Foolproof ticketing system unveiled

A new event ticketing network providing "unparalleled" security features and the possibility for clients to choose their own seats when making reservations was launched yesterday by Entrée Ltd.

The system, into which "hundreds of thousands" of liri are being invested, will "make tickets impossible to counterfeit and public events safe from the threats of hooliganism," Entrée general manager Ian Sammut said.

Production and events services promoter Mario Camilleri said the need for such a system had been sorely felt in Malta. He said a total of 1,800 tickets had been faked and up to three people had claimed the same seat at the Australian Pink Floyd Show held in Malta in June.

His company, he said, will be the first to make use of the system in Malta for The Bootleg Beatles, a show it was bringing over for New Year's Eve.

Through the new system, launched together with Maltapost and Exotique, which have been appointed sales agents, tickets will not be pre-printed and those available could be purchased from over 55 sales locations in Malta and Gozo.

Entrée managing director David Pollina said the 13-digit barcode on tickets printed by the system was randomly encrypted and in a 10,000-person event, the odds of guessing a single ticket were about one in a billion. The paper used for printing was copy-proof security paper, which could not be scanned or photocopied.

Through this new system, one is able to book one's seat online and pick and pay for the ticket from any of Maltapost's and Exotique's outlets.

Eventually, one will also be able to pay online.

Speaking on the forthcoming Beatles Show, being held at the Malta Trade Fair Ground in Naxxar, Mr Camilleri said this would be a multi-media production by a world famous four-piece band accompanied by members from the London Philharmonic Orchestra together with Maltese musicians.

There will be various prices and options but more details will be given during a news conference in the coming days.

He called on the Tourism and Culture Minister to assist the system, which could also prove beneficial for tourism. The system made it easier for tourists to book their tickets from home, Mr Camilleri said.

Maltapost representative Joe Gafà said the initiative was in line with the company's plan to diversify its service in related sectors.

www.maltaticket.com