Twycross Zoo Set To Reach New Heights With Abeo Consulting

Dec. 7, 2009 - PRLog -- The highlight of the new ‘Himalaya’ centre will be its look out onto a spectacular Himalayan scene with resident snow leopards. A new retail space with fair-trade, ethically traded and ecologically sustainable products and a function room for conferences and events will overlook a naturalistic wetland aviary with wading birds as will a new 300 seat restaurant.Also acting as a Tourist Information Centre, Himalaya will have a particular focus on promoting the National Forest and supporting local tourism and other businesses.

Suzanne Boardman, CEO of Twycross zoo, has commissioned Derek Bishop, Managing Director of Abeo Consulting to head up a team of specialists to manage the development of the visitor centre which is predicted to attract thousands of visitors once finished. The team will be managing all aspects of project delivery and budget control plus implementing a project office not only to help with this project but also future projects within the zoo.

“Tourism is a big part of our economy and with the recession more UK residents are set to holiday at home in 2010. ‘Himalaya’ will bring a whole new experience to both visitors and boost employee morale and motivation at Twycross Zoo, which is critical in creating a unique and memorable customer experience. This new centre has been planned to differ Twycross from other zoo’s and also to help serve local businesses as well as customers.”

According to the latest figures from VisitEngland, 1.2 million more Brits have had their holidays within the UK since the recession hit, and Bishop believes this makes it more important than ever for tourist attractions to think of more innovative ways to gain customers and satisfy their needs and expectations.

“Twycross Zoo is demonstrating why especially in a recession, tourist attractions need to focus on being more creative in term of developing and launching fresh ideas for visitors, thereby continually evolving the customer experience. I am glad to be a part of the latest development and I am looking forward to seeing the result of all our hard work when the doors open next year,” adds Bishop.

The building work has been part funded by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) in which over £7m is being invested the development and is being designed and built by Kier Marriott. The construction of ‘Himalaya’ began on 16th March 2009 and is due to complete in February 2010.

Twycross CEO Suzanne Boardman says:

We are excited about the progress we are making as the organisation continues to grow."

ENDS

Derek Bishop and Suzanne Boardman are available for interview. To book your interview, please contact the Media Jems team on 01603 283 503 or for out of hours enquiries please contact 07958 263 708. Alternatively, you can email Jenna Gould at jenna@mediajems.co.uk