The 12 millionth visitor to Swarovski Kristallwelten (Swarovski Crystal Worlds) was welcomed on 17 June 2014 by Markus Langes-Swarovski, member of the Swarovski Executive Board, and Stefan Isser, Managing Director of Swarovski Crystal Worlds. The iconic “Giant” in Wattens has evolved to become one of Austria’s most visited sights since opening its doors in 1995.
Janet Hörter from Höhenkirchen (Germany) was truly surprised as she was welcomed at the entrance of Swarovski Crystal Worlds to much fanfare and celebration. As the 12 millionth visitor, she was personally welcomed at the doors to the Giant by Markus Langes-Swarovski (Member of the Swarovski Executive Board) and Stefan Isser (Managing Director Swarovski Crystal Worlds).
“Since the opening in 1995, 12 million visitors have undertaken the sparkling journey through the Giant’s subterranean Chambers of Wonder. We create moments of wonder for our guest – in the past, present, and future. With the expansion by 2015, we are commencing a new chapter to this inimitable success story. Swarovski Crystal Worlds will continue to be unmistakable, sensuous, and astonishing: a monument to the fascination and innovative power of crystal,” says Stefan Isser, Managing Director of Swarovski Crystal Worlds. Markus Langes-Swarovski, Member of the Swarovski Executive Board, is proud of “the extraordinary success story that we have written over the last 19 years – not only for the people of Tyrol, but also for our guests from all over the world, Swarovski Crystal Worlds has become a one-of-a-kind, magical destination.”
André Heller created the original form of Swarovski Crystal Worlds in 1995. Its success exceeded all expectations. By 2003, when the five-milllion visitor mark was exceeded, the realm of the Giant was modified for the first time. A major expansion to 4,000 square meters was completed just a few years later, in 2007. Since the launch of the Giant Event Program in 2005, there has been a new, multifaceted program of events for children and adults each year.
Swarovski Crystal Worlds is now on the verge of its greatest transformation ever: It will be expanded from 3.5 hectares of space by the early summer 2015 to more than twofold that size – to 7.5 hectares, thanks to an overall investment totalling EUR 34 million. At the heart of the new game-changing expansion is a capacious crystalline park landscape, as well as a broader range of offerings for families and children, new culinary experiences, a redesigned arrivals area, and a redesigned shopping area. The Giant – an icon of Swarovski Crystal Worlds since its opening – will also change, and will be enchanting visitors with a few more Chambers of Wonder as of 2015. Swarovski Crystal Worlds will remain open for unlimited access until 5 October 2014.