SeaWorld’s Price-Cutting Strategy Is Fueling a Comeback
Photo Credit: The Manta roller coaster is shown at SeaWorld Orlando in this promotional photo. SeaWorld reported higher attendance and revenue for the third quarter of 2018. SeaWorld Orlando / Jason Collier
Skift Take
SeaWorld is making theme park visitors an offer some apparently can't refuse: a good deal. With attendance continuing to rise and a slate of new attractions on the horizon, the operator might finally be leaving the bad times behind.
SeaWorld Entertainment is finding success with bargain hunters.
After years of consistently bad results, the theme park operator said Monday it has seen attendance and revenue climb for three quarters in a row.
One thing that isn't increasing: ticket prices. And that is one key to SeaWorld's recent overall improvement.
In a call with analysts Monday, interim CEO John Reilly referred to the company's "strategic pricing initiatives" as one of the reasons behind the third quarter's results, along with marketing efforts and the popularity of new rides, attractions, and events.
"We have continued to optimize and refine our pricing strategy over the course of this year to drive strong growth in total revenue," Reilly said. "And we are encouraged by the combination of strong attendance growth and our growth in total revenue per capita."
Attendance for the quarter that ended Sept. 30 increased nearly 10 percent t
