Tributes paid to ‘visionary’ Alton Towers founder

John Broome, the pioneer of Staffordshire’s Alton Towers theme park, has passed away aged 80-years-old.

Broome has worked across major tourist attractions in his 60 year career such as Trentham Gardens, Battersea Power Station, Ironbridge Gorge and more recently he was the CEO of Cornwall’s Camel Creek Resort.

The Alton Towers founder introduced the Corkscrew rollercoaster to the park which became the largest ride in the UK. It transformed the site from a country estate with small rides into a major amusement attraction.

Broome sold the park to the Tussauds Group in 1990.

A statement from Imperial Corporate Capital, to whom Broome was an advisor said: “John was not just a colleague; he was a visionary and a pioneer whose far-reaching impact on the tourism industry is renowned.

“From transforming Alton Towers into a landmark theme park to his innovative vision for Camel Creek Resort, John’s creativity and determination were truly extraordinary.

“His contribution to Imperial Corporate Capital, as well as to the broader industry, was marked by his relentless pursuit of excellence and his ability to see potential where others did not.

“His loss leaves a void that will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of working with him.”