The British Association of Leisure Parks, Piers and Attractions's (BALPPA) annual Summer Conference was held at German theme park Europa-Park last week.

More than 100 delegates attended the three day event (16-18 June), which included the traditional golf tournament – won by Ben Story of Avius Experience – and a behind the scenes tour of the park.

During the All Members’ Meeting on Tuesday, delegates were updated on the progress of a number of issues currently being lobbied for by BALPPA, including the reduction of VAT on tourism as well as the double summer time bill.

According to George McGregor, director of Politics International, the group assisting BALPPA in government, a lot of progress has been made in getting the message across.

“Although we have made inroads into government, we are also spending time and effort on working on the Conservative shadow ministers and Liberal Democrats,” said McGregor.

“Tobias Ellwood, the conservative shadow minister for Culture, Media and Sport has been particularly responsive to our causes.”

BALPPA members were also offered the opportunity to exchange views on industry matters with their German counterparts, as the German Association of Amusement Parks (VDFU) held a board meeting at the park on Tuesday.

Image: presentations after the gala dinner. From left to right: Tim Batstone (BALPPA), Jürgen Mack (Europa-Park), Kurt Mack-Even (Mack Rides), Roland Mack (Europa-Park), Christian von Elverfeldt (Mack Rides), Colin Dawson (BALPPA)