Recreation Global Market Report 2024

The recreation market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $1624.5 billion in 2023 to $1729.21 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.4%. The growth observed in the historical period can be linked to the availability of leisure time, economic conditions, demographic trends, urbanization, and government policies.

The recreation market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $2188.18 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be associated with virtual and augmented reality experiences, wellness, and mindfulness, sustainable recreation, personalized leisure experiences, and inclusive recreation. Key trends in the forecast period encompass outdoor adventure tourism, experiential tourism, digital detox retreats, culinary and food tourism, as well as community-based recreation programs.

The growth of the recreation market is supported by the stable economic growth projected in numerous developed and developing countries. For example, based on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) data, China's gross domestic product (GDP) increased from $17.75 trillion in 2021 to $18.1 trillion in 2022. Moreover, emerging markets and developing economies saw a growth of 3.9% in 2020, which further rose to 6.1% in 2022. Anticipated stable economic growth in end-user markets is expected to drive the market during the forecast period, with increased investments and consumer visits to recreation centers due to greater affluence.

The rising demand for experiential and adventure-based activities is poised to propel the recreation market's growth. Experiential and adventure-based activities involve hands-on experiences and challenges that foster personal growth and development. These activities contribute to learning new skills, enhancing self-awareness, and fostering positive relationships among participants. For instance, as of August 2021, Tripplo, a Sweden-based platform offering discount codes and travel tips, reported that 80% of tour operators engaged in adventure tourism, offering services in specialized sectors such as wildlife viewing activities and ecotourism. Therefore, the increasing demand for experiential and adventure-based activities serves as a driving force for the growth of the recreation market.

The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a significant constraint on the recreation market in 2020, as governments worldwide implemented lockdowns and travel restrictions, limiting the demand for services provided by these establishments. The pandemic, characterized by symptoms such as fever, cough, and breathing difficulties, led to the closure of recreational facilities such as amusement parks, museums, and casinos. Lockdown measures were enforced globally, impacting businesses throughout 2020 and into 2021. However, it is anticipated that the recreation market will recover from this unprecedented event across the forecast period, considering it as a 'black swan' event unrelated to ongoing market or global economic weaknesses.

Amusement parks are increasingly integrating virtual and augmented reality technology to offer customers an immersive experience. Virtual reality creates a computer-generated 3D environment that interacts with individuals, while augmented reality transforms the real world by incorporating virtual objects. These technologies are being applied in rides and theater-based attractions at amusement parks worldwide. For example, Plopsaland De Panne in De Panne, Belgium, features a new virtual reality wooden roller coaster named Heidi The Ride, boasting speeds exceeding 43 mph. SeaWorld has introduced the Kraken Virtual Reality Roller Coaster in Orlando, providing a jet skiing experience within the amusement park. Universal Studios incorporates augmented reality elements in The Walking Dead mazes.

Key companies in the recreation market are introducing innovative wearable devices such as the Linklet wearable wide-angle camera to stay competitive. The Linklet wearable wide-angle camera is an LTE-embedded, hands-free wearable designed to offer a first-person view for remote support and livestreaming during presentations, meetings, and fieldwork. Fairy Devices Inc., a Japan-based leader in industrial field digitalization solutions, launched this device in January 2022. Worn around the neck, it provides a super wide-angle view, ensuring steady video, and features five microphones for clear audio capture, even in open spaces. The device has direct connections to Zoom and Microsoft Teams, facilitating remote support.

Major companies operating in the recreation market report are The Hong Kong Jockey Club, The Walt Disney Company, China Sports Lottery, Cheil Jedang Corp., China Welfare Lottery, Sociedad Estatal Loterías y Apuestas del Estado S.A., Flutter Entertainment PLC, Cinemark Holdings Inc., Tabcorp Holdings Ltd., Cineworld Group PLC, Compagnie du Mont-Blanc S.A., Compagnie des Alpes S.A., Oriental Land Company Ltd., Hyland Ranch Inc., Cinplex Inc., Jelly Belly Candy Co., Gym Group PLC, City Sports & Recreation PLC, Club de Futbol Intercity SAD, Guangzhou Jinyi Media Corp. A, Guangdong Jinma Entertainment Corp. Ltd., Grupo Sports World S.A.B. de C.V., Creative China Holdings Ltd., China Tangshang Holdings Ltd., Herschend Family Entertainment Corp., Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Co., Guild eSports PLC, Country Club Hospitality & Holidays Ltd., Maruhan Corp., City Pulse Multiplex Ltd.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the recreation market in 2023. Eastern Europe is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the recreation market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the recreation market report are Australia; China; India; Indonesia; Japan; South Korea; Bangladesh; Thailand; Vietnam; Malaysia; Singapore; Philippines; Hong Kong; New Zealand; USA; Canada; Mexico; Brazil; Chile; Argentina; Colombia; Peru; France; Germany; UK; Austria; Belgium; Denmark; Finland; Ireland; Italy; Netherlands; Norway; Portugal; Spain; Sweden; Switzerland; Russia; Czech Republic; Poland; Romania; Ukraine; Saudi Arabia; Israel; Iran; Turkey; UAE; Egypt; Nigeria; South Africa.

The primary categories of recreation include amusements, arts, and sports. Sports services involve presenting live sporting events to a paying audience or managing entities such as golf courses, country clubs, skiing facilities, marinas, fitness and recreational sports centers, and bowling centers. Age groups targeted by these recreational activities range from 35 and younger to 35-54 and 55 and older. Various revenue sources, such as media rights, merchandising, tickets, and sponsorships, contribute to the diverse financial aspects of recreational activities.

The recreation market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides recreation market statistics, including recreation industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a recreation market share, detailed recreation market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the recreation industry. This recreation market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The recreation market includes revenues earned by entities by operating amusements facilities, operating facilities or providing services for cultural, entertainment, and recreational interests, providing live sporting events before a paying audience, and operating golf courses and country clubs, skiing facilities, marinas, fitness, and recreational sports centers, and bowling centers. Gambling, except casino hotels, can also be considered to be part of the recreation market. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.


The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.