Gillian Cruddas, Chief Executive of Visit York
“Canditv is an excellent example of how York is leading the way in information services for its visitors and residents, using the very latest technology. This new service will provide round-the-clock access to visitors wanting to search for somewhere to sleep, eat or visit as they travel around the city, allowing us to extend the existing information services that we provide through our Visitor Information Centres.”
Implemented at York and Leeds railway stations, the Canditv solution compliments existing visitor information services providing an automated 24x7, flexible and money saving alternative to some of the more traditional methods. The solution enables visitors to quickly access information, which is displayed on screens in strategic locations, relating to their visit simply by using their own basic mobile phone just like a TV remote to dial a number on a screen and press the keys on their handset to navigate relevant information options, request to be put through to speak to a representative, make a reservation, offer feedback, or request a call-back. In addition to accommodation options and live availability feeds, visitors can view events, local pubs, restaurants and shops, together with discount offers and passes for the duration of their stay. Call transfer options automatically connect users to a Visitor Information Centre (VIC) representative during normal business hours or directly to the hotel or restaurant after 5pm.
The Canditv solution helps to relieve the pressure on VICs during peak times enabling visitors to service themselves with up-to-date information, ensuring efficient communication channels to present frequently changing and often seasonal information to visitors 24 hours a day. In return the system enables Visit York to learn more about its visitors as it records their contact telephone number and the areas and attractions they were interested in. Information is logged in to a visitor database and used for follow-up purposes and future Direct Marketing campaigns.
Benefits:
- Simple To Use - Visitors dial a local rate number to then use their mobile as a TV remote.
- Low Cost – Extends access to existing website and audio content via standard display screens.
- Enhances Visit Experience – Provides access to accommodation, events and exclusive offers and discount passes.
- Available 24 Hours – Extends access to information from flexible locations and reduces costs.
- Extends Value – Delivers added value information to build and enhance visitor relationships.
- Improved Communication – through the call transfer facility either to the VIC or directly to the hotel or restaurant etc 24x7.