| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 08/05/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 2 |
| Copyright: Other |
Disney vows to invest in trade despite launch
Operator introduces new tour company
Report by TANYAJEFFERIES
WALT Disney Attractions has pledged to pour more cash into funding rival tour operator promotions despite the launch of its own venture, the Walt Disney Travel Company.Vice-president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Tom Allen, said more money would be available for joint promotional activities and advertising in Disney’s next financial year, which kicks off in September. However, he was unable to give details of the increase because the budget is still being finalised.
Allen stressed that its own venture was not aimed at taking market share away from tour operator partners but on increasing overall volumes to Disney’s Florida theme parks and own-brand cruiseline.
“We have spoken to our partners and they understand our reasons,” he said. “We will grow and they will continue to grow.”
The Walt Disney Travel Company has just launched its first Florida programme, which has been a year in planning.
The 72-page Disney USA brochure contains single-centre, twin-centre, flydrive and cruising holidays.
The company’s UK director, Andrew Waller, said it was the only Florida brochure to feature all 19 of Disney’s own resort hotels.
The launch is being backed by a press campaign that will run to the end of this month. Walt Disney Travel Company will also be promoted on 16 London taxis and a further one in Manchester.
Latest edition: Waller and Allen promote the new brochure
Walt Disney Travel Company
Programme launch: May 8.
Period covered: October 1 2000 to October 31 2001.
Agent incentive: agents who make five bookings with the new operator by July 8 will be entered into a draw to win a one-week Florida holiday for four. Agents making three bookings will receive a Disney watch and a Disney toy, while those making one booking will get a toy.