Mic Drop: Celebrating 15 Years of Growth and Evolution

“I see a dynamic future ahead—one shaped by innovation, resilience, and a shared commitment to excellence.”

THIS PAST OCTOBER, the IAAPA Latin America, Caribbean office celebrated its 15th anniversary, a milestone that fills us with gratitude and pride. I want to take this opportunity to thank every member around the world who supported IAAPA Latin American, Caribbean over the years. This milestone offers our team a moment to reflect on how we’ve stood alongside the industry, fostering growth and driving positive change across Latin America and the Caribbean.

I’ve seen how the industry has grown and evolved, witnessed the emergence of new leaders who innovate in their businesses, and recognized the hard work we have done with governments and organizations to improve the business environments and safety within attractions. With our members’ support, we achieved international standards adoptions in many countries, such as Chile, Bolivia, Peru, and Mexico, and worked to support agreements and legislations advancing the cause. We helped secure the exemption of import taxes on attractions equipment through Mercosur—a South American trade bloc including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay promoting economic integration and free trade—and also worked with the World Customs Organization to facilitate a change to the tariff classification for attractions equipment globally.

Over 15 years, membership has grown more than 50% and diversified. I’ve experienced the opening of many unique attractions that have emerged from the particular creativity that distinguishes the Latin American, Caribbean market. As we celebrate this milestone, it’s clear that our industry is undergoing significant transformation. I see a dynamic future ahead—one shaped by innovation, resilience, and a shared commitment to excellence.

In alignment with this commitment, the IAAPA team in Latin America, Caribbean remains dedicated to delivering innovative resources, events, and education, as well as creating inspiring opportunities for our members to connect and continue improving their businesses. A highlight of 2025 will be the IAAPA Summit: Latin America, Caribbean, taking place in Mexico City from March 24-28. The event will conclude with a tour through Morelos and Puebla, offering attendees the chance to learn and network. They’ll also experience some of the region’s most distinctive and renowned attractions, such as the Michin Aquarium, Hasbro City, Aztlán Park, Jardines de Mexico, Africam Safari, El Rollo Water Park, and Inflalandia. We invite you to participate in all we have planned for your benefit in 2025.

Thank you to everyone for your support during this journey, especially those members who volunteered throughout the years, everyone who provides feedback through our surveys, our members at large, and the regional team who works tirelessly with dedication and passion to achieve our mission: To inspire, grow, and protect the global attractions industry through member connections. We look forward to the next chapter of growth and collaboration for IAAPA in Latin America and the Caribbean.