Katapult 2030 Trends Report charts future for themed entertainment industry

A newly released report from UK-based themed attractions, experiences and destinations design team Katapult has looked at how consumer behaviour megatrends will change the themed entertainment industry over the next five years.

The six-month study, which included surveys and interviews with theme park ‘superfan’s, industry experts, and the general public, has this year included a foreword by TEA (Themed Entertainment Association) Master, Björn Heerwagen.

Heerwagen notes “the industry is in a great spot for innovation, but with that innovation comes the need for careful balancing - of technology, guest experience, and staying attuned to shifting behaviours.

“Understanding the evolving desires of visitors, embracing technology in a mindful way, and staying relevant to both nostalgia and new trends will help attractions thrive over the next several years.”

The Leisure and Attractions Trends Report 2030 identifies:

Megatrend 1 - Powered-up people
AI advancements, ageing populations and consumer demand for immortality is fuelling a resurgence of people power. Whether bio-hacking through neo-diets or entrenching artificial intelligence into the everyday, people want to leverage their lifestyle above the ordinary in search of both efficiency and joyfulness. This is driving a significant increase in guest expectation and personalisation, which themed attractions are yet to understand.

Megatrend 2 - Living leisure
Good times will always be just around the corner. Retail’s ‘glocalisation’ trend will bleed into leisure and see the most immersive experiences arrive in every major city. For those families wanting to take a step further, semi-permanent living options will be available at your favourite theme parks, attractions and resorts.

Megatrend 3 - Kappa-maniacs
Sustainability and global warming have spiked the desire to change the world for the better. Protection of nature’s existence now will be looked upon as a watershed moment in years to come. A collective of activists are targeting a recovered world in time for Generation Kappa in 100 years time.

Megatrend 4 - Deep time
Moving beyond surface-level nostalgic content from 1980s movies and 1990s music scenes, people want to explore the past with more clarity. Romanticised views on ancient eras will come to the fore, alongside historic stories untold for a generation. Has life ever been better? People will look beyond contemporary history for perspective and opinions, driven by a desire to understand and maintain traditional values.

Megatrend 5 - Omni content
2030 will see iconic live moments bombard our social media feeds, and more TV shows and online games transform into bricks-and-mortar experiences. This is the commercial fight for guests' attention, as organisations seek to ‘be everything’ and ‘be for everyone’ at the same time.

Within the report, Katapult Chief Executive and co-founder, Dawn Foote stated “consumers want to see an appreciation of the natural world around them, driving interest in sustainability as a topic, but also expecting adherence to new building practices, to make a better future for all.

“Guests want to feel active in the world’s solution towards sustainability, while having fun at the same time. We understand what is required to create destinations befitting of the future.”

Looking at the potential for museums and heritage attractions, Katapult Creative Strategy Director, Kelly Herrick added “history will become more than dusty facts and figures, guests will want to not only see themselves in history they will want to live it.

“Reimagined stories and a less traditional point of view will appeal to new audiences where fantasy and fact collide as we search for meaning, optimism and a better future.”

Click here to view the full report, which includes survey results, expert interviews, and statistics on the megatrends.