Just got a survey from Herschend Marketing. The interesting thing is this did not concern anything about attractions or future developments. The entire survey was based on economic questions. How does the current economic situation affect my travel plans ? Have tariffs and inflation made me change plans or affect how much I am going to travel in the future.( specifically the next 6 months to 1 year ) Its was also centered on 3 markets . Pigeon Forge, Branson , and Orlando. Do I plan to visit more free attractions or museums , botanical gardens due to the uncertain economy. All in all a real downer survey.
Makes sense. HFEC has historically dialed things way back during economic upheavals. Back in 2008 they delayed Riverblast a year to control costs and due to falling visitor counts that year. They've also famously pulled the plug on things quickly rather than sending good money after bad (Celebration City, numerous small brands and water park ownerships, etc).
They're obviously a much larger company now, but I imagine they are still pretty fiscally cautious around economic forecasts. Hard to say what the near term outlook is, but inflation is really biting people and everyone is cutting back. I know a lot of people are eating out a lot less. Entertainment will the next thing to cut...
I imagine most of HFEC's revenue comes from domestic tourism, but they do have some parks in the NE now that are going to be impacted from the fall of Canadian tourism. Domestic tourism to SDC and DW *could* see a small upswing if people opt for "staycations" instead of going to Florida or overseas. Hard to say, but I'd be nervous opening a massive new resort with these market headwinds right now.