IAAPA 2017: Hulk Hogan reveals plans to turn Beach Store into visitor attraction
Iconic professional wrestler Hulk Hogan has announced plans to turn his branded store in Orlando, Florida, into a full-fledged attraction, with the superstar visiting the IAAPA Expo to find new ideas as the venture evolves to compete with the local market.
Hogan’s Beach Shop, which opened in Orlando earlier this year on International Drive, is an experience store which currently offers a range of Hulk Hogan and branded merchandise for purchase, mixed with Hogan memorabilia on display for fans to view and take photos with.
Visiting IAAPA, Hogan said: “I’m looking forward to meeting the vendors and finding a brand new tag team to change the vision we have for Hogan’s Beach Shop.
“Now we’ve been in Orlando for about 6 months, we’ve decided that IAAPA is the place to meet new friends, make some new relationships and change our little Beach Shop into a family-friendly attraction.
“We have another Beach Shop in Tampa. It works really well there but I’ve found out here in Orlando that we need to deliver on a completely different level and we’re looking forward to turning our store into a full-fledged attraction for a competitive marketplace. We really want to make sure we fit in with the other offerings on International Drive.
.@HulkHogan has hit IAAPA, with plans announced to turn @HogansOrlando into a visitor attraction #IAAPA17 pic.twitter.com/71DXWdbQGW
— Attractions Mgmt (@ATTRACTIONSMAG) November 15, 2017
Hogan revealed a prime target for the show was with augmented and virtual reality, seeking products which were “interactive and innovative”, with something that would fit inside the 4,000sq ft Beach Shop.
“Today I’m looking for advice and guidance because there’s a whole new set of tools here which I can use to turn my little Beach Shop around and make it competitive with the rest of Orlando,” he said.
Check back with Attractions Management and AM2 during the week for all the latest breaking news coming from IAAPA 2017.
Hulk Hogan visitor attraction Hogan's Beach Shop wrestling WWE WWF Orlando IAAPAIAAPA 2017: Four join prestigious Hall of Fame at Opening Ceremony
IAAPA 2017: Obama advisor talks challenges and rewards for drone use in attractions
BIG unveils Eve Music Hall as Croatia venue nears completion
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Wellness care hospital opens in Vilnius with innovative spa and hospitality concept
Universal and Puy du Fou projects point to rise of Oxford–Cambridge corridor
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’ planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism investment.
For years, the corridor has been associated primarily with science, technology, housing and university-led economic growth. However, the clustering of large-scale visitor attraction projects along the
All-inclusive eco-wellness development Auko to open near Vietnam’s Son Doong caves
Shedd Aquarium upgrades its visitor experience with new Immersion Theater
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional revenue opportunities.
The attraction has transformed the aquarium’s Phelps Auditorium into a multi-sensory venue combining panoramic projection, environmental effects and interactive technology.
A new pre-show area allows visitors to engage with augmented reality marine animals before entering the
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
MCR is planning a luxury hotel for London's BT Tower
Joy as a radical act: Yinka Ilori launches solo exhibition celebrating the rebellious power of spreading happiness
Work gets underway on Madrid's €800 million leisure complex
Work is underway in Madrid on one of Europe’s most significant multi-functional complexes, combining sport, entertainment, culture and education.
The €800 million initiative to regenerate the former Olympic Aquatic Centre in the north-east of the city, next to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium, is being led by Barsento – a joint venture between Live Nation Entertainment, Oak View Group and Atlético de Madrid. The project will
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Four Seasons’ Naples Beach Club opens 2,800sq m Sanctuary spa inspired by indigenous Calusa people
Orient Express Corinthian to host Ocean Rebirth wellness retreat in collaboration with Guerlain
Famed London nightclub, Tramp, launches Tramp Health
First look: Miraval opens on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia
Hainan Science Museum by Ma Yansong, opens in China
A new science museum has opened to the public in Haikou after attracting more than 350,000 visitors during a four-month soft opening period.
Designed by Ma Yansong and his practice MAD Architects, the Hainan Science Museum is located on the edge of Wuyuan River National Wetland Park and has already recorded peak attendance of more than 5,800 visitors in a single day.
Commissioned by
Zannier Île De Bendor launches with design by Hardel Le Bihan Architectes
Sæl Spa readies for launch in London: “a modern British sanctuary”
Immersive art bathhouse Submersive announces debut location in Austin
Construction begins on regenerative wellness destination The Shenandoah Nature Resort
Royal Caribbean reveals record-breaking cruise ship
V&A East opens in London
David Geffen galleries open at LACMA
New venue The Lands by Capella includes a longevity centre to complement sister hotel Capella Sydney
World of Frozen launches at Disneyland Paris
Pical Resort by Valamar reveals first Croatian spa under the ESPA brand
Mandarin Oriental creates end-to-end Egyptian journey with two new hotels and first-ever luxury river cruise
Designers Mendil + Meyer launch new division called Lām Concepts for strategic wellness projects
Wilderness Bisate in Rwanda reveals brand’s second Sanctuary spa
4a Architekten shares details of wellness extension at Salinarium Bad Dürkheim Thermal Spa
Designed to restore neglected land and renew the identity of Iraq’s capital city, Baghdad Sustainable Forests promises a new way of living surrounded by nature. Gensler’s Ian Mulcahay tells us why he thinks the project could become a model for the repair and enhancement of urban centres




















