02. February 2011 - The giant octopus monster drives for quite some time on the loose in the Heide-Park Resort. Inexorably, the size of the beast gandenlosen to more threatening proportions. As it was, Merlin Entertainments Group CEO Nick Varney not take personally stop by at the site of Germany's first dive coaster to look after things.
Finally makes the world's second largest operator of leisure attractions, with 12 million € its largest investment in 2011 in Heide-Park and thus the location of Germany, with 14 attractions and a company based in Hamburg successfully to the UK's second largest market for Group is expanding. Varney admits he had decided to put this much money in northern Germany, the biggest family and leisure park, because a lot of undiscovered potential slumbering here. "We have a great vision for the Heide-Park. He will rise over the next few years one of the top theme parks in Europe. "says the 48-year-old Briton his decision as he runs around like tentacles in the amount outstanding roller coaster supports. This year's investment was an essential part of the said vision and with "krake" he had finally been done once in one of its other attractions, good experience, he adds, grinning.
Interview with Nick Varney
KRAKE is the largest investment in the Heide-Park by the Merlin Entertainments Group. Why have you chosen a major investment of 12 million €?
Nick Varney, "We have decided to invest a large sum of the Heide-Park, as we are of the opinion that the park holds undiscovered potential. We have a great vision for the Heide-Park, which will rise over the next few years one of the top theme parks in Europe. Furthermore, is the investment efforts of the Merlin Group at theme parks after a 3-year cycle. In two of those three years an average investment before the third year as a major investment KRAKE is made. This investment is an essential part of our vision for the Heide-Park. "
In view of the financial crisis, it seems that many companies hold back large investments. Have you made before the investment thoughts on this?
Nick Varney to reconsider "We each of our investments carefully legal. Therefore, all investments are approved by several steps by the board. We were naturally concerned about the economy and have for example decided, in 2010, only three instead of five new Midway attractions, which include Madame Tussauds SEA LIFE or open part of. For these reasons, we have as the building of the KRAKE postponed for one year. However, we have in the past year, far more than 100 million € invested in our attractions and carried out further acquisitions. "
The Merlin Entertainments Group is expanding worldwide, especially in Asia, Australia and North America. How Germany fit into this growth strategy?
Nick Varney: "Germany is the second largest market for the Merlin Entertainments Group behind Great Britain. We operate 14 attractions and have another office in Hamburg. In Germany, we invest in our existing attractions and are constantly looking for other locations. In the near future we would like to open a second dungeon in Germany. In addition, we pursue our vision through further investment that the Heide-Park is to be one of the top theme parks in Europe. "
Holiday Camp 2005 and 2007, the Hotel Port Royal was opened. As these investments were achieved, although not directly invested in the park?
Nick Varney: "Through investments such as the expansion of overnight accommodations, we are pursuing a strategy of our theme parks, just as the Heide-Park, into resort destinations for short breaks. Our guests have the opportunity to travel from further away to spend the night in our themed accommodation and several days to escape everyday life and to experience the great adventure. "
