Leisure Development Partners (LDP), a leading economic and strategy consulting firm, has published its latest edition of The Experience Economist, a free-to-access series exploring global and regional trends in the visitor attractions industry.
In this issue, the firm takes a close look at China, the world's second-largest theme park market, and explores the region’s evolving macroeconomic landscape.
Although attendance growth has slowed, economic impact continues to rise and is increasingly driven by higher spend per visit instead of volume.
Looking forward, LDP continues to view China and its neighbouring markets as the most attractive long-term growth opportunity for attractions, leisure and entertainment.
The Experience Economist: APAC 2026 Edition and all past issues are available to download here.
Key takeaways
The Experience Economist: APAC 2026 Edition – Focus on China highlights the market's strong long-term growth potential, driven by low penetration at approximately 30% and relatively low visitation rates compared with mature markets.
However, it notes that market development varies across regions. Although Tier 1 cities are reaching maturity, the next phase of growth will be powered primarily by Tier 2 and 3 cities, where incomes are increasing rapidly.
Another key takeaway is that although attendance growth has been modest, revenue is rising faster due to higher ticket prices, in-park spending and new attractions.
According to the report, this demand is underpinned by structural trends, including rising middle-class incomes, family-focused leisure, domestic tourism, and a move towards immersive, IP-driven, and tech-enabled experiences.
Although there are significant opportunities, LDP warns that issues such as pressure on profitability, content fatigue, and oversupply risk need to be addressed through well-differentiated, carefully planned, and locally customised developments.
James Kennard, partner at LDP, says: "While attendance growth has tempered, China remains one of the most exciting long-term opportunities for the attractions, leisure and entertainment sector with value increasingly being driven by higher guest spending and evolving visitor expectations."
The Experience Economist series is free to access on the LDP website and provides regionally focused editions to help developers, investors, and operators make informed decisions grounded in global benchmarks and local realities.
Last November, LDP published the third edition of The Experience Economist, which concentrates on the Americas market.
Rebecca Hardy has over 10 years' experience in the culture and heritage sector. She studied Fine Art at university and has written for a broad range of creative organisations including artists, galleries, and retailers. When she's not writing, she spends her time getting lost in the woods and making mud pies with her young son.
