The Disneyland Resort in Paris has launched what it is referring to “sterling packages” in an effort to lure British holidaymakers who have been staying at home due to the weak pound.
“We are allowing people to buy in pounds – everything from park passes to hotels and meals vouchers.
Then they have everything in place and are largely protected,” said the Euro Disney chief executive, Philippe Gas, in comments to The Daily Telegraph.
Euro Disney reported that sales were down to 327.8 million euros, from 340.5 million euros in the final quarter of 2008. This figure was compared to the same period in 2007. It said that the company remains resilient in spite of economic conditions.
While theme park revenues increased from 175 million euros for the fourth quarter of 2007 to 186.1 million euros for the same quarter in 2008, hotel revenues declined ad were down from 126.7 million euros in the final quarter of 2007, to 124.6 million euros for the fourth quarter of 2008.
Mr. Gas indicated that he anticipated the resort would continue to attract visitors, even in the current economic downturn, as holidaymakers choose shorter breaks at destinations that are closer to home.
He also noted that they were experiencing some weakness in Spain, and a small decline in the number of UK visitors, but feels that “the escapism” that Disney provides will prove an antidote to the financial “gloom and doom”.
“People are able to enter a new world, live in a dream and forget the economic crisis and the gloom,” Gas added. “We are well positioned in this time of crisis.”
