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Gateway and SSA partnership expands to provide unified POS solution to Houston Zoo

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Gateway and SSA partnership expands to provide unified operations at Houston Zoo

Gateway Ticketing Systems®, the world leader in ticketing software, admission control and revenue generation for the attractions industry, continues to grow its strategic partnership with Service Systems Associates (SSA), a national leader in guest service operations for cultural attractions.

Building on four successful joint projects, the two companies have streamlined operations at Houston Zoo and enhanced the guest experience. The zoo now uses Gateway’s Galaxy® software for integrated ticketing, food and beverage, and retail operations.

“SSA has a progressive strategy with their customers that recognises the multiple benefits of unifying the point-of-sale operations of ticketing, food & beverage and retail,” comments Gateway’s Director of Business Development, Scott Lobaugh.

“Not only does SSA’s staff seamlessly blend into the attraction, but the guest experience is cohesive across ticketing, food and retail – and even membership.”

According to Lobaugh, without this integrated approach, both customer service and revenue suffers:

“Attractions who use service providers that run separate point-of-sale systems are really in the dark on what actually is being sold within their facility,” he says.

A unified point-of-sale solution gives venues the option to offer ‘experiences’ within their attraction that include food, retail and stored value components.

Additionally, a thorough understanding of user activity provides a sound basis for targeted marketing strategies.

“The customer journey data that can be shared across channels helps the attraction and SSA make better decisions for the business,” explains Lobaugh. “It’s great seeing SSA bring this mentality to our customers.”

Aside from Houston Zoo, Gateway and SSA have delivered unified solutions to Cincinnati Zoo, History Colorado, Royal Gorge Bridge & Park and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

“Gateway is – and always has been – focused on helping attractions increase revenue, streamline operations and enhance the guest experience,” adds John Lucas, SSA’s Vice President, Business Development.

“Their integrated point-of-sale software solutions fit perfectly in those situations where our clients look to exploit the many benefits of an integrated technology offering.”

Image credit: Dale Martin/Houston Zoo

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Charles Read

Charles is managing director at blooloop. He attends numerous trade shows around the world and frequently speaks about trends and social media for the attractions industry at conferences. Outside of blooloop, his passions are diving, trees and cricket.

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