Dreamworld tragedy causes dive in Ardent Leisure revenue

Dreamworld operator Ardent Leisure says its theme parks revenue is recovering, although January's takings remain low, following the death of four people at the Gold Coast attraction last October.

Ardent's theme parks division took in $6.97 million in January this year, down 50.4% on the same period last year but representing "a steady increase in visitation" compared to December 2016 when year-on-year revenue was down 63%.

Four people died in October when two rafts on the park’s Thunder River rapids ride collided. The park reopened on 10th December.

The leisure and entertainment company attributed January's rise to the reopening of eight of its nine major thrill rides and said guest sentiment "continues to be very positive".

Company secretary Alan Shedden said in a statement on Wednesday "once again, we thank our passholders, guests and the broader community for their strong support."

Ardent also said the opening of Australia's first LEGO certified store at Dreamworld in late January had helped lift attendance and revenue, with more than 14,000 visitors over the opening weekend.

Dreamworld’s closure has impacted the Gold Coast’s other theme parks, with Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World and Wet ‘n’ Wild all reporting significant drops in attendance – roughly 12% across all the parks in the Queensland region.

Image: Dreamworld's BuzzSaw ride.

28th January 2017 - DREAMWORLD OPENS AUSTRALIA’S FIRST LEGO CERTIFIED STORE 

12th January 2017 - DREAMWORLD REOPENS TWO FURTHER RIDES AFTER SAFETY CHECKS 

6th January 2017 - DREAMWORLD REVENUES DIP BY $6 MILLION SINCE REOPENING

4th January 2017 - DREAMWORLD LOOKS TO OFFERS AND EXTENDED OPENING HOURS TO ENCOURAGE VISITS 

14th December 2016 - NON-COMPLIANCE IN ATTRACTIONS AND ENTERTAINMENT HAS ITS COSTS

10th December 2016 - GUESTS TRICKLE BACK AS DREAMWORLD REOPENS

25th November 2016 - DREAMWORLD ORDERED TO RECTIFY MINOR PROBLEMS AFTER SAFETY AUDIT 

2nd November 2016 - ARDENT LEISURE SHARE PRICE CONTINUES TO FALL AMID SAFETY SCRUTINY