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SeaWorld reports $67 million loss in revenue compared to first quarter last year after coronavirus shut down

SeaWorld The sign at the entrance to SeaWorld (Matt Stroshane/Getty Images)

ORLANDO, Fla. — SeaWorld reported a $67 million loss in revenue in the first quarter of 2020 compared to the same quarter last year after having to shut down their theme parks in mid-March.

Before the closures, the company said it was off to a strong start in 2020 with record-setting attendance and revenue through the first two months of the year.

But factoring in the closure, SeaWorld officials said attendance to the parks decreased by 1 million guests in 2020 compared to the first quarter of 2019.

“Coronavirus

READ: After furloughing 90% of employees, SeaWorld interim CEO provides update on how long park could sustain closure

“While the world is experiencing an unprecedented global health crisis that has impacted nearly everyone on the planet, we are confident in the resiliency of our business, our ability to weather this crisis and that we will emerge an even stronger company,” said Marc Swanson, interim chief executive officer of SeaWorld Entertainment Inc., in a news release.

But in Orlando, the company painted a picture of advantage over other parks because of the number of visitors who drive to Central Florida.

“We estimate approximately 85% of our visitation comes from within driving distance from our parks, even in Orlando where SeaWorld has been voted Orlando’s best theme park and Aquatica has been voted Orlando’s best waterpark, the majority of our visitation comes from within driving distance,” he said.

In an interview with Channel 9 investigative reporter Daralene Jones last month, Swanson said the park will be able to survive even if it had to remain closed into early 2021.

In March, the park furloughed 90% of its staff due to the pandemic.

Sarah Wilson

Sarah Wilson, WFTV.com

Sarah Wilson joined WFTV Channel 9 in 2018 as a digital producer after working as an award-winning newspaper reporter for nearly a decade in various communities across Central Florida.

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