Africa Roofing Ltd works closely with the attractions and leisure industries to supply theming and thatching materials.
For industries that rely so heavily on visitors and in person experiences the announcement of the lockdown should have spelt disaster.
However, as the old saying goes, “necessity is the mother of invention”. These sectors have weathered previous storms and, although these are unprecedented and uncertain times, you can guarantee they will stage some of the best comebacks.
It’s inspiring to see the ingenious ways some of our customers have already risen to the challenge of COVID-19.
Reinventing the Zoo
With excited school groups, families and other animal lovers no longer able to take a trip to the zoo, Chester Zoo could have closed its doors and waited for the pandemic to pass. Instead, the team harnessed the power of technology and moved the experience online.
With most of the world in lockdown, visitors can now get closer to the zoo’s inhabitants than ever before without leaving their armchairs.
Hundreds of thousands of people from across the globe flocked to Chester Zoo’s Facebook page for their first ever live virtual tour on March 27th. Audiences were kept captivated all day as keepers provided interesting facts and fed the animals. Overnight the zoo’s Facebook following increased by an incredible 46%.
Adding to the Experience
Edinburgh Zoo’s virtual offering consists of live webcams of their pandas, penguins, tigers and koalas. Thanks to their collaborations with specialists in digital security camera systems, IndigoVision and video streaming experts, Camvista, the zoo can share incredible live views of their most popular animals to help those staying at home to stave off the boredom.
Maintaining A Share of Guests’ Attention
Another of our customers Center Parcs have re-imagined their marketing messages to reassure guests that, although their villages are closed, they’re awaiting their return.
Spending quality time with loved ones away from the pressures of everyday life has always been a part of the brand’s DNA. On their website they admit that this family time may look a bit different for us all right now.
Center Parcs are offering “a peace of mind” guarantee – a no quibble refund policy and various options to book future visits. The words and pictures on their website do a great job of creating a longing for a return to brighter days filled with forests walks and splashing around in water parks.
These businesses are focussing on what their customers need and how best to serve them. In so doing they are proof that in the face of what seems like insurmountable challenges innovation and experimentation can flourish.
By proactively building new networks, forming interesting collaborations and deepening the relationship with their guests these businesses are turning crisis into recovery.
