Merlin Entertainments have reported a 2.5% increase in visitor numbers to their UK attractions in 2010. Their "Jewel in the Crown", Alton Towers saw some 2.7 million visitors pass through the gates, the highest figure since the opening of Nemesis, 17 years ago. Group wide attendances saw a 6.5% increase to 41 million, aided by the addition of the Th13teen Roller Coaster at Alton Towers, Wild Asia at Chessington World of Adventures and the opening of Legoland Discovery Centre in Manchester.. In the UK, sales and visitor numbers increased by around 8%, giving a turnover of £382 million. Group turnover for the year was up 4% to £800.8 million worldwide and underlying profits climbed by 9% to £255.8 million. Chief executive Nick Varney said: "Even in recessions we see that people still want stand-out days out or short breaks to give them a memorable experience. "People cut the two-week foreign holiday or the home improvement, but come the summer holidays they still want to take the kids on a nice day out. In good times and bad times people need an escape." This year sees the opening of the Blackpool Cluster Attractions - Dungeons and the Blackpool Tower Eye. Madame Tussauds opens on April 21st and joins the Sea Life Centre. Discuss this on our Forum