26 Jan 2010

 Main entry of Pleasure Beach Blackpool
Pleasure Beach Blackpool, has enhanced a new entry system from APT Skidata for visitors to the park
Britain's number one tourist attraction, Pleasure Beach Blackpool, has enhanced access and security for visitors to the park, thanks to a new entry system from APT Skidata.

For the 2009 season, the park introduced a new entry system to the park, with the creation of a brand new Ticket Centre in the Casino Building and a single point of entry. Visitors go directly to the Ticket Centre to purchase a wristband or Pleasure Beach Pass, before passing through a new set of turnstiles, where a barcode on the pass is scanned to secure admission.

"With over 5 million visitors to the park each year, security is understandably a key priority," says Mike Brown, Commercial Director, Pleasure Beach Blackpool. "Changing entry to offer just one point of entry and exit to the 42-acre park via new turnstiles not only improves security, it also enhances the level of customer care and the welcome on arrival.

"In selecting a supplier for the access solution, we chose APT Skidata as they are recognised as world leaders in this sector for their advanced technology. We knew they would offer us the reliability and ease of use necessary in such a busy environment."

The turnstiles offer visitors a reliable and speedy entry into the park. After purchasing the wristband or pass, visitors simply insert their barcode into the reader, and access is given. It is quicker, safer, and if there is a problem, a red light will flash alerting nearby park staff.

APT Skidata's hardware includes fast-operating and highly reliable turnstiles controlled by the Compact FitAll Reader

A barcoded access solution offers the park reliable information about which gates are being most used and when people are arriving. These statistics also help ensure that the entrance is manned accordingly, and from a health and safety perspective it records an accurate number of people on site at any one time.

"The feedback has already been very positive, with visitors commenting on improved speed and efficiency on entering Pleasure Beach," concludes Mike.

APT Skidata technology is deployed at some of the UK's best-known theme parks and leisure attractions. APT Skidata's hardware includes fast-operating and highly reliable turnstiles controlled by the Compact FitAll Reader that recognises both the smart card or barcoded ticket as it is presented. The reader is designed for indoor and outdoor applications requiring fast ticket authentication and fast processing of large visitor volumes. Networking is based on the common, stable Ethernet industry standard.

Its software, meanwhile, is designed to seamlessly operate with providers of other software solutions as part of a complete business IT solution to include such areas as Ticketing, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Loyalty, Retail and Food and Beverage.