TEA/AECOM Attendance 2016

[Unagi]

2016 Attendance figures have been released.

http://www.aecom.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/2016-ThemeMuseum-Index.pdf

SWP&E saw an overall decline of -2.2% from 2015 (about 471,000 less visitors).  The bulk of that hit was SeaWorld Orlando with a -7.9% drop (375,000 less visitors).  Busch Gardens Tampa had a minor drop at -2.0% (83,000).

I'm not sure how BGW did because for the first time since TEA/AECOM have been releasing these reports, the park didn't crack the top 20 for last year.  You can credit the 5.6% boost in attendance at Six Flags Great America for knocking BGW out of the top 20.  That being said, it's quite possible that the park had a minor increase in attendance since the overall bulk of the company wide loses came from SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica and Busch Gardens Tampa.  The total losses from these three parks combined is greater than the company-wide total loss.  Sea World San Diego had no change in attendance from the previous year.  No figures are available for SeaWorld San Antonio or Sesame Place.

Water Country USA saw a small 1% increase in attendance.

Company wide attendance totals

Top 20 North American Parks

Top 20 North American Water Parks

 

[Shane]

Thought I would add this from the report for a little prospective:

Methodology and evolution of the
TEA/AECOM Theme Index and
Museum Index

This is the eleventh annual Theme Index and Museum Index collaboration between the
Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) and AECOM, although the study itself has
been in existence for much longer. The report has evolved over the years, starting as just
a report on major U.S. theme parks, with additional regions (EMEA, Asia, Latin America)
and attraction types (water parks, museums) added over time. The report represents a
significant body of international research and annual tracking.

Inclusion in the annual Theme Index and Museum Index is now seen as a benchmark
of success among operators, parks, and museums. Every year AECOM hears from
parks and museums desiring to share their attendance increases and earn a place on the
list. Those who believe their properties should be included in the report are encouraged
to contact the AECOM office in their region, after studying the criteria for consideration
given below. The more feedback and information we receive, the more accurate
this report will become.

AECOM obtains the figures used to create the TEA/AECOM Theme Index and Museum
Index through a variety of sources, including statistics furnished directly by the operators,
historical numbers, financial reports, the investment banking community, local
tourism organizations, and professional estimates where necessary. The global
market is studied as a whole, and each of its main regions is also studied separately: the
Americas, EMEA, and Asia.

For a theme park or water park to be included in the report, at a minimum the property must
be gated (entry ticket required) and the park generally must be focused on the visitor
experience. To be included in the top theme park groups list, an operator must have theme
parks in its portfolio in which it has controlling ownership and.or that are branded by the
operator (i.e., licensed).