Uptake for new paperless ticketing system

"The Card", as it is formally known, means that you no longer need to print out tickets and as it's paperless, it's not only environmentally friendly, but also speeds up access at venues.

The number of visitors to key tourism sites has increased considerably. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens attracted 6757 more visitors than in 2012 and the Table Mountain Cableway had a record 120 318 visitors last December.

Jonathan Wayne, co-founder of Webtickets, said: "We launched The Card last year and we've been very happy with uptake figures and the added convenience it's offered. Especially with the increased number of visitors to tourism sites across South Africa, such as Kirstenbosch, the Table Mountain Cableway and the Two Oceans Aquarium, a smooth-running ticketing access system is crucial and The Card provides seamless entry to visitors. It fits into your wallet like a credit card, so there's less chance that you get to the venue and you've left your tickets behind".

Kirstenbosch has appointed Webtickets as its exclusive ticket sales company for all online Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens and Summer Sunset Concert tickets.

Can be co-branded for particular events

For venue operators, The Card can be co-branded for particular events and customers may use it to redeem special promotions at the venue or event. "This has worked well for events such as the Tuks Varsity Rugby Series, where The Card is both co-branded and being used to monitor access and offer discounts," added Wayne.

Changing technology has brought about more innovative ticketing solutions for customers and venue operators. "One of the biggest shifts in online retail is the move to mobile technology with 28% of our customers purchasing their tickets via mobiles and tablets. This incredible move to mobile encouraged us to implement a ticketing solution for these shoppers. They no longer have to worry about printing off their tickets; they merely select to have their tickets loaded onto their Webtickets card whilst purchasing them online," said Christy Turner, co-founder of Webtickets.

Can be used as a gift card

The Card can be used to load a variety of tickets, for varying venues and dates, and the tickets will be redeemed electronically upon scanning at the venue. Another benefit is that the Webtickets card is transferrable and can be used as a gift card - giving customers the ability to buy event tickets as a gift for a friend or family member.

To get your Webtickets card, go to www.webtickets.co.za.