TEA & AECOM Release the 2018 Theme Index and Museum Index

The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) and the Economics practice at AECOM have released the 2018 TEA/AECOM Theme Index and Museum Index. This annual, calendar-year report tracks growth and evolution in the global themed entertainment industry and tourism destination development.

The 2018 TEA/AECOM Theme Index and Museum Index charts attendance numbers showing the performance of the world's most-visited theme parks, water parks and museums. The tables are accompanied by analysis from industry specialists in the Economics practice at AECOM. The report studies the sector by region (The Americas, Asia-Pacific, EMEA), the global market as a whole and the top operators (Disney, Merlin, Universal, OCT, Fantawild, Chimelong, etc.)

John Robinett, Senior Vice President - Economics, AECOM, said, "Our figures show that attendance at themed attractions at the major operators has exceeded a half billion visits for the first time in history. This is equivalent to almost 7% of the world population. Factors that have led to this strong performance include the addition of second gates, the continued leveraging of blockbuster intellectual property (IP), and the building of resort hotels adjacent to park properties."

Regionally and internationally, Disney has readily maintained its position at the top of the list. In the United States an increase of more than six million visits at the top North American parks in 2018 was led by Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld.

THE AMERICAS 

Brian Sands, Vice President / Director – Economics, Americas, AECOM, said, “The biggest growth is IP-driven. The big players are in a position to command the big IP - and have full awareness of the power of these franchises and what they can do in a storytelling environment, with innovative experiences and rides, made immersive with state-of-the-art technology."

Kathleen LaClair, Associate Principal - Americas, AECOM, added, “We saw particularly good performance in 2018 from Disney’s Animal Kingdom, SeaWorld Orlando and SeaWorld San Diego, Disney Hollywood Studios, and Universal Studios in Florida.”

ASIA-PACIFIC 

Disney parks across Asia had a very strong year in 2018, including properties in Tokyo, Hong Kong and the newest, Shanghai Disneyland. Other leading operators in China include OCT, Fantawild and Chimelong.

Chris Yoshii, Vice President – Economics, Asia-Pacific, AECOM, said, “In the two years since it opened, Shanghai Disneyland has quickly become a standard-bearer for Asia. Its influence has led other parks to upgrade their offerings and guest experience.”

Beth Chang, Executive Director – Economics, Asia-Pacific, AECOM, said, "The Asia-Pacific sector is doing very well, and the big parks are getting bigger. To make it onto our Asian Top 20, a park needs a minimum of 3.1 million in annual attendance, which is substantial.”

EUROPE 

The 2018 data reveals that theme parks in Europe are increasing attendance by building up their properties into destination resorts. Another trend is acquiring and overhauling smaller, underperforming parks.

Jodie Lock, Associate – Economics, Asia-Pacific and EMEA, AECOM, said, “It’s all about expanding guests’ options and promoting a longer stay like adding a second (or third) gate, hotel, FEC, adventure park, seasonal event or other experience. Disney remains the top European operator, with other leading European parks making their way up the charts. Europa-Park (Germany), Efteling (Netherlands), Tivoli (Denmark), Gardaland (Italy), Parque Warner (Spain) and Alton Towers (UK) are among those that did well.”

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Here you are the attendance figures for the top theme parks and water parks in North America:

More details on the performance and trends concerning theme parks, water parks and museums in each geographic region can be found in the full report: the 2018 TEA/AECOM Theme Index and Museum Index. The TEA website and AECOM website are the official sources to view and download the latest version of the report, as well as past reports dating to 2006, free of charge.

IMAGES: © 2019 TEA/AECOM. All Rights Reserved.