Welcome from our CEO.
I am delighted to welcome you to the 2025 edition of the Experience UK Guide- now in its 17th year as the definitive resource for discovering world-class UK suppliers in the visitor experience sector.
This year’ s edition arrives at a pivotal moment for our industry. The global experience economy is experiencing unprecedented growth, with the Asia-Pacific( APAC) region leading the resurgence. International visitor arrivals to APAC are projected to reach 813.7 million by 2027, reflecting a robust recovery and highlighting the region’ s expanding appetite for innovative visitor experiences.
Simultaneously, the Middle East continues its ambitious transformation into a global tourism powerhouse. Strategic investments are fuelling the development of cutting-edge attractions, including the announcement of Disney’ s seventh global theme park in Abu Dhabi, underscoring the region’ s commitment to becoming a hub for immersive entertainment.
Closer to home, the UK is witnessing a renaissance in location-based entertainment. The sector is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 27.4 % from 2024 to 2030, reaching a market size of USD 1.63 billion. A landmark development in this space is the planned Universal Studios Great Britain in Bedford, set to open in 2031. This 700-acre theme park and resort complex is poised to attract 8.5 million visitors annually and generate nearly £ 50 billion for the UK economy by 2055.
The Experience UK Guide remains a vital tool for connecting UK expertise with international opportunities. It is extensively utilised by British Embassies, the Department for Business and Trade( DBT) representatives, and procurement professionals seeking trusted partners for cultural, leisure, and tourism projects. In 2024 alone, global procurement opportunities in this sector exceeded $ 121 billion, and the UK is uniquely positioned to meet this demand.
At Experience UK, we are proud to champion the remarkable talent and innovation within our membership. This edition features companies of all sizes- from agile creative studios to established global players- each contributing something distinctive to the evolution of visitor experiences worldwide.
Whether you are a developer, operator, consultant, or investor, I hope this Guide serves as a source of inspiration, insight, and connection as you shape the attractions and cultural destinations of tomorrow.
Thank you for exploring the best of what the UK has to offer.
Ian Clappison Chief Executive, Experience UK
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