Tourism Biz Sees Boost at Oregon Coast Aquarium

Published 2006

(Newport, Oregon) - The Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport is reporting very positive visitor numbers, with attendance continuing to run high well past Labor Day.

“We are up 25 percent for September and about 11 percent for the summer - both are versus last year,” said Aquarium President Dale Schmidt. “We were concerned at the beginning of the summer that the gas prices may dampen our business, but that has not occurred. We have had a great summer thanks to the opening of our Claws exhibit, the addition of the Western Snowy Plover Exhibit, events such as our Labor Day Classic Car Show, and an expanded marketing campaign.”

Other statistics released by the Aquarium reveal additional reasons for increased attendance figures. Two other surveys just released this week, the Oregon Coast Aquarium Visitor Survey and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) three-year research project, showed positive public perception about zoos and aquariums.

Newport: the Aquarium is having real economic impact

The groundbreaking AZA study, “Why Zoos and Aquariums Matter: Visitor Impact Study,” details the overall impact of a zoo or aquarium visit – both immediately and in the months after the visit. The key findings of the study included visitors’ belief that zoos and aquariums play an important role in conservation education and animal care. They also feel they experience a stronger connection to nature as a result of their visit.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium’s own visitor survey of 1,004 visitors showed an overwhelming majority of visitors to the Aquarium enjoyed a positive experience. Plus, the economic impact from the Aquarium is sizable, according to the survey. Over 50 percent said they came to Newport because of the Aquarium and most were planning to dine and stay on the central Oregon coast. Among the most popular exhibits at the Aquarium, visitors cited in order of popularity; the Passages of the Deep exhibit, sea otters, seals and sea lions, jellyfish, the touch pool, Claws and the aviary.

Schmidt cites a strong marketing campaign among the reasons for the increase. “We’re pleased to see our attendance trending upward and appreciate the assistance of our partners such as the City of Newport and Meyer Memorial Trust that allowed us to expand our marketing campaign,” said Schmidt. “It’s exciting to see so many visitors come to the aquarium and to the central Coast.”

The aquarium is reachable at (541) 867-3474, or www.aquarium.org.

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