How can a resort make better use of unused land?
Resorts can make better use of unused land by developing outdoor adventure attractions such as ropes courses, zip lines, and net adventures. These installations transform underperforming areas into active revenue-generating zones that improve guest satisfaction, increase length of stay, and create a compelling reason for visitors to return. The questions below unpack exactly how that works in practice.
What types of outdoor attractions work best on underused resort land?
The outdoor attractions that work best on underused resort land are ropes courses, zip lines, and net adventures. These formats are highly adaptable to different terrain types and scales, require relatively modest footprints, and deliver strong guest engagement across age groups. They convert passive green space into active, memorable experiences without requiring permanent, heavy infrastructure.
The right choice depends on the land’s natural characteristics. Wooded areas are well suited to treetop ropes courses that use existing trees as anchor points. Open hillside terrain lends itself to zip line runs that offer panoramic views and a genuine adrenaline rush. Flat or irregular terrain can accommodate net adventures, which are suspended, multi-level play and exploration structures that work for guests of all fitness levels.
A combination of formats often delivers the strongest results. A resort that layers a beginner ropes course with a more challenging zip line circuit and a family-friendly net structure creates a tiered offering that keeps different guest segments engaged, from young children to experienced thrill-seekers.
How much revenue can adventure attractions add to a resort?
Adventure attractions can add a meaningful secondary revenue stream to a resort by generating direct ticket income, increasing average spend per guest, and extending the average length of stay. Unlike passive amenities such as a swimming pool, adventure attractions carry a ticket price that guests willingly pay for a high-value experience, turning previously idle land into a consistent income source.
Revenue impact comes from several directions at once. Guests who have more to do on-site spend more time at the resort, which supports food and beverage sales, accommodation bookings, and repeat visits. Adventure attractions also differentiate a resort in a competitive market, which supports higher room rates and stronger occupancy. When the attraction is positioned correctly, it becomes a reason guests choose the resort in the first place rather than a bonus they discover on arrival.
A well-structured business plan, developed before construction begins, allows resort operators to model projected returns based on guest volumes, ticket pricing, and operational costs. This approach makes it possible to evaluate the investment with confidence rather than guesswork.
What land conditions are needed for a zip line or ropes course?
Zip lines and ropes courses can be built on a wide range of land conditions. Zip lines benefit from elevation changes, open corridors, and sufficient distance between anchor points, but they do not require dramatic terrain. Ropes courses work in forested areas, open fields, and even indoor environments. The most important factor is a thorough site assessment to match the design to what the land naturally offers.
Soil stability, tree health, slope gradient, and proximity to guest facilities all influence the design approach. A site with mature trees in good health is ideal for a treetop course because the trees serve as structural elements. Sites without suitable trees can use purpose-built poles and frames, which gives designers full control over the layout regardless of the natural environment.
A professional site evaluation identifies the best configuration for each specific location and flags any constraints early. This prevents costly redesigns later and ensures the final attraction fits naturally into the resort’s existing landscape rather than looking imposed on it.
How do resorts keep adventure attractions safe and compliant?
Resorts keep adventure attractions safe and compliant by building to recognized international safety standards, conducting regular inspections, and training operational staff properly. In Europe and many international markets, the relevant benchmarks are EN and ISO standards for adventure park infrastructure. Compliance with these standards is not optional; it is the foundation of safe operation and protects both guests and the resort from liability.
Safety is built into the attraction at three stages. First, during design and engineering, where load calculations, material specifications, and structural tolerances are established. Second, during construction, where qualified technicians install each component to specification. Third, during ongoing operation, where scheduled inspections and maintenance protocols keep every element within safe parameters.
Staff training is equally important. Guests need clear briefings, properly fitted equipment, and trained supervisors who can respond quickly if something goes wrong. Resorts that treat safety as an operational discipline rather than a one-time certification exercise maintain strong safety records over time and build guest confidence in the attraction.
Can adventure attractions be built without harming resort nature?
Yes, adventure attractions can be built without harming resort nature when the right construction techniques are used. Sustainable fastening methods allow trees to be used as structural anchor points without cutting into bark or restricting growth. The trees continue to grow naturally, and the attachment points are designed to accommodate that growth over time. This approach protects the resort’s natural environment while still delivering a high-quality adventure experience.
Beyond tree-friendly fastening, thoughtful route design minimizes ground disturbance. Platforms, walkways, and zip line corridors can be planned to avoid sensitive root zones, preserve undergrowth, and maintain the visual character of the landscape. For resorts that have invested in their natural surroundings as part of their brand, this matters as much as the attraction itself.
Net adventures and zip line installations designed with sustainability in mind often become a point of pride for resorts, demonstrating to environmentally conscious guests that the property takes its ecological responsibilities seriously. Nature and adventure are not opposites; when designed well, they reinforce each other.
When is the right time for a resort to invest in adventure infrastructure?
The right time to invest in adventure infrastructure is when a resort has underused land, a guest base that would engage with outdoor activities, and a clear business case that supports the investment. Resorts that are experiencing flat occupancy growth, declining repeat visit rates, or competitive pressure from properties with more diverse activity offerings are particularly well positioned to benefit from adding adventure attractions.
Timing also relates to the development cycle of the resort itself. New builds have the advantage of integrating adventure infrastructure into the master plan from the start, which simplifies construction logistics and often reduces costs. Established resorts can retrofit adventure attractions into existing green space, though this requires more careful site planning to work around existing structures and guest flows.
Seasonal considerations matter too. Resorts in markets with defined peak seasons benefit from attractions that extend the active season by giving guests a reason to visit in shoulder periods. A well-designed adventure park can shift a resort from a summer-only destination to a year-round one, which has a significant impact on annual revenue.
How we help resorts develop unused land into adventure destinations
At Funcha, we work with resorts worldwide to turn underperforming land into high-impact adventure experiences that guests genuinely love. With more than 35 years of experience in designing, engineering, and building outdoor adventure parks, we bring a full-service approach to every project:
- Custom design: Every attraction is built to fit the specific terrain, brand identity, and guest profile of the resort, whether that is a coastal landscape, tropical forest, or mountain setting.
- ROI planning: Before construction begins, we help you build a business case with realistic projections so the investment makes financial sense from day one.
- Sustainable construction: We use tree-friendly fastening techniques that protect your natural environment while delivering structurally sound, long-lasting installations.
- Safety and compliance: All attractions are engineered and built to EN and ISO safety standards, with ongoing support for inspections and maintenance.
- Full-service delivery: From initial site assessment through to opening day and beyond, we manage the entire process so your team can focus on running the resort.
If you have land that is not working hard enough for your resort, we would like to help you change that. Get in touch with our team to discuss what is possible on your site.