The Ocean Park recorded HK$204.7 million profits this year, 19 percent more than last year, said Pattrick Lau, the theme park's board member and a Legislative Council (LegCo) member.

Lau said this yesterday while presenting the Ocean Park's annual report to the LegCo plenary meeting.

He also said that the park's attendance topped 5.03 million at the end of June 30. The in-park revenue increased by 7 percent to HK$242.6 million over the previous year, while admission revenues increased by 10 percent to HK$681.9 million year on year.

Lau also said Ocean Park would continue to reach out to guests with unique offerings and inspire all to appreciate the value of conservation.

Ocean Park chairman Allan Zeman said the park management would continue to work closely with the Tourism Commission, Hong Kong Tourism Board, as well as agencies and business parties to make Hong Kong a top tourist destination.

Ocean Park's deputy chief executive Matthias Li said in spite of the financial crisis, the number of visitors was very high in the second half of the year. With several new attractions that are due to complete next year and increasing individual visitors from the mainland, he expected more tourists would visit the park next year.

The new facilities include, among other things, the new Giant Panda Habitat, refurbished Gold Fish Pagoda and the new express funicular trains.

Despite the economic downturn, Li stressed that Ocean Park had no plans to slash its work force at this stage but it would monitor closely the economic situation.

(HK Edition 12/04/2008 page1)