WhiteWater Unveils Innovations at IAAPA Expo Europe 2024
WhiteWater IAAPA Expo has kicked off with a press conference where WhiteWater, a prominent waterpark manufacturer, unveiled its latest product innovations and award-winning projects to industry media and peers.
Rainer Maelzer, president of WhiteWater ERA GmbH, stated: “Innovation is at the heart of everything we do. As we continue to grow globally, we are committed to working closely with our clients to create unique, immersive experiences that drive guest satisfaction and operational success.”
Rainer and the WhiteWater team are dedicated to collaborating with clients to realise their visions and adapt to their guests’ changing needs. This commitment is embodied in the firm’s latest brand campaign, Together the future of attractions is ours to create, which was launched at the WhiteWater IAAPA Expo.
The press conference on Tuesday afternoon commenced with the announcement of the continuation of WhiteWater’s IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility) scholarship in 2024, in partnership with the IAAPA Foundation.
This initiative, which began last year, aims to assist individuals from underrepresented backgrounds by providing financial aid and access to education, thereby bridging the opportunity gap. The scholarship covers attendance at the IAAPA Institute, a week-long programme designed for senior leaders in the international attractions sector. This scheme nurtures hidden talents and empowers future leaders by minimising financial constraints and systemic barriers.
Cruise Industry Projects
During the press conference, WhiteWater also announced several new projects, highlighting its ongoing leadership in cruise industry innovation.
These include its 24th partnership with Royal Caribbean Cruises, featuring a FlowRider Double on the Star of the Seas, along with an Adventure Trail for the MSC World America ship, both set to launch in 2025.
The firm is expanding its footprint in the Saudi Arabian cruise industry by collaborating with AROYA Cruises to introduce the first AquaForms 5 play structure on a cruise ship, as well as a splash pad equipped with Life Floor and AquaSplash toys aboard the Aroya Manara. This addition significantly enhances the cruise experience, particularly for young guests and families.
The event also showcased WhiteWater’s 2024 research with Hotel & Leisure Advisors, which underscores the long-term financial advantages of aquatic amenities.
Recent significant resort projects include Amadria Park in Croatia, which has introduced new attractions such as the Whizzard and Constrictor + Rattler Fusion water slides, with plans to unveil additional indoor amenities by year-end. The Regnum Carya water park in Turkey is scheduled to open in Spring 2025, while the Grand Hyatt Dubai resort’s water park will debut in Q2 2025, featuring 15 new attractions across 20,000 square meters to enhance guest engagement and occupancy.
Growing Demand for Surf Venues
With over 25 million surfers globally, the sport is expanding and becoming integrated into various venues. The Grand Hyatt Dubai plans to introduce the first FlowRider Triple in the Middle East, featuring a 12-meter (40-foot) surface that accommodates three riders simultaneously and can handle 360–720 rides per hour.
In the standalone venue sector, FlowRider Inc. has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with SEVEN to bring the Flow House brand to Saudi Arabia. Three Flow House venues, which will offer food, beverages, and surfing entertainment, are currently under construction in Riyadh, Al Khobar, and Jeddah.
Over 14,000 attendees celebrated the launch of O2 SURFTOWN MUC, Germany’s first inland surf park, which opened in August 2024. This innovative venue is also the first globally to feature Endless Surf technology, incorporating a 34-caisson lagoon that utilises advanced pneumatic hardware and proprietary software to create customised waves.
Paul Chutter, president of Endless Surf, remarked: “This moment is a testament to the dedication of the teams involved and a significant achievement for inland surf, providing operators unparalleled flexibility and control of wave types with our technology. After years of hard work and innovation, we’re thrilled to see world-class waves in Munich for all to enjoy.”
International Portfolio
In 2024, WhiteWater’s projects with Fårup Sommerland in Denmark and Aquascope in France have made notable contributions to the European water park industry.
In a landmark project, the firm installed Denmark’s tallest water slides, including a Tailspin + Boomerango Fusion and Parallel Pursuit, at Fårup Sommerland. This project marks the latest in the firm’s 14-year partnership with the park, which now features Mini Boomerango and other child-friendly attractions to ensure a fun experience for all ages.
Aquascope in France now boasts three new children’s water slides and a splash pad equipped with AquaSplash and AquaSpray toys, further enhancing the park’s appeal as a family-friendly destination.
In the Middle East, WhiteWater has partnered with Aquarabia in Qiddiya City to create 22 thrilling rides and attractions, including five record-breaking rides. FusionFortress 18 stands out as a signature attraction, featuring ground-level interactives that allow children with limited mobility to engage with toys, spray their siblings with jets, and turn wheels to trigger various reactions on the structure, fostering fun for families and friends.
FusionFortress 18 is the world’s largest play structure, boasting 181 interactive play components, 11 water slides, two tipping buckets, and a water geyser that shoots approximately 30 meters (100 feet) into the air. As part of the Qiddiya City development, Aquarabia will offer guests unforgettable entertainment experiences centred around play.
The development was highlighted in the latest episode of Falcon’s Play Creators video series, which was presented at the press conference.
Heightening the excitement surrounding Aquarabia’s launch, the video features interviews with Mike Rigby, general manager and regional vice president of the Middle East and India, and Kenneth Campbell, senior installation advisor and team development specialist, providing a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the development of this unique water theme park.
The video, which includes construction footage, showcases the ambition of the project and the team’s dedication to creating extraordinary experiences.
Recently, WhiteWater collaborated with Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park and the architecture firm Ramaker on the Rise of Icarus, a new attraction featuring the tallest water slide in America. The 160-foot tall slide tower includes a Freefall, four AquaTubes, and vibrant colours that narrate the story of Icarus.
