Dubai: DXB Entertainments, the Dubai-based theme park operator, said on Sunday that Dubai Parks and Resorts had received over 1.4 million visitors during the first half of 2018, an increase of 46 per cent compared to the first half of 2017.

The company, which is listed on Dubai’s stock market, said in a statement that April was a peak month, with the theme parks attracting over 300,000 visits, driven by the international school holiday period.

DXB Entertainments also saw its biggest single day ever, with over 36,000 visits, on April 20.

The theme parks operated by DXB Entertainments reported over 612,000 visits in the second quarter of 2018, compared to 414,000 in the same period last year, representing a growth of 48 per cent.

Mohammad Al Mulla, chief executive and managing director of DXB Entertainments, said in a statement: “We are pleased to announce continued year-on-year growth in our visitor and hotel occupancy numbers. The first half of 2018 has delivered over 46 per cent growth compared to the same period last year and our results demonstrate Dubai Parks and Resorts is on a clear growth trajectory. We remain confident in our growth potential as we progress through our first full year of operations.”

Marriott’s Lapita hotel, which serves the theme park complex, also saw its occupancy rise by 55 per cent in the first half of 2018, up from 24 per cent in the same period last year.

In its statement, however, DXB Entertainments warned investors that the third quarter of the year typically delivers “lower visitation than the cooler months.”

To boost its visitation numbers, the company has tied up with Dubai Airport terminals and Emirates airlines, offering promotions to its customers.