(Hong Kong - 28 November 2007) Ocean Park set a new record in its 30 year history by achieving 4.92 million in attendance for the fiscal year of 2006/2007, as reported in the Ocean Park Annual Report, which was tabled at today's Legislative Council (Legco) meeting. The Park also achieved record admission revenue of $619.3 million, and in-park revenue of $225.7 million, representing increases of 12% and 28% respectively when compared to the previous year. Furthermore, through prudent management, the Park achieved a record surplus of $171.3 million, signifying a 9% increase to last year's figure.
As reported by Ocean Park Board Member and Legco member, the Hon Patrick Lau Sau-shing, SBS, JP, at today's session, Ocean Park has continued to demonstrate its differential qualities as a world-leading marine animal-based theme park with strong conservation and entertainment values, and achieved a record-breaking growth rate in attendance, surpassing the previous year's total of 4.38 million guests in 10 months and 2 days, and setting a new record of 4.92 million in 2006-2007.
"It has been a watershed year for Ocean Park, and we thank everyone in Hong Kong for helping us achieve such stunning results for the 2006/2007 fiscal year, and for their support for over 30 years," said Dr. Allan Zeman, Chairman of Ocean Park. "In addition to the robust economy, record levels of inbound tourist, and high spirits building up to the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), we were thrilled to share our 30th anniversary celebrations with the community in January, and to welcome close to five million guests at Ocean Park in 2006-2007."
Further highlights of the year include breaking ground with the Park's $5.5 billion Master Redevelopment Project (MRP) in November, followed by the successful launch of SkyFair during Chinese New Year. Around the same time, the Chinese government announced that two young pandas were to be given to the people of Hong Kong, in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the HKSAR, and Ocean Park was pleased to be the appointed caregiver to a second pair of national treasures.
"Welcoming Ying Ying and Le Le on Hong Kong soil was an unforgettable moment for the city, and a precious milestone for Ocean Park. We could not have asked for two better, or more lovable, animal ambassadors to help spread the word on wildlife conservation," said Dr. Zeman.
Indeed, Ocean Park has continued to honour its founding mission of connecting people with nature through enriching experiences and educational programmes heralding wildlife conservation values, and by remaining faithful to its position as Hong Kong's homegrown theme park.
The annual Animal Close Encounters month was presented in April, and featured engaging programmes themed on advocating eco-living and a call for action to stop global warming. Ocean Park's other festive annual events during Halloween, Christmas, Chinese New Year, and the summer months also continue to be attendance record-breaking successes, further demonstrating the Park's ability to come up with what is relevant to the market.
As a responsible corporate citizen, Ocean Park has continued to step up its involvement with charitable organisations and social outreach initiatives. To name two examples, Ocean Park offers free admission to local senior citizens aged 65 or above and, through supporting Ocean Park Conservation Foundation, Hong Kong, the Park donated $7.2 million in 2006-2007, to fund animal research and scientific projects in Hong Kong and Asia.
Ocean Park has continued its legacy in environmental advocacy with the “Clean Air Outreach” campaign. Utilising its custom-built mobile exhibition van - a low emission LPG vehicle - the Park visited more than 18,000 students in 34 schools to help raise their awareness on how they can make a positive difference in Hong Kong’s air quality. In addition, 45,000 local students were reached through Ocean Park Academy, the education arm of Ocean Park, which offers innovative courses against the stunning backdrop of the Park's animal ambassadors and natural surroundings.
The winning combination of quality service and innovative products has earned Ocean Park recognition both locally and globally. Forbes Traveler listed Ocean Park as one of the “50 Most Visited Tourist Attractions” in the world, and 200,000 local students named Ocean Park as their favourite Hong Kong landmark, alongside the Victoria Harbour, the Peak, and the Big Buddha on Lantau Island, in a survey by a local children's magazine. Ocean Park also continues to work towards being the employer of choice with a remarkable staff retention rate of 90%, and with 20% of staff working there for 20 years or more.
Moving forward, Ocean Park will continue to cultivate its network in the mainland market, which forms close to half of its attendance, and work closely with all the different players in the tourism sector to develop and promote Hong Kong’s tourism industry.
"We have continued to reach new heights at Ocean Park for three consecutive years, which affirms the tourism initiatives of Hong Kong, the power of the mainland market, and our unique positioning as Hong Kong’s very own world-class themed attraction with strong conservation and educational values," said Dr. Zeman.
"On behalf of Ocean Park, I would like to thank all the individuals and organisations that made it possible to see through such a fantastic year," continued Dr. Zeman. "We will continue to serve Hong Kong faithfully and provide all our guests with unparalleled edutainment experiences, while promoting conservation values and leading the way towards sustainable design with the new Ocean Park."
Ocean Park’s 2006/2007 fiscal year is from 1 July 2006 to 30 June 2007.
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About Ocean Park
Ocean Park is Hong Kong’s unique home-grown theme park with a heritage of delivering family fun and fond memories. Since its opening in January 1977 as a non-profit organization, Ocean Park has developed itself to be a world-class attraction connecting people with nature, and recognized for its animal husbandry, research and relationship with the community. Over 80 million people have visited Hong Kong's premier park since its inception and Ocean Park has remained committed to offer adults and children experiences that blend entertainment with education and conservation.
