Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Has a New Park President

(eap) The Florida-based zoo and theme park Busch Gardens Tampa Bay has appointed a new park president: Jon Vigue (pictured here) is taking over the leadership of the destination. According to parent company United Parks & Resorts, his appointment comes during an investment phase in which more than 100 million US dollars are set to be invested in the site.

Vigue has almost 30 years of experience in the amusement park industry and most recently served for several years as Vice President & General Manager at Wild Adventures Theme Park in Georgia. There, he was responsible for operational strategies and development initiatives aimed at improving the guest experience and positioning the park for the long term. Prior to this, Vigue worked for almost two decades at Lake Compounce Amusement & Water Park in Connecticut, where he contributed to the revitalisation and long-term development of the site. In addition, Vigue has been actively involved in IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions) for many years, most recently as Chair of the F&B Committee for North America.

With Jon Vigue’s appointment as park president, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is underlining its ongoing strategy of further expanding the guest experience at the site and linking its offerings in the areas of attractions, animal experiences, food and beverages, and entertainment more closely.

“We are strategically focused on enhancing every aspect of the guest experience at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Jon’s extensive industry experience makes him the ideal leader to help guide that vision forward,” said Kyle Miller, Co-Chief Parks Operations Officer at United Parks & Resorts. “As we continue making meaningful investments across the park, we are confident Jon’s leadership, operational excellence and passion for innovation will help drive our next chapter of growth.”

In addition to the forthcoming opening of the new “Lion & Hyena Ridge” habitat, where five young lions and a pair of hyenas will be on view, the park is again offering seasonal entertainment this year. This includes the “Summer Nights”, running until 9 August and featuring extended opening hours, new entertainment formats, indoor shows and evening productions. Part of it will be the “Wild Skies: Drone Show & Fireworks Spectacular”, featuring 400 synchronised drones and fireworks. ■