Mario Mamon of Enchanted Kingdom fame has been elected as the first Asian president of International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, the 95-year old trade association for permanently situated amusement facilities and attractions worldwide. He officially began his term in November this year straight from his previous post as the group’s first vice chairman.

A graduate of agribusiness management, Mamon formally founded his amusement park 18 years ago and became one of the industry’s leader when he became founding president of Philippine Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions or PhilAAPA.

His leadership aims to expand its membership and make it a truly global association with a special focus on the Asia-Pacific Region, the amusement and attraction industry’s fastest growing geography. Mamon is also expected to continue to promote the development of the culture of safety among the industry players.

IAAPA represents over 4,500 suppliers, facilities, and individual members from more than 90 countries. Member facilities include amusement/theme parks, attractions, water parks, arcades, zoos, family entertainment centers, museums, aquariums, discovery/ technology centers, casinos and resorts, the most notable of which include Disney, Universal Studios, Merlin Entertainment (Legoland, Madame Tussauds, etc.), and the Blackstone Group (Seaworld, Busch Theme Parks, just to name a few.).