Merlin Entertainments has announced an eight per cent rise in revenues for 2023, alongside a new investment.
A total of 62 million guests, an increase of seven million from the previous years, visited attractions across Merlin brands.
Group revenues rose to £2.1bn and adjusted EBITDA to £662m.
Merlin also announced the acquisition of the Orlando Wheel at Icon Park in Florida, US, which is the tallest observation wheel on the US’ east coast and is co-located with Merlin’s existing Sea Life aquarium and Madame Tussauds attraction. Now to be rebranded as “Orlando Eye,” the company says it will strengthen its presence in the US tourist gateway hub.
The acquisition now gives Merlin 141 attractions across 23 countries.
Scott O’Neil, CEO of Merlin Entertainments, said: “Our solid financial performance is a testament to the passion of our 30,000 talented teammates around the world and the authentic, inspiring culture in which we work.
“We intend to continue our growth momentum by driving an increasingly premium position at Legoland Resorts, making calculated investments in resorts with outsized potential and growing our Gateway Attractions division, strengthening our presence through mega-clusters in the world’s most important tourist cities that show long-term visitation growth.”
