The pace of technological innovation was already accelerating, but the past year has kicked that growth into overdrive.
So, in light of that progress, which integrated solutions have risen to the top of the priority list for theme park operators and other leisure businesses? How can you invest in those technologies now to actually save money in 2021 and beyond?
First, let’s take a look at what changes the acceleration in technological innovation has engineered among theme park visitors and other leisure business guests.
Technology is evolving at a rate never seen before, and it touches every corner of our daily lives. From the smartphones in our hands to hands-free workspaces, remote collaboration, Internet of Things-connected smart homes and businesses, and more, we’ve become accustomed to a heightened level of technological integration.
That means those same expectations are now carrying over to the world of theme parks and leisure businesses.
Theme parks and other attractions will have to account for what most now consider basic needs, such as Wi-Fi connectivity, but they’ll also have to cater to a general expectation for a more well-rounded digital and holistic experience.
Guests now expect to engage in digital ticketing and reservations, virtual queueing solutions, cashless systems, touch-free interactivity, and more. Digital and physical experiences are merging, creating opportunities for improved customer satisfaction through the kinds of digitally integrated experiences that are expected not just from the moment they step onto your property, but from the moment they even consider it in the first place.
Investing in technologies that cater to that digitally integrated journey and engage visitors throughout their experience can convert capital dollars into tremendous return on investment, and that ROI may come back sooner than you expect.
“For theme park and leisure operators, it’s key to drive an increased profit margin on per capita visits, especially during times when there are fewer visitors,” said industry expert Jeroen Verrezen. “The expectation is that there will be lower amounts of visitors during the next year, but there might be a higher willingness to spend, because some people saved money. The pandemic has also accelerated certain usages of technology that are now here to stay.”
Here are seven examples of technology solutions that drive ROI and elevate your theme park or leisure business to match what your guests are looking for:
As an operator, you need to remain ambitious in implementing new technologies, such as dark rides, projection solutions, gamification, special effects, impressive LED displays, high-quality on-board audio, and stunning video, so people look forward to experiencing your world-class attractions that are generating so much buzz. These solutions enable you and your team to become better storytellers and engage your audience with awe-inspiring content in new and improved ways, which can have indirect impacts on spending through return visits, greater satisfaction, and more.
Innovation has always been at the heart of attracting guests to theme parks and other leisure businesses. Take Universal and Disney properties, for example – they’ve consistently led the field because of a willingness to live on the bleeding edge and an attitude that focuses on being unafraid of being first to market.
By implementing innovative technology solutions, you’ll not only drive greater ROI and guest satisfaction – you’ll also learn a lot about your guests and be able to put that knowledge to use in engineering even more growth.
This is an opportunity for you to gain data about your visitors, enable them to share their experiences through social media, and stay in touch more effectively while finding new ways to interact with your audiences prior to and after their visit as part of an extended theme-park experience
Computer vision, extended reality, artificial intelligence and more are right around the corner, and Electrosonic’s mission continues to center on acting as a true partner in helping theme park operators advance their business with the right mix of solutions that empower you to thrive, even in times of change and disruption.
To learn more, contact us today.
Maurizio Capuzzo, Electrosonic’s Chief Marketing Officer, fuses the science of data with the art of visual and verbal communication to explain how technology adds value and helps foster innovation. Maurizio writes from a wealth of experience, holding leadership roles in global technology companies as well as possessing a deep understanding of how technology contributes to business growth.