SeaWorld attendance, revenue still sinking
Following another steep drop in SeaWorld’s quarterly earnings, the post-‘Blackfish’ impact is still being heavily felt at its destination attractions.
However, the company’s non-SeaWorld parks performed well said CEO Jim Atchison, describing it as ‘a tale of two cities.’
SeaWorld owns Busch Gardens, Aquatica and Discovery Cove which did well, he said, but not enough to halt a third-quarter net income fall of 28%.
In its quarterly report the company said it is still being hurt by a ‘combination of factors including negative media attention in California along with a challenging competitive environment, particularly in Florida.’
Attendance fell by half a million people during the quarter, compared to 2013.
"We are executing a cost savings plan that is expected to deliver approximately $50 million of annual cost savings by the end of 2015," Atchison said in a document sent to SeaWorld investors.
The SeaWorld brand also plans to ramp up advertising spend.
In San Diego, a campaign will continue to focus on conservation efforts, while in fiercely competitive Orlando, marketing will emphasize its theme park style attractions such as the Manta and Kraken roller coasters.
Atchison also revealed a few more details about international expansion plans away from the glare of the ‘Blackfish’ outcry.
"The first phase of the project is expected to open in 2020 and we also continue to work with Village Roadshow Theme Parks on development opportunities in Asia and other international markets," he said.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps