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Dreamworld revenue rising but still low

Ardent Leisure says reopening major thrill rides has helped revenue growth for its theme parks after the death of four people on a Dreamworld ride last year.

Dreamworld operator Ardent Leisure says its theme parks revenue is recovering, although January's takings remain low, following the death of four people there last October.

Ardent's theme parks division took in $6.97 million in January, down 50.4 per cent on the same period last year but representing "a steady increase in visitation" compared to December when year-on-year revenue was down 63 per cent.

The leisure and entertainment company attributed January's rise to the reopening of eight of its nine major thrill rides and said guest sentiment "continues to be very positive".

"Once again, we thank our passholders, guests and the broader community for their strong support," company secretary Alan Shedden said in a statement on Wednesday.

The park has been grappling with a sharp drop in visitor numbers since Kate Goodchild, Luke Dorsett, Roozi Araghi and Cindy Low died when Dreamworld's Thunder River Rapids Ride malfunctioned on October 25.

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The park reopened on December 10 and the main rides, with the exception of the now decommissioned Thunder River Rapids, have been progressively reopening following safety checks.

Ardent also said the opening of Australia's first LEGO certified store at Dreamworld in late January had helped lift attendance and revenue, with more than 14,000 visitors over the opening weekend.

Ardent shares were 4 cents, or 1.9 per cent, higher at $2.10 at 1120 AEDT - down about 11.5 per cent since the October 25 accident.


2 min read

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Source: AAP



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