Disneyland Resort Paris is offering Sterling-denominated packages as it struggles to hold on to British travellers who are avoiding the Continent because of the weakness of the pound.

The announcement was made by Philippe Gas, the chief executive of Euro Disney, as he unveiled its sales figures for the final quarter of 2008. Total sales were down to 327.8m euros from 340.5m euros in the same period in 2007. However Mr. Gas insisted the group remained resilient despite the economic downturn.He said: “We delivered increased resort revenues during this first quarter despite the challenging economic environment, by adapting our offers to drive guest visitation while addressing current consumer purchasing power constraints.”

Revenues at its theme parks were up, at 186.1m euros in the quarter, from 175m euros in the same period in 2007. At its hotels, revenues were 124.6m euros in the three months to 31 December, down from 126.7m euros in the same period the previous year.

Occupancy rates fell from the same period last year by 2.3%, a decrease of 12,000 room nights, due to fewer Spanish and UK guests. Although this was partly offset by growth from France. Average spending per room remained unchanged.

Mr Gas added that he expects the resort will continue to attract families, despite the economic downturn, as people look for shorter breaks closer to home. He also said “the escapism” of Disney will prove attractive amid the gloom and doom.

“People are able to enter a new world, live in a dream and forget the economic crisis and the gloom. We are well positioned in this time of crisis.”
——-