IAAPA report shows strong growth and economic impact across Middle East and Africa attractions industry

Middle East, Africa (7 April 2026) – IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, has released its 2025 Middle East & Africa Economic Impact Study, which analyzes performance from the 2024 calendar year. The newly released data highlights the direct, indirect, and induced economic impact generated by attractions across markets within the Middle East and Africa region.

The new report provides in-depth analysis across seven attraction categories, leveraging the most recent full-year data from 2024: amusement and theme parks, water parks, entertainment centers, zoos and aquariums, museums and science centers, historical and cultural attractions, and natural, adventure, eco, and scenic attractions.

Entertainment centers accounted for the largest share of attractions at 42%, followed by museum and science centers at 25%, while natural, adventure, eco, and scenic attractions represented 11% of attractions across the 17 countries included in the report. The data underscores the region’s growing investment in diverse, experienced-driven attractions that appeal to both residents and visitors. 

Key Findings from IAAPA’s 2025 Middle East & Africa Economic Impact Study:

• Attractions in the region recorded 738 million visits in 2024

• Attractions generated $19.2 billion in direct revenue, directly supporting more than 520,000 jobs

• Including indirect and induced impacts, the total economic impact reached $40 billion in revenue, supporting more than 833,000 jobs

• Total employment income reached $10.3 billion

• Approximately $2.9 billion generated in overall tax revenue

Jakob Wahl, IAAPA President and CEO, stated:
“This report underscores the strength we are seeing from both operators and investors across the Middle East and Africa. Looking ahead, tourism recreation spending in the region is projected to grow by 19% by 2030, reaching $35.6 billion, reinforcing the long-term growth and opportunity in this market.”

Peter van der Schans, Executive Director and Vice President of IAAPA EMEA, added:

“Attractions are beyond places of entertainment — they are long-term investments that support local businesses, create career opportunities, and contribute to broader tourism ecosystems. As the region continues to invest in infrastructure and new developments, we expect the attractions industry to remain a significant driver of economic growth.”

Operators and manufacturers across the attractions industry continue to view the Middle East and Africa as a key market driven by investments in tourism infrastructure. There continues to be a high demand for quality entertainment and cultural experiences in the region, as the attractions industry brings everyone together.

For further insights or to request to view the 2025 Middle East & Africa Economic Impact Study, please contact [email protected]. 

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About IAAPA
IAAPA is a diverse and dynamic community of global attractions professionals. As the largest international trade association for permanently located attractions, IAAPA unifies the attractions community, connects people to learn and grow together, and strives to promote the highest professional standards for excellence and safety around the world.
 
Founded in 1918, IAAPA represents leading industry attractions and supplier companies, consultants, and individual members from more than 100 countries. Members include professionals from amusement parks, theme parks, attractions, water parks, resorts, family entertainment centers, zoos, aquariums, science centers, museums, cruise lines, manufacturers, and suppliers.
 
The association’s global headquarters and North America office are in Orlando, Florida, U.S. IAAPA also maintains offices in Brussels, Belgium; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Hong Kong SAR, China; Shanghai, China; and Mexico City, Mexico. 
 
Visit IAAPA.org or connect through IAAPA’s social media channels: @IAAPAHQ #IAAPA

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