19 Dec 2018
Attractions Review 2018: January
BY Tom Anstey
In a year of ups, downs, loops and scoops, Attractions Management looks back at some of the biggest stories to hit the headlines, giving possible indicators at what’s still to come in the year ahead.
The year started with a bang and the fireworks continued long after midnight on New Year's Eve. The New Year brought new appointments, with the Fifa Museum appointing a new director and the Museums Association a new president. Elsewhere, plans were announced for a major new attraction called Kataplum coming to Mexico City.
A new Fifa museum director
The Fifa World Football Museum in Zurich, Switzerland, shook up its managerial team, with the appointment of Marco Fazzone as its new director.
Holding positions within the culture sector for a number of years previously, Fazzone took the reins at the museum, which had recorded significant losses since its opening, leaving many questioning the future of the project ordered by former Fifa president Sepp Blatter.
"Marco Fazzone knows exactly what the museum’s mission is and how he has to exercise it," said Zvonimir Boban, Fifa’s deputy secretary-general.
"The museum is important to Zurich, and makes a lot of people in Zurich happy."
Maggie Appleton takes up Museums Association position
Also in January, Maggie Appleton, CEO of the RAF Museum in London, was named the new president of the Museums Association (MA).
With more than 25 years of experience in the museums sector, Appleton started her career working at the Royal Armouries, before spending 12 years working in Luton – six as director of museums for Luton Borough Council and latterly as the chief executive of Luton Culture. From there she was named CEO of the RAF Museum, a role she has held since January 2015.
Outgoing president Fleming whose departure coincides with his retirement as director of National Museums Liverpool, called Appleton a "moderniser", adding that her appointment was the "next natural step" for the MA.
"I am confident that the key relationship Maggie needs – with the director of the MA, Sharon Heal – will enable the MA to continue its upward trajectory, which is so important for the welfare of the nation," he said. "The Association is in very good hands."
Mexican investment
Near the end of the month, entertainment investment firm Grupo Diniz announced the launch of Kataplum – a series of theme parks being developed in Mexico at a cost of MX$550m (US$29.4m, €24m, £21.1m).
Coming first to Mexico City, the initial theme park development will cover 27,000sq m (290,000sq ft), with theme park attractions split into three areas covering family, children and adventure. The park will also feature two restaurants, a cafe and an auditorium capable of seating 60 people.
Check back with Attractions Management tomorrow for a look back at the highlights from February
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