VISITOR

ATTRACTIONS

Select Contracts has decades of experience working on amazing projects around the globe, including sightseeing gondolas, eco-tourism experiences and adventure parks. Our team is positioned to handle all aspects of a commercial visitor attraction from business development consulting to designing and building individual attractions and managing ongoing operations. 

VISITOR

ATTRACTIONS

We think outside the box when creating attractions and experiences to make them as interactive as possible and we incorporate many educational aspects into their development. The design of attractions is carefully constructed to incorporate a wide target market and attract an entire age range to enjoy.

The company has worked on a massive array of attractions and experiences over the years such as an interactive World War 1 aircraft exhibit in New Zealand; an immersive experience for the 12 Apostles in Australia, a hot pools and splash pad experience in New Zealand, a circus arts themed entertainment centre in Canada, a sightseeing attraction in the USA, the largest swing in the southern hemisphere near Queenstown, a canyon walkway in Canada, an adventure playground in Wyoming, a sightseeing platform in the USA, indoor active attractions in the UK, Europe, Middle East, and Japan, an attraction branded on the Amazing Race in the USA, an interactive baseball hall of fame in the DR and many many more. We think outside the box and create attractions that last the test of time.

We conceptualise, create financials, complete schematic designs, and set up operations daily.

MARKET STUDY, FINANCIAL MODELLING & MASTER PLANNING

Our specialized knowledge of the leisure and recreation industry allows unique and valuable insights, particularly into sectors that are often difficult to quantify due to a lack of industry standards and benchmarks. The market study forms the basis for the project component mix and concept creation and informs critical business case variables.

Without the market study complete, many project variables and design decisions cannot have strong backing and rationale. Therefore, it is a vital step in any project’s development. The market study includes:

The site analysis considers all the relevant aspects of the project site and surrounding geography related to consumer access and overall suitability.

Local population and spending power are assessed from various angles, including the health of the local economy, cost of living and income, and expenditure patterns where possible. The demographic analysis will uncover the suitability based on the appropriate driving radii of the local market.

Like the resident market analysis, this section focuses on the project’s market potential from the area’s existing domestic and international visitor markets. We identify overall visitation volume trends, spending habits, trip purposes, and motivations.

Understanding competitive offerings within the market is essential. The competitor analysis takes a wide-angle view of the market and considers how the project’s target market may choose to spend its money and what level of pricing the market can achieve.

Information uncovered by the market study, including demographic base, visitor market volume, and participation rates in relevant activities to the project, are fed into a specifically designed model to estimate the attendance potential for the project.

Using the data from the market study, we create a preliminary ten-year financial plan for projects to include cash flows and ROIs. The financial plan will address:

Initial Capex budget using estimates for building and construction costs, each of the main component elements, equipment costs, professional services, installation, and pre-opening expenditure.

We prepare draft budgets with estimates for staffing, consumables, marketing, repairs and renewals, and budgets for the main operating costs from the day of opening onwards.

The draft revenue plan will outline the anticipated revenues of the project from opening as determined by the component matrix.

We predict ten-year cash flows as part of the financial assessment along with our suggested capital structure for projects.

Once the market study is complete, the next step is to use that research to create a full Component Matrix/Programme mix to determine what should be included. This matrix will identify the space devoted to each element of the project and will consist of a block plan to show how the components could be laid out. It will outline the best mix of facilities and attractions based on the market findings and demographics.

Master Planning is typically conducted in conjunction with our Market Study and Financial Modelling services. The Master Planning phase utilizes our extensive 45+ years of design experience to outline what a project should include and how it should be laid out based on its needs. The master plan will identify the key components and areas to be incorporated into the mix with the suggested allocation of space for each element and will be designed with an operational eye to ensure operational capability from the outset. We also create artistic renderings for the project to show the intentions of the overall theme. These are full-colour drawings suitable for presentations and will include all aspects of the project.

OPERATIONAL SCHEMATIC DESIGN

Schematic Design builds upon the foundation set by the Component Matrix and Conceptual Master Plan. It involves the careful translation of the project’s programmatic needs into the computer- generated site, attraction, and building layouts that have been refined for functionality, usability, required adjacencies, code compliance, security, safety, and aesthetics. We can develop highly operationally efficient designs by working closely with the business plan to establish critical operational requirements.

TYPICAL SCHEMATIC DESIGN DELIVERABLES INCLUDE:

  • SITE PLANS
  • DETAILED ATTRACTION LAYOUTS
  • BUILDING PLANS
  • ELEVATIONS
  • 3D Modelling & Renderings
  • Attractions Detailing

  • Lighting Design, Indicative Power Requirements and layouts

  • AV requirements

  • Landscape plans & details

  • Materials & Finishes Schedules

  • Signage Plans & Design

  • Theming design

  • Detailed Design

  • Construction Drawings

The purpose of this phase is to come up with an operationally efficient layout and establish the look and feel of the project for the client to deliver to their chosen architect for more detailed construction drawings.

We combine best design practices with creative vision to create one-of-a-kind projects. Each project is unique, so we work closely with the client to explore options and design solutions that work on every level. Our extensive operational experience feeds into the design process so that your vision not only looks good on paper but is practical in reality, creating memorable guest or end-user experiences.

PROJECT ADVISORY SERVICES

Once a project has progressed through the Master Planning and Operational Conceptual Design phases, we can engage in a Project Advisory Service to help bring the project to reality. These services are custom-tailored to fit the needs of your project and can involve project coordination and strategic advice for your team and collaboration with developers and operators to ensure the end product meets your expectations and is optimized for a seamless experience for your guests.

By staying involved in the project after its design, and through construction to the opening, we can ensure maximum value to the client. We operate in a unique industry with few specialist operators, so it’s important to maintain contact throughout this process to ensure no changes during development are made to the project design without careful consideration involving expert knowledge.

Other Advisory Services also include:

  • Service Provider Analysis
  • Tendering
  • Equipment Selection
  • Continued consulting with the architect on operational needs.

PRE-OPENING MANAGEMENT

As the project progresses through development and construction, our standard operating procedure is to start Pre-Opening Management concurrently with the primary construction phase. Starting this phase early allows for a successful opening after construction completion, smooth operation from day one, and overall project success. Pre-Opening Management guides the operational success of construction and value engineering decisions as they lead to the final product’s financial, safety, and guest experience outcomes. The following is a sample of the tasks and processes the team is responsible for:

  • Management and staff recruitment, training, the establishment of personnel procedures and employee manuals

  • Sourcing staff accommodation where necessary

  • Design and tendering of the POS system to meet project requirements

  • Brand development, including corporate image, advertising standards, and uniform development

  • Setting up administrative and operational systems

  • Creation of corporate structure and lines of duty/reporting

  • Advertising and marketing strategy and implementation plans for both launch and initial operations

  • Develop a complete set of operating manuals and SOPs, including financial controls, safety plans, evacuation procedures, maintenance plans, staff training, etc.

  • Leading insurance tendering and documentation requirements to ensure the proper coverages are in place for the client’s risk tolerance while getting the best overall rates

  • Development of a corporate event strategy and a sales team to structure appropriate events for the business

OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT

There are a variety of options when it comes to the ongoing management of our client’s projects. Each project is unique, and the operational elements will vary significantly. We have the resources and ability to manage the ongoing operations of any leisure, adventure, or recreation project. We can oversee all or individual parts of the project post-opening including financial, operational, technical, and maintenance management.

Typically, in a full-scope Operations Management agreement, we are responsible for all aspects of the staffing, management, marketing and promotion, site audits, financials, and safety. We will be in complete control of the entire operation. The owners are only required to convene for meetings to evaluate performance and agree on budgets on a schedule agreed upon beforehand. The value to our clients is that we bring years of experience in recreation and leisure operations management, applying the strategies that have helped build success in multiple projects around the world.

We can also perform an operations audit for existing businesses in the recreation, leisure, and adventure industry to uncover issues and/or inefficiencies leading to subpar performance. Typical discoveries include cost levels outside of standard benchmarks, inefficient staffing levels, safety oversights, and new revenue streams during this process. After an operations audit, we can help implement change through an Operations Management or Limited Management role.

FINANCE ADVISORY

Select Contracts is in a unique position to be able to offer financial advisory for any clients still needing to raise capital for their project. With over 45 years of experience assisting clients with their fundraise, Select Contracts starts by ensuring that the projects business plan is investor and market ready and once done, can guide clients through the steps of raising capital and can be present in investor meetings to bring those 45 years of knowledge to the meetings to provide the comfort that investors are looking for.

From a debt perspective, Select Contracts works with a debt advisory firm who have funded debt requirements in projects in the action sports/surf space with Select Contracts in the past.

We look forward to making your dream a reality!

SOME CASE STUDIES

AL AIN

ADVENTURE

AL AIN, UAE

The world’s first surf park consists of three of the longest white water rafting channels globally measuring 1,100 metres, a substantial multi-level airpark, 1,200-metre long zip line, a cable wake park, a surf café and a retail shop. 

AVIATION

ATTRACTION

MASTERTON, NEW ZEALAND

The Aviation Attraction will house several one-of-a-kind historical artifacts including WWI planes. It will be a fully interactive experience, using modern technology to tell the stories of the planes, war and other relevant inclusions.

12 APOSTLES

EXPERIENCE

VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA

The 12 Apostles in Australia has long been a famous natural wonder, drawing over 2 million tourists each year from around the world. This project brings us to a stunning property nearby where we have reimagined the existing infrastructure and landscape to bring a highly immersive and interpretive 12 Apostles experiential attraction.

SQUAMISH

CANYON

SQUAMISH, BC, CANADA

Squamish Canyon is a purpose-driven destination that provides much-needed space for year-round outdoor activities safely.   Select Contracts has been involved throughout the project’s life cycle on its way to final approval and construction, working with the client on public and council engagement strategy, business model forecasting and operational planning.

BLUESTONE

SERENDOME

NARBETH, UK

The Serendome is a unique all-weather leisure experience set within the Bluestone National Park Resort in West Wales.  Select Contratcs utilised their expertise in creating stand-alone family-focused leisure attractions while working closely with the Bluestones Project Team.  We were an integral part of the project fromn start to finish.

CASCADE SKYLINE

MOUNTAIN PARK

BRIDAL FALLS, BC

The main feature of the Cascade Skyline Mountain Park Project is an eight-passenger sightseeing gondola that will provide easy access to an elevation of over 1,200m (~ 4,000 feet) above the Fraser Valley.  At the summit, passengers will be able to enjoy incredible views over the Coast Mountains, the Cascade Mountains, the Fraser River, Harrison Lake, Vancouver and beyond.

AL AIN

ADVENTURE

AL AIN, UAE

The world’s first surf park consists of three of the longest white water rafting channels globally measuring 1,100 metres, a substantial multi-level airpark, 1,200-metre long zip line, a cable wake park, a surf café and a retail shop. 

AVIATION

ATTRACTION

MASTERTON, NEW ZEALAND

The Aviation Attraction will house several one-of-a-kind historical artifacts including WWI planes. It will be a fully interactive experience, using modern technology to tell the stories of the planes, war and other relevant inclusions.

12 APOSTLES

EXPERIENCE

VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA

The 12 Apostles in Australia has long been a famous natural wonder, drawing over 2 million tourists each year from around the world. This project brings us to a stunning property nearby where we have reimagined the existing infrastructure and landscape to bring a highly immersive and interpretive 12 Apostles experiential attraction.

SQUAMISH

CANYON

SQUAMISH, BC

Squamish Canyon is a purpose-driven destination that provides much-needed space for year-round outdoor activities safely.   Select Contracts has been involved throughout the project’s life cycle on its way to final approval and construction, working with the client on public and council engagement strategy, business model forecasting and operational planning.

BLUESTONE

SERENDOME

NARBETH, UK

The Serendome is a unique all-weather leisure experience set within the Bluestone National Park Resort in West Wales.  Select Contratcs utilised their expertise in creating stand-alone family-focused leisure attractions while working closely with the Bluestones Project Team.  We were an integral part of the project fromn start to finish.

CASCADE SKYLINE

MOUNTAIN PARK

BRIDLE FALLS, BC

The main feature of the Cascade Skyline Mountain Park Project is an eight-passenger sightseeing gondola that will provide easy access to an elevation of over 1,200m (~ 4,000 feet) above the Fraser Valley.  At the summit, passengers will be able to enjoy incredible views over the Coast Mountains, the Cascade Mountains, the Fraser River, Harrison Lake, Vancouver and beyond.