With a surge in ‘staycationing’ this year thanks to the pandemic snuffing out many families’ plans to holiday abroad, we take a look at how theme parks and resorts can make the most of this spike in domestic travel.
According to a recent report by Schofields Ltd, the number of holidays people have taken since the beginning of the year has dramatically decreased in the UK. 73% of people had taken no holidays in April meaning, for many, a backlog of annual leave. Due to restrictions, and countries continually being removed from UK’s ‘air-bridge’ list, a staycation has fast become the destination of choice. The report also notes that:
‘Holidays in the UK are not only a financially safer option for most, but many will find staying in the UK to be a less stressful option as you don’t have to worry about local health advice and medical practice differing from home.’
With consumer confidence a key factor in holidaying decisions, it has become a top priority for operators everywhere to ensure the health and safety of their visitors and workers. From staff wearing PPE, strict cleaning regimens and Perspex partitioning to touchless ordering and payment, the industry has had to make a plethora of changes to their operations to make sure they can open safely without impacting negatively on the guest experience.
Aside from admissions or accommodation, food and drink accounts for the biggest chunk of theme park revenue with merchandise and sponsorship close behind. By offering flexible digital ordering options to guests, parks and resorts can protect their F&B revenues and, do it safely. By letting guests use their own mobiles to order ahead to a location or for pick-up, you can reduce contact points and the risk of cross infection, minimise queues and maintain social distance. Not to mention that guests can be served faster and enjoy greater control over the pace of their dining experiencing, ordering and paying when and how they want.
QikServe’s technology can make a real difference to resorts/theme parks and their visitors. With a bespoke, branded mobile app and online ordering platform, visitor attractions can engage guests even before their visit, gathering spending data and optimising on-site operations. By offering digital ordering within restaurants as well as Order-to-Location (think lodge, cabin, picnic area etc) or for pick-up, parks can explore new streams of revenue as well as keep flexible as restrictions change.[If you’re interested in finding out how QikServe can help your theme park or resort, contact us.
