Global Scans · Leisure · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Online retailing will be one of the fastest growing channels between 2015 and 2019 as individuals do not have much time for leisure and seek convenience. Entertainment will continue to shift away from traditional broadcast media and print to reality augmented and deeply personalised content. The occupations with the largest new employment growth will be managers, professional and technical jobs, and caring and leisure occupations. Many middle-class professionals will be outsourced to machines within the next few decades leaving workers with more leisure time than they have ever experienced.

• [New] An entertainment city the size of an entire metropolitan area, capable of welcoming 17 million visitors annually, is a bet that the new generation of Saudis (70% of whom are under 35) will not accept the traditional lifestyle. Invest Global - Saudi Arabia
• [New] Selected athletes will be integrated into the national sports ecosystem, helping India build a strong sporting culture and future international-level athletes. Guidely
• [New] Consumer prices for recreation and culture services have increased, driven by higher energy costs, labour shortages, and supply chain disruptions. Market Data Forecast
• The development of metaverse-based leisure platforms could allow global audiences to explore European landmarks remotely, creating new revenue channels through virtual ticket sales and digital merchandise. Market Data Forecast
• The convergence of advanced digital technologies with Europe's unparalleled cultural heritage offers a lucrative opportunity to create immersive and interactive leisure experiences that attract tech-savvy tourists and locals alike. Market Data Forecast
• 74.8% of respondents plan to participate in ice - and snow-related leisure activities during the 2025-2026 winter season, while 50.5% expect to travel long distances specifically for winter tourism. TravelMole
• The In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) business will continue its recovery, driven by Thales' innovative solutions for airlines such as FlytEdge. Finanzwire
• By 2026, XR is expected to go far beyond entertainment, becoming part of many people's daily routines in areas like work, shopping, and education. IPv6.net
• Based on a national survey of 1,500 active U.S. leisure travelers, more than half have already altered travel plans due to extreme weather; nearly 70% expect to do so regularly in the future. Morningstar, Inc.
• Airlines segment RASK grew 6.4% year-over-year in the first half of 2026, surpassing guidance of 3-5% on stronger-than-expected leisure demand and commercial transformation. / Australia usfunds
• The tragic deaths of the British skiers in the French Alps serve as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with extreme sports, particularly in the context of changing weather patterns and avalanche risks. Westbridge Insight
• The global fantasy sports industry is growing at a fast pace and will continue to do so because of macro and digital factors. Troniex Technologies
• As China continues to invest in its winter sports infrastructure, the impact on the local and national economy is expected to grow. Travel And Tour World
• China will continue to foster the sports event economy. Big News Network.com
• Global women's sports revenue is projected to exceed $2.35 billion in 2025, up from $692M in 2022 - a 240% increase in four years. CMMedia by Carrie A. Mitchell

Last updated: 25 March 2026