Euro Disney SCA, operator of the Disneyland Resort in Paris, has reported an 8 per cent increase in revenues for the half year to 31 March.

Theme park attendance, hotel occupancy and average guest spend were all up, helped by the opening in March 2002 of the Walt Disney Studios Park.

However, due to the global downturn in tourism, the increased turnover did not meet the company's original estimates.

Group operating margin decreased 62.4 per cent on the previous year - from Euro42.5m to Euro16m - and the company reported a loss for the period - principally due to the lower operating margin and higher lease and net financial charges - of Euro82.7m, up from Euro76.8m.

Theme park revenues rose 10.6 per cent over the previous year, to Euro217.4m, reflecting higher visitor numbers during the period.

Revenue from hotels and Disney Village was up 13 per cent to Euro199m. The first phase of additional, on-site, third party hotel space totalling 1,450 rooms will be completely on-line before the summer this year, benefiting the group's investment in Walt Disney Studios Park.

Income from sponsorships, transportation and other travel services was down from Euro53.6m the previous year to Euro50.9m this year.

Commenting on the results, EuroDisney president and chief operating officer, Yann Caillère, said: Despite the slowdown in tourism activity and the uncertain geopolitical environment, we are pleased to report increasing revenues driven by improvements in all key operating revenue drivers. Details: www.eurodisney.com