Tuesday, August 20, 2024 Trip.com Group, a leading global travel service provider, and Merlin Entertainments Group, a renowned global leader in branded entertainment destinations, have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Chang Feng Ocean World in Shanghai. This collaboration presents a significant opportunity for Trip.
com Group to expand its attraction offerings in key markets, delivering tailored and meaningful travel experiences to its international customers. Merlin Entertainments, which manages over 140 attractions in more than 20 countries and regions, including SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds, and renowned theme park resorts like LEGOLAND®, plays a pivotal role in this partnership. Together, Trip.
com Group and Merlin Entertainments Group are set to merge the thrilling world of themed attractions with the authentic and enriching experiences that modern travelers crave. Global Travelers to Engage in Marine-Focused Activities Trip.com Group and Merlin Entertainments are set to collaborate on a series of events across Asia, featuring attractions such as Chang Feng Ocean World in Shanghai, SEA LIFE Bangkok, SEA LIFE Busan, and the COEX Aquarium in Seoul.
These events will offer customers the chance to participate in unique, marine-focused experiences designed to captivate and inspire travelers. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage in a wide range of programs, including moonlit “Science Nights” at the aquarium, educational sessions led by marine experts, workshops on habitat restoration, mangrove planting, coral propagation, and immersive on-site activities and marine-themed festivals at Merlin Entertainments’ aquariums across Asia. Each aquarium will provide more details on these programs in the coming months.
These diverse offerings aim not only to educate and engage travelers but also to deepen their understanding of the marine environment, emphasizing the importance of protecting the world’s oceans. This initiative follows recent announcements by Merlin Entertainments and the SEA LIFE TRUST to increase funding for 16 new global conservation projects launched earlier this year. Crafting Bespoke Experiences In addition to promoting marine conservation, the MoU highlights the development of exclusive, curated experiences involving other Merlin Entertainments brands such as Madame Tussauds and LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre.
Trip.com Group has expressed its intention to further expand these offerings across Asia, enhancing the variety of products available to global travelers as the region continues to drive significant travel growth. Curated experiences are becoming increasingly popular in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly among Gen Z travelers, who prioritize experiences over other travel expenses.
In the second quarter of 2024, there was a 30% quarter-over-quarter increase in demand for attractions and activities, with unique experiences like kayaking and scuba diving gaining traction. Trip.com Group also reported double-digit growth in ticket sales for Merlin Entertainments’ aquatic parks in Asia Pacific during the same period, underscoring the promising potential of this partnership.
Jim Ji, Vice President of Trip.com Group, CEO of Attractions & Tours , said at the signing ceremony, “Chang Feng Ocean World Shanghai is the perfect backdrop to announce Trip.com Group’s new partnership with Merlin Entertainments.
” “Our partnership will explore exciting new avenues and emphasise bespoke products for our customers around the world. Together, we aim to enrich the traveller’s journey and make global exploration more accessible and fun through rich branded entertainment destinations.” Fiona Eastwood, Chief Operating Officer of Merlin Entertainments Gateway and Resort Theme Parks , said, “We are thrilled to bring our longstanding partnership with Trip.
com Group to the next level. We know the needs of travellers today are evolving, they demand greater immersion and purpose when they travel. The partnership is not just about driving business growth; it’s about delivering the exceptional experiences to our guests and our ongoing commitment to conserving marine ecosystem for future generations.
” Trip.com Group and Merlin Entertainments have reaffirmed their dedication to innovating new technologies aimed at revolutionizing products and enhancing guest experiences. This forward-thinking strategy not only introduces groundbreaking prototypes but also establishes a new standard for the future of travel, ushering in an exciting era of exploration and discovery.
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