accesso Technology Group PLC, a leading technology provider, has renewed its agreement with Walibi Holland, allowing the popular Dutch theme park to use its 100% virtual queuing model throughout 2021.
Walibi Holland, which is owned by Compagnie des Alpes, is expected to reopen for the summer season this month and will continue using accesso’s patented virtual queuing solution following the success of this approach last year. While it was offered as a premium service during the 2020 season, the park has now announced that all guests will be able to use the solution this year.
Virtual queuing for a post-COVID world
This 100% virtual queuing solution means that Walibi Holland can overcome the challenges presented by the global pandemic and the resulting social distancing needs. Visitors can use their mobile phones to secure a place in the virtual queue for their favourite rides and can then relax and enjoy the rest of the amenities the park has to offer until they are notified that they have reached the front of the virtual queue.
The solution benefits both visitors and operators, keeping guest satisfaction high and resulting in higher spending on food, beverages and merchandise.
In fact, last season at Walibi Holland, accesso’s platform meant that the park maintained overall guest satisfaction, keeping it at the same level as 2019. At the end of the 2020 season, data showed that three-quarters of visitors made food and beverage purchases while queuing virtually, and most reported that they would be happy to return for future visits.
This season, accesso will be debuting new virtual queuing functionality, including ride sorting by wait time for guests as well as the ability for one group to split up and take their place in different virtual ride queues. The platform now also includes operator tools to cater for guests arriving at the park later in the day and more.
Safer operations
“Through our expanded partnership with accesso over the past year, we’ve seen firsthand the power the right technology can have in regaining traction during such precarious times, especially when that technology has been reimagined to meet the needs and demands of the day,” says Mascha van Till, director of Walibi Holland.
“The accesso 100% Virtual Queuing model has allowed us to safely operate at a higher capacity than we originally expected, as it allows us to properly maintain physical distancing. As we continue to navigate new and unique challenges related to the pandemic, we are excited to be extending our virtual queuing agreement with accesso as we welcome back our treasured guests for another thrilling summer season.
accesso’s virtual queuing solution can adjust to different variables, for example, guest flow and operational changes, meaning that operators benefit from real-time capacity optimisation and real-time communication with visitors.
Thriving in the wake of COVID
“Over the last year, we’ve seen many technologies that were originally designed as ‘quick fixes’ to temporary challenges emerge as mainstay, must-have innovations for operators seeking to rise above the pandemic and thrive in its wake,” says Steve Brown, accesso CEO.
“We are honoured to stand by the side of Walibi Holland – an incredibly progressive, innovative partner – and serve as an extension of their team as they continue to deliver unforgettable memories to their guests, both now and into the future.”
The company’s smartphone-powered Qsmart virtual queuing platform is easy to use – guests simply choose a ride or attraction on their phone and are placed in a virtual queue. This leaves them free to enjoy the park while waiting, rather than being trapped in a traditional queue, and is both more enjoyable and safer. When it’s their turn, they simply show the QR code to the ride attendant for contactless access.
Last month, accesso also announced that it has expanded its partnership with Alterra Mountain Company. It is now providing contactless mobile food and beverage capabilities to six of the company’s North American mountain destinations.
