MANILA/ SINGAPORE – Viacom International Media Networks’ (VIMN) global kids brand Nickelodeon today announced their collaboration with Asia’s first underwater resort developer, Coral World Park Undersea Resorts Inc. to develop a new Nickelodeon Resort and Attraction in the Philippines. The Nickelodeon undersea attraction and resort will be part of Coral World Park (CWP), a 400-hectare undersea-themed masterplanned development in Western Philippine province of Coron, Palawan. With an expected opening in 2020, Nickelodeon’s first resort in Southeast Asia is slated to have 70 hectares set aside for the resort’s accommodation and 30 hectares for the themed attraction.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Coral World Park to open the world’s first undersea attraction and Nickelodeon’s first resort in Southeast Asia as we continue to expand on our theme-based attractions in Asia and across the world,” said Gerald Raines, Senior Vice President, Global Recreation for Viacom International Media Networks. “This is yet another important step in boosting the Nickelodeon entertainment experience as we continue to give our fans, kids and their families, new ways to interact with the brand and the iconic characters they love.”
Creating immersive on-the-ground consumer experiences are increasingly important. Hence, growing the recreational and consumer products footprint of the Nickelodeon brand in Asia Pacific is a priority for us. I am delighted this collaboration will add another Nickelodeon themed attraction in Asia, which will in turn give a significant business opportunity for our partners across multiple platforms,” said Mark Whitehead, President and Managing Director of Viacom International Media Network Asia Pacific.
The 100-hectare Nickelodeon undersea attraction and resort, which will be inspired by some of Nickelodeon’s most iconic properties like SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Dora the Explorer, will advocate ocean protection. It will also feature one-of-its-kind resort dining experience with CWP’s trademark underwater restaurants and lounges, which will be located about 20 feet below sea level with vivid views of the world beneath the ocean.
The Nickelodeon undersea attraction and resort will be located amidst a cluster of 16 white sand islands of the CWP. With a distance of 5 to 20 minutes apart by speedboat, visitors can expect a multi-island experience within CWP that includes island hopping, hidden lagoons, hot springs, an animal reserve and world-class diving amidst shipwrecks. When completed, CWP will be the largest coral reef conservation program in Asia, with Asia’s largest marine sanctuary for five key species – dolphins, sea cows, sea horses, turtles and whale sharks. Its Ocean Protection program is jointly funded by the Monaco based Dr. AB Moñozca Foundation and its CWP Trust, and supported by global personalities advocating awareness on climate change. CWP will open in phases starting 2018 and is within a three to six hour radius to major cities within Asia.
Paul Moñozca, Chairman of Coral World Park Undersea Resorts Inc., said: “The Nickelodeon undersea attraction and resort will be exciting additions to Coral World Park and I am delighted we are collaborating with Viacom international Media Networks to create this unique undersea themed family experience.”
The announcement marks another milestone in Nickelodeon’s continued growth strategy in Asia. Early last year, Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon, the first Nickelodeon theme park in Asia was opened at Sunway Lagoon in Malaysia. The new Philippines location will take its place alongside other Nickelodeon-branded attractions around the world, which will include recently announced attractions: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Land at Dream Island in Moscow, Nickelodeon Universe at American Dream in the U.S., a Nickelodeon land inside the newly-announced IMG Worlds of Legends theme park in Dubai, newly-opened Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic; Nickelodeon Lost Lagoon in Malaysia; Nickelodeon Land at Parque de Atracciones de Madrid in Spain; Nickelodeon Universe in Minneapolis’ Mall of America in the US; SeaWorld on the Gold Coast in Queensland and Wet’n’Wild Sydney in Australia; Nickelodeon Land at Blackpool Pleasure Beach in the UK; Nickland at Movie Park in Germany.
