Following the presentation of the Park World Excellence Awards on Tuesday (8 December), social media has been ablaze with this year’s winners been proudly celebrating their achievements.
New for 2020, Charlotte Van Etten, was crowned the first ever winner of ‘Unsung Hero’ award. She said: “I was watching the award ceremony because of the Vekoma coasters nominated and so incredibly surprised and thrilled being awarded the Unsung Hero award. It was a very emotional moment and totally unexpected to be put in the spotlight.”
Liseberg CEO Andreas Anderson was presented with the Industry Icon – Operator award. Speaking after the event, he said: I was very surprised – and very grateful. I am very proud to be part of this industry, and a recognition from what I lovingly call my ‘attractions family’ means a lot. Especially in a dark year like this.”
Supplied by Vekoma, Fårup Sommerland’s new family coaster, Saven, was awarded Best Roller Coaster (Limited Budget). Asked what it meant to them to win this award, park CEO Niels Jørgen Jensen said: “Fantastic! The recognition for the big work we put in this project, that turned out exactly as we hoped for – our little baby turned out great. We think Fårup and Saven is a perfect match and therefore we are so happy, that people from outside of Fårup also recognises this. We are very thankful and proud. The award means a lot to us, as Covid-19 has taken a lot of Saven’s “shine”. After a tough and very different season an award is extra, extra appreciated.”
Created with the help of SDEI, Europe Technologies, Solideo, AMPM and Crystal Group, Les Noces de Feu, the stand-out show at Puy du Fou, was awarded Best Use of Technologies and Best Live Entertainment. The accolades didn’t stop there – the historical theme park in France emerged victorious a third time, alongside 6k and Grumpy Productions in Best Use of Theming for Théâtre Molière and Grand Siècle.
Puy de Fou’s CEO, Guillaume Allaire said: “It is a great honour for Puy du Fou to receive these Park World Excellence Awards. This international recognition represents a tremendous achievement for all our team members and partners involved in this new creation. But actually, for us, the most important word isn’t “Award” but “Excellence”. This value is part of our DNA and of our philosophy from the beginning of our history. Our teams always work in order to reach excellence. It is a reality for our live shows but also in every details of Puy du Fou experience. And it was a special challenge this year with the sanitary crisis, but we succeed to keep the highest standard of quality in everything. That’s why we are very proud of these awards.”
Best Ride (Limited Budget) went to Emaille-Werke at Karls Erlebnis-Dorf (Rövershagen), supplied by Technical Park and faszinatour. Fabio Martini, CEO Technical Park said: “It’s always great to see positive results from our attempts to make great theme parks rides. Behind the scenes, there’s really a big commitment to make it happen, trying first to exceed the best expectations of our clients. This award means we are moving our steps in the right direction, because it comes just after the PWEA won just last year for “Thrill ride of the Year”.
“Regardless of what they are going to do, like driving in a Sidecar or flying on an Aerobat, riders need fun and we wish to create great guest experiences for them, time and time again.
“My brother Christian and I want to dedicate this award to memory of the company founder, our father Renzo, who died just a week before this achievement.”
To see the list of winners in full head over to the Park World Excellence Awards website website.