As the global economy slowly begins to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, many industries are looking for ways to get back on track. One of those industries is the amusement park industry, which has been significantly impacted by the pandemic due to the closure of parks and decreased attendance.
To help park managers and owners understand the current state of the industry and how they can improve their operations, we’ve compiled a list of amusement park management statistics. These statistics cover topics such as park attendance, revenue, safety, and technology, among others.
Key Amusement Park Management Statistics 2023 – MY Choice
- According to the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), the global amusement park industry is estimated to be worth over $50 billion.
- In the United States, there are over 400 amusement parks and attractions, which attract approximately 375 million visitors annually.
- Roller coasters are one of the most popular attractions at amusement parks. In 2019, the fastest roller coaster in the world was the Formula Rossa at Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi, which reaches speeds of up to 149 miles per hour.
- Water rides are also a popular attraction at amusement parks. The world’s tallest water slide is the Kilimanjaro at Aguas Quentes Country Club in Brazil, which is 164 feet tall.
- In 2019, Disney World in Florida was the most visited theme park in the world, with over 20 million visitors.
- The average guest spends approximately 8 hours at an amusement park, with an estimated spending of $30 to $40 per person on food, beverages, and merchandise.
- Amusement parks also employ a large number of people. According to the IAAPA, the industry provides jobs for over 600,000 people in the United States alone.
- To keep guests safe, amusement parks have strict safety guidelines and procedures in place. In the United States, the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulates amusement park safety, and there are approximately 4.5 ride-related injuries per million visitors.
- Technology is playing an increasingly important role in amusement park management. For example, some parks are using virtual reality to enhance the guest experience, while others are using data analytics to optimize ride wait times and staffing levels.
- Amusement parks are popular destinations for families, with over 80% of visitors coming with children. In a survey by the IAAPA, 90% of parents said that taking their children to an amusement park is a positive experience that creates lasting memories.
Amusement Park Management Statistics
- The global amusement park industry was valued at $40.9 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach $49.9 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 2.7% from 2021 to 2026.
- There were over 400 amusement parks in the United States in 2020, and the number is expected to grow in the coming years.
- The average attendance at an amusement park in the United States is around 25 million visitors per year.
- The most popular attractions at amusement parks include roller coasters, water rides, and live shows.
- The average ticket price for an amusement park in the United States is $50.
- The majority of amusement park visitors are families with children, followed by young adults and seniors.
- The Asia-Pacific region is the largest market for amusement parks, accounting for over 40% of the global market share.
Table 1: Breakdown of safety incidents at amusement parks
| Incident Type | Waterpark (column %) | Fixed Site (column %) | Mobile Ride (column %) | Total (column %) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clearance failure | 17% | 10% | – | 20% |
| Ejection | 8% | 5% | 32% | 14% |
| Hazard | 9% | 6% | 20% | 17% |
| Malfunction | 6% | – | – | 3% |
| Misoperation | 6% | 5% | – | 5% |
| Patron directed device | – | – | 11% | 5% |
| Rider | 44% | 20% | 38% | 34% |
| Submersion | 60% | 5% | – | 42% |
| Other | 37% | 32% | 20% | 29% |
| Total (row %) | 38% | 27% | 35% | 100% |
Table 2: Employment statistics for amusement parks in the US
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Amusement Park Employees | 157,328 |
| Employment Growth in 2023 | 23.6% |
| Annualized Employment Growth | 0.9% |
| Employment decline (2017-2023) | 0.9% (average) |
Table 3: Survey results on customer preferences for theme parks
| Survey Question | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customers polled who want to plan a visit as soon as possible | 70% |
| Respondents who would like to see hotspots on a map | 60% |
| Respondents who think food and drink preordering should be standard | 50% |
| Millennials who would buy more if they could order ahead | 60% |
| Gen Z respondents who prefer a QR code system for food and drinks | 24% |
| Boomers who prefer staffed concessions for food and drinks | 28% |
| Respondents who would check out nearby hotels/restaurants/bars | 66% |
Table 4: Injury statistics for amusement park rides
| Injury Statistic | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Injuries resulting in ER visits | 30,000 |
| Amusement ride-related deaths/year | 4.5 |
| Most common injured body region | Head/neck |
| Most common injury type | Soft tissue |
| Most frequent mechanism of injury | Falling |
| Fractures to arms/legs/extremities | 18% |
| Lacerations | 18% |
| Hospitalization rate | 1.5% |
Amusement Park Management Facts
- The first amusement park in the world was Luna Park, which was opened in 1903 in Coney Island, New York.
- The tallest roller coaster in the world is Kingda Ka, located at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, United States.
- The longest roller coaster in the world is Steel Dragon 2000, located at Nagashima Spa Land in Japan.
- The fastest roller coaster in the world is Formula Rossa, located at Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
- The most visited amusement park in the world is Disney World, located in Florida, United States.
Amusement Park Management Benefits
- Amusement parks provide a source of entertainment for people of all ages.
- Amusement parks can also serve as a source of employment, with many park workers finding jobs in areas such as ride operation, food service, and maintenance.
- Amusement parks can boost local economies by attracting tourists and generating revenue through ticket sales, food and merchandise purchases, and hotel stays.
- Amusement parks can also provide educational opportunities through exhibits, demonstrations, and interactive experiences.
Amusement Park Management Trends
- The use of technology in amusement parks is on the rise, with virtual reality rides, augmented reality games, and mobile apps becoming increasingly popular.
- The demand for eco-friendly amusement parks is also growing, with many parks implementing sustainable practices such as using renewable energy sources, recycling, and reducing waste.
- The popularity of theme parks based on popular franchises, such as Harry Potter and Star Wars, is also growing.
Amusement Park Management Adoption
- The adoption of technology in amusement parks varies by region, with parks in developed countries more likely to adopt advanced technologies.
- The adoption of eco-friendly practices in amusement parks also varies by region, with parks in developed countries more likely to implement sustainable practices.
Amusement Park Management Market Analysis
- The Asia-Pacific region is the largest market for amusement parks, with China, Japan, and South Korea being the largest contributors to the market.
- The North American region is the second-largest market for amusement parks, with the United States being the largest contributor to the market.
Amusement Park Attendance Statistics
- In 2019, the total number of visitors to amusement parks worldwide was approximately 405 million.
- The average amusement park visit lasts 8 hours.
- The average cost of an amusement park admission in the United States is $40.
- In 2020, attendance at North American amusement parks declined by 50% due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- More than 60% of amusement park visitors are families with children.
- The most popular amusement parks in the world are Disney World, Disneyland, and Universal Studios.
Regional Differences in Amusement Park Attendance
- In Europe, the average amusement park visit lasts approximately 6 hours.
- Asia has the largest number of amusement parks in the world, with approximately 300 parks.
- The Middle East has seen a significant increase in amusement park attendance in recent years, with a CAGR of 10% from 2015 to 2020.
- In South America, the most popular amusement parks are located in Brazil and Argentina.
- In Australia and New Zealand, the average cost of an amusement park admission is $70.
Amusement Park Revenue Statistics
- The global amusement park industry generated approximately $45 billion in revenue in 2019.
- The average revenue per visitor to an amusement park is $110.
- In 2020, the revenue generated by the North American amusement park industry declined by 60% due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Approximately 70% of amusement park revenue is generated from ticket sales.
- The remaining 30% of revenue is generated from food and beverage sales, merchandise sales, and other sources.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Amusement Park Revenue
- The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the revenue of the global amusement park industry, with a decline of approximately 35% in 2020.
- In order to mitigate the impact of the pandemic, many amusement parks have turned to online ticket sales and virtual experiences.
- Some amusement parks have also implemented safety measures such as increased cleaning and sanitation, and reduced capacity to ensure the safety of visitors.
- The global amusement park industry is expected to recover in 2022, with a projected revenue growth of 5%.
Amusement Park Safety Statistics
- The number of accidents at amusement parks worldwide is approximately 4 per million visitors.
- The most common type of accident at amusement parks is a fall from a ride.
- Approximately 60% of amusement park accidents are caused by rider behavior, such as not following safety instructions or standing up on a ride.
- The remaining 40% of accidents are caused by ride malfunctions or operator error.
- The use of seat belts and restraints has been shown to significantly reduce the number of accidents on rides.
