Vancouver Aquarium Sold to a US Based Tourism Company Herschend

Vancouver Aquarium Sold to a US Based Tourism Company Herschend

  • Business
  • Commercial Real Estate
  • Community
  • Environment
  • Vancouver
April 21, 2021

One of Vancouver’s most valued destination made the headlines of all the news outlets last week. Vancouver Aquarium which was praised for its sustainable effort, loved by local and famous tourism attraction was sold to a US based private tourism Company: Herschend.

Vancouver Aquarium was struggling shortly after the pandemic hit last year. It lost its source of income to cover its massive operating cost. It took less than a month before the Aquarium was desperate for financial support and the public have donated $624,427 dollars to help keep it running. The donation can any cover 2.5 weeks of operating costs. Throughout the year, the aquarium has considered many different options including selling/giving out some of its animals. As millions of dollars in deficit rounds up, it forces the aquarium to either shutdown to find an alternative way to keep it alive.

What the locals never thought of it is that it would be sold to a US based private tourism company. Vancouver Aquarium was a non-profit organization that provided research, educational, economic, and environmental values locally, nationally, and internationally. The Vancouver aquarium also promote ocean wise seafood program that connects local restaurant to use sustainable fish in their menus. Its history alongside Stanley Park was something that everyone was proud of.

Serious question rises regarding what the Vancouver Aquarium will become after being sold to Herschend. The company owns multiple amusement parks and aquariums in the United States. Will the aquarium turn into a money printing machine? Will Herschend maintain the aquarium as it is and retain its existing program. We know that Herschend is eager to re-open the aquarium after the pandemic. The value of the aquarium is enormous without the details from the contract it is difficult to know to what degree the existing business will become commercialized. The aquarium has been with us since 1956, at least it survived from bankruptcy. We witness US corporation picking up Canadian Assets regularly and the pandemic provided more opportunities than ever before. This commercial transaction will make this of 2021’s most important deals of the year not only due to the dollar amount, but also the meaning behind letting go of this historic site.

Yoyoe Lu

Founder and managing principal
yoyoe@claridgeadvisors.com

Yoyoe is the founder and managing principal of Claridge. She was ranked one of Vancouver’s top real estate agents. Currently, Yoyoe is our strategic mind leading the team to success. Her affiliation with industry professionals put her ahead of our competitors. Yoyoe is also part of the Rotary Club of West Vancouver, Canadian Homebuilders Association, Urban Land Institute and Urban Development Institute.

Ashley Osborn

Development Site and Investment Specialist
ashley@claridgeadvisors.com

Ashely is our lead land and investment advisor. He has been consistently featured in the annual top 100 real estate deals of British Columbia ranking. With over $15 billion worth of domestic and international real estate investments under his belt, Ashley is one of the top agents in the province. His 20 years of real estate and financial experience make him a master in negotiation and acquisition.

Patricia Wong Chong

Investment and Leasing Specialist
patricia@claridgeadvisors.com

Patricia is our investment and retail leasing advisor. Her experience in brokerage and market research analysis has helped her comprise over $550 million in commercial real estate transactions. Patricia is responsible, detail-oriented, and professional. Her strong work ethic and positive attitude have led her to surpass all her competitors.

Schumann Li

Land Assembly & Residential Specialist
schumann@claridgeadvisors.com

Schumann is a top-producing realtor in the Lower Mainland with more than 30 years’ experience. Over the years, Schumann hasn’t just garnered awards, but the trust of countless customers. Her clients continually refer to her outstanding professionalism, work ethic and poise.

Wendy Kaip

Sales Associate
wendy@claridgeadvisors.com

Whether it’s decoding city policies, strategizing relocation plans, home sellers looking for a trustworthy advisor to unlock their property’s maximum potential- Wendy is here to help every step along the way.

Prior to real estate, Wendy spent over a decade in the mining industry with her attention to detail, keen negotiation skills, extensive network and strong reputation for getting the deal done, bringing endless value to her current real estate clients.

Whether you are thinking about selling to a developer, or have more questions about commercial real estate, Wendy invites you to connect, to see how she can utilize her expertise and team to help create value and maximize your real estate goals.

Simon Chan

Managing Broker
simon@claridgeadvisors.com

Simon is the managing broker of Claridge Real Estate Advisors Inc. His expertise has helped our agents resolve many difficulties. Not only is Simon knowledgeable with real estate legislation, but he is also very detail orientated. With Simon on our team, our agents are confident to conduct businesses and will always get the support they need to ensure they’re not walking on dirty water.

Frank Zhou

Analyst
frank@claridgeadvisors.com

As the analyst of the company, my key job is to help brokers to find marketable clients and locate feasible development sites by collecting and analyzing up-to-date market transaction data and conducting target market and property-level research. Meanwhile, I am also in charge of maintaining the company’s property database to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness and continuously upgrading the level of knowledge by staying up to date with hot topics, and market trends, and incorporating findings into everyday work. Before joining the company, I worked for CR Group as a real estate investment manager, focusing on capital raising, equity and debt financing, acquisition and renovation. I hold 2 master’s degrees, one in Housing Management and the other in Economics.

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