VISITOR numbers at Bournemouth’s Oceanarium are up, auditors for the business have said. 

An extra 4.5 per cent of people visited the Oceanarium in 2023/24 compared to 2022, new company accounts have revealed. 

Per capita spend (revenue divided by visitor numbers) also increased by four per cent, Hampshire-based chartered accountant and auditor Menzies LLP said in a report. 

This is down to an increase in ticket prices at the Oceanarium and an increase in café trade thanks to the recent refurbishment. 

However, operating costs were also up 12 per cent year-on-year because of the rise in minimum wage, repairs and maintenance due to inflation and concession rent due to income increase. 

The Oceanarium, at Pier Approach on the seafront, is owned by The Real Live Leisure Company, which also operates the Lakes Aquarium in the Lake District. 

A spokesperson for Menzies said: “Both aquariums had their highest visitor levels for many years as the first truly normal, non-restricted years since Covid restrictions were fully lifted in spring 2022 and society returned to normal leisure activities.”