December 2010 — For developers of themed entertainment attractions, the global market comes into focus each year with the release of the Theme Index: Attractions Attendance Report, an annual study providing a comprehensive assessment of the global themed entertainment industry. This highly anticipated report is jointly produced and distributed annually by the Economics practice at AECOM, and Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), the leading international trade alliance for the creators of compelling experiences and places. View the complete 2009 report (pdf).

The 2011 edition of the Theme Index featuring data for 2010 will be issued in spring 2011.

The TEA/AECOM Attractions Attendance Report identifies the top commercial theme parks and waterparks around the world and reflects their performance for the previous year. Global attendance data are broken down by geographic region, by chain and by type of venue. Despite challenges presented by reduced consumer spending and budgets in 2009, the theme park industry managed to weather the storm at a level equal to or ahead of many other industries.

The strategies parks employed to sustain numbers and make the best of a troubled situation underscore the basic fundamentals of good business in the visitor attractions industry: reinvestment in the guest experience, creative targeted marketing and building the relationship with the customer.

Taken together, the numbers in the report for 2009 reflect an industry that is stable at its core and well equipped to survive, recover and continue its expansion into new markets as the world economy recovers. North America remains the epicenter of the amusement business with 12 of the top-25 attended parks in the world. "We expect next year to show stronger figures with continued economic recovery and pent-up demand," says John Robinett, senior vice president of the Economics practice at AECOM.

Although affected by the global downturn, Asia continues to be the foremost emerging market and promises strong growth well into the future. Once-high expectations for Dubai and the UAE are curtailed, at least for the time being. "Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi is on track to open in 2010, but that seems destined to be the flag bearer for the region for the next few years until the economic situation stabilizes," said David Camp, a director with AECOM's Economics practice.