Boyertown, PA – (August, 2006) Dolphin Encounters - one of the leading attractions in Nassau, Bahamas – recently grouped with Gateway Ticketing Systems, Inc. to flip its old point-of-sale (POS) system over to Gateway’s world-renowned Galaxy® ticketing system, ensuring that the dolphins may continue to offer the “experience of a lifetime” to a growing abundance of inquisitive guests.
More than three acres of natural saltwater habitat encompass the playground within which Dolphin Encounters’ swimming celebrities reside and amuse at Blue Lagoon Island, the very island upon which Brooke Shields and Christopher Atkins frolicked in the 1980 film of the same name. Thousands of eager guests traverse the globe annually for the opportunity to share an irreplaceable moment in time with these most unique and intellectual mammals. Although a desirable growth trend for any business, it is precisely what prompted the staff at Dolphin Encounters to seek a superior POS solution.
“Previously, we used a limited POS system,” said Dolphin Encounters’ Assistant Controller & IT Manager, Laura Bohlander. “Our past system did not allow for expandability. It did reservations only.” These and other POS limitations became taxing to the staff with the growing number of visitors each year.
According to Gateway Project Manager Brian MacDonald, Dolphin Encounters’ decision to commission Gateway as its solution of choice was not taken lightly. “Following a unique Request for Proposal process that included phone calls to numerous of our existing clients, Dolphin Encounters settled on Gateway Ticketing Systems and our Galaxy product line as its solution.”
Not only was its past system beyond capacity to process the growing number of visitors, but it lacked any ability for reporting and data gathering. Bohlander explained, “With the Gateway solutions, we are now able to control reports, accounting notes and POS. We can regain control of our reservations and financial control of the company through the Galaxy software program. It also offers easy, excellent access to all of the data. We can now expand our use of POS ticketing for reservations and beyond.”
Bohlander further explained that Galaxy’s ability to provide automated confirmations and reporting are a welcome element. “Previously, we had to create them by hand.”
According to MacDonald, the core of this paradise install was the Galaxy 3 POS, utilized daily by the most notable museum, amusement park and transportation leaders in the industry as the comprehensive solution for their ticketing, retail sales and consumable goods requirements. Additional components included Order Entry, Resource Management, Turnstile Controller, Admission Control at the POS and handheld scanners.
MacDonald wraps up how this installation ultimately assisted Dolphin Encounters in solving its dilemma. “With Galaxy, the client created a means of tracking admission while reserving its capacity driven attractions. With Microsoft SQL Server, the client now has a means to extract data from the POS System and generate customized reports.”
Bohlander concluded definitively, “With Gateway, our reservations staff will now be able to support more customers - efficiently.”
About Dolphin Encounters
Dolphin Encounters began in 1989 when two bottlenose dolphins from a defunct aquarium in Nassau were rescued to be relocated to a large seawater dolphin habitat on Treasure Island (a.k.a. Great Guana Cay), Abaco, Bahamas. Soon after, six more dolphins joined our marine mammal family in Abaco. This created the foundation of what is today known as Dolphin Encounters in Nassau. Here at Dolphin Encounter Ltd, our mission is to provide the general public and concerned dolphin lovers the opportunity to see their dreams come true. We see the evidence of this every day as we watch the faces of our guests when they meet one of our dolphins for the very first time. Additional information can be found by visiting
About Gateway Ticketing Systems, Inc.
Gateway Ticketing Systems, Inc. is the world leader in high-speed admission control and revenue management solutions for the entertainment, recreation and transportation industries. Gateway Ticketing Systems’ broad client base includes some of the largest theme parks, zoos and aquariums in the world to small family entertainment centers, museums and attractions. Within the transportation industry, Gateway Ticketing Systems provides solutions for intercity bus and passenger ferry systems. In all, Gateway Ticketing Systems’ products are operating in 38 countries, throughout six of the seven continents. For more information on Gateway Ticketing Systems, visit www.gatewayticketing.com or call +1 (610) 987-4000.
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