The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) has completed the establishment of a wholly foreign-owned entity, TEA Business Consulting (Shanghai) Co., (commonly known as TEA China) – the organization’s official legal presence in Mainland China, with headquarters in Shanghai. This is a major step in the global growth of the TEA, which was founded in 1991 in Burbank, California to give a voice to the creative community of the worldwide theme park and attractions industry.
This new endeavour provides TEA with an official presence in China, the fastest growing market for themed experience – including theme parks, water parks, cultural tourism, museums, location-based entertainment (LBE), family entertainment centres (FECs), retail, immersive experiences and more.
The goal to formalise a TEA entity in China has been gathering momentum for several years as part of the organization’s global growth strategy. To bring it to fruition, a special TEA China Task Force was formed in January 2021 to develop a comprehensive business plan including financial, legal and governance structures to accomplish its goals.
TEA International Board President Chuck Fawcett is serving as the new director of TEA China. He said: “TEA China represents a critical expansion of our organisation’s capacity for global collaboration and will benefit the entire industry. We are now in a position to work more closely with companies in China to craft TEA’s brand and value proposition, and look forward to creating many new opportunities for TEA members worldwide. My sincere thanks to the TEA China Task Force and to everyone who was part of this monumental effort.”
TEA Asia Pacific division president Owen Zhao said: “The establishment of TEA China was essential. Those who operate and develop parks and related venues need global expertise and a business community to serve them. Cultural tourism is one of China’s strategic industries, and the market is at the beginning of a significant growth cycle with government funds allocated for many new projects following the COVID-19 shutdowns.”
TEA International Board Member Evi Sari is serving as interim General Manager of TEA China. She said: “This is what TEA members want and what our industry needs. The conversation and collaboration that the TEA is fostering between the US and China will help to build a better, stronger themed experience industry.”