There is once again a queue in front of the rides! After two dark years, the season which has just started looks bright for the moment in French amusement parks. Since mid-April, the date of reopening for most of them, the attendance figures have been excellent: between 15 and 30% increase compared to 2019, a year without Covid and already up compared to 2018.
Examples ? The Mer de sable at Ermenonville (Oise) got off to a good start with an increase of +28% between April 8 and May 8. In Auvergne, the PAL posted a + 35% for its start to the season. The Bourbansais Zoological Park in Brittany has doubled its audience. Walibi Rhône Alpes reached +15% between April 18 and May 1. No figures at Puy du Fou but we assure that there has been “good attendance” since the opening.
“I also believe that people need oxygen”
Same trend at Asterix or Futuroscope, “We cannot give all the figures at the moment but the trend is indeed very good, with double-digit growth in almost all our parks”, notes François Fassier, director of the parks branch at the Compagnie des Alpes, owners, in particular, of the two sites.
Nothing but good news after two years of losses. Lockdowns and restrictions had deprived the parks of nearly 50% of their audience in 2020. The following year, the drop was around 25%. Turnover had followed the same tumbles. “These first weeks allow you to smile again. Overall, the parks have filled up and everyone seems happy, ”comments Arnaud Bennet, Pal boss but also president of the amusement parks union (Snelac). Especially since this return of visitors is coupled with another trend, noted almost everywhere: the increase in the average expenditure per visitor (shops, restaurants, etc.) and the lengthening of the length of stay.
“The very nice weather we have had since mid-April has a lot to do with it. But I also believe that people need oxygen, to meet up with family not too far from home. We will have to wait for the summer to have confirmation but it’s off to a good start, ”said Arnaud Bennet. A confidence shared by François Fassier. “I have the feeling that there is a catch-up effect. I think it will be a very good year for the parks”.