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Decrease in attendance and sales for the theme parks
Euro Disney SCA, operator company of Disneyland Paris, announced today that it has achieved a revenue of €327 million (approx $442 million) in the first quarter of the 2013 fiscal year, ie for the period from 1st October to 31st December 2012.
Up by 2.5% compared to the previous fiscal year, this quarterly result is mainly the consequence of a real estate transaction that amounted to €6 million, the turnover of the operating activities (theme parks, hotels and Disney Village) having shown just a slight increase of 0.7% (€2.1 million) compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2012.
The revenues of the two theme parks actually amounts to €179 million, down nearly 1% after a 2% decrease in attendance (fewer guests from France and Spain) a result offset by a slight increase in average spending per guest (due to higher spending on admissions and merchandise). The hotels and the entertainment complex Disney Village are doing a little better, with sales up 1% to €129.8 million, as a result of the increase in activity in Disney Village (increased spending in restaurants) partially offset by a decline in average spending per room (lower prices for overnight stays). The occupancy rate of the hotels remains stable.
Euro Disney SCA indicates that operating costs and expenses are rising with the labor rate inflation, the new guest offerings and the expenses related to real estate development activities.
This is the first time in 3 years that the activities of Disneyland Paris' theme parks are declining in the first quarter, the latest decrease in sales dating back to fiscal year 2010. At that time, attendance had declined sharply by 11%.
“We continue to feel the impacts of the broad European economic downturn and our short-term visibility remains low,” commented Philippe Gas, CEO of Euro Disney S.A.S. “However the fundamentals of our business are strong and we are confident in our ability to drive our business towards sustainable growth. As our investments in our guest experience continue in 2013 and beyond with our hotel refurbishment program and our expansion plan for the Walt Disney Studios Park, we will further enhance the appeal of Disneyland Paris.”
Despite a record attendance of 16 million visitors, the top European tourist destination seems to be in difficulty more than ever after it has once again widened its net loss (€100 million) in the fiscal year 2012. Since the 2005 financial restructuring and with the notable exception of fiscal 2008, the company has accumulated more than €400 million in losses, despite a significant investment plan that has seen the successive openings of 'Buzz Lighyear's Laser Blast', 'Crush's Coaster', 'Cars Quatre Roues Rallye', 'The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror', the themed area 'Toy Story Playland' and the nighttime show 'Disney Dreams!'.
To reassure investors and ease the financial burden of Euro Disney SCA, The Walt Disney Company announced in late September the total refinancing of its debt for a total of 1.338 billion euros. The operation is set to give the company a better position to invest in long-term and to drive value for the shareholders.
Disneyland Paris has announced the extension of its 20th anniversary celebrations including performances of the show Night Disney Dreams! until 30 September 2013. Plans for the future include a new dark ride currently under construction at the Walt Disney Studios Park and which is scheduled to open in 2014.
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The NewsParcs' Theme Park Supplier's News of the Week is a round-up of the latest news relative to companies supplying the theme park industry around the world. This weekly report covers topics such as corporate announcements, ...
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