Theme park Enchanted Kingdom (EK) is optimistic that its offerings will continue to entice Filipinos despite the availability of other entertainment sources and the rapid advancement of technology.
‘We try to always strike a balance. There are those who are saying that there are now various indoor immersive experiences but I guess the experience of actually riding a roller coaster is very different from doing it virtually. That is why there is still demand for (EK),’ Cesar Mario O. Mamon, president of Enchanted Kingdom, told the BusinessMirror in an interview.
‘I think our existence, or being open for the last 30 years, is a testament to how we’ve been able to create a multi-generational business.’
Mamon said the theme park is ‘attuned’ to the preferences of the different age groups.
Aside from the rides and other attractions, the EK chief said the theme park is currently exploring other revenue streams.
‘We look forward to having more dining experiences and other experiences that can entertain different age groups.’
The theme park in Sta. Rosa, Laguna is looking forward to welcome as many as 1.8 million visitors this year.
‘We’ve gone as high as 1.8 million but the important this is to retain per capita consumption or even increase it because of the different revenue streams we have inside the park.’
Mamon said the theme park’s revenues this year may be flat compared to last year. The availability of more retail options, he said, could allow the park to grow slightly.
‘Conservatively I would say that it may be a bit flat but it will be as good as last year or even better. Drivers of growth are: how we’re able to continue to answer the needs and wants of our guests and then to expand or revenue streams beyond just admission, food and merchandise into other things like having a hotel or having more retail options around the park.’ He said bad weather and the renovation of its existing facilities could pose obstacles to the theme park’s business goals this year.
‘The number one threat is weather-related because we don’t have control over that. Second, we limited our number of days of operation during the third quarter because we did some upgrades and renovation of existing facilities.’
Aside from these hurdles, Mamon said the theme park has attracted fewer visitors, particularly from public schools, in recent years.
Despite this, he said the theme park remains optimistic about its business prospects. For next year, it is targeting to attract 2 million visitors.
‘We’re thinking positive and we hope that we will attain that number in 2026. Bullish naman tayo, basta lang talagang maayos natin lahat.’