The owner of some of the country’s biggest theme parks has seen visitor numbers and revenue increase in the first half of the year – thanks to a host of new attractions.
Merlin Entertainments – which is the company behind Staffordshire’s and Surrey-based theme parks Thorpe Park and Chessington World of Adventures, welcomed more than 30 million visitors to its parks in the 26 weeks to June 29.
Revenue has also increased to £763 million during that period – compared to £706 million last year - while underlying operating profit has decreased to £79 million from £88 million.
Bosses say that organic growth can be attributed to ‘the continued roll out of new attractions and accommodation’ coupled with favourable trading at Easter.
During 2018/19 Merlin has seen 372 new rooms opened at Legoland Billund Resort, Gardaland Resort and at Alton Towers.
It has also seen eight new attractions open to date including two pilots of the new Peppa Pig World of Play in the US and the Alton Towers’ Dungeon.
Nick Varney, chief executive officer, said: “Group performance year to date has been broadly in line with our expectations in the seasonally quieter first half of the year, with 6.5 per cent organic revenue growth driven by a combination of like for like growth, continued contribution from new openings and the benefit of a diversified portfolio.”
In June, Merlin announced it is - the investment vehicle of Lego's founding family - and private equity firm Blackstone in a £5.6 billion deal that includes Thorpe Park.