RocketRez, the end-to-end cloud ticketing platform for tours and attractions, is collaborating with Chimney Rock Park, a natural attraction in North Carolina renowned for its 315-foot rock monolith and expansive views of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure.
With this partnership, the attraction will use RocketRez to update its ticketing operations, starting with straightforward, high-impact timed ticketing to manage visitor flow and enhance the guest experience.
Empathy & flexibility
When Hurricane Helene hit the region in 2024, the Chimney Rock team faced an uncertain future. Roads throughout the local area were extensively damaged or completely washed away, leaving communities isolated and destroying vital access to the park.
RocketRez had already developed a close relationship with the team at Chimney Rock and offered a free year of service after the storm, to support preparations for reopening and provide the tools required to welcome the public back.
Sean Harvey, chief revenue officer at RocketRez, says: “This was about more than software. Chimney Rock is a special place for so many people, and we knew the last thing they needed during their recovery was a technology hurdle. We saw an opportunity to lend a hand, and we’re proud to be part of their comeback story.”
“After the storm, we were dealing with so much operational uncertainty,” said Joey Allen, director of operations at Chimney Rock. “RocketRez didn’t just show up with a product. They showed up with empathy, flexibility, and the kind of support you don’t forget.”
In order to manage traffic and lessen its impact on the ongoing reconstruction efforts in the region, Chimney Rock is switching to capacity-based timed ticketing for online sales instead of its current any-day tickets, which may be used at any time during the year.
The team will continue to use RocketRez to sell general admission tickets for the whole day at the on-site drive-up ticket booth, offering a unified experience across all sales channels.
Although ticketing is the first priority, Chimney Rock chose RocketRez for its long-term adaptability. Upcoming implementation stages are set to include memberships, gift cards, retail and F&B, and integrated reporting and accounting.
Emily Walker, director at Chimney Rock, says: “We needed a simple solution to manage timed entry and reduce strain on our infrastructure, but we also wanted to set ourselves up with a platform that could grow with us. RocketRez gives us both: the simplicity we need now, and the flexibility to expand in the future.”
Earlier this month, RocketRez announced the launch of Signal, a brand-new podcast for leaders driving the future of visitor experiences. Drawing on the popular Signal newsletter, the podcast offers bold perspectives and candid conversations on key challenges facing attraction operators today.
