United Parks & Resorts Expands Horizons with Two New Theme Parks
United Parks & Resorts, a prominent player in the amusement park sector, is poised to broaden its global footprint with plans for two new theme parks outside the United States. Echoing the ambitious model of its recently inaugurated SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, the company is actively seeking partnerships to facilitate this expansion.
In a recent earnings call reported by Gulf News, CEO Marc Swanson indicated that the company is engaged in negotiations with several potential partners and anticipates finalizing two memorandum of understandings (MoUs) by the end of 2025. “On our international opportunities, we are in active discussions with multiple potential partners and expect to have two signed MoUs by the end of the year,” Swanson stated, highlighting the company’s strategic focus on expanding its brand internationally. He expressed optimism that more information would emerge in the following quarters, signaling a promising trajectory for United Parks & Resorts.
The SeaWorld Abu Dhabi Model
The SeaWorld Abu Dhabi facility, which premiered in May 2023 on Yas Island, marks a significant milestone as the first SeaWorld park established outside of North America. This state-of-the-art park spans five indoor levels over an impressive area of more than 183,000 square meters, featuring over 58 million liters of water and housing an array of marine life exceeding 100,000 animals. Notably, the park has chosen to eschew orca exhibits, a decision that has been well-received by animal rights advocates.
Designed to offer family-friendly experiences, the SeaWorld Abu Dhabi incorporates multiple immersive realms where guests can engage in animal encounters, enjoy over 15 rides and attractions, and indulge in diverse culinary options across 18 dining establishments, along with shopping opportunities at 13 retail outlets. Swanson emphasized that the company’s future international ventures would likely adhere to a similar “capital-light” strategy as employed in the development of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, ensuring efficient capital management while fostering expansive growth.
Financial Performance and Future Projections
In terms of financial performance, United Parks & Resorts reported a slight uptick in attendance for the second quarter of 2025, welcoming 6.2 million guests, which represents an increase of 0.8 percent compared to the same quarter in the preceding year. However, the financial outlook depicts a mixed picture. The company’s revenue recorded at 0.2 million reflected a 1.5 percent decline from the previous year, while net income fell by 12.1 percent to .1 million.
Despite adverse weather conditions that plagued this year’s second quarter, Swanson conveyed satisfaction with the overall attendance figures. “We are pleased to have grown attendance in the second quarter despite experiencing some of the worst weather we have ever faced in a second quarter,” he remarked, underscoring the resilience of visitor enthusiasm and loyalty, which may provide a buffer against fluctuating economic conditions.
The Broader Context of Theme Park Expansion
The theme park industry is experiencing a resurgence as families increasingly seek out immersive entertainment options. With the global tourism landscape gradually recovering from the pandemic-induced downturn, companies like United Parks & Resorts are strategically positioning themselves to capitalize on burgeoning international markets, particularly in regions known for their rapidly growing middle classes, such as the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
The successful launch of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi exemplifies a trend where global brands are adapting their offerings to cater to local cultures and preferences while maintaining their signature experiences and values. As United Parks & Resorts forges ahead with its plans for additional parks, stakeholders will be closely watching how these ventures resonate with diversified audiences.
As the company’s international aspirations unfold, it is poised not only to enhance its brand visibility but also to contribute significantly to local economies through job creation and tourism attraction.
Conclusion
In summary, United Parks & Resorts is embarking on an ambitious journey toward international expansion, aiming to replicate the success of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi with two new projects slated for the next few years. This move not only reflects the company’s dedication to global growth but also its commitment to creating compelling and responsible entertainment experiences that resonate with modern audiences.
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