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SeaWorld encouraged by rise in attendance
SeaWorld has shown the biggest sign yet that it may be turning around its fortunes.
Attendance numbers and profit are up at SeaWorld parks in the first half of 2018.
Second quarter attendance to SeaWorld theme parks rose nearly 5% while revenue increased by $18.2 million.
The company’s share price was up by more than 18%.
New rides and attractions have helped to propel improved performance, said interim CEO John Reilly.
"We are pleased with our strong second quarter financial results and the continued momentum we see in the business. The results were driven by our new strategic pricing strategies, new marketing and communications initiatives and the positive reception of our new rides, attractions and events," he said in a statement.
"As we enter the last few weeks of our peak summer season, we are encouraged that year-to-date results through July for attendance, season pass sales and total revenue have remained strong."
The company has suffered since the 2013 documentary ‘Blackfish’ and in 2016 said it would end its killer whale program and the use of the marine animals for entertainment purposes.
Thomas Cook confirmed last month that it would stop selling tickets to Seaworld, and to Tenerife’s Loro Parque, from summer 2019 following pressure from animal rights groups and customers over animal welfare.
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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.
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