The World Travel & Tourism Council predicted the industry’s worldwide revenue to grow by 4% annually
over the next ten years through 2018.21 The amusement and attractions segment was expected to
contribute to the industry’s growth, “fueled by expansion in nations throughout the Middle East, Asia and
elsewhere.” 22 Visitation to attractions around the world had record growth in 2007.
PricewaterhouseCoopers anticipated consumer spending on global theme parks to rise by 5% annually
through 2012 – resulting in a more than $30 billion USD industry.23
Around the world, the United States had the most mature theme park market, led by Disney in the 50’s and
60’s, and reaching maturity in the 1980s. Europe and Asia were in a rapid growth phase with strong
growth forecast for the next 10 years. Asia was characterized by mixed markets, with Japan exhibiting
signs of maturity and markets such as India, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia showing fast
growth. In the Middle East the United Arab Emirates was moving quickly, emerging as a powerful force in
the theme park industry.
In 2005 there were an estimated 362 theme parks in the world, with 35% in Asia and 31% in the US and
Canada generating 606 million visits worldwide. 24 The US had about 40 large scale parks with annual
attendance over one million, with 55 moderate scale parks with attendance between 500,000 and one
million. Europe had 19 major attractions with attendance over one million,