AusLeisure

China’s largest marine park operator, Haichang Ocean Parks Holdings, has revealed plans to build new overseas amusement parks along China’s new silk road.

Haichang Chief Executive Wang Xuguang told the South China Morning Post last month that his company was in discussion with mainland state-owned infrastructure builders with a view to develop three to four ocean parks along China’s new silk road trade initiative.

He suggested the new parks would be built in countries like Bangladesh and Madagascar.

Wang told the South China Morning Post “as the state-owned infrastructure builders construct ports and roads along the ‘One Belt, One Road’, they also need our help to add amusement facilities to go with the megaprojects.

“This model fits us perfectly since we already had plans to tap the emerging markets.”

The new Silk Road initiative was introduced by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013. It aims to connect overland corridors and sea routes to bolster China’s trade ties with 65 countries.

Wang added “markets like Japan, Europe and America are not our targets.

“Instead, we set our eyes on markets like India, central Asia and Africa.”

He explained that Haichang would not necessarily invest in the construction of the ocean parks along the Belt and Road routes. He said they could embark on an “asset-light” strategy by just designing and operating the resorts for state-backed companies.

Haichang, which currently operates six ocean theme parks, one adventure theme park, and one water world in China, has previously expressed ab aim to become the world’s largest marine theme park operator.

It also has two major projects under construction in Shanghai and Sanya.

Image courtesy of Haichang Ocean Park. 

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