COPENHAGEN: Legoland parks around the world are thriving, according to the financial results for the first half of 2016.
Revenue has increased by 11.1 percent compared to the same period last year, and the overall revenue for the UK-based Merlin Entertainment, who owns the parks, improved by 5.3 percent to 5 billion kroner.“However, 2016 has also brought some new challenges. Heightened security concerns, following attacks across Europe, have had an effect on city centre tourism, creating a challenging market and compounding an already difficult market in London,” stated Nick Varney, the CEO of Merlin Entertainment.
Although the Danish toy giant Lego sold Legoland to Merlin Entertainments in 2005, it owns shares in the visitor attractions group through its holding company Kirkbi.
There are currently 6 Legoland parks around the world, including the original one in Billund, Denmark.
Three brand new Legoland parks are on the way – one in Dubai, which opens this year; one in Japan, which is due to open in 2017; and one in South Korea, which will be ready for visitors in 2018.
Merlin Entertainment operates over 100 attractions in 23 countries, including Sea Life aquariums, Alton Towers waterpark and Madame Tussauds museums.
