PARIS - EURO Disney said on Tuesday it had a record number of visits to its French parks this year and a 9.0-per cent jump in sales, reflecting its appeal to cash-strapped Europeans as an affordable attraction in a financial crisis.

Euro Disney, which manages Disneyland Paris, reported a jump of 800,000 visitors in its fiscal year that ended in Sept to a record 15.3 million.

The company said its theme parks east of Paris had slashed an annual net loss to 2.8 million euros (US$5.48 billion) from 38.4 million in the 2006-2007 fiscal year.

'In a time of crisis,' said company chief executive Philippe Gas, Disneyland Paris is 'a good alternative to long-distance trips.'

'It's a short-term destination easily accessible for Europeans ...Euro Disney has put up strong resistance to the economic gloom. But we remain vigilant, since everything depends on the scope of the crisis and we are not immune.'

Occupancy rates at hotels connected to the parks, located in Marne-la-Vallee, rose to 90.9 per cent from 89.3 per cent in the previous fiscal period. Average spending per room rose 7.0 per cent to 211.4 euros.

Mr Gas said in the coming quarter, Oct to Dec, activity should remain 'stable or show a slight increase,' despite signs that the British and Spanish markets had weakened over the summer.

He added that the Disneyland Paris was becoming of increased interest to visitors from Russia and the Middle East, areas that 'are less affected by a decline in purchasing power.' Another promising market is Poland, Mr Gas said.

Euro Disney shares have fallen 34 per cent this year, in line with declines elsewhere in the tourism sector.

The share was showing a loss on Tuesday of 2.03 per cent at 5.78 euros on a generally stronger Paris exchange. -- AFP