Comcast’s acquisition of Universal Studios Japan has paid dividends, as the company confirmed a 48 per cent rise in revenue over 2015.

Continuing to reflect the inclusion of Universal Studios Japan following its US$1.5bn (€1.4bn, £1.2bn) majority acquisition near the end of 2015 and the continued success of the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction at Universal Hollywood, Universal’s theme parks have reported huge numbers for Q4 and 2016 overall.

Comcast – the parent company of Universal – reported a rise in Q4 theme park revenue of 32.1 per cent to US$1.3bn (€1.2bn, £1bn) for Q4 2016, with operating cash flow also increasing by 41.9 per cent to US$640m (€598.2m, £509.5m) for the quarter.

For 2016, year-on-year theme park revenue increased 48.2 per cent to US$4.9bn (€4.6bn, £3.9bn), with operating cash flow increasing 49.6 per cent to US$2.2bn (€2bn, £1.7bn).

Taking into account Universal Japan’s figures before Comcast acquired its majority share in the park, pro forma revenue increased by 12.7 per cent, reflecting higher attendance and per capita spending, as well as the positive impact of a stronger Japanese yen, while pro forma operating cash flow increased 12.2 per cent.

While Universal has been enjoying great success with its new attractions and acquisitions, the company is not sitting back, with investments across the board including development of Nintendo attractions starting at Universal Japan, the debut of Volcano Bay in Orlando this May and the breaking of ground on its US$7.4bn (€6.9bnm £5.9bn) Chinese venture – its largest ever theme park project.