Media OutReach
Tourism and Commerce Surged During F1™[1] Singapore Night Race – Visa
The increase in spend is driven by affluent travellers and nighttime economy
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 October 2025 – Visa, a global leader in digital payments, today released new insights from VisaNet data that underscore the substantial tourism and commercial uplift during the recent F1™ Singapore Night Race. The event, renowned for attracting a global audience, has proven to be a pivotal catalyst for Singapore’s economy, with marked increases in visitor arrivals, nighttime spending, and digital payment adoption.
According to VisaNet data, overall travel-related spending in Singapore during the F1™ race period rose significantly compared to the same period last year. International arrivals surged, with the majority of visitors originating from key markets such as China, Australia, the United States, and Malaysia. The event generated a double-digit percentage increase in both transaction volumes and overall spend across hospitality, retail, and entertainment sectors.
Affluent Travellers[2] are Driving High-Value Commerce
Visa’s data showed that while affluent travellers made up about 30 per cent of all travellers to Singapore during the race week, they accounted for an outsized 40 per cent of spending. Compared to an average week, affluent travel into Singapore was about 30 per cent higher but their spending surged by nearly 45 per cent during the week of the race, reflecting the sophisticated allure of the Singapore Night Race. Travel spending from Mainland China, Australia, the United States, and Indonesia accounted for over 40 per cent of spending done by all travellers during the week of the race, showing how Singapore is a major attraction for tourists not only in Asia, but around the world.
Affluent travellers are also highly diverse spenders. While the bulk of affluent spending was on retail and dining, such as for apparel (~15%) and at restaurants (~15%), affluent travellers were also keen to spend on a wide range of local retailers and services, especially on categories such as Discount Stores (~450% uplift) and Electronics (~100% uplift).
Another key finding was the growth in travel by corporate travellers[1] in the race week, which coincided with various conferences and exhibitions. Compared to an average week, around 80 per cent more business cardholders visited Singapore during the race week with their spending nearly tripling by surging approximately 170 per cent.
Nighttime Economy: Late-Night Spending Trends
The unique timing of the Singapore Night Race fuelled a significant increase in nighttime commerce. In the week of the Singapore Night Race, late-night spending (11pm – 5am) surged by over 90 per cent, reflecting the demand for 24/7 consumption by tourists. Visa found that travellers are looking for food and fun after dark, with Restaurants, Fast Food, and Entertainment seeing the most traveller spending. Wide availability of these options in the Marina Bay region hosting the circuit, and in areas like Clarke Quay and Tanjong Pagar just a short walk away from the race, likely contributed to the surge in spending.
Small and medium-sized businesses across Singapore benefitted significantly from the influx of visitors. In the week of the race, SMBs in the city saw traveller spending rise by about 65 per cent, especially in retail and dining as racegoers explored the city including its heartlands. Restaurants (~80% uplift) like local eateries and cafes, as well as SMBs in retail such as Electronics (~80% uplift) and Groceries (~120% uplift) saw some of the most notable lifts in traveller spending.
“The F1™ Singapore Night Race is a showcase of Singapore’s vibrancy and global appeal. Our data shows that the event not only attracts a diverse group of affluent travellers but also drives significant uplift for local businesses, especially small and medium enterprises. By enabling seamless and secure digital payments, Visa helps merchants and consumers make the most of these world-class experiences.
Importantly, Visa’s data-driven insights empower issuers and merchants to identify spending patterns among tourists and pinpoint opportunities in high-growth districts. This enables our partners to tailor their offerings and marketing strategies, driving greater engagement and spend where it matters most. We remain committed to supporting Singapore’s growth as a premier destination for international events and to fostering innovation that benefits everyone in our community,” said Adeline Kim, Visa Country Manager for Singapore & Brunei.
[2] Affluent cardholders are defined as Visa cardholders across AP, using Visa Signature, Visa Infinite cards, except for Japan, which includes Visa Gold+
Hashtag: #Visa
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Visa
Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.
Media OutReach
Swiss-Belhotel International Unveils Mobile App, Advancing its Integrated Digital Ecosystem
The launch of the Swiss-Belhotel International Mobile App completes a strategic technology upgrade initiated last year, which included the implementation of a new booking engine, the transition to an enhanced website, and the introduction of an advanced Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. With the addition of the mobile app, Swiss-Belhotel International now offers a fully connected digital ecosystem, ensuring a seamless journey from discovery to booking and beyond.
Commenting on the launch, Matthew Faull, Executive Director and Senior Vice President – Information Technology, E-commerce and Distribution, said: “The launch of the Swiss-Belhotel International Mobile App represents the completion of a carefully structured digital transformation programme. By aligning our booking engine, website, CRM and now mobile platform into one connected ecosystem, we are able to deliver a more efficient, responsive and guest-centric experience. This is not simply about technology adoption, but about creating meaningful value through integration.”
Adding to this, Priyanka Kapoor, Group Director – Sales, Marketing, Branding and Communications, said: “At the heart of this launch is our commitment to our loyal guests. The Swiss-Belhotel International Mobile App allows us to offer greater value, more personalised engagement, and exclusive member benefits. It reinforces our focus on direct relationships with our guests, ensuring they receive the best rates, the best privileges, and a seamless brand experience.”
Built around the principle of ‘One App, Many Benefits,’ the Swiss-Belhotel International Mobile App enables guests to book directly at the best available rates while unlocking exclusive member privileges. Users can easily sign up or log in to access personalised offers, ensuring that loyal guests are consistently recognised and rewarded.
More than a booking tool, the app is designed to simplify the entire travel journey, offering a streamlined, intuitive interface that enhances both convenience and engagement. By integrating its core digital platforms into a single environment, Swiss-Belhotel International strengthens its ability to deliver a consistent and elevated guest experience across all touchpoints.
As digital expectations continue to evolve, Swiss-Belhotel International remains focused on investing in technologies that enhance accessibility, strengthen guest relationships, and support long-term growth. The Swiss-Belhotel International Mobile App stands as a key step in this direction – bringing together innovation, efficiency, and guest-centricity within a single, unified platform.
Hashtag: #SwissBelhotelInternational #HospitalityTechnology #Hospitality
https://www.swiss-belhotel.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/swiss-belhotel-international/
https://www.facebook.com/swissbelhotel
https://www.instagram.com/swissbelhotel/
https://www.tiktok.com/@swissbelhotel
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Swiss-Belhotel International
Swiss-Belhotel International operates in 20 countries, managing 165+* hotels, resorts, and projects across New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, with regional offices in Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia, China, Indonesia, UAE, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand. Committed to delivering world-class hospitality, the group also offers the Swiss-Belexecutive Card (SBEC), a loyalty program providing many benefits, discounts from 10% to 35% on rooms, dining, and other services, plus priority check-in, complimentary upgrades, and late check-out. No collecting points, no waiting for redemption, with the free-to-join Green Global tier, members can enjoy instant discounts from their first stay! Book stays and access special offers tailored for SBI guests and SBEC members through the Swiss-Belhotel International App – available in App Store and Google Play Store. Stay connected with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and exclusive benefits. Visit swiss-belhotel.com for more information.
*Numbers may fluctuate
From September 2025 to April 2026, the program combined consistent distributions with practical assistance. During this time, more than 1,700 food boxes were delivered, helping ensure access to essential nutrition for elderly residents.
The initiative also included healthcare support. Around 300 people received vision checks, with 152 of them receiving eyeglasses based on the results. In addition, approximately 300 people received medicines each month, supporting the management of common health conditions.
Additional assistance included the distribution of first aid kits, hygiene kits, and prepared meals, helping cover both daily needs and immediate care.
Members of the Olymptrade community also took part in the initiative, joining two distribution days to help with the process and spend time with elderly residents.
The eight-month program marks an important milestone in the partnership, but not its conclusion. Olymptrade plans to continue supporting local communities through similar initiatives, guided by a simple principle: Care that counts.
Hashtag: #Olymptrade
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Media OutReach
Paymentology and Change Financial join forces to fast-track next-generation payments in Australia
The collaboration combines Paymentology’s cloud-first processing platform with Change Financial’s local BIN sponsorship, regulatory expertise and in-market presence – enabling fintechs, digital banks and programme managers to launch and scale debit, credit and prepaid programmes more efficiently in the Australian market.
Change Financial is a Mastercard Principal Issuer in Australia, providing local scheme connectivity and compliance support. Together with Paymentology’s real-time, multi-cloud processing infrastructure, the partnership creates a streamlined pathway for fintechs looking to enter or expand in the country.
Australia represents one of the world’s most advanced digital payments markets. The national payments market was valued at USD 849.1 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 1.35 trillion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 5.09% between 2026 and 2034. Cards and mobile wallets now sit at the centre of everyday transactions, as digital adoption continues to accelerate. Australians made approximately AUD 160 billion in mobile wallet payments in the past year alone, with billions of transactions recorded annually, highlighting strong demand for digital-first, contactless and mobile-enabled payment experiences.
Minh Ha Truong, Head of Growth Asia Pacific at Paymentology commented: “Australia is one of the most sophisticated payments ecosystems globally, with strong consumer adoption of digital, contactless and mobile-first experiences. By partnering with Change Financial, we’re combining next-generation issuing infrastructure with trusted local BIN sponsorship and expertise, unlocking faster payment method adoption for fintechs and helping them scale confidently in the Australian market.”
Change Financial brings deep experience supporting fintechs and financial institutions through local sponsorship, scheme relationships and programme enablement.
Jennifer Mateer, Chief Commercial Officer at Change Financial added: “We collaborate closely with fintechs and programme managers every day to launch innovative payment solutions with speed and confidence. Our partnership with Paymentology combines our local market expertise with global-scale issuing infrastructure, enabling innovators to accelerate time to market and deliver compelling card payment experiences to Australian consumers and businesses.”
Hashtag: #Paymentology #Fintech
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Paymentology
Paymentology is the leading next-generation issuer processor, empowering fintechs, digital banks and retail banks to effortlessly launch and manage innovative payment solutions on a global scale. The company drives greater customer choice and value through easy-to-use, integrated platforms and services that help clients to disrupt the status quo, accelerate time to market, and achieve growth.
With a superior multi-cloud platform offering a vast global footprint, and enhanced real-time data, Paymentology distinguishes itself as a leader in the payments industry. Its team of payments experts, with deep local market knowledge, operates across 50 countries and 14 time zones, providing 24/7 support. Paymentology is deeply committed to expanding financial inclusion globally, changing lives and positively impacting the communities in which it operates.
For more information, visit https://www.Paymentology.com.
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