THE travel trade in Australia and NZ have become an even more important part of Disney Destinations’ distribution strategy, with new arrangements implemented during the pandemic meaning travel advisors are a key channel to ensure clients make the most of their Disney experience.
Speaking to Travel Daily in Orlando today, Disney’s VP of Marketing & Sales International, Jeff van Langeveld, said it was important that agents are aware of the new system which requires park reservations as well as traditional multi-day passes.
“Capping numbers at Disneyland Resort improves the overall visitor experience, but we do have days that sell out,” he said, noting that currently it is possible to make reservations up to 120 days before arrival.
“We are working on extending that too,” van Langeveld said, in recognition of the longer booking lead times from long haul markets like Australia.
He said Australia continues to be a key market for Disney, with Aussie and Kiwi visitors in the top five int’l markets for Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii and number three for Disneyland Resort in California which has just hosted an Australian contingent to showcase its Marvel Avengers Campus (TD 03 Jun).
Van Langeveld also foreshadowed a significantly higher profile for Disney Cruises in the ANZ market as the fleet expands.
Van Langeveld was part of a large Disney contingent welcoming key trade partners at a special VIP event at Disney’s EPCOT theme park in Orlando prior to the official opening of this year’s huge IPW trade show – more on page three.
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Source: traveldaily