Family attractions company Ripley Entertainment has so far opened eight new attractions during 2008, and is on target to open seven more by the end of next year (2009).

The new launches are a part of the company's aggressive two-year expansion programme, announced by president Jim Pattison Jr. earlier this year.

"By the end of 2009, there will be 75 Ripley attractions in 13 countries representing 12 different brands," said Pattison. "Our next scheduled openings are concentrated mainly in Asia but we are looking at strengthening our brands in Europe and South America."

Pattison isn't worried about the recent economic turbulence and says rather than hindering plans, it can provide the company with brand new options. "Whenever the economy shifts directions, new opportunities are always created and we will continue to be on the lookout for those," he said.

The new attractions set to open in the next 14 months include new Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditoriums in Veracruz, Mexico; Bahrain; Jeju Island, Korea; and Surfers' Paradise in Australia.

New Ripley's Marvelous Mirror Mazes will open adjacent to the Bahrain and Korea odditoriums and a Ripley's Laser Maze will join the other attractions in Bahrain.

Ripley is also focusing on upgrading and renovating its existing facilities. The company's attractions pull in more than 13 million guests each year.