With over 3,000 amusement parks and a wealth of other attractions, China has become one o the world’s key tourism markets and the darling of Asia. Park World looks ahead to the first Asia Tourism Property & Attraction conference (ATPS), where operators, suppliers and investors will be able to learn also about the industry in China and beyond.

Following a very successful event last summer, consultant Vision XS is to stage another “Experience Conference” in England this July.

With several more big projects announced in recent weeks, all eyes are back on Dubai as the emirate forges ahead with plans to become one of the world’s top tourist destinations. Against this backdrop, organisers of DEAL 2008 (Dubai Entertainment, Amusement & Leisure) are hoping for a bustling show this April.

The Russian Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (RAAPA) stages its 10th exhibition this month in Moscow. Park World previews RAAPA 2008.

The Indian Association of Amusement Parks & Industries (IAAPI) will stage its eighth annual trade show this February in Mumbai. Nick Towle looks ahead to the three-day event.

Taking place for the second time in France, the Euro Attractions Show (EAS) arrives on the Côte d’Azur this January. Park World previews the first of two Euro Attractions Shows planned for 2008 – in Nice.

It’s back to Orlando for IAAPA Attractions Expo this November. After two years in Atlanta, the industry’s biggest trade show takes place at the Orange County Convention Center from Tuesday to Friday, November 13 to 16, with more than 1,100 exhibitors. Yet there’s also plenty going on away from the show floor, as we reveal here.

Pavilion C of Genoa's Fiera di Genova exhibition halls will be turned into a mini amusement park this October for the first combined Technofolies/Interschau trade show.

Although a large proportion of the show is still given over to ‘other’ leisure outlets (sports clubs, fitness centres etc), this September’s Leisure Industry Week still offers plenty for parks and attractions operators.

Following the success of the third China Themed Attractions Summit last summer, the Avail Corporation is to stage a fourth conference in Shanghai this July. The renamed China Tourism & Attractions Summit (CTAS) will take place at a new venue, the Sofitel Hyland Hotel on Nanjing Road, and there’s also a new chairman: Gary Goddard, replacing Tony Christopher of Landmark Entertainment.

A third “experience conference” for attractions operators will be hosted by Vision XS in Oxford, England, at the beginning of July.

Industry professionals that have always found the TiLE conference a little too long to justify at this time of the year will be encouraged to learn that the 2007 event, in Northern Italy, has been condensed into just two and a half days. We’ll see you there!

Visitors are in for a treat at April’s “Amusement Rides and Entertainments” – or RAAPA Trade Show – with record numbers of companies taking part in this major Moscow event.

The Dubai Entertainment Amusement and Leisure Show (DEAL), the Middle East’s largest industry event, takes place towards the end of April and organisers are hoping it will be bolstered by unprecedented demand in the region for entertainment venues.

Emerging opportunities and issues for suppliers to leisure developments in Central/Eastern Europe, France and the Middle East will be discussed at a one-day conference in London on Tuesday, March 13.

Now in its seventh year, more than 1,000 amusement industry professionals are expected at the IAAPI Trade Show in Mumbai, India, this February.

The Euro Attractions Show (EAS) moves to Southern Europe for the first time at the end of January, visiting the attractive Spanish city of Seville. Park World looks ahead to three important days for the amusement industry in Andalucia.