Following the launch of the new Polin Aquariums division last year (the first of which is already under construction and will open in Anzali, Iran, in March) Polin Waterparks has launched the new concept under the Funtastic Aquariums brand.
The Funtastic Aquariums brand includes a full offering of entertainment options including family entertainment centers (FECs), game centers and shopping. And while many amusement-style venues focus on fast-food-style eating, Funtastic Aquariums developments will provide fare for more sophisticated palates with a special food-and-beverage experience led by chefs who have worked at Fanous Michelin star restaurants.
The first installation of Polin’s Funtastic brand will be the Anzali Aquarium, being constructed in the Anzali Free Zone. Tourism is booming in this area, with the number of domestic and foreign visitors rising to 3.107 million in the past year – a growth of 35%.
A first turnkey project
Cüneyt Alpgüven, a Polin Aquariums partner, says the Anzali facility is the first turnkey project of Polin’s new Aquariums division. “Polin is handling all aspects, from the design and installation to the operation,” he explains. “That kind of oversight allows Polin to consider how to best integrate each aspect of the facility with all others to ensure visitors enjoy themselves in every regard. After all, we’re not simply building an aquarium – which is complicated enough on its own. We’re also creating a full attraction and entertainment center.”
Bilge Pakis, Polin Waterparks design manager, says the Anzali Aquarium is one of the most unique projects Polin has ever taken on. “It’s particularly special for us being as it is the very first under our new Funtastic Aquariums brand,” he adds. “We anticipate it will attract a lot of interest.”
Also coming up in 2018 is Polin Aquariums’ second Funtastic project: scheduled to come to Izmir, Turkey.
