China: Hong Kong Disneyland Records More International Guests
Samuel Lau, Managing Director HKDL
For its 2017 fiscal year as per September 30th, Hong Kong Disneyland (HKDL) could again record positive results in terms of visitor numbers and revenues. According to the official release, a total of 6.2 million guests visited the park last year (2016: 6.1 million, cf. EAP news from March 3rd, 2017). While in the previous-year period some 39 percent of the park’s visitors came directly from the Hong Kong special administrative zone, this group represented some 41 percent in 2017. The percentage of guests from mainland China has slightly decreased from 36 percent in 2016 to 34 percent, however the park has welcomed more international guests during the past fiscal year (25 percent).
According to HKDL, this positive trend in attendance growth continued into the first quarter of fiscal year 2018, with a double-digit increase in guest figures. Furthermore, the park stated that the per capita spending achieved a record high, marking eight consecutive years of growth. In total, the park registered revenues of some 5.1 billion HK Dollar (around 530 million Euro), representing a growth of eight percent compared to the fiscal year 2016. On the other hand, the 2017 net loss was doubled to 345 million HK Dollar (approx. 35 million Euro; 2016: 171 million HK Dollar/21 million Euro), which is amongst others associated with last year’s launch of the “Iron Man Experience” (cf. EAP news from January 11th, 2017) and the “Disney Explorers Lodge” (cf. EAP news from May 18th, 2017).
Samuel Lau, Managing Director of HKDL, is optimistic: “[…] Together with the roll-out of our newest expansion plans [cf. EAP news from November 25th, 2016], our investments in the guest experience are set to make the resort an even more attractive destination, drawing new and repeat visitors from across Asia.” This season and the years ahead will see the further roll-out of Marvel-themed attractions, transforming HKDL into a Marvel hub in Asia for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts (cf. EAP news from October 14th, 2017).
Read more about Disney’s latest investment projects at its six park and resort locations worldwide in our May/June issue. (eap)
