TravelMole Interview: Jo Rzymowska, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts

Monday, 26 Aug, 2002 0

Walt Disney is convinced the decision to merge its Florida and Paris operations will lead to increased bookings through the trade. Sales and marketing for Disneyland Paris and the Florida theme parks will come together under ‘Walt Disney Parks and Resorts’ from October.

Jo Rzymowska (left), who has been appointed vice-president marketing and sales, UK and Ireland, for the new company, told TravelMole: “All the training will be combined and there will be one point of contact.

“We are already working with agents across the board but this will make it easier to focus on sales for Disney and we expect it to lead to an increase in bookings.”

She declined to reveal specific targets. Rzymowska said the decision to merge the two companies had been taken because Disneyland Paris and the Florida theme parks were now of equal importance to the UK market.

“They are both attracting over 1 million UK visitors. Before, we were building up Disneyland Paris, so it wouldn’t have been the right move.”

She added that the change would make more sense for customers.

“Our research shows that people think Disney is one company. It will mean that we can look at the customer as a whole and address their needs instead of seeing them from just from one point of view.

“It also makes much more sense for the companies that we have alliances with. They will have one team to deal with, which is much more sensible.”

Rzymowska added that research among their customers showed that the negative image of Disneyland Paris has largely been overcome.

“In the beginning, there was a lot of talk about the climate and the amount of rain, but I think we’ve come a long way since then,” she said.

“Holidaymakers are telling us that the best time to visit Disneyland Paris is at Christmas, when it has been snowing.”

However, a trip to Disney is still perceived to be an expensive holiday.

“We never claim to be a cheap or budget holiday,” said Rzymowska.

“But you’ve got to look at what you get, because we definitely offer value-for money. “Compare us with Thorpe Park. They charge £23 a day, which is the same as us.”