Toverland Director's Confession: A Rethink in the Corona Crisis

In a world marked by uncertainty and rapid changes, admitting a mistake is a rare and often commendable act of leadership. Jean Gelissen jr., the director of the well-known amusement park Toverland in Limburg, has done just that. In a recent interview, he reflected on one of the most controversial decisions in his career: disregarding the nationwide Corona distancing rules in 2020.

The Decision Against Corona Regulations

In the summer of 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the world, Toverland decided that caused a nationwide stir. The park announced that the mandatory distance of one and a half meters in the attractions would no longer be observed. This measure, described by Gelissen jr. as “very logical,” was made following a consultation with the local mayor, but without involving the security region.

Public Reaction and Rapid Reversal

The decision led to immediate nationwide excitement and criticism. Consequently, Toverland had to quickly reverse the measure. In his interview on the podcast “From Mistakes to Secrets of Success” with host Myrian Ermes, Gelissen jr. admitted that attempting to “shave off a few centimeters from the one and a half meters” was, in retrospect, a clear mistake.

The Mayor's Role and Handling Responsibility

Interestingly, the role of Mayor Ryan Palmen of the Horst aan de Maas municipality in this story is notable. He gave the green light for the relaxation of the one and a half meters rule in Toverland. Despite this approval, Gelissen jr. takes full responsibility for the decision and its consequences. He admits that he should have stood against the political direction and followed his instincts.

Lessons from the Crisis

Gelissen jr. learned important lessons from this experience. He emphasizes that with increasing fame comes greater responsibility. Toverland is a growing brand, and this development requires careful handling in terms of actions and communication.

Other Challenges: Port Laguna and Avalon

The interview also sheds light on other challenges, such as the construction of the theme areas Port Laguna and Avalon in 2018, and taking over the management from his aunt Caroline Kortooms in 2019. These phases were marked by unreliable partners and difficult decisions, including forced layoffs.

Conclusion: Growth and Responsibility

The story of Toverland and Jean Gelissen jr. illustrates how leaders are faced with challenges in times of crisis that affect not only their company but also their personal development. The amusement park director has learned from his mistakes and emphasizes the importance of responsible leadership. This episode is an instructive example of the importance of cautious and responsible action in uncertain times.

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