The challenge
Greece’s archaeological sites draw millions of tourists each year, many of whom encounter long queues and delays at ticket offices—particularly during peak hours—due to high visitor volumes and a limited number of service points. These delays can diminish the overall visitor experience, especially since self-service ticketing options were not available.
Recognizing the need to modernize and digitize the ticketing process at Greece’s archaeological sites, Visa in collaboration with the Cultural Resources Management and Development Organization (ODAP) sought a reliable partner for the implementation of an integrated vending solution, aiming to further enhance the service and ticket booths and to decongest the cash registers. The goal is always to improve the level of service offered to visitors through giving the option of self-service and reducing the waiting time. It was therefore a very demanding project, as the proposed solution needed to be reliable and capable of handling a large volume of visitors on a daily basis.
The solution
Our customer in Greece, Cardlink- a Worldline brand- acting as the technology provider for this project, designed and implemented a special, integrated ticketing solution, both in terms of software and hardware.
Specifically, the company has installed the advanced SK800 smart kiosks by PAX Technology, powered by the Android operating system. These state-of-the-art kiosks enhance the self-service experience with innovative features that support contactless payments via card, smartphone, or wearable devices. Designed for ease of use, the SK800 allows visitors to quickly select their preferred ticket type, make a payment, and receive their ticket instantly—minimizing wait times and eliminating the need to stand in line.
In parallel with the device installation, Cardlink designed and developed a comprehensive all-in-one application for ticket issuance and management. The Cardlink Ticketing app is a modern solution ideal for museums, archaeological sites, festivals, theaters, cinemas, and more. It allows users to issue, pay for, and print tickets all from a single device, perfectly catering to the demand for seamless self-service.
The implementation
So far, the SK800 smart kiosks together with Cardlink’s ticketing application are operating efficiently and reliably at the main entrances of the Acropolis, Ancient Olympia, Epidaurus and the Archaeological Museum of Delphi, serving thousands of visitors, while new archaeological sites will be added gradually.
The installation of vending machines at archaeological sites has significantly reduced ticketing wait times, while offering visitors the convenience of multiple payment methods for ticket issuance. This initiative has also advanced the country’s digital transformation in visitor services and payments, further boosting the tourism sector.
The benefits
Upgraded customer experience: Reduction of waiting time for ticketing
Innovative profile: Upgrading the touristic profile of the country and of the organizations that implemented the project (Visa, ODAP, Cardlink)
Increase in sales: Ability to serve more visitors per day
“Visitors in our country expect easy-to-use and secure payment solutions and we at Visa continue to develop partnerships to create new products and services that enhance their experience. The installation of automatic ticketing machines at the archaeological sites of Acropolis, Ancient Olympia and Epidaurus, as well as at the Archaeological Museum of Delphi, is an important milestone in the digital transformation of the tourism industry, as it simplifies access while reducing complexity. We are delighted to see such a positive response.”
Nikos Petrakis, Visa Country Manager Greece
