LEISURE DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS
Trusted. Objective. Insightful.
Introduction
Leisure Development Partners( LDP) is a specialist consulting firm focused on the feasibility, economics and strategy of leisure, entertainment and cultural destinations.
The Economics of Accommodation at Attractions
Working across attractions and hospitality globally, the team provides feasibility studies, performance improvement and strategy to operators and developers. A core area of expertise is understanding how attractions and accommodation can be planned together to strengthen both the guest experience and commercial performance.
Accommodation has formed part of the attraction landscape for decades. Disney hotels opened alongside Disneyland in 1955 and at Walt Disney World in 1971, while the UK’ s first purpose-built theme park hotel launched at Alton Towers in 1996. Since then, accommodation has expanded well beyond theme parks, becoming an integral component of water parks, zoos and safari parks, adventure destinations and heritage sites.
Why Accommodation Works for Guests
Successful attractions offer more than rides and exhibits- they offer experiences that build an emotional connection with guests. Onsite accommodation allows that experience to extend beyond opening hours, whether through highly themed hotels, unique room concepts or direct physical integration with the attraction. Resort hotels at theme park destinations illustrate how themed environments deepen engagement, while safari lodges and experiential stays create propositions that cannot be replicated offsite.
Convenience is equally important. Staying onsite removes friction from the visit, eliminating daily travel and simplifying logistics. For families and groups in particular, this creates a sense of ease and containment that transforms a day visit into a seamless short break.
Added benefits – such as early access, bundled tickets, integrated transport or priority experiences – further reinforce the value of staying onsite. Collectively, these elements create a compelling offer: a high quality, low effort leisure break centred on experience rather than planning.
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