DXB Entertainments has announced that Dubai Parks and Resorts attracted almost 2.8 million visits during 2018, an increase of 22 per cent when compared to 2017.

The Dubai-listed company says that the growth in visitors was driven by the park’s annual pass programme, increased occupancy of 60 per cent at the Lapita Hotel and increased footfall from international tourists. Overall 40 per cent of footfall at the park was from international tourists.

Increasing visitor numbers has been a key strategy for DXB Entertainments. “Looking ahead to 2019, our priority is to continue increasing footfall from international tourists, which is a key growth driver for the destination, while also maintaining the solid base of local and regional visitors,” said Mohamed Almulla, CEO and managing director, DXB Entertainments in a statement.

DXB Entertainments profitability improved last year due to operating cost efficiencies. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) losses for the first nine months of 2018 improved by 51 per cent, compared with the same period in 2017.