Holiday World's 'Free Drinks' Wins International Award

Santa Claus, IN -- The International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions (IAAPA) honored Holiday World & Splashin' Safari with the international association's Best Promotion Award during the closing ceremony of its annual convention in Atlanta on Saturday, November 18.

The Best Promotion Award honored Holiday World & Splashin' Safari for the Free, Unlimited Soft Drinks program that was introduced in the 2000 season. According to an IAAPA news release: "Not only did attendance increase for Holiday World this season, but the guests were ecstatic with positive comments regarding the program. This is, without a doubt; one of the most creative new ideas to ever be marketed in the modern theme park industry."

Holiday World & Splashin' Safari president Will Koch says the honor is extra sweet: "Last year at the IAAPA show, all I kept hearing from other park owners was 'Are you nuts?!' And this year we are being praised with having the industry's best promotion. It's an amazing feeling to take a risk and have it turn out to be such a winner-both in the industry, and more importantly with our Guests."

The Free, Unlimited Soft Drinks program involved construction of four self-serve "Pepsi Oasis" buildings in the parks. Guest comments throughout the season lauded the program, as well as the large variety of soft drinks available free of charge.

In addition, Holiday World & Splashin' Safari won a marketing award during last week's IAAPA Convention. Holiday World's "Back Yard Park" radio commercial was awarded a coveted Brass Ring Award.

Holiday World will open its 56th season on May 5, 2001. For more information, visit the parks' website at www.holidayworld.com.