Sunday, May 14, 2017

SeaWorld Entertainment's CEO Still Bullish on Company's Future


© Orlando Sentinel
It looks like 2017 is going to be a very pivotal year for SeaWorld Entertainment, however it is one that CEO Joel Manby is thinking may show growth.  That would be a big deal for SeaWorld, as the company has seen steady declines in earnings since 2013.

To that end Mr. Manby spoke with the Orlando Sentinel about what's going on both at a corporate and park level.  It sounds like things are finally falling into shape, with a clear vision of the parks being about conservation, not animal shows, leading the way.  Manby notes that no other company in the world is spending between $10 and $15 million a year on conservation efforts, but they are.

Morale around SeaWorld is also picking up among employees, despite layoffs that hit last December that affected the zoological area.  The company was careful to on eliminate positions that in no way reduced animal care.

Mr. Manby is also excited to continue to roll out 2017's new rides and attractions, which are aimed at expanding the breadth of what the theme parks offer... meaning continuing to add rides and attractions that are about animals, but don't necessarily feature them.  Some mix both, like Ocean Explorer at SeaWorld San Diego, and some are real thrill rides featuring a conservation message - like Wave Breaker: The Rescue Coaster at SeaWorld San Antonio.  It also sounds like this mix of attraction will be the pattern going forward.

Click the link above for the full story and video.


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