In an industry where data often hides behind turnstiles and ticket stubs, a bold new voice has emerged to pull back the curtain on Asia’s booming attractions market.
This week, Leisure Development Partners (LDP)—a global heavyweight in visitor attractions strategy—launched The Experience Economist, an ambitious new publication dedicated to decoding the economics behind theme parks, attractions, and the wider experience economy. The inaugural edition zeroes in on the Asia-Pacific region, and its timing is no accident: it coincides with IAAPA Expo Asia 2025 in Shanghai, one of the most significant gatherings of attractions professionals in the world.
At its core, The Experience Economist is much more than a market report. It’s a sweeping analysis of how visitor attractions drive not just entertainment, but also economic growth, urban development, and cultural vitality. Powered by LDP’s proprietary data and decades of experience advising projects around the globe, the report offers a deep dive into development patterns, market dynamics, and the economic scale of attractions across Asia.
What makes this publication stand out is its blend of rigorous analysis and human insight. “This series goes beyond numbers,” says James Kennard, Partner at LDP. “It tells the story of how attractions shape economies, cities, and human connection.” Indeed, that’s precisely what the attractions industry needs right now: a narrative that combines cold, hard data with the emotional resonance of shared experiences.
Asia is a fitting launchpad for this new initiative. It’s the world’s fastest-growing region for theme parks and entertainment destinations, driven by rising middle classes, urbanization, and a strong appetite for immersive experiences. As LDP Senior Partner Yael Coifman puts it, “Asia is one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving markets in the world.”
LDP has promised that The Experience Economist will be a recurring publication, with future editions set to spotlight other regions around the world. In an era where the visitor economy is under increasing pressure to prove its value—to investors, governments, and the public—this publication couldn’t come at a better time.
For those shaping the future of leisure and tourism, The Experience Economist isn’t just another report—it’s essential reading.
You can read the full APAC edition here.
