Blackpool Pleasure Beach resort has been named one of the best family-owned theme parks in the world, alongside parks in Dubai, the USA and China.
It was the only UK attraction to make the list, compiled by attraction industry publication Blooloop.com, the world’s most read news source for visitor attractions professionals.
The list features 17 theme parks from across the globe, including Europa-Park and Phantasialand in Germany, Siam Park in Tenerife, and IMG Worlds of Adventure in Dubai.
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Blooloop.com said: “They might not have the economies of scale of some of the larger groups, but family-owned theme parks can sometimes be more nimble when it comes to new investments since they don’t have any shareholders to account to. Most importantly, they bring one very important ingredient to their operations: heart.”
Regarding Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Blooloop said: “Run by the fourth generation of the same family, Blackpool Pleasure Beach is one of the best-loved amusement parks in the UK. And maybe even the world.”
Blackpool Pleasure Beach -Credit:Blackpool Pleasure Beach
It highlighted that the resort’s collection of vintage rides add to its charm, which includes four wooden roller coasters, one of which is the last remaining type of its kind in the world.
The current managing director of Blackpool Pleasure Beach is Amanda Thompson OBE, the great-granddaughter of Pleasure Beach founder William George Bean. She said: “We’re honoured to be recognised as one of the best family-owned theme parks in the world, and the only UK park to make the list.
“My great grandfather founded Pleasure Beach and it has remained in our family ever since, where we continue to keep his passion for innovation and entertainment at the heart of everything we do.
“As ever, this recognition is a celebration of our incredible team and the loyal visitors who make Pleasure Beach Resort a truly special place, year on year.”
The full Blooloop list of the world’s best family-owned theme parks (in no particular order):
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Blackpool Pleasure Beach, England
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Djurs Sommerland, Denmark
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Chimelong Paradise, China
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Europa-Park, Germany
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Holiday World and Splashin’ Safari, USA
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IMG Worlds of Adventure, Dubai, UAE
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Enchanted Kingdom, The Philippines
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Kongeparken, Norway
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Knoebls Amusement Resort, Pennsylvania, USA
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Nigloland, France
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Phantasialand, Germany
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Morey’s Piers, New Jersey
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Puy du Fou, France
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Siam Park, Tenerife, Spain
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Emerald Park, Ireland
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Tripsdrill, Germany
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Xcaret, Mexico
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