Chimelong Group Pledges $150,000 to IAAPA Foundation to Support Future Industry Leaders

ORLANDO, FL (Jan. 27, 2026) — Today, IAAPA formally announces that Chimelong Group has pledged $150,000 over five years (2025–2029) to the IAAPA Foundation, reinforcing its commitment to developing the next generation of talent in the global attractions industry.

The IAAPA Foundation, a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) charity, supports careers in the attractions industry through academic, experiential, and industry scholarships, as well as programs that raise awareness of diverse career pathways. Through 2026, IAAPA will match scholarship donations to the IAAPA Foundation dollar for dollar, up to an annual cap of $250,000, further amplifying the impact of Chimelong’s contribution.

“Chimelong Group’s commitment reflects a deep understanding that the future of our industry depends on investing in people,” said Jakob Wahl, President and CEO of IAAPA. “This generous support will help open doors for emerging talent around the world and strengthen the global pipeline of future industry leaders.”

Founded in 1989, Chimelong Group has grown into a major global attractions operator, employing more than 20,000 people and welcoming 40 million annual visitors across three destination resorts. The company’s investment in the IAAPA Foundation aligns with its long-standing focus on education, collaboration, and talent development.

The donation also includes a regional emphasis on expanding scholarship and career development opportunities in Asia, supporting sustainable growth across the industry worldwide.
 

About the IAAPA Foundation
The IAAPA Foundation supports careers in the attractions industry through scholarships and programs that promote education, professional development, and awareness of industry career opportunities. The Foundation is a U.S. 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charity, separate from IAAPA, a 501(c)(6) trade association. IAAPA will match scholarship donations dollar for dollar through 2026.

About IAAPA
IAAPA is a diverse and dynamic community of global attractions professionals. As the largest international trade association for permanently located attractions, IAAPA unifies the attractions community, connects people to learn and grow together, and strives to promote the highest professional standards for excellence and safety around the world.

Founded in 1918, IAAPA represents leading industry attractions and supplier companies, consultants, and individual members from more than 100 countries. Members include professionals from amusement parks, theme parks, attractions, water parks, resorts, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, science centers, museums, cruise lines, manufacturers, and suppliers.

The association’s global headquarters and North America office are in Orlando, Florida, U.S. IAAPA also maintains offices in Brussels, Belgium; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Hong Kong SAR, China; Shanghai, China; and Mexico City, Mexico. 

Visit IAAPA.org or connect through IAAPA’s social media channels: @IAAPAHQ #IAAPA

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