Articles tagged “seaworld”

Bring it on, 2014.

Theme parks may be able to increase revenue by hiking admission and entertainment costs once visitors are inside the parks, but the theme parks will be losers in the end if they don't find a way to win back their core youth audience.

Seaworld doesn’t need any more promotion with visitors already pouring in and profit expectations high; however, the new livery gives Southwest the opportunity to show customers its fun side amidst criticisms of the airline’s rising fees.

A single themed ride is no longer enough to drive a family to Orlando so parks are rolling out entire lands that generate buzz and ultimately increase visitors at all friendly-family attractions in the region.

This is a big outcome for Blackstone, the PE firm that owns SeaWorld. But the attractions company, which has seen good growth over the last year, is still vulnerable to larger ups and downs of economy and how that affects how people view destination travel as part of their plans.

Blackstone's ability to make smart bets on the travel industry should have hotel brands considering why they're selling assets to the group rather than copying its strategies.

There's still time for Blackstone to accept a buyout bid before SeaWorld hits the public markets. Private-equity backed IPOs are currently in vogue so that has given Blackstone more confidence.

Like Travelport and Orbtiz Worldwide, SeaWorld is weighed down by Blackstone's financial maneuverings, and the private equity firm will be first in line for payment if the IPO is successful.