Digitalization and artificial intelligence are real drivers of innovation for many sectors of the economy. European waterparks, leisure pools and spas are also increasingly using AI tools to better organize their operations and optimize dialogue with guests. A special “Digital Waterpark” exhibition at Aquanale 2025 in Cologne will demonstrate how these goals can be achieved.

For more than 20 years, the European Waterpark Association e.V. (EWA), the quality association of European waterparks, leisure pools and spas, and Kölnmesse have been cooperating with the aim of turning the Aquanale and FSB trade fair duo into a platform for innovations in the pool and leisure industry. Joint special exhibitions on current industry topics are regularly held in the exhibition halls and offer trade visitors an additional incentive to visit the two leading international trade fairs for sports and pool facilities and wellness facilities.

For Aquanale 2025, which takes place from October 28 to 31 together with FSB in Cologne, a special exhibition will bring the “Digital Guest Journey” in waterparks, leisure pools and spas to life for trade fair visitors.

At several stations, visitors can experience and try out which digital services and AI-based tools can be used effectively in pools and leisure facilities. The spectrum ranges from online booking and reservation systems to tools for dynamic pricing, the use of chatbots in customer dialog and automated access systems, digital signage and virtual reality elements in interactive play and experience worlds for leisure pools and spas.

“The EWA is not only continuing its long-standing collaboration with Kölnmesse, but is also underpinning its claim to provide impetus for innovation in the waterpark industry with this special exhibition. The exhibition at Aquanale will be a highlight in this year’s event program, which focuses on the use of digital tools and artificial intelligence in pool operations,” explains Jutta Kleiber, President of the European Waterpark Association and Director of Les Thermes in Strassen-Bertrange, Luxembourg.