The hurricane simulator 'Beat the Storm' created in Latvia won second place in the best new product category at the world's largest amusement industry exhibition in Orlando, USA. The attraction is a wind tunnel that allows people to experience winds of up to 160 km/h – equivalent to a class two hurricane – but in a safe environment.
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) is the world's largest organization of its kind, founded in 1918 and bringing together members from more than 100 countries. IAAPA EXPO Orlando is the biggest event of the year organized by the association, which gathers amusement industry professionals from all over the world and brings in around 40,000 visitors.
"We have been preparing for a year to present our new product to the world's amusement park industry. It was first handed over to customers for evaluation in June 2022, when the first two storm experience tunnels were installed at the Universe Science Park in Denmark. In just a few months, 'Beat the Storm' became one of the most popular attractions in the park. More than 100,000 people have already tried it this season," says Beat The Storm inventor Ingus Augstkalns.
"Interest is very high. Professionals in the industry like that we offer something real. Those interested also emphasize the simplicity and comprehensibility of the product, as well as the added value, which is the opportunity to educate visitors about the power of nature and extreme natural conditions," said Austkalns, who has more than 18 years of experience in the wind tunnel industry.
Beat the Storm is a product completely created in Latvia with an international patent and a registered trademark. More than 50 different Latvian companies are involved in the production of the equipment that makes the storm come to life.
'Beat the Storm' attraction wins industry prize in Orlando, USA
Photo: Publicity image
