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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 as caring for Stella the pug.

Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.

Read more from this author

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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


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