Recognition Partner in focus – Plantasia Swansea
This month’s recognition partner in focus is Plantasia Swansea! Learn how we help this popular tourist attraction welcome new customers and promote their organisation while recognising the contribution volunteers make to society.
Plantasia is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Wales. Located in Swansea and housing tropical animals and plants from crocodiles, parrots, and lizards come and explore this magical and vibrant world! Crawl through the undergrowth, come face to face with crocodiles and dare to climb high in the canopy with the parrots! Grow your imaginations in this interactive, fully immersive tropical experience for all the family.
We talked to Anthony Williams, Attraction Manager at Plantasia about working in partnership with Tempo Time Credits to recognise volunteers.
How did you first become involved with Tempo?
It was when I was managing the Royal Mint Experience and was approached by Ben at the time. When I moved to Plantasia, Ben contacted me, and we signed up! It’s definitely worthwhile for people and their communities, so we were only too happy to do it.
What were your worries or concerns when you first started? What has the actual experience been?
No real worries really – we’re offering something back to reward people for the work they do. These are places that they couldn’t normally visit. I questioned “will we be overrun with people accessing the venue?” However, because we can manage that within our offer from our point of view it has always been manageable, and I don’t think we’ve ever turned anyone away. Generally, people visit, they have a good experience, they talk positively of their visit and may spend extra money in the gift shop, so we get a bit of revenue. It’s all been good to be honest with you!
Has there been any work Tempo or Time Credits have helped you with?
For us, Tempo are raising the profile of Plantasia as a venue, so we benefit in that sense as it brings in new audiences. The communication has always been great, and it has been helpful to raise the awareness of Plantasia to new audiences.
Has any good stuff happened that you weren’t expecting?
For me it was an eye-opener for a great scheme and more that we can share the benefits of it – all the better really.
How has it been working with Tempo on the partnership?
It has been great. Any updates are really forthcoming – I get the information well in advance. If I have been unsure, we have talked it through. Yes, communication on any changes and updates has always been great.
Finally, what would you say to new, potential Recognition Partners, who are considering joining the network?
I’d say go for it! There is no real negative – people are using our venue for free, but they value it more – there is always a smile on their face! If you have a good offer, they will go away and spread the word. More often than not they will spend in the gift shop or bring people with them. It’s definitely a worthwhile scheme for people who can then access your venue- all positive from me!
Visit the Plantassia website here to learn more about the venue or if you’re interested in learning more about Tempo Time Credits get in touch here.
How can I claim this offer and visit the venue?
If you’re looking to visit the venue then you can view the offer here and book your tickets.
