Theme parks dominate highest grossing tourist attractions

Taj Mahal is among the top 10 highest grossing tourist attractions: in the world

Tourist attractions don’t just provide something fun to do for people visiting a new city or country; they are often a vital source of income for the economy, generating millions or even billions in revenue.

However, just how much do some of the world’s most popular tourist attractions make from ticket sales alone? The team at MoneyTransfers.com have taken publicly available data on the annual number of visitors to each of the top 50 most popular (paid) tourist attractions in addition to the average cost of a single adult ticket to calculate the highest grossing tourist attractions overall.

Key Findings:

1. Theme parks, perhaps unsurprisingly, dominate as the highest grossing tourist attractions, with the top three attractions all generating over £1bn annually on average.
2. The top five highest grossing attractions are all based in the US (with the fifth, Niagara falls, based in both the US and Canada), despite not being the most visited per year.
3. The most expensive tourist attraction, Universal Studios Hollywood, is estimated to be the second highest grossing attraction out of those analysed.

Jonathan Merry, resident travel expert at MoneyTransfers.com, says, “The cost of living crisis that millions of Brits have experienced over the last year has undoubtedly affected the amount of disposable income households have available to spend on attractions and activities. These figures clearly show, however, that amongst the most popular attractions are also some of the most expensive; indicating that millions of people are still willing to spend their hard-earned money for a well-deserved fun day out.”

Theme parks were, by far, the highest grossing tourist attractions in this analysis. When looking at the ticket price per person in comparison to other attractions, this is perhaps no surprise.

The top three highest grossing tourist attractions are all the most expensive per single ticket – with Disney’s Magic Kingdom, at the top of the list, also receiving the most visits per year.

Top 10 highest grossing tourist attractions:

1. Disney’s Magic Kingdom: £1,677,390,000.00
2. Universal Studios Hollywood: £1,374,576,000.00
3. Disney’s Hollywood Studios: £1,111,364,000.00
4. Universal Studios Florida: £963,522,500.00
5. Niagara Falls: £582,000,000.00
6. Disneyland Paris: £486,570,000
7. Palace of Versailles: £350,850,000.00
8. Sydney Opera House: £255,060,000.00
9. Taj Mahal: £203,400,000.00
10. Legoland Windsor: £158,400,000

The annual gross revenue is calculated based on ticket costs alone, multiplying the annual number of visitors to each attraction by the cost of a single, adult ticket. The figures are therefore an estimate as they do not account for concessions, children, and other discounts as well as other means of generating revenue.

Historical sites have lowest costs and revenue

At the other end of the scale, there are some of the UK’s most historical sites, with a number of castles and cathedrals featured as some of the most popular attractions. With lower costs for a ticket (making these sites accessible to most), there also comes a lower gross revenue from ticket sales. While of course, this means more people can experience Britain’s rich history, it also begs the question why theme parks are raking in so much money each year while cultural attractions pale in comparison.

Merry shares his four top tips for tourists looking to make the most of a vacation while also keeping spending on various attractions down:

1. Research and Plan Ahead: Start by researching ticket prices and available discounts. Many attractions offer reduced rates for specific groups like students or seniors. Additionally, consider combo tickets and online bookings for potential cost savings.

2. Timing Is Key: To save money and avoid crowds, aim to visit attractions during off-peak hours or seasons. Weekdays are usually more budget-friendly than weekends, and avoid peak times like holidays.

3. Pack Your Own Snacks and Water: Lower your expenses by bringing your own snacks and a reusable water bottle. Many attractions charge a premium for food and beverages. Look for designated picnic areas to enjoy your meals if outside food is permitted.

4. Explore Local Dining Options: If you’re interested in sampling local cuisine, consider dining at nearby restaurants outside the attraction. You’ll often find more budget-friendly options and get a taste of the local flavours while saving money.