KidZania Istanbul Becomes 16th Global Location - Empowering Children Through Interactive Role Play & Learning

MEXICO CITY, April 29, 2014  /PRNewswire/ -- KidZania Istanbul opens today, making it the 13^th country and 16^th location where kids are completely in charge of their destiny as they navigate a kid-sized city and test drive careers of every kind – from doctor to secret agent to professional soccer player. To date, KidZania has hosted more than 31 million children at its edutainment locations that span the world from Dubai to Chile and Thailand to Portugal.

Built on an unwavering commitment to help children realize their full potential in a fun and educational context, KidZania Istanbul boasts more than 67 establishments that provide 90 real-world careers to deliver the brand's signature role-playing experience. Kids ages 3-14 will discover an ultra-realistic, kid-sized replica of a city, built indoors and brought to life with real-world establishments sponsored and branded by leading multi-national and local brands. KidZania Istanbul will provide a unique opportunity for Turkish children and guests from around the world to experience life as adults, working together to run the city, while simultaneously learning the values of leadership and teamwork.

"The opening of our 16^th city exemplifies how families from around the world have embraced the KidZania concept – a progressive and interactive role-play experience that challenges, inspires and readies kids to create a better world," said Xavier Lopez Ancona, president and founder of KidZania. "We celebrate both the meteoric growth of our company as well as the diverse and vibrant culture of Istanbul."

KidZania Istanbul is located on the Asian side of the city, close to the Bosphorus Bridge at the newly-built Akasya Yeni Nesil Yasam Kompleksi. Inhabited for 3,000 years, Istanbul is a unique city, both for its geography and history that spans both Europe and Asia, Christianity and Islam, and a diversity of people.  Istanbul's population is estimated between 12 and 19 million, making it one of the largest European cities and one of the most colorful with both a thriving cultural and financial center that draws tourists from around the world.

The architecture of this particular KidZania stands out in its circular shape with over 9,000 square meters with 67 globally significant establishments including a bank, hospital, culinary school, driving school, security company and even a secret agent task force. Plus, kids can choose from more than 90 role-playing careers that include doctor, reporter, pilot, actor, car designer or even a professional climber! As with each location, Istanbul offers culturally relevant role-playing career opportunities with its archeological site, museum and a quintessential Turkish bazaar.

"We are honored and delighted to join the ever-growing KidZania nation, where children can imagine a better world and become global citizens through their experiences at our park," said Lara Sayinsoy, governor of KidZania Turkey. "Combining active learning and fun into dynamic role-playing opportunities, our one-of-a-kind experience at KidZania Istanbul will empower, enrich the self-esteem, and bolster the leadership skills of Turkish children and young guests visiting from around the globe."

KidZania Istanbul features premier global and local brands to help authenticate every experience. Key brand partners at KidZania Istanbul include:  Coca-Cola, Ford, THY, Karaca, Yapi Kredi, Pronet, Sinpas, Opet, Arcelik, Turkish Airlines, Koc Holding, Burger King, Domino's Pizza, Edirne Kirkpinar Lokantasi, Magrabi, Acibadem Saglik Grubu, Acibadem Saglik  Grubu, Migros, Affani, Starbucks, Terra Kitchen, Seiko and Ulker among others.

Learn more about KidZania Istanbul at http://www.kidzania.com.tr or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KidZaniaIstanbul.

About KidZania

KidZania, Inc., headquartered in Mexico, is privately held. This award-winning concept is recognized globally for its unique blend of entertainment and education for children. Launched in 1999, there are currently 16 KidZania attractions in 13 different countries. Plus, there are another 8 locations under development in places like the United Kingdom, Philippines, Brazil, and more. During 2014, KidZania will celebrate the company's 15^th anniversary which will include tons of fun surprises for its visitors around the world.

For more information about KidZania, visit www.KidZania.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KidZaniaOfficial, or on Twitter, @KidZania.

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SOURCE KidZania