Parks urge guests to stay local
Operators in both the UK and US are scrambling to remind potential guests why a visit to their local attractions makes sense in light of the current economic situation.
to Ripley Entertainment, more than 50% of the American population lives within a half tank of fuel from of one of the 50-plus Ripley attractions located in the US and Niagara Falls, Canada.
“With the price of gas and the rising costs of all travel, our attractions are well-suited for day travellers from coast to coast,” notes Ripley Entertainment president Jim Pattison Jnr.
Operating 11 different brands in 13 states – ranging from Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! to Great Wolf Lodges – provides Ripley with relative stability in the current climate. This variety, notes Pattison, “has helped buck the national trend so far this summer in many of our drive-to markets,” adding that many attractions have also been offering various savings activities this summer.
Amid evidence that domestic tourism in the UK is receiving a boost as a result of the credit crunch, two popular attractions in the South West of England have instigated a regional marketing initiative to encourage more local custom.
Crealy Great Adventure Parks in Devon and Cornwall have each frozen admission prices this season, but are now also offering initiatives such as free returns, free parking and discounts at other local attractions and businesses.
“Crealy is always great value however this year we have taken more steps to ensure our visitors have the best day out for the best value,” says Crealy managing director Angela Wright MBE. “Working in partnership with other local companies is key.”
