Ferrari World Abu Dhabi now receives over 1 million people a year “comfortably” through its doors and its Dh700 million phase 2 expansion is already paying dividends, according to its general manager, Jesse Vargas. Speaking at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, Mr Vargas said the theme park experienced a jump in visitor attendance every time it launched a new attraction. The park opened in November 2010 with 20 rides and now operates 37 with another 4 attractions due to be delivered by 2018.
“We have grown our attendance every year we have been open,” said Mr Vargas. “We are very competitive compared with any mid-size theme park in the world with regard to visitor numbers and revenues. There are people that travel the world to ride unique roller coasters and every ride we have is unique to Ferrari World.”
He said that after four major theme parks opened in Dubai last year that the UAE has become a destination “for thrill- seekers and I believe we all complement each other, the Ferrari brand sells itself, we just need to let people know we are here”.
Yas Island is targeting 48 million visits by 2021. Yas Mall attracts about 20 million visits a year and Warner Bros World is scheduled to open in 2018 with Sea World opening in 2022.
“Yas Island has grown remarkably quickly … it is tremendously resilient,” said Mr Vargas.
ascott@thenational.ae
Follow The National's Business section on Twitter
