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2026: General Discussion

dpj74 said:
www.dailymail.co.uk

Is Alton Towers hurtling towards disaster? Groping scandal revealed

The Staffordshire theme park, owned by Merlin Entertainment, attracted 2.5 million visitors in 2024 but has endured a challenging few weeks - and faces stiff competition from two new parks.
www.dailymail.co.uk www.dailymail.co.uk

did anyone see this? behind a paywall but hit stop on your browser really quick and you will load the 'story' before the paywall blocks you!
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Archived Link here to get around the paywall!

Not read the article yet, but a bit confused by the headline alone, are they going after Towers' staff and/or are they going after David Walliams? Either or, not a great start for the PR team.
 
Bert2theSpark said:
Archived Link here to get around the paywall!

Not read the article yet, but a bit confused by the headline alone, are they going after Towers' staff and/or are they going after David Walliams? Either or, not a great start for the PR team.
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I've skimmed over it as that's all it deserves to be honest - I can't even be bothered to summarise it myself so here is Co-Pilot's take on it:


Summary of the Report
Alton Towers, once seen as an ideal family staycation spot with its spa, woodland lodges and famous rollercoasters, is facing reputational challenges on multiple fronts.

1. Spa Groping Scandal​

  • In 2023, massage therapist Lukasz Osipowicz was accused of groping a woman at the Alton Towers Hotel spa.
  • The spa, which had operated since 2003, quietly closed ten months later.
  • Osipowicz was acquitted in criminal court in 2024, but a professional tribunal later ruled that he had groped the woman and suspended him from practising for a year.
  • Alton Towers stated they suspended him immediately when allegations arose and his fixed-term contract ended soon after.
2. David Walliams Attraction Under Scrutiny
  • Allegations of inappropriate behaviour against author and comedian David Walliams (which he denies) have raised questions about the future of the park’s World of David Walliams area.
  • This zone includes the Gangsta Granny ride, Raj’s Shop, and two other themed attractions.
  • Merlin Entertainments says it is in discussions with its IP partners about the situation.
3. Broader Context for Merlin Entertainments
  • Merlin owns several major UK attractions including Thorpe Park, Chessington, Legoland Windsor, the London Eye, Sea Life, and Madame Tussauds.
  • Alton Towers draws around 2.5 million visitors annually.
4. Past Tragedy
  • The park suffered a major incident in 2015 when The Smiler rollercoaster crashed, causing life-changing injuries to several riders, including two leg amputations.
5. Rising Competition
  • The UK theme park market is set to intensify:
    • Universal Studios is opening in Bedfordshire in 2031 (expected 8.5 million visitors).
    • Puy du Fou, a major French historical theme park, will open in Oxfordshire in 2028.
6. Mixed Public Perception
  • While some visitors complain online about UK theme parks generally (queues, costs, facilities), Alton Towers maintains a 3.8/5 rating on TripAdvisor from 25,000 reviews.
  • Many reviews praise staff and family experiences, especially in areas like CBeebies Land.
7. Looking Ahead
  • Alton Towers will launch a new Bluey-themed rollercoaster this spring — a timely addition as the park navigates its current PR challenges.
 
Ash said:
Certainly makes the Spa closure timing interesting…
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I hardly think one case like this would cause them to shut it.

It’s unfortunate but sexual harrasment cases happen at every work place in the world often. They have shut the entire resort down by now if that was their reason for closing things.

It was well documented it wasn’t profitable. It has nothing to do with that SH case.
 
Ash said:
Certainly makes the Spa closure timing interesting…
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Vaguely remember it being discussed at the time and I don’t think it was related.

The general rumour consensus was the plant needed replacing as ultimately it was over 20 years old and Merlin didn’t think the investment was worth it.
 
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