Theme Index Report 2023

The Global Attraction Attendance Report is the nineteen annual collaboration between the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) and AECOM

Image Credit: © Disney. Shanghai Disney Resort
Shanghai, China

The TEA/AECOM Theme Index and Museum Index, now proudly presented in partnership with Storyland Studios, has been a longstanding source of themed entertainment industry data.

This annual publication is a pillar of industry benchmarking, providing insights and analysis of the global market, and is leveraged by operators, investors, and management consulting firms around the world. In no other medium will you find a collection of data that enables you to measure the success, opportunities, and trends of the industry in a single place.

This year’s report reflects the industry’s dynamic nature and its capacity to adapt, innovate, and thrive in the face of all challenges. As the industry continues to move forward from the Covid-19 pandemic, the continued emphasis on enhancing guest experiences, strategic investments, and leveraging IP – both evergreen and emerging – will be pivotal in sustaining growth and success across the global theme park and museum landscape.

Read the press release here.
For press inquiries Please contact us at media@aecom.com

Theme Index Report 2023

Image Credit: © United Parks & Resorts. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi opened in 2023 on Yas Island, the first SeaWorld location outside of the U.S.

In no other medium will you find a collection of data that enables you to measure the success, opportunities, and trends of the industry in a single place.

Ben Thompson, Chief Strategy Officer, Storyland Studios

Image credit: Xinhua / Alamy Stock Photo

Onward & Upward

2023 marked a turning point for the global attractions industry. With pandemic-related operating restrictions essentially gone, theme parks, water parks and museums were able to turn their attention from recovery and focus on the future. During the pandemic, the industry made big strides toward stabilization as operators harnessed the very creative energy and ingenuity that is the hallmark of this industry, activating plans to safely reopen and developing strategies to entice guests to return.

Image Credit: © Chimelong Group

Global Attendance Trends

The museum market is perhaps seeing the most dramatic change, as the well- established European institutions are starting to be eclipsed by new facilities in Asia. China’s strong push for education has resulted in a wealth of new museums, and the country’s large population centers combined with free admission are a recipe for big attendance. North America’s museums were relatively slow to recover, but a large number are in the midst of massive reinvestment campaigns, upgrading exhibits and facilities with an eye towards more engaging experiences – all in an effort to compete for visitors’ time, attention and money.

The Magic Happens parade at Disneyland Park
Anaheim, California
Image credit: © Disney

Download AECOM‘s Theme Index and Museum Index Reports

2022 Theme and Museum Index | PDF 8 MG

2021 Theme and Museum Index | PDF 8 MG

2020 Theme and Museum Index | PDF 8 MG

2019 Theme and Museum Index | PDF 15 MB

2018 Theme and Museum Index | PDF 5 MB

2017 Theme and Museum Index | PDF 6 MB

2016 Theme and Museum Index | PDF 6 MB

2015 Theme and Museum Index | PDF 10 MB

View all reports

Image Credit: Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

Theme Index and Museum Index Reports – Chinese Versions

2020 Theme Index and Museum Index | PDF: 8 MB

2018 Theme Index and Museum Index | PDF: 4 MB

2017 Theme Index and Museum Index | PDF: 4 MB

2016 Theme Index and Museum Index | PDF: 5 MB

2015 Theme Index and Museum Index | PDF: 8 MB

2014 Theme Index and Museum Index | PDF: 3 MB

2013 Theme Index and Museum Index | PDF: 18 MB

2012 Theme Index and Museum Index | PDF: 8 MB

Image credit: © Europa-Park