 |
|
|
 |
14 Aug 2023
Alton Towers founder and attractions industry legend, John Broome CBE, dies aged 80
BY
Tom Walker
|
John Broome CBE - a visionary and a pioneer whose 'far-reaching impact on the tourism industry is renowned'
photo: Imperial Corporate Capital
John Broome CBE, the man who developed Alton Towers theme park from humble beginnings to one of Europe's biggest, has passed away aged 80. In a statement, his property development group, Imperial Corporate Capital, said: "It is with profound sadness that I must convey the news of the passing of our esteemed and beloved board member, Mr. John Broome.
"John was not just a colleague; he was a visionary and a pioneer whose far-reaching impact on the tourism industry is renowned.
"From transforming Alton Towers into a landmark theme park to his innovative vision for Camel Creek Resort, John’s creativity and determination were truly extraordinary."
Broome was already a millionaire property developer by the time he bought out the controlling stake in Alton Towers in the mid 1970s.
During the 1960s and early 1970s, the grounds of Alton Towers – a former stately home – had been partly redeveloped as a visitor attraction and featured a boating lake, a chairlift and a small fair.
After Broome took over, however, he laid the foundation for the modern theme park by installing various permanent rides and developing areas of the grounds in progressive stages.
It then became a major theme park in 1980 with the installation of The Corkscrew rollercoaster, the Pirate Ship, and the Alpine Bobsled ride.
By the time it was acquired by Tussauds Group in 1990, it had become one of the most popular visitor attractions in the UK.
In 1987, Broome was awarded a CBE for services to tourism.
As recently as 2015, Broome acquired Cornwall's Crealy Great Adventure Park, along with 200 acres of adjacent farmland, with the intention of transforming it into a premier European destination, branded as Camel Creek Resort.
In a LinkedIn post, his son, Will Broome, said: "It’s with a wry, white-knuckled sigh I’m confirming that my (eternally flamboyant!) father, John Broome CBE, aka the ‘King of Fun’, swiftly and rather unexpectedly (well, how else would he do it!?) passed away a few days ago.
"He really was a one-off, in so many ways! I mean, if you think I have stories, then you should have heard this wily raconteur in his prime!"
Liz Terry MBE, Attractions Management editor, said: "John was such a character and a great host - always upbeat and full of fun.
"He paved the way for so much of the attractions industry as it is today and was so passionate about his work. Long may he be remembered."
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Connect with
World Leisure |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| News headlines |
|
|
 |
 |
|
30 Apr 2024
US private equity fund, Providence Equity Partners, is acquiring a majority stake in VivaGym from Bridges Fund Management, which will exit as a
.... more>> |
|
|
|
 |
|
27 Apr 2024
Numbers from the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions, (ALVA) show that Royal attractions saw a huge increase in visitor numbers during 2023
.... more>> |
|
|
|
 |
|
27 Apr 2024
As part of its drive to become carbon neutral by 2030 and carbon positive by 2032, Dutch theme park Efteling has announced plans to convert its steam
.... more>> |
|
|
|
 |
|
26 Apr 2024
There is speculation that Basic Fit will sell the five Spanish Holmes Place clubs it has just acquired from RSG Group in a 47-club deal. In the Q1
.... more>> |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
| Company profile |
|
![]()
Alliance Leisure
Alliance Leisure Services was specifically
established to respond to the changing
development needs of the public sector,
education and growing leisure trust
market.
View full profile>> |
|
| Catalogue gallery |
|
|
| Featured Supplier |
|
 |
|
|
|
in this issue
• Virgin gets right to wipe out rent arrears
• Fitness industry mourns passing of Jan Spaticchia
• STA offers mindfulness resources
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
| World Leisure jobs |
 |
Leisure Centre Duty Manager
Salary: £24,687.57pa + pension + health care + benefits
Location: Uppingham, Oakham, UK
Company: Uppingham School
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Diary dates |
|
| Powered
by leisurediary.com |
 |
|
|
|
|
