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NEWS
Tourism shift driving expanded theme park market, says report
POSTED 25 Jan 2017 . BY Tom Anstey
With tourism revenues increasing, governments of many countries are coming to the realisation that theme parks play an important role in attracting tourists
A report looking at the future of the global amusement park market has predicted annual growth of more than 10 per cent through to 2021, driven by a shift in consumer preference from relaxing holidays to adventure sports and tourism.

Covering the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years, the Global Amusement Park Market 2017-2021 report forecast compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.16 per cent during the period 2017-2021.

According to the report by Research and Markets, with tourism revenues increasing, governments of many countries are coming to the realisation that theme parks play an important role in attracting tourists, with Dubai’s theme park boom evidence of this emerging trend.

Additionally, the report states that there is a shift in preference occurring, with individuals wanting relaxing holidays now turning instead to adventure sports and tourism.

“Adventure tourism is gaining high traction in the tourism industry because of the extraordinary experience it offers,” said the report. “However, this type of tourism involves high risks. Therefore, an individual requires sufficient training to participate in adventure sports.”

The report identifies Cedar Fair, Merlin Entertainments, SeaWorld Entertainment, Universal Parks & Resorts, and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts as key players in the global market, with other prominent vendors including Beto Carrero World, Chimelong Paradise, Efteling, Europa Park, Lotte World, Ocean Park, OCT Parks, Parque Mundo Aventura, Experiencias Xcaret Parque, Samsung C&T Resort Group, Six Flags Entertainment, and Tivoli Gardens.

“The target population in the age group of 0-14 is declining,” said an analyst commenting on the report. “Many theme parks are shifting their focus toward audience of other age groups to generate more revenue. Theme parks are creating more attractions and rides to target a larger audience. For instance, children under 15 are not allowed in certain rides in various theme parks.

"Theme parks are attracting adult audience by providing amusement rides such as roller coasters, river rapids rides, and sky coasters. This shift in the target audience will likely support the growth of the market during the forecast period.”

For the full report, click here.
RELATED STORIES
  Dubai's first theme park to undergo AED1.8bn mixed-use redevelopment


Wonderland – Dubai’s first theme park which closed its doors in 2013 – will be resurrected after developers revealed plans for a AED1.8bn (US$490m, €460m, £402m) redevelopment of the abandoned attraction.
  Trinidad set to welcome first theme park with Skallywag Bay


Work is progressing on Trinidad’s first theme park, with Skallywag Bay a landmark project for the island nation.
  Merlin's Dominic Jones joins Thorpe Park as divisional director


Thorpe Park has named Dominic Jones as its new divisional director, with Merlin’s former head of Midway Attractions in Europe now responsible for continuing to develop and grow the popular UK theme park.
  Dubai Parks and Resorts planning fifth theme park


Dubai Parks and Resorts’ three major zones are now open, and the fourth Six Flags- branded park is under construction, but it seems operator DXB Entertainments is not about to rest on its laurels, with plans for a fifth park currently in the works.
MORE NEWS
Mubadala makes €1 billion bid for Pierre and Vacances
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala Capital has made a binding, fully financed €1 billion offer to acquire Pierre and Vacances SA, the European holiday resort operator behind the continental European Center Parcs business.
Disney confirms US$30 billion investment programme as it highlights its economic impact
Disney has reaffirmed its commitment to investing US$30 billion in its US parks and cruise business by 2033, using new America250 celebrations to underline the role its attractions play in supporting jobs, tourism and economic growth.
Expo 2030 Riyadh will create a permanent global destination
Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes.
Australian waterpark acquisition creates new leisure attractions group
The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor, creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
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NEWS
Tourism shift driving expanded theme park market, says report
POSTED 25 Jan 2017 . BY Tom Anstey
With tourism revenues increasing, governments of many countries are coming to the realisation that theme parks play an important role in attracting tourists
A report looking at the future of the global amusement park market has predicted annual growth of more than 10 per cent through to 2021, driven by a shift in consumer preference from relaxing holidays to adventure sports and tourism.

Covering the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years, the Global Amusement Park Market 2017-2021 report forecast compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.16 per cent during the period 2017-2021.

According to the report by Research and Markets, with tourism revenues increasing, governments of many countries are coming to the realisation that theme parks play an important role in attracting tourists, with Dubai’s theme park boom evidence of this emerging trend.

Additionally, the report states that there is a shift in preference occurring, with individuals wanting relaxing holidays now turning instead to adventure sports and tourism.

“Adventure tourism is gaining high traction in the tourism industry because of the extraordinary experience it offers,” said the report. “However, this type of tourism involves high risks. Therefore, an individual requires sufficient training to participate in adventure sports.”

The report identifies Cedar Fair, Merlin Entertainments, SeaWorld Entertainment, Universal Parks & Resorts, and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts as key players in the global market, with other prominent vendors including Beto Carrero World, Chimelong Paradise, Efteling, Europa Park, Lotte World, Ocean Park, OCT Parks, Parque Mundo Aventura, Experiencias Xcaret Parque, Samsung C&T Resort Group, Six Flags Entertainment, and Tivoli Gardens.

“The target population in the age group of 0-14 is declining,” said an analyst commenting on the report. “Many theme parks are shifting their focus toward audience of other age groups to generate more revenue. Theme parks are creating more attractions and rides to target a larger audience. For instance, children under 15 are not allowed in certain rides in various theme parks.

"Theme parks are attracting adult audience by providing amusement rides such as roller coasters, river rapids rides, and sky coasters. This shift in the target audience will likely support the growth of the market during the forecast period.”

For the full report, click here.
RELATED STORIES
Dubai's first theme park to undergo AED1.8bn mixed-use redevelopment


Wonderland – Dubai’s first theme park which closed its doors in 2013 – will be resurrected after developers revealed plans for a AED1.8bn (US$490m, €460m, £402m) redevelopment of the abandoned attraction.
Trinidad set to welcome first theme park with Skallywag Bay


Work is progressing on Trinidad’s first theme park, with Skallywag Bay a landmark project for the island nation.
Merlin's Dominic Jones joins Thorpe Park as divisional director


Thorpe Park has named Dominic Jones as its new divisional director, with Merlin’s former head of Midway Attractions in Europe now responsible for continuing to develop and grow the popular UK theme park.
Dubai Parks and Resorts planning fifth theme park


Dubai Parks and Resorts’ three major zones are now open, and the fourth Six Flags- branded park is under construction, but it seems operator DXB Entertainments is not about to rest on its laurels, with plans for a fifth park currently in the works.
MORE NEWS
Mubadala makes €1 billion bid for Pierre and Vacances
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Mubadala Capital has made a binding, fully financed €1 billion offer to acquire Pierre and Vacances SA, the European holiday resort operator behind the continental European Center Parcs business.
Disney confirms US$30 billion investment programme as it highlights its economic impact
Disney has reaffirmed its commitment to investing US$30 billion in its US parks and cruise business by 2033, using new America250 celebrations to underline the role its attractions play in supporting jobs, tourism and economic growth.
Expo 2030 Riyadh will create a permanent global destination
Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes.
Australian waterpark acquisition creates new leisure attractions group
The owner of one of Australia's best-known waterparks has acquired a major competitor, creating a new attractions business spanning two of the country's largest visitor destinations.
London Museum reveals 2026 opening date for new Smithfield home
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Toverland unveils €98m expansion plan as park prepares to launch resort development
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+ More news   
 
COMPANY PROFILES
instantprint

We’re a Yorkshire-based online printer, founded in 2009 by Adam Carnell and James Kinsella. [more...]
Holovis

Holovis is a privately owned company established in 2004 by CEO Stuart Hetherington. [more...]
iPlayCO

iPlayCo was established in 1999. [more...]
IDEATTACK

IDEATTACK is a full-service planning and design company with headquarters in Los Angeles. [more...]
+ More profiles  
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
29 Sep - 02 Oct 2026

Synergy - The Retreat Show

Pical Resort, Valamar Collection, Porec, Croatia
+ More diary  
 


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