NEW THEME PARK PROJECT
SHOWCASES SINO-U.S. COLLABORATION
The long-awaited Universal Beijing Resort, which will be the largest of its kind in the world after its scheduled opening later this year, stands as a prime example of cooperation between China and the United States in recent decades.
The project was proposed 20 years ago, when the Beijing Tourism Group conceived the idea of building a Universal Studios park in the Chinese capital.
Song Yu, chairman of the group, said: “The resort show cases Sino-American cooperation, especially in the private and business sectors.
“Relations between China and the U.S. have had ups and downs in the past 20 years, but our project was finally nailed down and has become reality. This shows the deep trust between the Beijing Tourism Group and our U.S. partner Universal Parks & Resorts, a business unit of Comcast NBCUniversal.”
Entering the resort via Universal CityWalk, an open street with restaurants and shops, visitors could feel as if they had been transported to the U.S. but for a number of Beijing-style eateries, which blend perfectly with their surroundings.
The venue features the Universal Studios Beijing theme park, Universal CityWalk Beijing and two hotels.
It is owned by Beijing International
Resort Co., a joint venture between Beijing Tourism Group’s subsidiary Beijing Shouhuan Cultural Tourism Investment Co. and Universal Parks & Resorts.
“Beijing Tourism Group has a mature business structure, including tourist, culture, hotels and transportation units, which can integrate many resources for the resort’s future operation,” Song said. “Our U.S. partner has strong competence in cultural areas — especially entertainment, innovation and design — as well as rich operational experience in theme parks.
“The two companies are a perfect match. The central government attaches great
importance to innovation products and has been very supportive of this project.”
Andrew Eitingon, deputy general manager of Beijing International Resort Co., the joint venture, said China is one of the most rapidly growing markets globally.
“We were excited by Beijing for many reasons. We found a supportive government, a rapidly growing area, a thriving city, millions of consumers we felt would be excited by our
destination, great potential team members, a strong transportation network and a strong network of businesses and supplier partners,” Eitingon said.
Eitingon said, “Universal Beijing Resort will play a key role in helping to elevate the cultural and tourism landscape of Beijing — becoming a tourism landmark for the city and contributing to a higher level of international cultural exchange.”