The Internet Can Be Your “Ticket” To Amusement Parks
Whether they are planning a family reunion, an adventure experience or an international excursion, increasingly, consumers are using the Internet to plan their trips.
A study called The Travelers’ Use of the Internet, 2005 Edition indicates that “online travelers” -online consumers that define themselves as travelers-make up almost half of the United States’ 216.1 million adult population.
“Americans are turning to the Internet to plan and book their trips in greater numbers than ever before and it’s become increasingly obvious that the way we sell and distribute travel has changed forever,” said Dr. Suzanne Cook, the Travel Industry Association of America’s Senior Vice President of Research.
For example, one Web site called www.TicketForFun.com is becoming a popular travel resource for many families looking for amusement parks and attractions.
It includes a worldwide directory of 1,200 facilities, such as theme parks, family entertainment centers, museums, aquariums and more called the “FunFinder.” There, consumers will find contact information, descriptions and Web site links. The directory links connect Web site users to some attractions with online ticketing or a reservation system.
This means that along with their airline tickets and hotel confirmations, travelers can leave home with online confirmations for tickets to attractions they selected through the Web site.
“We recognize there has been an emergence of more savvy and technological-oriented consum-ers,” comments Charlie Bray, President and CEO of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA). “Ticket For Fun was designed to offer visitors useful information as well as to entertain them with information about the park and attractions industry.” IAAPA is the largest international trade association for permanently situated facilities worldwide.
Other aspects of the Web site focus on games pages for children and families, safety tips and information, news and promotions from theme parks and attractions, and more.
