Six Flags has reported earnings for the first quarter of 2022, revealing that attendance increased by 25 percent compared to the same period in 2021.
In its financial results, Six Flags also said total revenue for the first quarter increased by $56m (68 percent) compared to the prior-year quarter. This was driven by higher attendance and guest spending.
The attendance jump was driven by increased operating days in Q1 2022 compared to the prior-year period, which was impacted by the pandemic.
“Six Flags has been quickly executing to improve the guest experience, improving ride throughput by increasing ride uptime and implementing single rider lanes on busy days; improving staffing and training of our team members; upgrading our park appearance, including our front gates, restrooms and restaurants; providing better food quality; and offering more guest amenities such as benches, shade structures, and children’s areas,” said Selim Bassoul, president and CEO of Six Flags.
Theme park industry recovering from pandemic
As most of its parks are not open in Q1, Six Flags lost $66 million during the three months ended 3 April 2022.
Bassoul added: “We have reoriented our culture to prioritize the guest in everything we do, and we fundamentally believe this will drive significant and sustainable long-term earnings growth.”
In the first quarter of 2022, the theme parks division of NBCUniversal brought in $1.6bn in revenue. The industry’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic “shows no signs of slowing down”, according to Comcast CEO Brian Roberts.
Cedar Fair reported record revenue of $193 million for the four-month period ended 1 May 2022, while SeaWorld’s theme parks enjoyed the highest first-quarter attendance since 2013.
Disney has also reported earnings for the second quarter of 2022, with revenue more than doubling to $6.7 billion in the parks, experiences and products segment during Q2 compared to the same period in 2021.
Images: Six Flags
