Related: PGAV Profile / PGAV Destinations Wins “Best Cultural Project” Award / PGAV Destinations Hosts Educational Institute / PGAV Destinations Heightens the Experiences at Georgia Aquarium
The Most Prolific Period in Firm’s 45-Year History Sets Records
PGAV Destinations, a global leader in the planning and design of cultural and entertainment destinations, celebrates an unprecedented decade of design.
In the past ten years, PGAV has opened 50 projects in twenty U.S. states and abroad. The cumulative impact of these projects translates into 81 million in annual visitors and $1.54 billion in cumulative project value.
As the most productive period in the firm’s history, the past decade’s business activity reflects an array of record-setting numbers:
• 16 Major ride and show openings
• 20 Major zoological openings
• 14 Museum and cultural openings
• 38 Food service and retail venues opened
• 34 Strategic and master plans
• 2,590 Hotel rooms designed
During this period, PGAV projects were the winners of five Thea (Themed Entertainment Association) Awards, more than any other design firm. Additional accomplishments include:
• The opening of the Georgia Aquarium, recently designated the “World’s Largest Aquarium” by the Guinness book of World Records.
• Discovery Cove was rated the “#1 Waterpark” in the Zagat US Family Travel Guide.
• The Manta Coaster at SeaWorld of Orlando was rated the “Best New Attraction of 2009” by Themeparkinsider.com.
• Busch Gardens Williamsburg was voted the “World’s Most Beautiful Theme Park” for the twentieth consecutive year.
• PGAV completed planning and design projects at six UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
“We are extremely pleased about our success during the past ten years,” explains Mike Konzen, Principal PGAV Destinations. “Our approach of intensely focusing on consumer insights and market trends is supported by our investments in original research. The more we understand consumer trends, behaviors and motivations, the better we are at developing zoos and aquariums, entertainment attractions, hotels and resorts, heritage and nature sites, and cultural attractions.”
The decade of success began with the opening of Discovery Cove in Orlando, Florida. Additional noteworthy project openings that followed include:
• Antler Hill Village at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina
• Journey to Atlantis at SeaWorld San Diego
• Table Rock Welcome Centre at Niagara Falls, Ontario
• The National Geographic Visitor Center at the Grand Canyon
• The 600-room Ameristar Casino Hotel in Blackhawk, Colorado
• The Hotel Gold River at Port Aventura in Salou, Spain
• Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Water Park in Orlando, Florida
• Ireland at Busch Gardens, Williamsburg
During this period, PGAV Destinations also completed thirty-four strategic master plans guiding the future of several landmark sites, including Kennedy Space Center, The Hoover Dam, The Audubon Nature Institute, The Indianapolis Zoo, The General Patton Museum, the National Aviary, and the St. Louis Science Center.
“Our focus on strategic planning, business analysis, and innovation in our ever-changing industry will serve us well in the next ten years,” according to Jim Moorkamp, PGAV Principal. “Watch for us to continue to expand our services in all facets of the tourism and leisure industry.”
About PGAV Destinations
PGAV Destinations is a global leader in the planning and design of unique destinations. Now in its fifth decade, the practice has evolved to become the ideal strategic partner, skilled at developing growth-oriented master plans and translating those plans into successful projects. No other firm offers such an integrated approach to destination planning.
PGAV’s key clients include industry leaders such as Delaware North, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, the Biltmore Companies, Bass Pro Shops, Ameristar Casinos, Universal Studios, The Gettysburg Foundation, Niagara Parks Commission, The National Aviary, and many others. Recent assignments include planning and design at many of the world’s “must see” destinations, including the Grand Canyon, Biltmore Estate, Niagara Falls, Hearst Castle, the Georgia Aquarium, the Hoover Dam, and SeaWorld Adventure Parks. www.PGAVDestinations.com