Hospitality stories
Regional hotel dealmaking has surged despite geopolitical and rate risks, with JLL now forecasting USD $15 billion in Asia Pacific transactions for 2026.
Payment providers now have three compliant routes into smartphone-based card acceptance after Castles Technology cleared PCI checks for all parts of its SoftPOS line-up.
Retailers could keep shoppers engaged between purchases as the tie-up links games to loyalty rewards and first-party data collection.
Early pilots suggest buildings could cut needless alerts by up to 90% and trim energy use by as much as 10% with the new system.
Merchants can now offer Klarna's instalment and deferred-payment options through Ecommpay without extra technical work or separate systems.
The appointment gives the Gold Coast software group direct operator insight as it nears its 10th year and passes USD $3 billion in bookings.
The appointments bring consumer and corporate communications under one regional team as clients demand more joined-up support across Asia-Pacific.
The cash will fund Fever's push into more countries and entertainment categories after revenue more than tripled in three years.
Uncertainty over tax policy is delaying growth plans, with 54% of SME owners holding off major investment until after the Autumn Budget.
The latest disruption left 750 homes and businesses unable to take electronic payments, deepening pain for Bay of Islands operators after a slow winter.
Hospitality around Auckland's new rail stations is seeing only modest gains so far, with some cafes busier and others still waiting for a real lift.
The consultancy will help the Sarawak state-owned airline align its visual identity, onboard sensory cues and passenger touchpoints as it expands regionally.
The latest figures point to weaker demand and tighter margins, with employment across Australian small businesses down 0.6% in July.
The tie-up could simplify venue design across Southeast Asia by pairing lighting and audio, with pilot projects due in its first 180 days.
The membership aims to draw spending back into hospitality as banks trim card perks and Australia's interchange fee cap falls.
The tie-up should help Centara reduce checkout drop-off as international guests in Thailand get local currency pricing and more payment options.
Households are feeling the squeeze as higher fuel costs and the Reserve Bank of Australia's latest rate rise drove confidence down 4.7% in October.
The showcase underlines fierce competition in Singapore's premium appliance market as LG pushes connected, built-in kitchens for home renovators.
Trade remains below last year, but Mount businesses are seeing a lift in foot traffic and hope a strong summer will aid recovery after the landslide.
Picton traders say the temporary disruption of a streetscape upgrade was worth it, after their own revamp boosted seating, safety and summer trade.
