We're near 5.6m forecast but attendance isn't only factor, says Disneyland chief
Hong Kong Disneyland yesterday announced that its visitor numbers are 'well past' the 5 million mark, while falling short of the first-year target of 5.6 million set when it opened last September.
Managing director Bill Ernest said the park, which celebrates its first anniversary next Tuesday, had received 'well over' 5 million guests. He added: 'We are getting close to our first-year attendance forecast as we close the summer season.'
The second six months had been much better than the first six months of the park's opening, Mr Ernest said. He would not be drawn on specific figures, but said visitors for the summer season alone had reached 1 million, helped by the sale of 60,000 summer passes. The park's summer season began on July 1.
Mr Ernest confirmed the park would announce the introduction of annual passes this month. Prices have yet to be fixed.
The theme park is 57 per cent owned by the Hong Kong government, which invested HK$23 billion. It was mired in controversy even before it opened. At Lunar New Year, its decision to lock its gates to ticket-holders led to confusion and protests, and made headlines around the world.
The park's attendance figures have often been a subject of speculation. Questioned about Disneyland's transparency, Mr Ernest said the park, though partly owned by the government, was responsible to its board of directors.
