BALPPA chief executive Colin Dawson has been elected president of Europarks, the federation of theme and amusement park associations throughout Europe.

Founded in 1981 by BALPPA and the German association VDFU, Europarks currently represents 9 national associations of amusement and leisure parks and two individual member parks in Europe.

Dawson's two-year appointment was confirmed at the Europarks Council meeting held during the Euro Attractions Show in Munich last week.

Speaking after his appointment, he said: “Now more than ever Europarks needs to ensure that our members are kept well informed about developments in Europe that may impact their businesses.

"I hope that during my tenure we shall add to the existing states in membership and increase our strength as the only European body with sufficient standing in the European Parliament to represent our members. We have addressed some major issues in recent years, such as the introduction of the European Ride Safety Reporting Programme, and will be dealing with a variety of others in the future.”

Dawson, who has over 20 years experience in the attractions sector, had held the vice president’s position prior to taking the president’s chair and commenting on his new responsibilities, he stated his intention to develop the organisation.

During the same meeting, Henric Bembom, from the Dutch parks association Club van Elf, was appointed to the role of vice president of Europarks.

“Henric is well known for her strong leadership of her business, Attractiepark Slagharen, and the Presidency of Club van Elf," said Dawson. "She will be a very worthy partner and I look forward to working with her.”

The next Europarks Council Meeting is likely to be held in the UK in March 2009.