Attractions operator Merlin Group has reported that its London division remains “down” year-on-year following terror attacks in the city.
In a trading update today (Friday April 28), the company described this “seasonally quiet point” to be in line with expectations and consistent with its guidance.
“In Midway [includes Madame Tussauds, Sea Life and Legoland], visitation in our London division remains down year-on-year reflecting the strong trading in the comparative period and continued impact from the 2017 terror attacks,” read the trading update. “We remain confident of a recovery over time.”
The group added an earlier Easter period and poor weather affected a number of parks, but overall trading within the theme parks operating groups was in line with expectations.
“Our 2018 new business development programme is on track, with all 644 accommodation rooms and one of the nine planned new Midway attractions, now open,” continued the statement.
“As announced on 19 April we have successfully refinanced certain of our banking facilities, extending the size and maturity of our revolving credit facility, and repaying £377 million equivalent of sterling and US dollar-denominated term loans.”