Hong Kong Disneyland announces 2016 financial results, plans for Marvel Super Hero Summer
Hong Kong Disneyland has announced record high per-capita spending for Fiscal Year 2016, and plans for an adventurous Marvel Super Hero Summer in 2017.
Following the recent opening of the Iron Man Experience attraction, the Hong Kong Disneyland resort will launch a special offering in June 2017. Tentatively titled “Marvel Super Hero Summer,” the limited time event will feature encounters with Captain America and Spider-Man, and a brand-new walk-through experience set exclusively in Hong Kong that will immerse guests in the Marvel Universe. An array of Marvel-themed merchandise, food, and beverage will be part of the summertime experience as well.
In addition, Hong Kong Disneyland will open its newest hotel, the Disney Explorers Lodge, on April 30. Dedicated to the spirit of exploration, the 750-room hotel will offer immersive, resort-style accommodations for guests with four themed gardens based on global cultures.
The Hong Kong Disneyland resort (HKDL) has received more than 64 million guests since its opening in 2005, including 6.1 million during the fiscal year due to its continued investment in the guest experience. HKDL also achieved 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 newly-launched Iron Man Experience helped boost Chinese New Year Holiday attendance 13% above the prior-year period, with growth in local, Guangdong and international guest markets, and occupancy at a near-full level of 97%.
Despite those positive figures, total annual attendance at Hong Kong Disneyland actually fell to its lowest level since 2011. During fiscal 2016, the resort was impacted by a slower Hong Kong tourism market and an unfavorable comparison against fiscal 2015, which benefited from an additional week of operations. Consequently, the resort generated revenues of HK$4.8 billion with a net loss of HK$171 million. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization was HK$715 million.
“HKDL continued to drive visitation with exciting new offerings and seasonal events during the year amid a soft tourism and leisure market,” said Samuel Lau, executive vice president and managing director of HKDL. “We are excited that Iron Man Experience, the first Marvel-themed ride at a Disney park, debuted last month and that a new resort hotel and other exciting offerings will open later in fiscal 2017 to further broaden the resort’s appeal. The resort is committed to bringing more magical experience to the people of Hong Kong, and strengthening our offerings to enhance Hong Kong’s attractiveness as a premier tourist destination.”
Looking to the future, Hong Kong Disneyland has proposed a HK$10.9 billion multi-year expansion plan, subject to the Legislative Council’s approval. The proposed expansion is comprised of two new themed areas featuring Marvel’s Avengers and Frozen, a transformed Castle and Hub area with two entirely new day and night shows, and new experiences in Adventureland, including a Moana stage show.
Read this article for more information about the ownership of Hong Kong Disneyland, and watch this video to experience the park’s new Iron Man attraction:
