Tourism is Having to Weather Many Storms

As an all-weather attraction, Anglesey Sea Zoo has managed to sidestep some of the more severe impacts of this season's unpredictable weather.  

While many outdoor attractions in Wales have struggled under grey skies and frequent rain, our indoor-focused offering has provided a refuge for visitors seeking reliable entertainment regardless of the weather. However, this advantage doesn't completely shield us from the broader challenges facing the tourism sector. 

The erratic weather patterns we're experiencing are not just a seasonal hiccup but a symptom of a larger issue – global warming. This reality means that changeable weather is likely here to stay, and the tourism and hospitality industry must adapt. For attractions like ours, this might be a manageable adjustment, but for many others, it presents a significant hurdle. 

This year started slowly for us and many other attractions. The uncertain economic climate, coupled with the residual effects of the pandemic, made for a worrying start to the season. Easter brought a slight boost, but the overall outlook remains cautious. The trend of people choosing to travel abroad for the first time in years means that domestic attractions are seeing reduced footfall. 

The cost of doing business has skyrocketed, with operational expenses increasing by 2.5 to three times compared to previous years. This inflationary pressure is squeezing profit margins, making it challenging to achieve sufficient profitability, even if visitor numbers are relatively stable. 

One of the most significant trends we've observed is a sharp decline in secondary spending. Visitors are now spending much less in our café, gift shop, and on additional activities like playing crazy golf. Previously, these secondary streams brought in as much revenue as ticket sales, but now, secondary spend has more than halved. This drop directly impacts our overall profitability, compounding the issues caused by rising costs. 

Visitor habits are also shifting. Many people are cutting back on staycations and weekend getaways, opting instead for day trips. This change reduces the length of visits and, consequently, the amount spent at our attraction. This trend further diminishes the potential for secondary spending, making it harder to maintain revenue levels. 

As we move forward, the tourism and hospitality sector must adapt to these new realities. For Anglesey Sea Zoo, this means continuing to offer a compelling indoor experience that can weather the unpredictability of the climate. Additionally, we need to innovate and find new ways to encourage spending during visits. This could involve enhancing the visitor experience, introducing new attractions, or creating unique offers that encourage longer stays and higher spending. 

While the current market presents significant challenges, it also offers an opportunity for growth and innovation. By understanding and adapting to these changes, we can navigate this turbulent period and emerge stronger.