HOT weather during 2006 hit visitor numbers and profits at north west tourist attraction Blue Planet Aquarium. The complex turned over é4m, but a 6.4 per cent dip in visitors hit profits at its parent group, AIM-listed Deep Sea Leisure.

Group profits fell from é1.65m to é1.42m for the year to October 31.

Turnover remained virtually unchanged at é6.47m. The group also operates Deep Sea World, in Edinburgh.

Finance director Sue Elaiho said the year had been tough amid a sustained hot, dry spell during the summer, pressure on consumer spending and a sharp rise in energy costs. She said the outlook remains challenging, with interest rates and unemployment rising and continuing high levels of consumer debt.

Deep Sea invested in Blue Planet, which is near Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, with a new coral reef attraction, improvements to the staff working environment which helped reduce employee turnover rates, and better customer service, for example the introduction of e-ticketing.

Now bosses are looking to develop diving and education programmes and to increase corporate revenues. They are also looking to encourage more repeat visits.

Blue Planet has 310 species and a total of 2,453 fish. Tweet