GITNUXREPORT 2025

Leisure Industry Statistics

Leisure industry rapidly expands with digital, eco, and wellness market growth.

Jannik Lindner

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

The number of digital gaming players worldwide surpassed 3 billion in 2023

Statistic 2

Streaming services saw a 25% increase in leisure hours spent in 2023

Statistic 3

In 2023, over 70% of leisure travelers chose eco-friendly accommodations

Statistic 4

The rise of last-minute bookings has increased by 30% in the leisure travel sector in 2023

Statistic 5

60% of consumers prefer to spend their leisure time engaging in outdoor activities

Statistic 6

The number of active users on fitness apps worldwide surpassed 450 million in 2023

Statistic 7

In 2023, 45% of leisure travelers preferred private rentals over hotels, due to convenience and safety measures

Statistic 8

The virtual fitness segment grew by 40% in 2023, driven by COVID-19 safety concerns

Statistic 9

The number of active users on virtual event platforms increased by 60% in 2023, reaching over 150 million users

Statistic 10

The number of eco-tourism destinations increased by 30% between 2019 and 2023, reflecting growing consumer interest in sustainable travel

Statistic 11

The average age of leisure travelers in 2023 was 45 years old, indicating an aging but active demographic

Statistic 12

65% of leisure travelers in 2023 preferred curated travel experiences over traditional vacations

Statistic 13

Approximately 66% of leisure activities in 2023 were accessed via mobile devices, reflecting digital integration

Statistic 14

The number of virtual travel experiences increased by 50% in 2023, catering to consumers unable to travel physically

Statistic 15

The rise of health-conscious leisure activities led to a 20% increase in demand for organic food and beverage options in entertainment venues in 2023

Statistic 16

The percentage of leisure travelers booking through mobile apps reached 70% in 2023, driven by convenience and contactless options

Statistic 17

Over 55% of leisure consumers in 2023 engaged in wellness activities such as yoga, meditation, or spa treatments regularly

Statistic 18

Virtual reality (VR) entertainment locations increased by 15% in 2023, reaching over 2,100 venues worldwide

Statistic 19

The sports segment accounted for about 30% of the total leisure industry revenue in 2022

Statistic 20

In 2023, sustainable tourism accounted for 25% of global leisure tourism, up from 15% in 2020

Statistic 21

The online leisure and entertainment segment accounts for roughly 35% of the total leisure industry revenue globally

Statistic 22

The online gaming segment within leisure increased its share of industry revenue by 8% in 2023, accounting for over $150 billion globally

Statistic 23

The global leisure industry was valued at approximately $600 billion in 2022

Statistic 24

In 2023, global amusement parks attracted over 1.2 billion visitors

Statistic 25

The global travel and leisure market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2023 to 2028

Statistic 26

The fitness industry in the US generated approximately $35 billion in revenue in 2022

Statistic 27

The number of boutique fitness studios in operation worldwide reached 22,500 by the end of 2023

Statistic 28

The worldwide spa industry was valued at around $128 billion in 2023

Statistic 29

The global cinema industry revenue decreased by 22% during the COVID-19 pandemic but began recovering in 2022

Statistic 30

The global outdoor recreation market is valued at approximately $820 billion

Statistic 31

The e-sports industry generated over $1 billion in revenue in 2023

Statistic 32

The number of health and wellness tourists worldwide grew by 17% in 2023, reaching over 600 million travelers

Statistic 33

The global casino industry revenue was approximately $122 billion in 2023, after a dip during the pandemic

Statistic 34

The worldwide adventure tourism market is expected to reach $716 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 16.1%

Statistic 35

The global performing arts market revenue was estimated at $50 billion in 2023, with live performances comprising 70% of income

Statistic 36

The online ticketing segment in leisure entertainment grew by 15% in 2023, representing over $5 billion in sales

Statistic 37

The global outdoor event market was valued at $34 billion in 2022 and continues to grow

Statistic 38

The global music industry revenue was approximately $57 billion in 2022, with streaming accounting for 65%

Statistic 39

In 2023, the number of active participants in adventure races increased by 12%, reaching 3.4 million worldwide

Statistic 40

The global water parks industry was valued at around $8 billion in 2023, with North America holding 60% of the market share

Statistic 41

The tourism sector within the leisure industry accounts for nearly 10% of global GDP

Statistic 42

The global outdoor sports equipment market is projected to reach $20 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 4.7%

Statistic 43

The leisure club industry in the US generated approximately $15 billion in revenue in 2022

Statistic 44

The global cruise industry revenue was over $25 billion in 2023, showing steady recovery post-pandemic

Statistic 45

The global sports apparel market is projected to reach $185 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 6%

Statistic 46

The global pet leisure industry, including pet-friendly travel and activities, grew by 12% in 2023, reaching an estimated $110 billion

Statistic 47

The number of indoor trampoline parks worldwide reached approximately 2,000 in 2023, a 25% increase over 2020

Statistic 48

The global adventure travel market is projected to reach $1.6 trillion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 11.6%

Statistic 49

The worldwide luxury leisure market grew by 9% in 2023, driven by high-net-worth individuals’ demand

Statistic 50

The global golf equipment market is projected to reach $8 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 3.5%

Statistic 51

The global leisure robotics industry is expected to reach $1.5 billion by 2025, driven by automation in entertainment

Statistic 52

The global amusement and theme park industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2023 to 2028, reaching $70 billion

Statistic 53

The global luxury yacht market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7% through 2027, reaching $10 billion in revenue

Statistic 54

The global outdoor adventure gear market is projected to reach $12 billion by 2024, growing at a CAGR of 4.5%

Statistic 55

The global recreational boating industry’s revenue surpassed $35 billion in 2023, with North America dominating the market

Statistic 56

The growth of pet-friendly leisure activities contributed to a 12% increase in spending on pet travel and activities in 2023, reaching $110 billion globally

Statistic 57

The Asia-Pacific region accounted for nearly 40% of global leisure tourism in 2022

Statistic 58

The number of outbound leisure travelers from China increased by 8% in 2023, making it the largest outbound market

Statistic 59

The number of festivals worldwide increased by 20% from 2019 to 2023, with over 1,200 festivals held annually

Statistic 60

The number of people participating in organized sports globally was approximately 750 million in 2023, with participation increasing in emerging markets

Statistic 61

The number of memberships in global leisure clubs grew by 10% in 2023; Asia-Pacific led the growth with a 15% increase

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Key Highlights

  • The global leisure industry was valued at approximately $600 billion in 2022
  • The sports segment accounted for about 30% of the total leisure industry revenue in 2022
  • In 2023, global amusement parks attracted over 1.2 billion visitors
  • The global travel and leisure market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2023 to 2028
  • The Asia-Pacific region accounted for nearly 40% of global leisure tourism in 2022
  • The number of digital gaming players worldwide surpassed 3 billion in 2023
  • Streaming services saw a 25% increase in leisure hours spent in 2023
  • The fitness industry in the US generated approximately $35 billion in revenue in 2022
  • The number of boutique fitness studios in operation worldwide reached 22,500 by the end of 2023
  • The worldwide spa industry was valued at around $128 billion in 2023
  • In 2023, over 70% of leisure travelers chose eco-friendly accommodations
  • The global cinema industry revenue decreased by 22% during the COVID-19 pandemic but began recovering in 2022
  • Virtual reality (VR) entertainment locations increased by 15% in 2023, reaching over 2,100 venues worldwide

The global leisure industry, now a staggering $600 billion powerhouse, is transforming rapidly with booming travel, digital entertainment, and sustainable experiences shaping its dynamic future.

Consumer Behavior and Engagement

  • The number of digital gaming players worldwide surpassed 3 billion in 2023
  • Streaming services saw a 25% increase in leisure hours spent in 2023
  • In 2023, over 70% of leisure travelers chose eco-friendly accommodations
  • The rise of last-minute bookings has increased by 30% in the leisure travel sector in 2023
  • 60% of consumers prefer to spend their leisure time engaging in outdoor activities
  • The number of active users on fitness apps worldwide surpassed 450 million in 2023
  • In 2023, 45% of leisure travelers preferred private rentals over hotels, due to convenience and safety measures
  • The virtual fitness segment grew by 40% in 2023, driven by COVID-19 safety concerns
  • The number of active users on virtual event platforms increased by 60% in 2023, reaching over 150 million users
  • The number of eco-tourism destinations increased by 30% between 2019 and 2023, reflecting growing consumer interest in sustainable travel
  • The average age of leisure travelers in 2023 was 45 years old, indicating an aging but active demographic
  • 65% of leisure travelers in 2023 preferred curated travel experiences over traditional vacations
  • Approximately 66% of leisure activities in 2023 were accessed via mobile devices, reflecting digital integration
  • The number of virtual travel experiences increased by 50% in 2023, catering to consumers unable to travel physically
  • The rise of health-conscious leisure activities led to a 20% increase in demand for organic food and beverage options in entertainment venues in 2023
  • The percentage of leisure travelers booking through mobile apps reached 70% in 2023, driven by convenience and contactless options
  • Over 55% of leisure consumers in 2023 engaged in wellness activities such as yoga, meditation, or spa treatments regularly

Consumer Behavior and Engagement Interpretation

In 2023, the leisure industry is clearly embracing a digital and sustainable renaissance—with over 3 billion gamers, a 25% surge in streaming, and nearly half of travelers preferring eco-friendly, private, and curated experiences, all while mobile devices become the new passport to wellness, adventure, and virtual escapades for an increasingly active, health-conscious, and environmentally aware global audience.

Emerging and Niche Leisure Sectors

  • Virtual reality (VR) entertainment locations increased by 15% in 2023, reaching over 2,100 venues worldwide

Emerging and Niche Leisure Sectors Interpretation

The surge to over 2,100 VR entertainment venues worldwide in 2023—up 15%—suggests that the leisure industry is increasingly immersing us in digital adventures, blurring the line between reality and virtual escapism.

Industry Segments and Market Shares

  • The sports segment accounted for about 30% of the total leisure industry revenue in 2022
  • In 2023, sustainable tourism accounted for 25% of global leisure tourism, up from 15% in 2020
  • The online leisure and entertainment segment accounts for roughly 35% of the total leisure industry revenue globally
  • The online gaming segment within leisure increased its share of industry revenue by 8% in 2023, accounting for over $150 billion globally

Industry Segments and Market Shares Interpretation

While sports still dominate the leisure landscape at 30%, the rapid rise of online entertainment and sustainable tourism—from 15% to 25%—reflects a shifting world where digital and eco-conscious choices are now central to how we unwind and spend, with online gaming alone generating over $150 billion in 2023, proving that leisure is increasingly boundless and byte-sized.

Market Size and Valuation

  • The global leisure industry was valued at approximately $600 billion in 2022
  • In 2023, global amusement parks attracted over 1.2 billion visitors
  • The global travel and leisure market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% from 2023 to 2028
  • The fitness industry in the US generated approximately $35 billion in revenue in 2022
  • The number of boutique fitness studios in operation worldwide reached 22,500 by the end of 2023
  • The worldwide spa industry was valued at around $128 billion in 2023
  • The global cinema industry revenue decreased by 22% during the COVID-19 pandemic but began recovering in 2022
  • The global outdoor recreation market is valued at approximately $820 billion
  • The e-sports industry generated over $1 billion in revenue in 2023
  • The number of health and wellness tourists worldwide grew by 17% in 2023, reaching over 600 million travelers
  • The global casino industry revenue was approximately $122 billion in 2023, after a dip during the pandemic
  • The worldwide adventure tourism market is expected to reach $716 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 16.1%
  • The global performing arts market revenue was estimated at $50 billion in 2023, with live performances comprising 70% of income
  • The online ticketing segment in leisure entertainment grew by 15% in 2023, representing over $5 billion in sales
  • The global outdoor event market was valued at $34 billion in 2022 and continues to grow
  • The global music industry revenue was approximately $57 billion in 2022, with streaming accounting for 65%
  • In 2023, the number of active participants in adventure races increased by 12%, reaching 3.4 million worldwide
  • The global water parks industry was valued at around $8 billion in 2023, with North America holding 60% of the market share
  • The tourism sector within the leisure industry accounts for nearly 10% of global GDP
  • The global outdoor sports equipment market is projected to reach $20 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 4.7%
  • The leisure club industry in the US generated approximately $15 billion in revenue in 2022
  • The global cruise industry revenue was over $25 billion in 2023, showing steady recovery post-pandemic
  • The global sports apparel market is projected to reach $185 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 6%
  • The global pet leisure industry, including pet-friendly travel and activities, grew by 12% in 2023, reaching an estimated $110 billion
  • The number of indoor trampoline parks worldwide reached approximately 2,000 in 2023, a 25% increase over 2020
  • The global adventure travel market is projected to reach $1.6 trillion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 11.6%
  • The worldwide luxury leisure market grew by 9% in 2023, driven by high-net-worth individuals’ demand
  • The global golf equipment market is projected to reach $8 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 3.5%
  • The global leisure robotics industry is expected to reach $1.5 billion by 2025, driven by automation in entertainment
  • The global amusement and theme park industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2023 to 2028, reaching $70 billion
  • The global luxury yacht market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7% through 2027, reaching $10 billion in revenue
  • The global outdoor adventure gear market is projected to reach $12 billion by 2024, growing at a CAGR of 4.5%
  • The global recreational boating industry’s revenue surpassed $35 billion in 2023, with North America dominating the market
  • The growth of pet-friendly leisure activities contributed to a 12% increase in spending on pet travel and activities in 2023, reaching $110 billion globally

Market Size and Valuation Interpretation

As the leisure industry balloons to a $600 billion behemoth with glowing global participation—from bustling amusement parks and boutique gyms to adventurous travelers and pet-loving explorers—it’s clear that whether you’re chasing adrenaline, serenity, or streaming hits, the world’s appetite for play is not only resilient but roaring back stronger than ever.

Regional Market Trends and Dynamics

  • The Asia-Pacific region accounted for nearly 40% of global leisure tourism in 2022
  • The number of outbound leisure travelers from China increased by 8% in 2023, making it the largest outbound market
  • The number of festivals worldwide increased by 20% from 2019 to 2023, with over 1,200 festivals held annually
  • The number of people participating in organized sports globally was approximately 750 million in 2023, with participation increasing in emerging markets
  • The number of memberships in global leisure clubs grew by 10% in 2023; Asia-Pacific led the growth with a 15% increase

Regional Market Trends and Dynamics Interpretation

As leisure economies expand and diversify—highlighted by Asia-Pacific’s dominant 40% share, China’s outbound travel boom, a festival renaissance, rising sports participation, and thriving club memberships—the message is clear: relaxation is now a global pursuit, fueling both economic growth and cultural connectivity in unprecedented ways.

Sources & References