KidZania is continuing its rapid global expansion, opening its latest franchised location in Manila in the Philippines.

The edutainment centre, where kids can role play as adults in a pint-sized city through a range of professions, covers 9,000sq m (96,785sq ft) and is located at the Park Triangle in Bonifacio Global City – the financial district of Manila.

Having recently opened its global flagship in London, the KidZania concept is now available in 17 different countries and 20 cities.

Speaking at the launch, KidZania founder and global president Xavier López said the Philippines was just like brand’s birthplace of Mexico – a young country with 30 per cent of the population comprised of children concentrated in its capital. Filipinos families, he added, also “value education and love spending time together.”

KidZania Manila is partnered with 40 real-world establishments, many exclusive to the Philippines, such as Cebu Pacific, St. Lukes Medical Center, Centro Escolar University and the Bank of the Philippine Islands, along with global brands such as Coca-Cola and Holiday Inn.

More than 100 role-playing activities are on offer, including an acting academy, marine biology research lab, clean energy centre, department store, kindergarten and a pharmacy among others.

“At KidZania Manila, our aim is to create one of the most memorable and enriching experiences focused on the unique needs of Filipino children,” said Maricel Pangilinan-Arenas, governor of KidZania Philippines and CEO of Play Innovations, the franchise operator of KidZania Manila.

“Role play can inspire kids to change the world around them, and what better way to do so than in a fun learning environment like KidZania.”

An in depth look at the team behind KidZania and how the franchise model operates is available in new issue of Attractions Management, out now.