Rumors grow about the sale of PortAventura World to Universal

Universal Parks & Resorts, the third largest theme park operator in the world, could buy PortAventura World (Salou, Tarragona). International and national media have echoed the news, creating high expectations, since it would become the group’s only headquarters in Europe. In addition to the offer of its attractions, the Universal parks are recognized for using the image of iconic characters such as Harry Potter or Betty Boop for their setting.

Rumors have spread in recent months in forums, networks and content platforms, pointing out that PortAventura would like to expand the activity of the entertainment resort, staying open throughout the year and ensuring the opening of new attractions. In view of the need to obtain greater financing to undertake these objectives, and above all on the basis of an alleged visit of several Universal executives to the family that owns the Spanish entertainment space, the investment would make sense.

However, as reported by the national media Hobby Consolesindustry experts affirm that this type of meeting is frequent and that the meeting could simply be due to a negotiation on the Universal licences, for which PortAventura currently continues to pay (Crazy Bird or Shrek).

PortAventura Park | Photo: PortAventura

However, it would not be the first time that Universal has opted for PortAventura, since the Catalan attractions center was already owned by Universal Parks & Resorts from 1998 to 2004 (the name was changed to ‘Universal Mediterránea’ between 2002 and 2004). . Several hotels were built at this time. and valued attractions such as ‘Sea Odyssey’ and ‘The Temple of Fire’.

PortAventura World neither confirms nor denies

Specialized international media have taken an interest in the suspicions raised in Spain. In them (United States) opened the possibility of the purchase being certified, and indicated that Universal would have registered a trademark at the European Union Intellectual Property Office, integrating the Spanish language in the file, This could be related to an operation in Spanish territory. The German digital magazine Loopings account that he has contacted a PortAventura spokesman, and that this He did not want to confirm or deny the information.

Portaventura World has three theme parks, PortAventura Park, Ferrari Land and Caribe Aquatic Park, and has six hotels integrated into its parks. In 2022, the company acquired two locations outside of its entertainment precinct, and plans to continue expanding its portfolio.

Universal Parks & Resorts, located in Orlando (United States), received in 2017 close to 50 million visitors among all its theme parks, among which are Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Orlando Resort or Universal Studios Japan.