Merlin’s attractions saw a 3.5% rise in visitors to reach 66 million last year, which helped to push up revenue by 11.6% to £1.59 billion. The group’s operating profit also rose by 6.8% to £323 million.
The results were greeted warmly by investors with Merlin’s shares rising by 12% to £3.80 in early trading on the London Stock Exchange.
Nick Varney, Merlin’s chief executive, said: “A year that started well with positive momentum in almost every part of the group was ultimately defined by the unprecedented spate of terror attacks in the UK and poor to extreme weather throughout the summer season in Europe.
“Despite this, thanks to the efforts of our extraordinary team, we have reported overall growth in revenue, profit and cash flow, welcoming 66 million visitors - our highest on record.
“Our extraordinary team worked hard and recorded significant achievements across the year but, frustratingly, due to these external events, this result was short of expectations and our budget.”
Merlin benefited from the opening of Legoland Japan in April 2017, while the group also added 383 rooms during the year. The company also run Sea Life, Madame Tussauds and The Eye, which includes the London Eye.
Nine new attractions are scheduled to open in 2018, including The Bear Grylls Adventure at the NEC in Birmingham, while Merlin will also add another 644 hotel rooms.
Varney added: “Merlin continues to evolve and, with attractive market fundamentals and the right strategy in place, we remain highly confident in the long term prospects for the business.”
