SeaWorld has once again attributed a drop in attendance at its theme parks to adverse weather in its third-quarter earnings report.
“We are pleased to report another quarter of solid financial results despite the impact of unusual and significantly adverse weather in our peak operating season across most of our markets,” said Marc Swanson, CEO of SeaWorld Entertainment. Â
In Q3 2023, SeaWorld said attendance was 7.1 million visitors, a decline of 2.8 percent from the same period in 2022. Total revenue was $548.2 million, a decrease of $17m (3 percent) from the third quarter of 2022.
“Our attendance levels are still below the total attendance levels we achieved in 2019 and well below our historical high attendance of approximately 25 million guests recorded in 2008,” Swanson added.
In its financial results, SeaWorld also reported net income of $123.6m – a decrease of $11m (8.2 percent) from the third quarter of last year. Adjusted EBITDA was $266.4m, a decrease of $7.8m (2.8 percent) from Q3 2022.
“We have made significant investments in our business this year and will continue to make investments to improve the guest experience, allowing us to generate more revenue and make us a more efficient and profitable business – we expect these investments to yield highly attractive returns,” said Swanson.
New attractions for SeaWorld parks
“And, we are planning new initiatives for next year that will make us an even stronger, more profitable and more resilient business that we expect will ultimately lead to meaningful increases in shareholder value.”
SeaWorld’s new rides and attractions for 2024 include the Penguin Trek launch coaster in Orlando, a jellyfish experience at SeaWorld San Diego, and the Catapult Falls launched flume coaster at SeaWorld San Antonio.
Additionally, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will add the Phoenix Rising suspended coaster, while Busch Gardens Williamsburg will debut the restored Loch Ness Monster coaster.
Images courtesy of SeaWorld
