URBTIX enhances card payment, counter and ticket dispensing services
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     URBTIX will accept the China UnionPay card for payment at 40 URBTIX outlets throughout Hong Kong and will extend the service of Cityline ticket dispensing machines to 15 Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) performing arts venues from Monday (August 2), a Leisure and Cultural Services Department spokesman announced today (July 28).

     With the enhanced counter service, Mainland visitors without an international credit card can use their valid China UnionPay cards to purchase tickets at any of the 40 URBTIX outlets. Customers can also make payment in cash or with international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners). The new service will facilitate Mainland visitors to purchase tickets to enjoy performances in Hong Kong.

     Internet (www.urbtix.hk) and telephone (2111 5999) booking services will continue to accept payment by international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners). The use of China UnionPay card for Internet and telephone booking is being actively pursued by the contractor Cityline with relevant organisations.

     In light of the encouraging response to the pilot launch of Cityline ticket dispensing machines at three pilot venues last month, the service will be extended to 15 LCSD performing arts venues from August 2.

     Customers can collect their tickets booked seven days prior to a performance via URBTIX Internet or telephone credit card booking services at the ticket dispensing machines during the opening hours of the performance venues by swiping the credit card used for booking.

     The 15 venues that have ticket dispensing machines are Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Hong Kong City Hall, Hong Kong Coliseum, Queen Elizabeth Stadium, Sheung Wan Civic Centre, Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre, Ngau Chi Wan Civic Centre, Ko Shan Theatre, Sha Tin Town Hall, Tsuen Wan Town Hall, Tuen Mun Town Hall, Kwai Tsing Theatre, Yuen Long Theatre, Tai Po Civic Centre and North District Town Hall.

     Customers can also patronise the counter service at any of the 40 URBTIX outlets to collect their tickets.

     Tickets booked more than seven days before a performance via URBTIX Internet or telephone booking services will continue to be delivered to patrons by mail. Customers are informed of the delivery method on the website, www.urbtix.hk, or when they call the 2111 5999 hotline to purchase tickets.

     In parallel to the introduction of new services, URBTIX has also reviewed and adjusted its existing services.

     In view of the availability of more ticketing channels and changes in ticket purchasing patterns with more patrons preferring website and telephone booking, the overseas fax booking service will be suspended from August 2.

     The telephone reservation service that reserves seats for three days will not be available for programmes that start counter sales on or after August 2 to minimise wastage arising from unclaimed reserved tickets. The hotline 2734 9009 will continue to provide an enquiry service for the public.

Ends/Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Issued at HKT 18:30

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