakers that put you right in the middle of the action!  
 
 

OTHER FINALISTS

Ocean Park, Hong Kong

Ocean Park Hong Kong is a sea life and animal theme park offering more than 30 attractions including shows, exhibits and thrill rides for all ages.  Various shows performed by dolphins, sea lions and birds entertain visitors and help to educate the public the need to promote conservation of their habitats.  The Park’s animal exhibits include Southeast Asia’s first standalone sea jelly aquarium which houses more than 1,000 sea jellies from all over the world, world-class Atoll Reef inhabited by over 2,000 fish of 280 species and the habitats of dolphins, sea lions, sharks and giant pandas.     
 

In the brand new SkyFair, visitors will marvel at the live entertainment and breathtaking view of the southern side of Hong Kong when soaring 100 metres into the air in a giant helium balloon.  Visitors can also enjoy spectacular views as they travel on a Cable Car, 205 metres above the South China Sea.  
 
 

Ngong Ping 360, Hong Kong

Ngong Ping 360 is a unique tourism experience in Hong Kong. "Its Journey of Enlightenment combines a 5.7km cable car ride with an impressive traditional Chinese cultural themed village and easy access to the Tian Tan Buddha Statue. The landmark attraction incorporates several major themed attractions, namely ‘Walking with Buddha’, ‘Monkey’s Tale Theatre’ and the ‘Ngong Ping Tea House’, as well as showcasing traditional Chinese architectural design features and a range of shopping and dining experiences.  
 

Mount Faber, Singapore

Situated on Mount Faber, the cable car station that underwent a major revamp in 2005 and is now named as The Jewel Box is truly Singapore’s iconic hilltop destination for both local and foreign visitors alike.

Constructed to resemble a sparkling jewel box resting atop a hill, The Jewel Box aims to awe visitors with its elegant and splendid settings tastefully designed with a touch of class all its own.  The Jewel Box houses four stylish food and beverage outlets, namely The Altivo Bar, The Glass Bar , Faber Rock and Faber Hill Bistro. All command breathtaking panoramic views of Singapore’s harbour-front and city skyline, giving visitors that truly ‘top-of-the-world’ feeling.  For an even more novel experience, guests can opt for Sky Dining and savour a three-course set meal as their cable car plies smoothly between Mount Faber and Sentosa, 60 - 90 metres above sea level. 
 

TigerLIVE, Singapore

TigerLIVE is Southeast Asia’s first breakthrough, state-of-the-art multi-media brand experience centre that engages and excites visitors with The Ultimate Tiger Experience. Get enthralled by specially-created attractions like the multi-video screens hall and the 4D animation stage that engage visitors as they witness Tiger’s brand legacy on a fun, entertaining and interactive brand route. Learn of Tiger’s rich Asian heritage and impressive accolades the immersive way. Housed in Singapore’s historic St James Power Station, an iconic coal-fired power station built in 1927, TigerLIVE occupies over 14,000 square feet within this breath-taking conservation building that is now the largest entertainment complex in Singapore.  The TigerLIVE experience can be enjoyed in any one of the four languages available – English, Mandarin, Japanese and Korean.  
 

Jurong Bird Park, Singapore

Committed to conservation and exhibiting birds in naturalistic settings, the BirdPark creates simulated natural habitats – from the grasslands of Africa to the rainforests of South America – for different bird species. Educational and entertaining bird presentations, showcase the natural talents of free-flying birds to visitors from all over the world. The latest open concept exhibit the “African Wetlands” displays African birds, frogs and fishes, giving visitors an appreciation of a balanced eco-system display and aims to provide a better understanding of how nature, birds and man co-exist in this world. 
 

Dreamworld, Thailand

Dream World is a place of smiles and laughter, a fantastic day out for all the family. Dream World has more than 30 rides and other attractions, catering to all ages from small children up. Among the most popular rides are the Cable Car, the Indoor Coaster, the Hanging Coaster, the Rapid Ride, and ‘Topspin’. Other attractions have an educational aspect, such as the miniatures of the Seven Wonders of the World. 
 

But the most popular of all is ‘Snow Town’, which is the first of its kind. Even in winter the temperature in Thailand rarely drops below 20°C, and in summer it can reach as high as 38°C.  In Snow Town it’s -5°C all year round!!  Visitors can enjoy tobogganing down the snow hill, see polar bears and  penguins, become Eskimos and experience life in an igloo, or visit Santa Clause’s house,  
 

Enchanted Kingdom, Philippines

For more than a decade now, Enchanted Kingdom remains the country’s first and only world-class theme park with over 23 international-class rides and attractions. Enchanted Kingdom is the Philippines’ first and only world-class theme park located in Santa Rosa City, Laguna. For more than 12 years now, it has been transporting Filipino families and their friends, young and old alike, to a new world filled with adventures and surprises. With a heart stopping line-up of thrilling rides and attractions, spectacular entertainment and gastronomic treats, there is nothing else like it in the country.

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