Ticket prices at Disneyland Paris are expected to soar after President Nicolas Sarkozy last week announced a huge increase in the sales tax paid by the sector.

His announcement comes at a crucial time for operator Euro Disney, as it is hoping to attract bumper crowds next year for the 20th anniversary of its Paris theme park.

The increase will push up sales tax on French theme parks from 5.5 per cent to 19.6 per cent. It is part of a package of measures designed to reduce the country’s deficit and help it retain its valuable AAA credit rating.

The deficit is pr ojected to fall from 7.1 per cent to 5.7 per cent by the end of 2011, thanks to measures that are due to raise €12 billion (£10.6 billion) over the next two years. They also include tax increases on high earners, alcohol, tobacco and sugared drinks.

Disneyland Paris attracted 15 million visitors last year, making it Europe’s most-visited theme park. Its prices are already regarded as high – a two-day adult ticket costs £108 compared with £40 at Staffordshire’s AltonTowers, Britain’s most-visited theme park.

Disneyland Paris notched up a five per cent increase in attendance in the nine months to June.