Rutger de Wit is the European Theme Park Talent of 2016
NTHV university’s special track Attractions & Theme Park Management hosts first contest
Last night the NHTV announced that Rutger de Wit from Franeker, the Netherlands is the first European Theme Park Talent. He will receive his prize on the open day of the university on 12 March. The NHTV University of Applied Sciences in Breda, the Netherlands is the first university in Europe that educates future managers of Theme Parks, Attractions and Zoos in a special track: Attractions & Theme Parks Management (ATPM). NHTV wants to be the future knowledge- and expert centre of the European Theme Park Industry. It has strong relations with the theme park industry in Europe and is looking for talent which is why this contest was created.
Innovative idea
Rutger presented his idea to the professional jury together with nominees from Belgium and Germany. He designed a new NFC-bracelet that together with an app will provide guests to theme parks a better experience. Together with this new and innovative tool the guest can make reservations for restaurants and rides but also participate in a game. Olaf Vughts, director of imagineering and chairman of the jury said: ‘This is really an innovative idea and it will lead to a better experience for our guests and more cooperation between parks’.
Talent incubator
Goof Lukken, one of the lecturers of ATPM at NHTV was also excited about the new Theme Park Talent: ‘We want to be the incubator for future theme park entrepreneurs. Many people dream of working in this beautiful industry, but only a few make their dreams come true. A European Theme Park Talent needs to be a commercial, hospitable and creative manager in order to be successful in this industry. We are one of the leading travel, tourist and leisure universities world wide and we only want the best students to come to Breda. Rutger perfectly fits the NHTV vision. He has passion for the industry and thinks ahead.’ Rutger de Wit will receive his prize on March 12th at the open day of the NHTV and Attractions & Theme Park Track in a surprising and creative way. Next to a visit to the open day of NHTV the new talent will meet CEOs of the Efteling and Safaripark Beekse Bergen.
The competition will continue
NHTV will continue to organize this competition. Goof Lukken: ‘We have had so many positive responses that we will certainly organise this competition in upcoming years. We now had candidates from three European countries but in the future we hope for more candidates from more EU-countries and maybe even the world.”
More information about the contest and a participation form can be found at: http://discoverattractionsthemeparks.co/
This community website features blogs and vlogs showing the activities of the current students from the Attractions & Theme Parks Management Track. More information about NHTV can be found at www.nhtv.nl
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Note for Media: For more information you can contact, Goof Lukken, lecturer: 0031-6-24601409. On March 12, there are possibilities to follow Rutger de Wit, as the European Theme Park Talent.