Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/972111
I N T H E N E W S B M & T ••• March/April 2018 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 6 DISNEY ANNOUNCES TRANSFORMATIVE MULTI-YEAR EXPANSION FOR DISNEYLAND PARIS Recently, Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company Robert A. Iger announced plans for a 2 billion euro, multi-year expansion for Disneyland Paris alongside French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palais de l'Elysee in Paris. The new development will include a trans- formation of the Walt Disney Studios Park, adding three new areas that are based on Marvel, Frozen and Star Wars, along with multiple new attractions and live entertainment experi- ences. The expansion plan is one of the most ambitious develop- ment projects at Disneyland Paris since its opening in 1992 and underscores the Company's commitment to the long- term success of the resort as Disney's brand beacon in Europe. "We're very excited about the future of Disneyland Paris and continue to invest in its long-term success," said Iger, chairman and chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company. "The resort is already the leading tourist destina- tion in Europe, and the transformative expansion we announced today will add even more of our beloved charac- ters and unparalleled storytelling to create new lands, attrac- tions and entertainment that further elevate the guest expe- rience and drive new opportunities for tourism in this dynam- ic region." The new areas will infuse some of Disney's most popular stories and characters into this unique destination, building upon the success of the resort's 25th Anniversary celebration and continuing to enhance the guest experience for millions of Europeans. With over 320 million visits since 1992 and representing 6.2 percent of France's tourism income, Disneyland Paris has played a key leadership role in tourism for the region. The resort continues to be a powerful driver of economic and social development with over 16,000 employees representing 100 nationalities. This investment will help make the region even more dynamic and appealing and open up more oppor- tunities for French and European citizens in the tourism industry. The multi-year development will roll out in phases begin- ning in 2021, significantly expanding the Walt Disney Studios Park. In addition to the three new areas, the creative vision includes a new lake, which will be the focal point for enter- tainment experiences and will also connect each of the new park areas. In the spring of 2017, Disneyland Paris kicked off its 25th Anniversary celebration including new entertainment and experiences for guests. The resort also completed a two-year refurbishment program, updating and renovating many of the classic attractions in the parks, as well as opening multiple new entertainment shows such as Mickey and the Magician, which won a 2017 International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions theme park industry award for "Best Theatrical Production." Additionally, several major renova- tions took place at the resort's hotels including Disney's Newport Bay Club, which is now a four-star hotel. Just this month, Disneyland Paris announced plans for a