Forbes Magazine Honors Europa-Park as One of the Fastest-Growing Theme Parks in the World

Europa-Park has made international headlines. The US business magazine Forbes has recognized the theme park in Rust, Baden, in a recent article as one of the fastest-growing theme parks in the Western Hemisphere. The recognition is based on a study by the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA), which examined visitor growth among the world’s 25 busiest theme parks between 2005 and 2024. With a strong increase of 57 percent, Europa-Park secured fifth place – and is the only owner-operated park in this ranking.

The Forbes article highlights the innovative strength and strategic vision of the Europa-Park Erlebnis-Resort. “The Europa-Park has gained popularity by masterfully shaping regional destination tourism and presenting a unique program of attractions and shows,” Forbes states. What began as a popular day-trip destination has developed over the decades into one of Europe’s leading theme park resorts.

Today, the Erlebnis-Resort includes, in addition to Germany’s largest theme park, one of Europe’s largest water worlds, six themed hotels and Silver Lake City with its Western Houses, Tipi Town, as well as camping and caravanning options. On top of that comes the culinary innovation Eatrenalin. The expansion of Silver Lake City brings further projects: the Riverside Western Lodge with 119 rooms, its own brewery and the social project “Europa-Park Kinderhaus Kleine Helden” will open soon.

Europa-Park has already been awarded the Golden Ticket Award as “Best Theme Park in the World” ten times by the trade magazine Amusement Today. The recognition by Forbes once again underscores the strong international position of the Mack family business and its importance in the global theme park industry.

Owner Roland Mack looks back with pride on the development: “Last year we celebrated the 50th anniversary of Europa-Park. With passion, innovative strength, and great attention to detail, we have followed a vision since 1975. In doing so, we have never compromised on quality and have always placed the experience of our guests at the center. The smile on the faces of the visitors when I walk through the park every day is for me the most beautiful proof that we have done many things right over the past five decades. This fills me with great joy and pride and motivates my family and our employees to give their best every day. Perhaps that is exactly the great secret of a family business in its eighth generation in the international world of theme parks.”