Santa Monica Pier Seeing Increased Tourism

In the middle of one of the worst recessions in decades. As the nation’s economy began to fail last year and many became unemployed the large theme parks in California began offering huge discounts but still saw declining attendance numbers. Due to this combination many larger theme parks like Universal=http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/ , Disney, and Six Fags have reported a drop in overall revenue. While most of the state’s big name theme parks have seen shrinking revenue, smaller beach-side amusement parks along the California coast are reporting increased business and bigger crowds.They have something even more enticing to tourists feeling the recent pinch, free admissions. As a result, vacationers are turning to classic, old-fashioned rides like Ferris wheels and carousels.

Privately owned parks, such as Pacific Park at the Santa Monica pier and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk , don’t have massive multimillion-dollar advertising campaigns or high tech attractions like Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland. These parks let visitors come and have as much fun as they can afford with fewer added charges. Most even have free nearby parking tourists can take advantage of, affordable shuttles Or are even walking distance from your hotel . So there is no need to feel trapped at home, wonderful California vacations can be achieved on a budget.

Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, for example, offers 12 rides on 2 acres of boardwalk. In 2009 it saw a 5% increase in revenue making a 10% total increase in revenue since 2008. This has allowed the park to reinvest it’s earnings to make repairs to five of its older attractions and also allowed for Pacific park to spend approximately 2 million on what it bills as the world’s only solar powered Ferris wheel. This year the park plans to spend another million dollars on two brand new rides and make further improvements.

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