Member Spotlight

Suzanne Melas
Marketing CEO

WaterWorld Waterpark

Featured in World Waterpark Magazine, July/August 2024

WHAT IS YOUR EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE? 
I graduated from the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England with a BA (Hons) degree in European History and English and did several Marketing courses in London before teaching English, opening the first English radio station in Ayia Napa, Cyprus and building several leisure companies in Cyprus with husband George Melas. We opened boutiques, car hires and a go kart business. In 1996 we opened our waterpark in Ayia Napa and I am very proud of having named it Waterworld Water- park! Being an entrepreneur was always exciting as I had the opportunity to explore new rides and give the park a touch of magic with its Greek mythological theme. All the rides tell a Greek mythological tale and they provided spectacular educational material for marketing the waterpark to schools and tour companies. Branding the waterpark was tremendously exciting and together with Whitewater and people like Ron Odermatt and Geoff Chutter, we created iconic rides which are world acclaimed and won several awards. 

WHAT HONORS, AWARDS OR SPEC AL RECOGNITION HAVE YOU ACHIEVED? 
I was elected President of the European Waterpark Association and held the post for 3 years from 2002 - 2005. From 1997 to 2023, Waterworld Waterpark has won over 35 Wave Review marketing awards from the WWA in all areas of marketing including radio advert, TV commercial, brochure, press pack, promotional in-park event, poster, etc, including a Board Award for Park In- novation. Several IAAPA BRASS RING Awards for radio and marketing. A park innovation award was also received from the EWA for The Fall of Icarus, the first Boomerango ride in the world. 

WHAT MADE YOU GO INTO THIS FIELD? 
I thoroughly enjoyed being a school teacher, however, having my own business is far more satisfying in all respects. Having set up several businesses and marketing them, building and establishing a waterpark from scratch was far more exciting. I have always remained the Marketing CEO of Waterworld Waterpark and George Melas has been the Managing Director. It has been a pleasure working with several leaders in the waterpark industry over the years and the WWA has helped enormously in keeping me motivated and giving Waterworld the opportunity to compete with other wonderful establishments all over the world. I love visiting waterparks all over the world and seeing how differ- ent cultures reflect on the overall park experience. I admire all aspects of excellence in the waterpark industry and that is what we should all strive for. 

WHO HAS MOST INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR CAREER? 
Many people have inspired me throughout my career and being brought up in England, my University lecturers played a huge part. In the early years of developing the waterpark it would have to be George Millay whose Wet ‘n Wild in Orlando inspired me to create our own ‘Drop to Atlantis.’ The late Tat Won, architect from Whitewater, was also a great inspiration and whenever I had chosen a new ride, he would theme it accordingly. He was responsible for shooting Icarus to the sun in the world’s first Booomerango ride. 

WHAT HAS BEEN THE GREATEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR WATERPARK CAREER? 
The greatest challenge in my waterpark career was to successfully complete and build the ride “Fall of Icarus”. When I first chose the ride, it was on the drawing board at Whitewater during the WWA trade show in San Antonio. Geoff Chutter remarked that it had actually never been built before, so I was quite nervous about it, but also excited that something so innovative could be built in Waterworld. It was an architectural feat to complete this world’s first breathtaking attraction. 

HOW DO YOU KEEP FOCUSED AND MOTIVATED? 
I always stay focused and motivated because I love what I do. It’s extremely satisfying closing deals and increasing visitor numbers by ensuring the return of all our regular groups. I’m blessed to be surrounded by amazing Individuals, especially my three sons, Anthony AKA A!MS, who basically runs the whole operation and created our very famous wave pool event; Andrew, the Park Host and upcoming entrepreneur and Filios, who created his dream car company. I am sure you will hear a lot more about them in the future. Lastly but not least, the whole Waterworld managerial team, Joseph, Charoulla, Ashraf, Kalia, Andros, Angel and Dimi. 

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE WATERPARK INDUSTRY? 
Simply GO FOR IT! Whether you join the industry as owner or employee, it is definitely one of the most satisfying businesses on the planet. The WWA has the know-how to teach you everything you need o know about the industry. We are all lucky to receive our monthly World Waterpark Magazine! 

WHAT BOOKS OR PUBLICATIONS DO YOU RELY ON MOST FOR INSPIRATION OR MOTIVATION? 
Being a historian, I enjoy reading everything, however, biographies and historical publications inspire me the most. ‘The WAVEMAKER’ by Tim O’Brian is a must read as it’s the story of the Father of the Waterpark Industry, George Millay. I am particularly proud of my signed copy which reads ‘Suzanne make those Waterworld waves big and fun! Tim!’ 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? 
My favourite part of my job is getting feedback from happy satisfied guests. That’s truly rewarding. But equally rewarding is every aspect of excellent park operation which adds to the overwhelming fun factor! Giving educationals to all the tour company reps is something I particularly enjoy at the beginning of each season. This motivates the reps to sell more and learn about Greek mythology. 

WHAT CAREER OR BUSINESS WOULD YOU CONSIDER IF YOU WERE STARTING ALL OVER AGAIN? 
Business wise, I am exactly where I wish to be and the fact that I’ve remained here for over 25 years proves that I have selected the right path. If I had to start all over again, then I would create my own restaurants with Nouvelle Greek cuisine in splendid magical venues, again named after the Greek Gods. I would also be the head chef and create my own menu which would change every month. 

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED WITH THE WWA? 
I joined the WWA one season after opening Waterworld and attended the WWA Show in 1997 to collect my first Wave Review award for the best brochure. 

WHAT IS SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT YOU THAT FEW KNOW OR WOULD GUESS? 
I am a very good Bridge player and manage a big bridge club every Saturday. I have won several trophies in competitions. I am currently the Cyprus Women’s Bridge Coordinator for the EBL (European Bridge League). Bridge is a mind game, has become an Olympic sport and is extremely good for the brain. I’m also a good cook and visit Michelin star restaurants whenever I can.