‘Trip vacation spot’ aquarium imagined for Grand Rapids might increase restoration of tourism business

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – West Michigan’s tourism industry is hoping to regain momentum in the coming months after being slowed down by the pandemic and resulting restrictions.

What could be a major factor in the growth and recovery of the industry in the long term? A large aquarium slated for Grand Rapids, say local, state, and national officials.

“This community can support an aquarium that increases visitor numbers nationally, which makes a big difference to the economic impact,” Peter D’Arienzo, CEO of John Ball Zoo, told MLive / The Grand Rapids Press. “We’re not just moving money in West Michigan. It actually brings in tourist dollars.

“That means we’re going to be a vacation destination.”

The John Ball Zoo is actively pursuing the construction of an aquarium, a development that is still years to go.

The zoo managers hope to build a world-class aquarium with up to a million gallons of water, a shark tank, a pass-through tunnel or floor viewing wall, and an exhibition on freshwater systems and the Great Lakes. The location at a location yet to be determined would also include nature conservation, research and community building.

“The aquarium is not just about recreational and educational opportunities for the citizens of West Michigan,” said D’Arienzo. “It’s also about attracting economic activity, wealth and job creation.”

Connected: The John Ball Zoo plans to build a giant aquarium in Grand Rapids to compete “nationally”.

One study found that an aquarium of the size envisaged by zoo guides – which ranks in the top 10 percent in the country – could fuel $ 100 million in economic activity in Kent County, according to the zoo.

The expected impact would have a large share in the region’s growing tourism economy, with hotel revenues peaking at $ 226 million in 2019. according to experience GR.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has hampered the tourism industry locally, nationally and internationally, it is expected to recover over the next three years and reach 2019 levels. according to the McKinsey Institute.

A recent report also found signs of improvement with Most Americans plan to travel this summer.

“It would be huge,” said Dan Sippel, CEO of the West Michigan Tourist Association, of the proposed aquarium. “The dollars of it in recovery from COVID would be phenomenal”

Connected: The John Ball Zoo announces the death of the “beloved” African lion

Over 50 aquariums across the country are currently accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The most recent aquariums to be built and opened were the St. Louis Aquarium in 2019 and the Mississippi Aquarium last year. Neither has not yet received an accreditation.

“(Aquariums) are extremely popular and appeal to a very large audience,” said Eric Rose, chairman of the AZA’s Aquarium Affairs Committee.

Rose said aquariums can range from targeting mostly local customers to being a national attraction.

The 215 zoos and aquariums with the AZA generated US $ 24 billion in the American economy. according to the latest report from the organization. That included nearly $ 3 billion in visitor spending.

“It really depends on what the primary drive is versus the second drivers,” said Rose. “I’m not sure people would use it to plan a week’s vacation, but they would do it on top of a lot of other things.”

Sippel says wrapping an aquarium with the other activities in Grand Rapids could extend tourist stays and promote attractions like Frederik Meijer Gardens, the West Michigan Whitecaps, and ArtPrize.

“When you build something like this, there are many other things besides the lakefront and everything that happens in West Michigan that add to the wonderful experience here,” said Sippel.

The zoo’s efforts coincide with a push by Grand Action 2.0, a private business development group, to develop more target facilities in Grand Rapids, including an amphitheater and professional football team.

Grand Action 2.0 took one “Long-term view” of this tourism Efforts, including conducting community surveys to find local support for an aquarium.

Connected: Pro football team, new stadium could be part of the future of Grand Rapids

The next step for the John Ball Zoo is to conduct an in-depth study of the feasibility of an aquarium in Kent County. Fundraising for the study would take up to nine months and is expected to be commissioned in 2022, according to D’Arienzo.

From there, the zoo would solicit public contributions, outline costs, and determine a possible location.

John Ball Zoo, 1300 W. Fulton St., has experience operating a 40,000 gallon aquarium with tidal pools and penguins on the zoo’s property.

The project is still at a preliminary stage, but D’Arienzo envisages an aquarium as an asset to the region.

“What the aquarium brings creates thousands of high-paying jobs, improves the quality of life, attracts businesses to the area and gives families the opportunity to come together,” said D’Arienzo.

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