WhiteWater Achieves Multiple Awards at IAAPA Expo Europe
WhiteWater, a prominent waterpark manufacturer, is celebrating a series of achievements at the IAAPA Expo Europe, which was held last week in Amsterdam.
The company received multiple awards during the event. Additionally, it was announced that CEO, Geoff Chutter, will join IAAPA’s Global Board for 2025.
Commitment to IAAPA’s Mission
The new members of the IAAPA Global Board 2025 were unveiled last week, with Chutter elected as the manufacturer/supplier/consultant (MSC) director.
Chutter founded WhiteWater in 1980, and the company has developed, manufactured, and supplied attractions worldwide. His extensive experience provides a deep understanding of the business value chain across various venue types, from construction to visitor experience and materials to fabrication.
In 2019, Chutter was awarded the IAAPA Outstanding Service Award. He has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to the organisation’s objectives, participating in every IAAPA Expo Europe event, as well as those in Orlando and Asia, since 1982. Alongside the WhiteWater team, Chutter continues to support IAAPA by contributing time and expertise to numerous committees, task forces, sponsorships, and educational events.
“IAAPA is not only a platform for networking and building relationships, it is becoming a driving force to advance the attractions industry in terms of safety, policy, and innovation, reaching more and more corners of the world,” Chutter states. “WhiteWater’s involvement in IAAPA has been incredibly beneficial, and I am honoured to give back by serving on its board.”
Award-Winning Projects
The winners of the annual European Star Awards, which recognise the best attractions across the continent, were also announced at the Expo. Three of these accolades were awarded to WhiteWater.
O2 SURFTOWN MUC in Munich, Germany, and “Stormfloden” at Fårup Sommerland in Blokhus, Denmark, were recognised in the Europe’s Best New Water Attractions category. Stormfloden is the tallest water slide in Denmark at 21 metres and features the world’s first Boomerango + Tailspin Fusion.
O2 SURFTOWN MUC boasts the global first Endless Surf lagoon, providing the sector’s most technologically advanced surfing experience. Aqualand Moravia in Pasohlávky, Czechia’s “High Five,” a Master Blaster + Constrictor Fusion, received its sixth Europe’s Best Water Slide award, continuing a successful streak since 2020.
Rainer Maelzer, president of WhiteWater ERA GmbH, expresses: “We are as ecstatic as our clients for winning these awards. They not only recognise innovation but also the incredible fun these attractions bring to guests.”
The Park World Excellence Awards also took place last week, celebrating exemplary projects in the EMEA attractions sector. The record-breaking Meryal Waterpark in Lusail, Qatar, received three awards, including Best Product Innovation, Best Water Park Experience with Icon Tower, and Best Water Park.
At 85 metres high, Icon Tower is the tallest water slide tower in the world, capable of launching 12 exhilarating water slides, the most ever from a single tower. Meryal is WhiteWater’s most intricate project to date. WhiteWater was recognised as the Best Supplier in EMEA for its contributions to this innovative water park and other notable projects in the region.
Onno Meeter, president of Water Parks, comments: “We are proud to be recognised for the dedication, expertise, and hard work that went into this massive undertaking. It takes an extraordinary team and extremely committed partners to bring this spectacular project to life, and these accolades are well-deserved. Congratulations to everyone involved!”
WhiteWater launched its corporate campaign, Creativity Collective, during IAAPA Expo Europe 2024. This campaign aims to harness the creative energy that drives acclaimed projects and unforgettable guest experiences by collecting video interviews and case studies from projects and professionals in the leisure industry. These resources are available on WhiteWater’s website.
Last week, WhiteWater celebrated the launch of IAAPA Expo Europe 2024 with a press conference highlighting its latest product advancements and award-winning projects to industry media and peers. This included the announcement that WhiteWater’s IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility) scholarship will continue in 2024, in partnership with the IAAPA Foundation.
