LEISURE, THEME PARK SPENDING IN MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA LIKELY TO REACH $609MLN IN 2023

The data assumes significance as the UAE recently announced its ambitions on raising the tourist intake to 40 million per year with an investment of Dh100 billion. Spending on leisure, amusement and theme parks in the Middle East and Africa is expected to reach $609 million (Dh2.23 billion) in 2023, according to a recent report issued by International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, the global industry association. The data assumes significance as the UAE recently announced its ambitions on raising the tourist intake to 40 million per year with and investment of Dh100 billion. In this regard, widening the scope of leisure tourism and theme parks facilities is a key component. The recent agreement between Dubai Parks & Resorts to open a Real Madrid theme park needs to be seen in this context. Source: Zawya