The UAE’s existing and new generation theme parks will attract more than 19 million admissions a year by 2020 if current trends continue, according to data released by Colliers International.
The prediction is made using existing admissions and arrivals data for Yas Island’s Ferrari World and Waterworld and Dubai’s Aquaventure and Wild Wadi as well as a sample of new and upcoming parks.
All four parks have experienced a strong correlation between the rising number of visitors to the UAE and its admissions, with their combined admissions predicted to reach 19 million visitors annually.
Similar patterns are expected to be seen for IMG Worlds of Adventure and Dubai Parks and Resorts, which opened this year in Dubai. Both parks have ambitions to draw in millions of visitors in their first year of operations, with IMG expecting to attract 4.5 million people and Dubai Parks and Resorts predicting 6.7 million ticketed visitors.
The predictions were published in a report titled Theme Park Tourism, by Colliers International, and released to coincide with the openings of Dubai’s IMG Worlds of Adventure and Dubai Parks and Resorts (DPR).
Typically, a theme park can expect to attract a visitor mix that is approximately 70 per cent domestic, up to 20 per cent regional and around 10 per cent international, with Mice groups also forming a large share of admissions especially in cities with a strong business culture.
The average length of stay at theme park hotels varies from two to six days globally.
At Disney World Orlando the average stay is 4.5 days, but this is attributable to the year round warm climate and the clustering of other parks and ancillary facilities in the Orlando area. Parks such as Euro Disney Paris, typically welcome guests for 2.4 days and Disneyland Tokyo only 1.3 days.
Staff report
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IMG Worlds of Legends
IMG Worlds, Dubai-based owner and operator of the world’s largest indoor theme park, IMG Worlds of Adventure, announced the launch of its latest project, IMG Worlds of Legends.
With nine unique zones spread across over two million square feet, IMG Worlds of Legends will feature some of the most popular brands in the world including Nickelodeon, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Assassin’s Creed, Pokémon, Mattel, Barbie, Hot Wheels and Bob the Builder.
IMG Worlds, encompassing IMG Worlds of Adventure and IMG Worlds of Legends, has created a leisure and entertainment destination that spans over six million square feet and 13 global brands.
The park will also feature two of IMG Worlds’ proprietary brands: Legends of Arabia and Lost Valley – Dinosaur Adventure. IMG Worlds of Adventure is open. Adult ticket prices set at Dh300 ($82) and children at Dh250 ($68) for an all-day adventure offering access to over 20 signature rides and attractions, including live shows and a 5D cinema experience.