Visitor numbers down after terror attacks

RECENT TERROR attacks in Britain have resulted in fewer visitors to attractions such as Madame Tussauds and the London Eye, according to leisure firm Merlin Entertainments.

The firm, which also owns Legoland, The York Dungeon and Scarborough Sea Life Sanctuary, said incidents in Manchester and London have dented domestic demand, with Merlin “cautious” on the levels of overseas visitors in the coming months.

Merlin said it initially benefited from the collapse in the Brexit-hit pound as more foreign tourists flocked to London, which continued in the immediate aftermath of the Westminster attack on March 22.

But the group added: “The incident did result in a softer domestic, day-trip market.

“However, the subsequent attacks in Manchester and London over the past month have resulted in a further deterioration in domestic demand and, given the typical lag between holiday bookings and visitation, we are also cautious on trends in foreign visitation over the coming months.”

Trading at Merlin’s Legoland Parks and theme parks – such as Alton Towers – has been in line with expectations, but some have been “adversely affected in recent weeks by the terror attacks and subsequent heightened security measures”, the company added.

Boss Nick Varney said the impact of the terror attacks is still “unclear at this stage”, but he backed the city to bounce back.

He said: “What is clear, however, is that London has bounced back before, and will do again. I have every confidence in the longer-term resilience and growth trajectory of the market. London is very much open for business, welcoming visitors from the UK and from around the world to this exciting and vibrant city.”

He expressed confidence in the company’s growth prospects.