Leisure Development Partners (LDP), a leading economic and strategy consulting firm, spotlights the Americas market in the latest edition of The Experience Economist.
Exploring key markets across this vast region, the publication discusses recently opened projects, new concepts, trends and the future development pipeline.
The Experience Economist: Americas Edition 2026 is now available for free download
The Experience Economist: Americas Edition 2026 focuses on Texas, US; Alberta, Canada; and Brazil.
It also considers the volume, value, and impact of theme parks and water parks throughout the region, while the Expert View discusses the impacts of special programming, such as Halloween, winter holiday, and springtime events.
To download The Experience Economist: Americas Edition 2026, please click here.
World-class attractions
Texas is quickly becoming established as a key destination for next-generation attractions and entertainment. Notably, major investment across Dallas and Austin ranges from theme parks to immersive entertainment, competitive socialising, wellness resorts, and adventure concepts.
New developments signify a move toward more experiential, targeted entertainment. Universal Kids Resort, Netflix House, Batbox, Fritz’s Adventure, and COTALAND illustrate how major IP, sports, active entertainment, and social experiences can expand audiences and develop compelling all-season destinations.
Additionally, Alberta’s C$25 billion tourism goal underscores the growing opportunity for new attractions, resorts and leisure experiences beyond the province’s established tourism hubs.
Projects such as Scotia Place in Calgary and Everwild Nordic Spa in Canmore are encouraging visitors to stay longer, spend more, and explore destinations.
"The attractions development scene in Brazil is undergoing an unprecedented, multi-billion dollar boom, marking a significant shift toward master-planned, world-class entertainment infrastructure," says Kathleen LaClair, partner at LDP.
Significant new projects are blending distinctly Brazilian experiences with international entertainment concepts. The $330 million Cacau Park builds on Cacau Show’s nationally renowned brand, while Puy du Fou plans an immersive live-entertainment destination inspired by Brazilian history and culture.
Furthermore, concepts such as Vila dos Smurfs are expanding São Paulo's indoor, IP-driven family entertainment space.
The free-to-access Experience Economist series is available on the LDP website, with regionally focused editions that help developers, investors, and operators make informed decisions, based on international benchmarks and local realities.
LDP announced the publication of The Experience Economist: Europe 2026 Edition in September.
