Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Merlin Entertainments’ Scott O’Neil explains vision to be global leader in branded entertainment destinations

Merlin Entertainments’ Scott O’Neil explains vision to be global leader in branded entertainment destinations
January 26, 2024
About the author

Nigel Benton

Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management

Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.

With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.

Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.

In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.

He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).

In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.

As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.

Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.

His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.

His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.

Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.

Read more from this author

Related Articles

7th January 2024 - Merlin Entertainments announce 2025 opening for Legoland Shanghai Resort in China  

22nd December 2023 - Immersive Gamebox attraction opens at Merlin Entertainments’ Darling Harbour site  

5th December 2023 - Merlin Entertainments spotlight new experiences for Sydney summer season

20th October 2023 - Global attractions report shows theme parks, waterparks and museums heading towards full recovery

6th October 2023 - Merlin Entertainments partners with Immersive Gamebox to bring interactive smart gaming rooms to Darling Harbour

3rd August 2023 - Merlin Entertainments and Sea Life Trust partner with ‘Yoto’ children audio platform

2nd August 2023 - Merlin Entertainments launches new initiative to expand global conservation projects

17th July 2023 - Merlin Entertainments Chief Executive looks at opportunities in Saudi Arabia

11th July 2023 - Merlin Entertainments Chief Executive suggests group’s Australian expansion

30th June 2023 - 2022 Financial Report shows Merlin Entertainments back to pre-pandemic performance

26th June 2023 - Merlin Entertainments looks to Asian expansion

17th June 2023 - New Merlin Entertainments appointment to focus on creating seamless digital experiences

30th May 2023 - Merlin Entertainments spotlights SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium’s coral conservation project

20th April 2023 - IAAPA positive about state of the global attractions industry

23rd March 2023 - Tug Sydney appointed to all of Merlin Entertainments ANZ attractions

22nd March 2023 - Susan Ang appointed as Merlin Entertainments new Divisional Director for APAC, Midway

10th February 2023 - Walt Disney Co. announces global restructuring and staff cuts

8th February 2023 - Merlin Entertainments looks to break ground on new Legoland Beijing resort this year

18th January 2023 - Rob Smith moves on from heading Merlin Entertainments’ APAC division

15th November 2022 - Merlin Entertainments appoints Scott O’Neil as new Chief Executive


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

Click here to view our subscription options.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

TJS Services

TJS Services is a leading national facility services provider. We deliver quality cleaning, maintenance, construction and facility management services to over 1,500 sites Australia wide.  Our…

read more

Hospitality / Retail / Venues

 
 

Myrtha Pools

Founded in 1961, Myrtha Pools® quickly became Italy’s première swimming pool company, and has since grown into one of the world's leading swimming pool construction…

read more

Aquatics / Design / Play / Waterparks / Wellness

 
 

Digonex

Digonex is a leading provider of customised dynamic pricing solutions to clients in arts and entertainment, sport, attractions, cultural institutions and retail sectors. Digonex’s technology is…

read more

Attractions / Entertainment / Sport / Technology / Ticketing

 
 

BioLab Australia Pty Ltd

BioGuard is Australia and New Zealand’s most trusted supplier of premium, innovative and affordable commercial water treatment systems and chemicals. BioGuard offers a comprehensive range of…

read more

Aquatics / Technology / Waterparks

 
 

Momentus Technologies

About: Momentus Technologies is a global provider of industry-leading venue and event management solutions that empower organizations to create extraordinary moments. With over 50,000 users in more…

read more

Entertainment / Events / Hospitality / Technology / Venues

 
 

PaySmart

Headquartered in Brisbane with an Australia-wide network of satellite offices, PaySmart is one of Australia’s largest and longest-standing direct debit billing companies. In 1996 we began…

read more

Access / Billing / Fitness / Technology

 
 

Jonas Leisure

Jonas Software operates over 110 independently managed software brands around the world, providing them with the strategic guidance and financial security required to be leaders in their respective…

read more

Aquatics / Billing / Fitness / Recreation / Sport

 
 

SimplySwim

    SimplySwim is a school management solution that helps swimming school owners and managers optimize operations by automating functions such as managing class schedules, billing and…

read more

Aquatics / Education / Recreation / Safety / Technology

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business