As global travel momentum accelerates, the worldwide theme park and waterpark industry is experiencing a profound evolution. International operators are blending cutting-edge guest technology with immersive storytelling, all while shifting ride designs toward multi-generational accessibility.
During IAAPA Expo Europe 2026 in London, Dan Darcy, founder of Attractions Near Me Worldwide, met with Jakob Wahl, President and CEO of IAAPA, for an exclusive look into the industry’s future. Our executive interview focused on global destination travel dynamics, the role of digital apps in ride experiences, and how the IAAPA Foundation is creating pathways for the next generation of attraction designers.
Global Destination Travel & The Rise of “Coolcations”
Theme parks and waterparks remain a primary catalyst for international travel. From global entertainment hubs like Orlando and Paris to emerging leisure markets, flagship attractions drive destination choices for millions of travellers.
“First of all, attractions are the reason why people travel,” Wahl stated. “When you look at Orlando, when you look at Paris, it’s the attractions why people travel. But at the same time, we see so many different developments happening. We see a stronger tendency towards ‘coolcations’ – we see Nordic countries benefiting from that… People think twice about it and might be open to do a staycation when the offer is right.”
This shift towards “coolcations”, where families seek out temperate climates rather than traditional sweltering summer hotspots, highlights how fluid global tourism has become. However, the pulling power of world-class mega-resorts ensures that international hubs continue to see massive inbound tourist numbers year after year.
The Multi-Generational Coaster Revolution
While record-breaking gigacoasters and extreme thrill machines continue to capture global headlines, destination parks are increasingly prioritising multi-generational thrill rides that accommodate whole families together.
Wahl cited Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure at Universal Orlando Resort as a prime example of an attraction that perfectly balances high-energy propulsion with broad family accessibility, allowing adults, teenagers, and young children to share the exact same dynamic ride experience.
“Human beings are social… we want to do things together. This is where our attractions need to appeal to a broad audience,” Wahl explained. “Hagrid’s is definitely a ride which is thrilling, but still family-friendly so you can enjoy it… I did enjoy it with my five-year-old daughter.”
The IAAPA Tech Philosophy: “Technology Enhances, It Never Replaces”
As virtual queuing, artificial intelligence, and digital guest apps proliferate across global waterparks and theme parks, IAAPA’s leadership maintains a clear boundary regarding the role of digital innovation. It must support the physical environment, not overshadow it.
“Technology will not replace parks or attractions, it will enhance them,” Wahl noted. “People today have the expectation that everything is available all the time… A visit to an attraction used to be you go there and you leave. Now, you download the app beforehand, play games, buy tickets online. Then in the aftermath, you can keep pictures on the app… you extend the experience beyond the visit.”
- The Seamless Guest Journey: Digital systems excel when simplifying pre-visit planning, mobile food ordering, app-based queue monitoring, and post-visit photo access.
- Optional Layers: Advanced technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) overlay systems (like those championed at Europa-Park) work best as optional additional layers rather than mandatory replacements for a strong physical attraction.
- Back-of-House AI Maintenance: Behind the scenes, parks are increasingly utilising technology in maintenance areas and communication networks to improve operational flow and ensure higher mechanical reliability.
Executive Picks: World-Leading Attractions
When asked which global rides stand out as personal favourites, IAAPA’s CEO highlighted two distinct masterpieces of engineering and storytelling that showcase the very best of the global attractions industry:
- Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure (Shanghai Disneyland): Wahl described this as “probably the best ride I’ve ever done,” praising its incredible water ride mechanics, scale, and immersive dark ride storytelling.
- Lisebergbanan (Liseberg, Sweden): A classic family roller coaster designed by Anton Schwarzkopf that beautifully showcases how natural landscape integration can create a timeless ride experience.
Careers in Attractions: How Next-Gen Engineers Enter the Industry
For young enthusiasts, university students, and aspiring engineers seeking to break into theme park design and ride operations globally, Wahl outlined a clear starting path supported by IAAPA.
“Be curious, be passionate,” Wahl advised. “Join as a Young Professional, it’s actually very affordable. And the IAAPA Foundation… they actually do stipends for young people who want to enter the industry.”
Aspiring professionals looking to make their mark on the world stage can access career pathways, educational programmes, and international industry mentorship through the official IAAPA Young Professionals network and the IAAPA Foundation.
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