[ad_1]
Herschend Enterprises already operates a portfolio of tourist attractions, including two aquariums
The Vancouver Aquarium has been hit particularly hard by the pandemic, losing millions of dollars since the outbreak began
The Vancouver Aquarium will continue to be run by Chief Operating Officer Clint Wright, who has been with the attraction for over 30 years.
Herschend owns and partners with a number of theme parks, including Silver Dollar City and Dollywood
Herschend Enterprises acquired the Vancouver Aquarium from the Ocean Wise Conservation Association, adding appeal to the group’s growing portfolio of properties.
The aquarium has been particularly affected by the pandemic and the resulting lockdowns, losing millions of dollars since the start of the coronavirus epidemic in March 2020.
The deal will see Herschend take back 100% ownership of the site and the deal is the result of a process initiated by Ocean Wise to save the Aquarium from permanent closure.
The Vancouver Aquarium will continue to be run by Chief Operating Officer Clint Wright, who has been with the attraction for over 30 years.
Herschend is a leading United States-based tourism and attractions operator, and owner of two aquariums – Adventure Aquarium in New Jersey and Newport Aquarium in Kentucky.
The group also owns – and partners with – a number of theme parks, including Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri, and Dollywood in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains.
Clint Wright said, “This is a very positive result that secures both the future of the Vancouver Aquarium and the Marine Mammal Rescue Center.
“I have been fortunate to spend most of my career at the Vancouver Aquarium and look forward to continuing to lead the organization as we emerge from the challenges of the pandemic and write the next chapter of the Aquarium.
“I have known the Herschend team for many years, they share our values ​​and I am extremely optimistic about the exciting new opportunities that will open up to us with the financial and creative support of Herschend.
Andrew Wexler, CEO of Herschend Enterprises, said: “It is an exciting and humbling day for our company as we begin our relationship with such a renowned institution.
“As a long-time aquarium operator, we have always admired the Vancouver Aquarium as the industry gold standard for its combination of animal care, educational guidance and exceptional family experience. .
“We intend to build on this record, enhance the Vancouver Aquarium as an attraction for local and international visitors, and continue to support the dozens of initiatives that make the Aquarium a part of it. essential to the local, national and international community.
“It’s also important to us that the Vancouver Aquarium is exactly that – the Vancouver Aquarium, offering a unique, local and authentic experience that is not available anywhere else.
Sign up here to get the weekly Attractions Management ezine and each issue of Attractions Management magazine free in digital format.
[ad_2]
No Comment