– Not a new phenomenon in Norway – VG

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The criticism has hailed after it became known that Tusenfryd now sells express passports for visitors who want to avoid queues.

Those who are willing to pay 300 kroner extra can now get ahead of the rest in the queue for eight of the amusement park’s biggest attractions. The price is in addition to the entrance ticket of approximately 440-500 kroner.

Currently, Tusenfryd sells 50 express passes daily. The park does not rule out that there may be more if the scheme proves to be successful.

– General poor development in society

So far, the scheme has largely garnered criticism:

– Tusenfryd declares that it is the money that rules, and that the increased differences are something Tusenfryd intends to put on, writes social scientist, lawyer and stepmother Cecilie Hellestveit in Aftenposten.

Oslo Culture Councilor Omar Samy Gamal (SV) says the trend reflects a «general poor development in society».

– It is such concepts that make you feel the differences in society, Gamal says NRK.

Also VG’s commentator calls the scheme «unorsk» and warns that it will lead to increased class divisions, including between children.

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– Not a new phenomenon in Norway

Daisies are owned by the large Spanish company Parques Reunidos, which operates a number of amusement parks in Europe and the rest of the world.

While express passports have existed for a long time in a number of other countries, Tusenfryd will be the first Norwegian amusement park to introduce such passports in Norway.

– I understand that some react to it, but was not prepared for such a massive criticism to come, says Tusenfryd’s marketing manager, Erik Røhne Andersen, to VG.

– But we listen to all the criticism we get and take it into the assessment further.

He points out that there are already similar schemes for avoiding queues at ferries, football matches and concerts.

– We do not see this as a new phenomenon in Norway, he says.

– Regularly evaluates express passes

Dyreparken in Kristiansand also offers tickets for visitors who want to avoid queuing for performances.

“In return for paying a small fee for a pre-reservation, you are guaranteed a place at the time that suits you best,” it says on Dyreparkens website.

Tickets for Dyreparken’s performances cost NOK 50 per person (NOK 60 in high season), compared to Tusenfryd’s express pass for NOK 300.

– Is not this a type of express passport?

– Not really, says Dyreparken’s marketing and communications director Anniken Bjørnstad Schjøtt to VG.

She emphasizes that the scheme only applies to two of the park’s many experiences.

– We have assessed and regularly assess whether express passports are something for us as well. But so far we continue with the same practice as we have done since 2015, she says.

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The seat reservation scheme was first introduced for “Hakkebakkeskogen” due to limited capacity, the communications director explains.

– Now that prices are rising and many have less to deal with, are you considering removing the scheme?

– No, so far we do not. We see that there are vacancies for performances almost every day, as long as you are flexible on time, she says.

– Do you understand that it can be frustrating for some parents that other people’s children do not have to stand in line, while they can not afford to give their children the same experience?

– We understand well that going to amusement parks is demanding for many because it costs a lot of money, we hope and believe that with our large offer of experiences in the park gives those who come to us a good experience.

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