SeaWorld Entertainment has confirmed declines in attendance and revenue in its official financial results for the second quarter of 2023.
In Q2 2023, the company welcomed around 6.1 million guests, a decrease of approximately 125,000 guests when compared to the second quarter of 2022.
SeaWorld has attributed this to adverse weather, including unusually hot and cold weather, rain, and the Canadian wildfires, across most of its markets and during peak visitation periods.
“We are pleased to report another quarter of solid financial results despite the impact of significantly adverse weather, in-park venue closures and related disruptions due to construction delays and a shift in the timing of the opening of new rides during the quarter,” said Marc Swanson, SeaWorld CEO.
Q2 results due to adverse weather
“Our results during the second quarter further underscore the resiliency of our business, the effectiveness of our strategy and the tireless efforts of our outstanding team.”
Total revenue in the second quarter was $496 million, a decrease of $8.8m (1.7 percent) from the same period last year. This was due to lower attendance at SeaWorld’s parks.
Net income in Q2 2023 was $87.1m, a decrease of $29.6m (25.3 percent) from Q2 2022, and adjusted EBITDA was $224.2m, a decrease of $10.2m (4.4 percent) from last year’s second quarter.
“During the quarter, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi opened, the first SeaWorld park outside of the United States,” Swanson added
“We are really proud of this park, happy to see attendance well ahead of expectations to date and excited for what this park will deliver over time.”
As well as its new theme park in the UAE, the company has launched several coasters and rides in the US, including Pipeline: The Surf Coaster at SeaWorld Orlando, DarKoaster at Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Arctic Rescue at SeaWorld San Diego.
“We have made significant investments in our business this year and will continue to make investments to improve the guest experience, allow us to generate more revenue and make us a more efficient and profitable business – we expect these investments to yield very attractive returns.”
