KORONA POS, a modern cloud solution for local and franchise ticketing operations worldwide, has shared some key industry trends to watch for the coming year. Following the lull during the global pandemic, the sector is on the rise once more, with the experience economy going from strength to strength.
However, operators need to keep up with the latest technology, consumer preferences, and optimisation strategies in order to stay ahead of the competition. The company has identified some of the biggest theme park industry trends to think about in 2023.
Social responsibility
Conscious consumption will continue to be a key trend, as people are more aware of where their money is going. Today’s consumers expect the businesses that they use to share the same values as them, particularly when it comes to sustainability and social responsibility. Plus, there is likely to be more sustainability legislation coming in across the US this year. Key names in the business, like Disney, are now releasing more information on their sustainable credentials.
KORONA POS recommends that theme park operators embrace this trend, both for ethical and operational reasons. Inclusivity should also be a central goal. It is important that operators always work to make their theme parks more accessible to persons with disabilities, such as those who use wheelchairs and those who have sight or hearing impairments.
Parks should also ideally have sustainability and awareness components that tie into their main theme and narrative. This connection might be more apparent for some attractions, including zoos and safaris. However, all sorts of amusement and theme parks can endeavour to develop cutting-edge partnerships with businesses that carry out socially or environmentally responsible activities.
Personalised and digital experiences
Consumers now want more individualised information and preferences, and the business of theme parks is not an exception. Prospective visitors demand readily available information to simplify the procedure for buying tickets, ordering food, and selecting the best time to visit specific rides or attractions.
Furthermore, nobody enjoys standing in line. Timed admissions enhance the process for both visitors and managers of amusement parks and are another approach to creating better experiences. To help plan the ideal attendance flow, operators should look for a complete ticketing and POS system. Customers will wait less, and operators will work more effectively as a result.
In fact, the newest technology will allow smartphone apps to display heat maps for specific park areas. Another benefit of assisting guests to avoid lines and traffic is that it enables operators to monitor customer behaviour by providing information on their movements and purchases.
Better F&B experiences
Visitors should be able to pre-order meals and beverages from any food kiosk right from their smartphone, keeping with the concept of personalised digital tools. Working on all senses is essential for creating the ultimate modern theme park experience. All of these senses are taken into account when determining brand recognition. Therefore, food cannot be neglected, and working a theme into food and beverage products is a significant advantage.
Theme parks should choose a point-of-sale system that can manage the food kiosks, gift shops, eCommerce, and ticketing. All of these are provided by KORONA POS, in addition to the newest membership and loyalty features.
Continual innovation
Though technology influences most developing industry trends, they are always fundamentally customer-focused and a response to shifting tastes and trends. Although maintaining a strong brand identity that encompasses all facets of your organisation is essential, efficiency is also crucial. The improved functionality of theme park websites and applications should enable effective brand outreach, promotion, and segmentation.
Last year, KORONA POS announced its integration with a new release, KORONA Event, meaning that theme parks can benefit one-stop shop for their operational software. Together, KORONA POS and KORONA Event can manage online ticketing, special events, admissions, memberships, loyalty, gift shops, and more.
