Aquarium.jpg (Photo : Huffington Post)
China's Zhuhai Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in Guangdong province won the "Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) Award for Outstanding Achievement" on Tuesday at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions' (IAAPA) annual expo in Orlando, Florida.
Opened to the public just this March, the new Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, which is operated by the Guangzhou Chimelong Group Co. Ltd., holds the world record for the largest acrylic plate, the largest underwater viewing dome, the largest aquarium display window, the largest aquarium box and the largest aquarium.
Having named the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom as "outstanding among all the 169 candidates," Monty Lunde, TEA president, told China Daily: "The most important criteria we looked at are the quality of the service, the tourists' experiences and the creativity."
"The park in general is in such a large scale. It's amazing. The largest fish tank in the world. So many firsts there. It's incredible as a whole," said Lunde.
Speaking to reporters after getting the award, Shi Yuxiong, senior consultant in the international development department of Chimelong Group, said: "We will keep making efforts to bring happiness to families from all over the world.
"I believe it will attract even more international visitors," Shi added.
The Guangzhou Chimelong Tourist Resort, also in Guangdong, won the "Applause Award," the first time for an Asian theme park. The resort includes the Chimelong Safari Park, Chimelong Paradise, Chimelong Water Park, Chimelong International Circus, Crocodile Park and Chimelong Hotel, which when combined receive 16 million visitors every year.
Started in 1980, the "Applause Award" is given every two years in recognition of accomplishment in management, operations and creativity and inspiration. The judges presently come from the U.S., the U.K., Sweden and other Western countries.
The IAAPA is the largest international trade association for major parks and fairs in the world. Founded in 1918, it now represents more than 4,500 facilities, suppliers and individual members from more than 97 countries.
The just-concluded 96th IAAPA Expo brought about 1,000 exhibitors from 40 countries to showcase their products and services before some 7,000 industry buyers. An estimated 27,000 visitors witnessed the event.
