Wi-Fi at Attractions Is A Gamechanger
When we visit a tourist attraction, we’re often too captivated by the sights and experiences to stay glued to our phones, but there comes a time when internet access becomes essential. Whether it’s for ticket verification, sharing moments on social media, ordering food, or accessing attraction apps, having reliable Wi-Fi at tourist destinations is a game-changer. In this blog, we’ll explore how Wi-Fi can significantly improve the visitor experience, offer real-life examples to show its value and provide you with a checklist to go away and try at your attraction.
1. Simplifying Ticketing with Paperless Entry
Picture this: You’re standing at the entrance of a renowned tourist attraction, and your excitement is palpable. You’ve opted for a paperless ticket, a modern and eco-friendly choice stored on your smartphone. But, there’s a hitch – no cellular signal, and your ticket refuses to load. It’s a frustrating scenario that could sour the start of your visit. This is where reliable Wi-Fi at the entrance and car park becomes an absolute game-changer. With accessible Wi-Fi, visitors can quickly access their electronic tickets, reducing wait times and ensuring a seamless entry process. Some forward-thinking attractions go a step further by placing QR codes in the car park, allowing spontaneous ticket purchases right on their devices. This not only streamlines admissions but also maintains the excitement as guests smoothly transition from car to entry gate.
Example: Consider the “Wild Adventure Theme Park,” a bustling destination for thrill-seekers. They’ve recognised the importance of offering free Wi-Fi at their entrance and car park. Here, visitors can conveniently access their e-tickets and even make on-the-spot ticket purchases through the park’s website if they haven’t already. The result? A hassle-free and cheerful entry process that sets the tone for an enjoyable day.
2. Boosting Social Media Engagement
In today’s digital age, capturing and sharing memorable moments is second nature for most visitors. And, when it comes to tourist attractions, social media is the canvas for this self-expression. However, the speed and quality of Wi-Fi become pivotal. Reliable Wi-Fi not only encourages visitors to share their experiences on social platforms but also facilitates it. When guests post captivating photos, share check-ins, and create engaging stories, they unintentionally transform into advocates for your attraction. Their posts become a form of free marketing, potentially reaching an expansive audience.
Example: “Nature’s Haven Zoo” recognised the potential of visitor-generated content. By implementing high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the zoo, visitors now regularly post snapshots of their thrilling wildlife encounters on Instagram and Facebook. They’re not just sharing their experiences; they’re inadvertently endorsing the zoo as a must-visit destination. It’s like a virtual billboard, attracting more visitors and spreading the word about the zoo’s conservation efforts.
3. Enhancing Convenience Through Mobile Orders
Long queues at food counters can quickly dampen the spirits of visitors who are eager to enjoy the attractions. The solution? Wi-Fi-enabled food ordering. Visitors can effortlessly place their food orders using their smartphones before reaching the food counters, minimising wait times and streamlining the dining process. This convenience is a win-win for both visitors and attractions – guests get to relish their favourite meals with minimal delays, and attractions can provide a more efficient and satisfying dining experience.
Example: “Foodie Paradise Amusement Park” revolutionised the dining experience by introducing an app that allows visitors to pre-order their meals from park restaurants. By the time they approach the food counters, their orders are ready and waiting, leading to shorter lines and, most importantly, happier customers who can spend more time enjoying the attractions.
4. Making Guided Tours Effortless
For attractions offering guided tours, technology can make the visitor experience even more personalised and flexible. Providing access to digital guides on visitors’ smartphones is a fantastic way to deepen their connection with the attraction’s history and significance. Visitors can engage with the tour at their own pace, making the experience more enjoyable and interactive.
Example: The “Historical Heritage Village” is a living testament to the past, offering guided tours of its well-preserved historic sites. Visitors receive a link to the tour guide on their smartphones, providing them with the freedom to explore the village at their own pace. They can dive into historical narratives, view images, and learn about the people who once called the village home. This interactive approach fosters a deeper connection with the past, making the tour a memorable and educational experience.
Providing high-quality, accessible, and free Wi-Fi at tourist attractions is no longer a luxury but a necessity. It ensures that visitors’ digital needs are met, contributing to a hassle-free and enjoyable visit. Whether it’s streamlining ticketing, encouraging social media engagement, enhancing food orders, or making guided tours more engaging, Wi-Fi plays a pivotal role. For those running tourist attractions, prioritising Wi-Fi is a surefire way to ensure that visitors are not just well-connected but also ecstatic about their experience. Remember, a well-connected visitor is a happy visitor, and happy visitors make your attraction thrive.
WiFi Success Checklist:
To help you check out if you’ve got a good WiFi coverage at the moment we’ve put together a checklist you work through, you might some help from you’re IT partner but it will be worth it!
Wi-Fi Coverage:
- Blanket Coverage: Make sure your Wi-Fi blankets all the essential areas, like the entrance, parking lots, attractions, and dining spots.
- Strong Signals: Ensure that there are no dead zones or weak signal spots, especially where visitors gather.
Speed and Performance:
- Fast and Furious: Test how fast your Wi-Fi is by running speed tests – fast uploads and downloads are a must!
- No Waiting: Check for latency – the quicker, the better, so there’s no annoying waiting time.
- Traffic Check: Simulate a crowded day to see if your Wi-Fi can handle the rush.
Reliability:
- Rock-Solid Connection: Ensure connections stay strong and don’t drop, especially in crowded spots.
- Plan B: Have a backup internet plan in case the primary one fails to keep things running smoothly.
Capacity:
- All Aboard: Check how many people can use the Wi-Fi at once without slowing it down too much.
- Device Variety: Make sure visitors can connect using any device – smartphones, tablets, or laptops.
Security:
- Sign In Safely: Ensure a secure sign-in process, maybe with terms and conditions to protect everyone.
- Data Dividers: Keep sensitive info separate from the public network for added safety.
Ticketing and Apps:
- Easy Ticket Access: Confirm that visitors can access their digital tickets without hiccups.
- App Assurance: Check if any attraction-specific apps or services are Wi-Fi friendly.
User Experience:
- Speedy Pages: Make sure websites and apps load fast so visitors aren’t twiddling their thumbs.
- Stream Smoothly: Check if folks can stream videos or use apps without interruptions.
- Share Freely: Ensure visitors can easily share pics and updates on social media.
Feedback and Monitoring:
- Visitor Voices: Ask visitors about their Wi-Fi experience and fix any issues they mention.
- Tech Watch: Use tools to keep an eye on your network to catch problems early.
Compliance and Regulations:
- Play by the Rules: Make sure your Wi-Fi follows local laws and respects data privacy.
Maintenance:
- Regular Check-ups: Keep your Wi-Fi in tip-top shape with routine updates and equipment checks.
Remember, a strong Wi-Fi network makes visitors happy and boosts your attraction’s reputation. It’s not just about convenience; it can also bring more visitors and revenue. So, regularly test and improve your Wi-Fi to keep everyone smiling! 📶😀
If you’re looking for an EPOS and ticketing partner that can also support your IT needs then look no further. As we’re part of The HBP Group, who specialise in IT and software solutions, we can support advise and implement a variety of IT solutions for your attraction. Get in touch to find out more