New Universal theme park planned for Okinawa
The relentless trend for new theme park construction in Asia is set to continue with news that the operators of Universal Studios Japan plan to build a new theme park.
It may be sited close to US military bases on the island of Okinawa but will not be branded as a Universal Studios park and will not feature Universal Studios rides such as the Harry Potter attractions recently launched at Universal Studios Osaka.
Universal Osaka has welcomed record numbers of visitors since the opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Universal Studios Japan Chief Executive Glenn Gumpel said it will be built on a much smaller scale and will be based on local themes rather than Universal’s movie and TV franchises.
Gumpel has not disclosed a location for the Okinawa park but local media last year speculated it could be sited at the controversial Futenma US Marine base which is due to relocate to another part of the prefecture.
Government spokesman Yoshihide Suga has welcomed the news, saying the park will “have an extremely big impact on the promotion of Okinawa.”
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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