IAAPA Expo Asia returns to Shanghai after 6 years

After a six-year hiatus, the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo Asia reopened in Shanghai on July 1 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre.

The event ran from June 30 to July 3, featuring educational sessions starting on June 30, with the main show floor open from July 1 to July 3.

Recognized as the largest annual gathering for the attractions and amusement industry in the Asia-Pacific region, this year's expo features 350 exhibitors from across the globe, showcasing cutting-edge products and technological solutions across an 8,500-square-meter exhibition area.

The 2025 edition has seen a 40 percent increase in registered buyers and attendees compared to previous years, reflecting a strong rebound in the sector.

China is currently home to 4,437 major attractions and amusement venues. The industry's compound annual growth rate is projected to reach 19 percent over the next three years, significantly surpassing the global average.

"Shanghai is ushering in a wave of international theme park openings," said Jack Chan, executive director of IAAPA Asia Pacific.

Chan cited projects such as the upcoming Shanghai Legoland Resort and a Harry Potter studio scheduled to open in 2027. These additions, he noted, will further establish Shanghai as a premier global tourism destination.

The growing presence of international intellectual property is expected to boost Shanghai's cultural and tourism economy, drawing both domestic and international visitors.

Jacob Wahl, president and CEO of IAAPA, emphasized that Shanghai's strong concentration of global IP not only attracts local tourists but also enhances the city's cultural and tourism appeal on the international stage, ultimately stimulating broader regional economic development.