The Experience Economist is a series of industry publications from Leisure Development Partners (LDP), the leading firm in visitor attractions economics and strategy. Shifting strategies
About Leisure Development Partners (LDP) Leisure Development Partners (LDP) is the global leader in visitor attraction economics and strategy, delivering data-driven insights that empower developers, operators, and investors to create successful, sustainable attractions anchored real estate. With a proven track record in 80+ countries and over 1,000 projects, LDP provides trusted, bankable analysis across theme parks, water parks, family entertainment centers, cultural attractions, and mixed-use destinations. Our expertise ensures clients make informed decisions that maximize visitation, revenue, and long-term growth. Our Core Services: • Market & Feasibility Studies - Evaluating demand, competitive positioning, and financial viability • Enhancement strategy - Unlocking the potential of existing business, expanding, finding efficiencies through benchmarking • Economic Impact Assessments - Quantifying how attractions drive local economies and tourism • Strategic Planning & Business Modelling - Optimizing financial forecasts and operational strategies • Consumer & Competitive Insights - Identifying trends, visitor behaviours, and industry benchmarks • Development Advisory - Guiding investment decisions with expert intelligence • Due diligence - Valuation insight, upside identification and business planning for buyers Backed by decades of experience, LDP’s insights shape the future of the global attractions industry - helping clients unlock opportunities, minimize risks, and create unforgettable experiences.
With only one European site, Disney leads the revenue race by a significant margin, accounting for 52 percent of total groups revenue or 43 percent when independent powerhouses are included. Merlin leads in attendance and portfolio size.
180m annual theme park and waterpark visits 327 amusement/theme park & waterpark visits per 1,000 residents €18bn total economic impact 162k total employment impact
The World of Frozen at Disney Adventure World
In this European Edition, we take a closer look at the changing landscape of European attraction groups and key players. Our main focus this year, however, is on UK’s new projects, economic challenges and the state of competitive socialising. The shift in Europe’s attraction groups strategy In contrast with the US and China (which was in the spotlight in our previous publication), both run mostly by domestic corporate giants, Europe’s market retains a healthy share of independent and family-owned attractions. Groups nevertheless have a strong presence, particularly in Western Europe
where they collectively control just over half of the theme park market and a substantial share of the waterpark market. Of Europe’s top-15 theme parks, eight are group-operated while a further four are run by independent powerhouses with multiple attractions and significant onsite accommodation that outperform some smaller groups on key KPIs. The landscape is changing. Following an era of rapid consolidation, expansion and ‘growth at all costs’ from the mid-2000s and through the 2010s, the group market has entered a new stage (possibly a relatively short one) focused on portfolio optimisation and operational efficiency.
2 THE EXPERIENCE ECONOMIST: EUROPE EDITION 2026 | © LDP
THE EXPERIENCE ECONOMIST: EUROPE EDITION 2026 | © LDP 3
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