Vision article

Tomorrow's attraction, a vision of the future in the theme park industry

A 2035 vision dive into the sustainability, digital and inlcusivity transformation in the attraction industry

Several factors are influencing the theme park industry. There are multiple opportunities and trends to develop a better guest experience. By looking at these developments, a clear vision has been made: in 2035, the themepark industry will have sustainability as a standard, will be digital transformed and will focus more on social sustainability and inclusivity in all sectors.

Sustainability as a standard
Research shows that sustainability is becoming more important. Business strategies are beging remade towards sustainability (Anton Clave and company). For example in Six Flags where they produce 80-90% of the energy with the use of solar panels. This shows a proper development facing a reduce in energy use and costs. These kind of sustainable improvement help making the industry more sustainable in 2035. Fais, S. (2026d, January/February). Solar Six: How Six Flags harnesses the sun —Operator creates a win‑win strategy for generating renewable energy. Funworld, 42(1), 28.

Digital transformation
Research shows that the importance of media, information and digital fun is growing (Anton Clave, 2007). This digital transformation is a good way to improve the guest experience by personalizing it. A example of this is the new BES NV scoring and enterntainment system in the bowling industry. This is a system that is made to enhance immersive engagement. It allows guests so create personalized bowling caused by games, colered environments and themes. All designed to personalize the experience. Another example is the new AI assistant that uses benchmark data to disiplay the venue's performance. This will help the parks to personalize the booking systems by analying for example returning visitor data. This can result in a better personalized ticket system. Looking back at the vision; in 2035 the digital tranformation in the industry will make sure that the guest can enjoy a more personalized day because of digital improvements. Fais, S. (2026a, January/February). Tech Turnstile. Funworld, 42(1), 10–11.

Social sustainability and inclusivity
Social sustainability and inclusivity is all about making sure everyone can enjoy a day out. This means that for example people with mental or physical disabilities can enjoy a day out as much as other guests. In the attraction industry, several developments are being made to make sure that this is possible. A good example is Vekome Rides and Efteling who are experimenting with the new Seat-on-Wheels concept. The Seat-on-Wheels concept is a wheelchair-accessible ride seat for attractions, that allows guests using a wheelchair to experience the attraction. This system is made to make sure every theme park visit is possible for everyone. This example is in line with the 2035 vision, to develop a social sustainable and inclusive industry. Gilling, J. (2026b, January/February). Manufacturer & Supplier News. Funworld, 42(1), 23. In my opinion, all the sustainable, digital and social sustainable improvements are a very good way to improve the guest experience in a theme park. By improving the guest experience, return Page 2/4 - ATPM Y3 Vision Article - March 2026 (week 10) - Meintje Willemsens Feedback at question level Structure - 3 / 5 pt. Intro is underdeveloped/ SMART vision could be better formulated/ Conclusion is rather weak. Final statement could be more professional./ First section could be longer (too short compared to the rest). Content - 3 / 5 pt. Large portions of text lack substantiation, e.g.: This digital transformation is a good way to improve the guest experience by personalizing it. A example of this is the new BES NV scoring and enterntainment system in the bowling industry. This is a system that is made to enhance immersive engagement. It allows guests so create personalized bowling caused by games, colered environments and themes. All designed to personalize the experience. Another example is the new AI assistant that uses benchmark data to disiplay the venue's performance. --> Without proper referencing, these are unsupported claims! Language use - 3 / 5 pt. Some errors: “vision dive” is not natural English./“the sustainability, digital and inclusivity transformation” sounds grammatically awkward./ "For example in Six Flags where they produce 80-90% of the energy with the use of solar panels --> incomplete sentence? etc... APA 7 referencing - 1 / 3 pt. Incorrect APA citations: Fais, S. (2026a, January/February). Tech Turnstile. Funworld, 42(1), 10–11./ Fais, S. (2026d, January/February).(Anton Clave and company) End product - 1 / 2 pt. This article needs editing Grading instructions Structure (Number of points: 5) visits will incline and mouth to mouth promotion will grow, resulting in more revenue for the park. Next to that it is very positive that the industry keeps developing for a more inclusive world. Let's continue improving the industry for a healthier and more sustainable world.

Reference list
Anton Clavé, S., Böger, A., Carlà-Uhink, F., Clément, T., Freitag, F., Lukas, S. A., Mittermeier, S., Molter, C., Paine, C., Schwarz, A., Staszak, J.-F., Steinkrüger, J.- E., & Widmann, T. (2023). Industry: Global trends, players, and networks in the theme park industry. In F. Freitag et al., Key concepts in theme park studies (pp. 143–166). Springer Nature. Fais, S. (2026d, January/February). Solar Six: How Six Flags harnesses the sun — Operator creates a win‑win strategy for generating renewable energy. Funworld, 42(1), 28 Gilling, J. (2026b, January/February). Manufacturer & Supplier News. Funworld, 42(1), 23. Fais, S. (2026a, January/February). Tech Turnstile. Funworld, 42(1), 10–11