Hong Kong Disneyland Strengthens Partnerships with Hong Kong Travel Trade

Hong Kong Disneyland held a briefing in Hong Kong Wednesday, on the progress of the theme park and two Disney themed hotels for over 1,000 travel agents and industry participants as it counts down to the exciting Grand Opening on September 12, 2005.

Hosted by Hong Kong Disneyland Vice President of Marketing and Sales, Roy Tan Hardy, and senior members of the park’s travel industry marketing and sales team, the gathering was organized to provide participants with the latest update of its pre-launch preparations and an overview of its ticket and reservations facilities catering to the travel trade.

At the gathering, Hong Kong Disneyland also gave a detailed explanation about its ticket distribution channels, and its plans for establishing a closer working relationship with travel agents.

“The travel trade is an important constituent in our overall distribution channels. Our travel industry partners play an integral role in broadening our reach to guests from all over the world and to provide our overseas visitors with access to a wide range of packages that promote Hong Kong and Hong Kong Disneyland,” said Roy Tan Hardy.

The theme park is in the final stages of completing its wholesale contracting with major overseas agents in addition to local inbound operators, who play a significant role in bringing large amount of overseas visitors to Hong Kong. Close to 50% of these are Hong Kong-based agents. 

Retail travel agents will also be provided with access to theme park ticket inventory when making group bookings for 25 persons or above during weekdays and non-peak days. Special group commissions will be provided. 

For hotel reservations, bona fide travel agents who book a hotel room for a guest at either the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel or Disney’s Hollywood Hotel, or purchase park tickets as part of their hotel stay, will also receive special commission.

Hong Kong Disneyland expects its first year attendance to comprise one-third local residents, one-third Mainland Chinese guests, and the remainder from countries around the region. The majority of local guests are expected to purchase their tickets directly from Hong Kong Disneyland including at the gate on the day of visit.

“The increased business opportunities Hong Kong Disneyland provides will benefit travel agents all over the region, not just in Hong Kong,” said Ronnie Ho, Chairman of Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong. “I am pleased to see the high level of interest from all our members at today’s event as we work with Hong Kong Disneyland to help promote Hong Kong as the premier family vacation destination.”

To further strengthen its travel industry relationships, Hong Kong Disneyland also announced the launch of a dedicated travel agent hotline that has been designed specifically to handle trade enquiries and take bookings.

The hotline number - 1830 8000 - will operate seven days per week from 9am – 6pm. It will initially be available to travel trade in Hong Kong before being rolled out overseas as a toll-free number at a later stage.

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