SANParks Offers An Apology To Wild Card Members

SANParks has  offered an apology to hundreds of Wild Card members that have been affected by a year-long challenge in the issues of cards.

SANParks Managing Executive: Tourism and Marketing, Glenn Phillips, said SANParks would like to apologise for the frustration members experienced. “We would like to thank them for their forbearance and continuing goodwill in the Wild Card programme, particularly during the transition into the new system.”

He said over the past year, through comprehensive research and customer feedback, it had become evident that a move to a more advanced technology would enable SANParks and its partners to provide relevant benefits to card members.

According to Phillips, since taking over the management of the Wild Card a year ago, SANParks has taken several steps to overhaul the programme and introduce the latest technology. “The new-look card makes use of a smart-card chip for easier access and improved gate control. The new cards are also personalised to prevent fraud.

“The good news is that 30 000 cards have already been distributed to all valid members so that they can continue to visit their favourite places. More cards are ready for mailing and the Wild Card team has been enlarged to deal with the demand. The online interface for data capture has also been reworked for improved accuracy and until such time as all the new cards have been distributed, members can access parks with their confirmation of membership letter and proof of identification (ID or passport).

“Because the original member database was incomplete and corrupt, it has had to be completely updated, which caused the frustrating delays in the distribution of cards.”

The new card system has already gone through a pilot testing in Augrabies and Mokala National Parks in Northern Cape. “The integration between the systems should be completed by the end of the year. The focus will now fall on getting all the partner parks live so visitors can enjoy seamless access to all properties,” Phillips said

SANParks also announced that there would be no increase in Wild Card prices for the coming year.

To promote customer service excellence, the Wild Card programme is launching the WildStar competition, inviting members to nominate staff who provide great service related to the card.

“The WildStar competition will reward staff who are singled out, as well as the member of the public who nominated their WildStar,” Phillips said.

He said since the majority of Wild Card members learned about the card’s benefits when they visited a park or reserve, improved customer service would also enable members to make better use of their cards.

Article Source: www.tourismupdate.co.za