Thirty years ago, The Walt Disney Company and the French Government signed a Main Agreement to develop tourism with the creation and operation of Euro Disney in France. In 1987, the signature of the Main Agreement ( see picture below ) was hopeful but also had real commitments to the development of the Ile de France region. At the opening of Euro Disney in 1992, Disneyland Paris became the first European tourism destination in the most visited country in the world since the 1980's, France.
For Disneyland Paris, the year 2017 is a double anniversary. The destination celebrate 25 years since its opening and the 30 years of its unique partnership with the French State. On February 25, Disneyland Paris received the visit of France President, François Hollande, a first since 1994 for a president. Discover this institutional and significant moment in the history of the company which ties these two unique partners - the State represented by François Hollande and the Disney group represented by Disneyland Paris CEO, Catherine Powell.
France is a great source of inspiration for Disney through its culture in the company and in the artistic field. The castle of Disneyland Paris, for example, is inspired by the towers of the castle of Lucey, the roofs recall the hospices of Beaune, the colonnades of Saint-Séverin church in Paris « and, Yes, our Castle monsieur the President is French and our company too, and especially proud to be French » said Catherine Powell. Furthermore she reminded that Walt Disney descended directly from a French family living in Isigny, a town where its specialty is the production of butter and « only butter of Isigny are used in all Disney parks in the world ».
At Disneyland Paris, more 100 nationalities and 20 spoken languages work together every day on the Resort. Disney offers more than 500 differents trades that contribute to the diversity of jobs and the integration of various profiles, but also, revive some art jobs disappearing like fine gold gilding or painting letters.
In addition, a dynamic recruitment policy is at the origin of a virtuous circle for the entire sector of tourism. Also, for one job created at Disneyland Paris, nearly 3 jobs are created outside, particularly in hotels, restaurants and other services near the Park.
Catherine Powell also declared that « in 30 years two theme parks were built, but also more than 8,500 hotel rooms, 2 Convention centers, a golf, a Disney Village center and 115 restaurants and shops. Disneyland Paris has become the first European tourism destination.»
Disneyland Paris was also pleased to participate fully in the economy of the country with more than 68 billion euros generated. From the point of view of employment, Disneyland Paris is now the largest employer in France, with 15 000 employees and up to 56,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs, generated each year. The company also relies on a network of 3,000 suppliers in France and abroad, with whom she has made more than 13.7 billion euros of purchases, including 82.3% in France.
It’s a very good conclusion for tourism and for the development of France, » declared François Hollande, because Disney allowed to create « a rich economic fabric ». Then the President said that Disneyland Paris is a gift to Paris for a new light on it’s attractiveness, since 52% of its international visitors enjoy their visits to the Park after discovering emblematic places of the capital. The company allow to offer to visitors from the all over world a more complete tourist offer during their stay in France.
François Hollande welcomes this anniversary which has allowed the development of the East of Paris. Mr Hollande said that the action of the State in the years to come will continue with the project of the Grand Paris Express or the Arc Express TGV, allowing the creation of 60 stations and many metro lines to facilitate the movement of tourists and inhabitants in the Paris region. The two projects are an investment of more than 26 billion euros.
You represent 6.2% of tourism revenue of the France. It is considerable, he said referring to the 7.1 billion tax and taxes generated by the site. Disneyland Paris is a gateway for France and a brand who benefits across our country » said François Hollande. « We managed through the years, to create this relationship of trust between the State and a great private actor like Disney.»
In conclusion, François Hollande declared « here I want to thank the company you represent, Madam ( Catherine Powell ) because she allowed to have in France the first European Park»
Finally Catherine Powell’s last words were to the attention of François Hollande « as you can see Mr President, Disneyland Paris is committed to succeed in France, and more, the success of France. ». « This is the spirit of this Main Agreement that we welcome today » before concluding : « Long live France, and more than ever, long live Paris and France ».
Disneyland Paris is a unique model of success with more than 30 years of experience in the cooperation between the State and the companies."
And here is the video of Catherine Powell and François Hollande speeches at DLP Newport Bay Convention center:
Pictures and video: copyright DLP Welcome
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