Attractions operator Merlin Entertainments reported “a strong first half” to the year, despite the strong pound which “significantly reduced” reported growth overseas.
Merlin recorded a 6.6% rise in visitor numbers on a year ago to 27.5 million, producing a 6% increase in revenue to £513 million and a 10% rise in half-year operating profit to £71 million.
The company’s performance turned an £11 million first-half loss before tax in 2013 into a £40 million profit this year.
Merlin identified “favourable weather” in Northern Europe as a factor behind the improved results along with increased awareness of the Lego brand following the launch of The Lego Movie this year.
The company operates Legoland, Madame Tussauds, Sealife and resort theme parks such as Chessington World of Adventures, Alton Towers, Thorpe Park and Warwick Castle.
Merlin chief executive Nick Varney hailed “a particularly strong Legoland performance” and said: “We’ve delivered growth in visitor numbers, revenues and profits against a backdrop of currency headwinds.”
Revenue from Legoland Parks was up almost 23% year on year in the first six months.
Merlin is in the process of turning its theme parks into destination resorts and opening new attractions.
It has opened five so far this year, including a Sea Life Centre in Charlotte, Madame Tussauds in San Francisco and Beijing and a Legoland Discovery Centre in Boston.
A Madame Tussauds is due to open in Singapore at the end of this year, with a further eight attractions to open in 2015.
A Legoland Dubai is set to open in 2016 and Legoland Japan in 2017, and Merlin is in talks on opening Legoland developments in South Korea, China and the US.
Merlin’s parks and attractions drew 60 million visitors last year, making it the world’s second-largest attraction operator.