YouGov study finds one in five Saudi Arabian residents choose theme parks as their preferred leisure destination

YouGov study finds one in five Saudi Arabian residents choose theme parks as their preferred leisure destination

A study of how Saudi Arabian residents prefer to spend their out-of-home free time has found that one in five choose amusement and theme parks as their go-to leisure destination.

Conducted by YouGov, the report found visiting theme parks has become one of the most popular leisure activities for Saudi residents, with 20% of those surveyed reporting they regularly spend their free time at such attractions.

The data shows 59% prefer local theme parks while 60% are willing to travel far for new attractions.

This demand comes amid significant transformation in Saudi Arabia’s entertainment and leisure sector, reflecting the kingdom’s broader efforts to improve the quality of life for residents and boost tourism in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 strategy.

YouGov found that motivations for visiting theme parks included quality dining options and new attractions. Nearly 70% of respondents agreed that theme parks must have high-quality food services.

The primary source of what visitors spend on for amusement parks include ticket sales, merchandise, food and beverages and other related offerings. Nearly half the respondents said that they would visit the gift shop when visiting the theme park.

Consumer spending at theme parks and related destinations in the MENA region is projected to grow at an annual rate of 10.9%, according to a report by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA).

While the outlook for consumer spending at theme parks looks strong, nearly 60% of the Saudi respondents agreed that entry and tickets to attractions are too expensive in the Kingdom.

Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority issued licenses for more than 24 theme parks and 421 entertainment centers to diversify and boost tourism as outlined in the Saudi Vision 2030.

Most recently, it was announced that the world’s first Dragon Ball theme park will be built in Qiddiya in Saudi Arabia.

Image: The Al Hokair Land theme park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.