The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) has established an official presence in China, with a company registered in Shanghai.

TEA Business Consulting (Shanghai) Co is a wholly foreign-owned entity and will commonly be known as TEA China.

China is considered to be the fastest-growing market for themed experiences, with a number of theme park, cultural tourism, museum and location-based entertainment projects under various stages of development.

Setting up a presence in China is seen as a major step in the global growth of the TEA, which was founded in 1991 to give a voice to the creative community of the global theme park and attractions industry.

To bring the Chinese arm to fruition, a special TEA China Task Force was formed in January 2021 to develop a comprehensive business plan including financial, legal and governance structures to accomplish its goals.

TEA China has been designed to provide "significant benefits" for TEA’s existing global membership, by way of connecting with new members in China, creating enhanced networking opportunities, educational events, and deeper access to developers of cultural tourism projects inside China.

TEA China will be led by TEA International Board President Chuck Fawcett.

Fawcett said: “TEA China represents a critical expansion of our organization’s capacity for global collaboration and will benefit the entire industry.

"We're now in a position to work more closely with companies in China to craft TEA’s brand and value proposition and look forward to creating many new opportunities for TEA members worldwide.

"My sincere thanks to the TEA China Task Force and to everyone who was part of this monumental effort.”

TEA International board member Evi Sari will serve as interim general manager of TEA China.

Sari said: “This is what TEA members want and what our industry needs.

"The conversation and collaboration that the TEA is fostering between the US and China will help to build a better, stronger themed experience industry.”