Hero Ventures, a Los Angeles-based entertainment company, is marching into Thailand with its local franchise set to open a digital adventure dome project worth more than 1 billion baht in Bangkok next year to cater to both local and international tourists.
The American character entertainment firm yesterday said it awarded a licence to a local firm, Hero Experience Co, which will develop and operate the dome project in Bangkok.
Rick Licht, chief executive of the US's Hero Ventures, said the reality adventure dome, called The Marvel Experience, will be the first such entertainment attraction in Southeast Asia.
The project is scheduled to open in Bangkok's Ikea Bangna in the second quarter of 2018.
The dome will feature well-known digital Marvel characters such as Spider-Man, Iron Man, Hulk, Thor, Black Widow, Wolverine, Captain America, and dozens more.
"Bangkok is a perfect location for our expansion in Southeast Asia," Mr Licht said.
The project is targeted for both locals and tourists, especially youngsters and families. The attraction is expected to draw 1 million visitors during the first three months of operation.
Noppadon Jason Chirasanti, co-chief executive of Hero Experience, said The Marvel Experience chose Thailand largely because of its huge fan base here.
The project also aims to attract foreign tourists because Thailand is a top family destination for tourists from around the world.
"Having this new theme attraction will draw even more tourists, which will surely help family entertainment tourism to grow," Mr Noppadon said.
Surakiat Thienthong, another co-chief executive of Hero Experience, said this new attraction will become a destination for families and tourists from all around Asean.
Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul said The Marvel Experience will help boost tourism as it should attract local and foreign tourists.
"The ministry will promote this new attraction to international markets as part of tourism road shows," Ms Kobkarn said.