Waterpark supplier and designer WhiteWater has joined forces with Bangkok, Thailand-based waterpark developer Vana Nava Co. Ltd. a joint venture.
The newly formed company, called WhiteWater West Southeast Asia Co. Ltd., became official in June.
In the past 35 years, Richmond, B.C.-based WhiteWater has designed and manufactured products for more than 5,000 waterpark projects around the world, the company said, while Vana Nava waterpark projects have received accolades, such as the 2015 World Waterpark Association’s Leading Edge Award.
The organizations’ similar skills and abilities brought them together, said Paul Chutter, chief business development officer at WhiteWater. “[It’s a] perfect combination to respond to the growth the industry is experiencing in Southeast Asia currently,” he said.
The newly formed organization will create mixed-use leisure destinations and family entertainment projects across Southeast Asia, said Proudputh Liptapanlop, executive director of Vana Nava Co. Ltd. She credits the region’s rapidly expanding middle to upper-middle class, a growing tourism and leisure sector, and well-traveled consumers as driving the market’s growth.
Chris Perry has been appointed CEO of the new venture and will assume responsibility for the overall strategic direction of the group, brand development and expansion throughout Southeast Asia.
“I am excited to be on the ground in Thailand and the amazing opportunities the region has to offer,” Perry said. “We look forward to designing, building and operating parks throughout Thailand and Southeast Asia, focusing on global best practices in design, safety, operations and customer service.”
