Attraction industry body IAAPA expects rise in travel numbers and visits.
Attractions across the globe aim to bring visitors on a worldwide scale to the latest and greatest attractions. IAAPA has attractions in over 100 countries, and is an expert source on what could be next for the industry.
Jakob Wahl, CEO and president of IAAPA says numbers are looking strong according to members. It expects to see a two per cent increase in North American theme park attendances, representing more than 300 million visits in 2024. Customer spending is also expected to increase with a projected $32bn spending - a seven per cent increase.
“As the weather warms up, many people are thinking of the classic summer vacation,” Wahl said.
“We’re seeing consumers shifting spending from material goods and instead investing in those trips, and memories, with family.”
IAAPA states that it has seen a noticeable rise in the creation of family entertainment experiences from its members. Examples of these attractions include upcoming family coasters like Good Gravy at Holiday World in Indiana and Penguin Trek at SeaWorld Orlando - which are both set to open this spring - as well as Mattel Adventure Park and Destination KCK opening in Kansas City in 2026.
Wahl said hese attractions allow families to create unforgettable memories together, which aligns with the shift from investing in material goods to experiences.
