The president and CEO of IAAPA (the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions), Charles Bray, has hailed the Asian Attractions Expo 2009 a success despite the global issues which could have kept visitors away.

Preliminary estimates indicate that more than 3,500 people from 40 countries participated in the four-day event held on 9-12 June in Seoul, South Korea.

"Given the worldwide concerns over the H1N1 virus, the current political climate in the region, and the state of the global economy, we are pleased that more than 3,500 people participated in Asian Attractions Expo 2009," said Bray.

"We greatly appreciate the strong support for this year's Expo from throughout Asia and particularly from our host country of South Korea."

The show included 142 exhibiting companies from 26 countries.