By David J. Sangree, MAI, CPA, ISHC  November 2026 Every year, the TEA Global Experience Index (TEA Index) gives the industry benchmarks for which waterparks drew the biggest crowds in the previous year. The 2025 report, which was issued in the fall of 2026, provides estimates of attendance for the top 20 outdoor waterparks in

By: David J. Sangree, MAI, CPA, ISHC and Stephen Szczygiel, CHIA Surfing has re-entered the mainstream in recent years, driven by Olympic exposure, global media and the allure of engineered waves. With this increased popularity, it should be no surprise that surf parks have evolved in tandem, moving from training facilities into amenity additions that

By: Jason Sorci and Adam Zarczynski, CHIA The phrase “If you build it, they will come” has become part of the development lexicon, particularly for ambitious hospitality, resort, and entertainment projects. While memorable, it oversimplifies the realities of development. Successful projects are not the product of optimism alone. They are the result of disciplined planning,

This article explains the major components of a waterpark feasibility study that should be analyzed as part of determining the potential success of a waterpark project.

The waterpark industry continues to demonstrate resilience and steady expansion across the United States and Canada. Based on the national supply and performance data, as well as the feasibility studies Hotel & Leisure Advisors (H&LA) has completed over the past year for both existing and proposed indoor and outdoor waterpark properties, we see sustained developer

By: Kate Cheung, CHIA In 2025, the hospitality industry experienced a more normalized operating environment. Average daily rates grew modestly while overall occupancy softened, and demand remained stable amid rising operating costs and broader economic uncertainty. Several macro-level factors shaped hotel performance during the year. The implementation of new tariffs increased the cost of construction

David Sangree and Kate Cheung attended the World Waterpark Association Conference in Orlando this past October. The event drew strong attendance and featured a dynamic trade show showcasing the latest innovations and products shaping the waterpark industry. As part of WWA’s Waterpark Design, Development & Expansion Workshop, David and Kate presented an educational session on

At the 2025 IAAPA Expo, H&LA had great session from David Sangree and Placer.ai’s Elizabeth Lafontaine. The presentation highlighted the important role of reliable, actionable data in operations, marketing, and strategic planning for waterparks, FECs, and attractions. Thank you to Placer.ai for partnering with H&LA on this session. Understanding the Data A Breakdown of Attractions

By: Anthony DiPonio, CHIA Over the past several years, H&LA has seen increased interest from hotel owners, operators, and developers seeking ways to maximize the value of underutilized areas within their properties. As competition intensifies and guest expectations evolve, hotels recognize that unused or inefficient spaces represent an opportunity to enhance the guest experience, improve

By: Joseph Pierce, MAI Immersive experiences are not entirely new to hospitality and leisure—theme parks, destination hotels and resorts, and cultural attractions have long found ways to draw guests into unique worlds. What is changing is how properties are increasingly using technology to push those experiences further, creating spaces that blur the lines between the

Surf parks are no longer a novelty; they are redefining the surfing experience. What began as a niche attraction has surged more into the mainstream, driven by Olympic exposure,  global media, and the allure of perfectly engineered waves. With participation booming and surf parks offering consistent access, they are becoming more than training grounds. They

H&LA’s Adam Zarczynski presented at Building Epic Venues!, an economic and tourism development workshop hosted by American Resort Management in Grand Prairie, Texas. In his presentation, Adam shared H&LA’s distinctive approach to waterpark feasibility studies, offering developers key insights and practical strategies to lay the groundwork for successful waterpark projects. Click on the link below

By: David J. Sangree, MAI, ISHC In 2024, waterpark owners and operators continued to face a highly competitive market as new development continues across many regions in the U.S. and Canada. While the growth in total waterpark square footage in 2024 was less than 2023, 2024 saw more new guestrooms developed. Waterparks continue to face

As travel rebounds from the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, family travelers are increasingly seeking unique and memorable experiences when selecting a destination. While this trend is not new, it has gained momentum post-pandemic, as many travelers are opting for indoor waterpark resort getaways in addition to other travel. This increase in demand prompted action

As we enter 2025, we reflect on the hospitality industry in 2024, which has proven to be a dynamic and interesting year. Though many of the challenges facing the industry have carried forward into 2025, some will be less of a factor moving forward. For example, by year-end 2024, challenges such as the highest interest