Kelly Tarlton

Tourism

Kelly Tarlton designed an innovative marine aquarium four times larger than any other in the world, called ‘Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World’, opened in 1985. It was immediately successful, with 100,000 visitors in 7 weeks. In 1987 it won British Tourism's Award for Best New Attraction Worldwide.

Kelly’s concept and design has been copied extensively internationally, with his innovative techniques, such as curving acrylic tunnels, still widely used. These aquariums have promoted awareness and conservation of the marine environment around the world. Kelly is already inducted into two International Hall of Fame.