Research reveals that visitors believe virtual reality (VR), voice-activation, 3D-printing and robots will become part of the theme park experience.

Close to 65 per cent of consumers expect VR to be part of their theme park experience within three years, an Omnico survey has found.

The first Omnico Theme Park Barometer explores the interactions and predictions of over 2,000 visitors to resorts and theme park in the US, UK and China.

Voice-activated mobile apps (41 per cent) and personal digital assistants (38 per cent) were also popular predictions. 51% of Chinese respondents think 3D printing will be used to produce merchandise while only 29% of Western respondents agreed. Robotic personal assistants are also seen as more likely in China (49%) than in the West (22%).

"These types of technology will not only provide new forms of entertainment, they will assist visitors with finding their way around and help with queue-reduction and crowd-management," said Mel Taylor, CEO, Omnico Group.

In other findings, 33 per cent of respondents expect to see augmented reality games at theme parks and 27 per cent foresee electronic wristbands being replaced by temporary tattoos.

The most desired guest experiences were the ability to pre-book the entire trip (89 per cent), choose a limited number of relevant deals (85 per cent) to buy anything using a cashless device (82 per cent).

"The results of our Theme Park Barometer show that those who rest on their laurels will be left behind in the face of rapidly-increasing visitor expectations surrounding technology," added Taylor. "Investing in customer experience is as important as new attractions."

"While tastes and requirements vary across the world, visitors are united in wanting operators to integrate technology so they can have an enjoyable experience. This does not require major investment in completely new solutions, but intelligent integration." - TradeArabia News Service