Dubai Parks and Resorts attracts almost 2.8 million visits in 2018

Attractions and entertainment complex, Dubai Parks and Resorts recorded close to 2.8 million visits in 2018, an increase of 22% compared to the previous year, operator DXB Entertainments announced on Monday.

In Q4 2018, Dubai Parks recorded over 819,000 visits, compared to 796,000 in the same period last year.

The statement advised that the last quarter of the year benefitted from winter seasonality, with Halloween, the UAE's 47th anniversary, and the winter school break and holidays boosting visitor numbers.

Meanwhile average occupancy at the Lapita Hotel stood at 63% in Q4, also reaching close to 100% during certain days in December.

Throughout 2018, average occupancy at the hotel rose to 60% in 2018, compared to 35% in 2017.

Growth in 2018 was driven by the successful integration of the annual pass programme, increased occupancy and visitation from the Lapita Hotel and increased footfall from international tourists. 

"We saw a 22% increase in visits with 40% of overall footfall from international tourists, demonstrating that our strategic partnerships with Emirates Airlines, RTA and Dubai Airport, as well as China's Union Pay, are showing good results,” said Mohamed Almulla, Chief Executive and Managing Director, DXB Entertainments.

"Looking ahead to 2019, our priority is to continue increasing footfall from international tourists, which is a key growth driver for the destination, while also maintaining the solid base of local and regional visitors."

Dubai Parks, which comprises Bollywood, Hollywood and Legoland theme parks, targeted 6.7 million visitors in 2017, but only drew in 2.3 million.

With an estimated development cost of US$3.6 billion for Dubai Parks, DXB Entertainment - listed on DFM - posted a full year loss of US$330 million in 2017.

In late March last year, the firm reached a deal with creditors to restructure US$1.14 billion of debt.

In November, the company also revealed that it was undertaking a board-mandated review that could see plans for a $US710 million Six Flags theme park delayed.

The company said its strategic review would "determine scope, timeline and potential alternatives" for the Six Flags expansion in "light of existing customer demand".

The planned Six Flags theme park was expected to feature the world's biggest rollercoaster among its 27 rides and attractions.

Construction began in July 2016, with expectations of a 2019 opening.

Image: Dubai Parks Bollywood opening