Richina Reopens Aquarium In Beijing

Richina Reopens Aquarium In Beijing

Statement made by Alastair MacCormick, Chairman, Richina Pacific Limited

Richina Pacific’s Blue Zoo aquarium business in Beijing will be reopening to the public from tomorrow (Tuesday, June 10) now that concerns regarding the spread of the SARS virus within Beijing have receded.

When the aquarium reopens, staff will, as an added precaution, daily disinfect the entire facility.

Life in Beijing and the surrounding districts is rapidly returning to normal with locals out on the streets, eating out and shopping.

The ban on nationwide travel in China is expected to be lifted in early July, and the Beijing Tourist Bureau already has plans in place for an intensive campaign to promote tourism and to attract visitors to the Capital when this occurs.

The full impact of the closure cannot yet be determined, as it is expected to be some time before tourist and educational visits build to normal volumes.

Last financial year Blue Zoo contributed a net surplus of $657,000 (3%) out of a Group operational surplus of $20,527,000 (before Group interest and overheads).

Given the expected loss of revenues which are not able to be fully offset by cash savings, it is likely a loss for the year to 31 December 2003 will be reported by Blue Zoo, but it is expected to remain cash positive.

The aquarium closed to the public on April 29.

© Scoop Media