The Shanghai Disneyland Resort is expected to receive around 50 million visitors every year.

According to a report by Changjiang Securities, the influx of tourist arrivals will generate annual sales revenues of 40 billion yuan ($6.06 billion), China Daily reported.

The $5.5 billion theme park is anticipated to contribute about 0.8 percent to Shanghai's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) this year, based on findings of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government Research Center.

Like Us on Facebook

The city's GDP is projected to rise by 6.5 percent from 2.5 trillion yuan in 2015.

A day before the theme park's launch, Bob Iger, Walt Disney Co Chief Executive Officer, remarked that Disney's first theme park in the Chinese mainland - and the sixth worldwide - is designed to be "authentically Disney" but at the same time promises to be "distinctly Chinese."

Iger explained that the Shanghai Disneyland Resort will offer an "authentic Disney" experience but will ensure that this will done in such a way that takes into full consideration China's local culture, and creates a sense of ownership among the people in terms of language, food and entertainment.

As a testament to the theme park's cultural sensitivity, the Disney executive cited the Chinese acrobats performing in the Disney musical "Tarzan: Call of the Jungle" and the first Chinese production of the Broadway musical "The Lion King," which premiered last Tuesday at the Walt Disney Grand Theatre.

Iger pointed out that the new park has enormous economic potential, after it welcomed more than 600,000 visitors during a month's trial period ahead of Thursday's grand opening.

"We have plenty of space to expand and we will do that sooner rather than later," he said.

The Shanghai Disneyland Resort occupies seven square kilometers, which provides ample space to build more attractions, including additional facilities.

Teng Bingsheng, associate dean and associate professor of strategic management at Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business, noted that Chinese consumers crave for the best entertainment services and products.

Teng said that this growing demand for recreational services and products gives business establishments such as the Shanghai Disneyland Resort a good head start.

TagsShanghai, Shanghai Disneyland Resort, china, Disneyland