The park’s new managing director, Samuel Lau Wing-kee, also blamed the weak performance on unfavourable currency conditions, cold and wet weather and stiff regional competition.
Hong Kong Disneyland theme park ended the year with a loss of HK$171 million (US$22m), largely due to fewer visitors arriving from the mainland.
The park’s new managing director, Samuel Lau Wing-kee, also blamed the weak performance on unfavourable currency conditions, cold and wet weather and stiff regional competition.
Visitor numbers at the theme park on Lantau Island dropped 10% to 6.1 million during the year ending in October, dragged down by a 21% slump in the number of visitors (2.2. million) from the mainland.
Bright spots for Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, which has received more than 64 million guests since its opening in 2005, include record high per capita spending at the park, marking seven consecutive years of growth.
Attendance from international guests increased to its second-highest annual level ever. Locals accounted for 39% of total attendance, while mainland and international visitation made up 36% and 25%, respectively. Hotel occupancy was similar to last year at close to 80%.
The resort’s performance began to show signs of recovery in the second half of 2016. Compared to the first half of the year, the year-over-year attendance decline eased and hotel occupancy improved in the second half.
“This encouraging performance benefitted from the launch of Star Wars: Tomorrowland Takeover and marketing and sales initiatives," the resort said in a statement.
The Walt Disney Company plans a billion-dollar, multi-year expansion plan at HKDL, subject to Hong Kong Legislative Council approval. The proposed expansion comprises two new themed areas featuring Marvel and ‘Frozen’, a transformed Castle and Hub area, with two new day and night shows, and new experiences in Adventureland.
The 750-room Disney Explorers Lodge will open on April 30 with four themed gardens based on global cultures.