The company that owns Alton Towers, Madame Tussauds and Legoland is showing buoyant trading figures, reporting a 6.5% rise in visitor numbers to 41 million for 2010.
Merlin Entertainments reported underlying profits of 8.5% and attributed the healthy figures to the opening of news rides and more visitors choosing to stay overnight at attractions.
The group is confident about the year ahead with the impending opening of Atlantic Submarine Voyage at Legoland Windsor and the opening of Legoland Florida in October.
Chief executive Nick Varney said: “We are now approaching the start of our key trading period in confident mood. We have an impressive pipeline of new developments across all of our existing attractions.
"While the outlook for the consumer economy remains uncertain, we believe Merlin will make further good progress and continue to grow."
By Dinah Hatch
