Tourism Stories

Asian Stories

Tourism stories

Thailand's real estate growth shifts beyond Bangkok

Investment is spreading into Thailand's industrial and tourism hubs as supply chain shifts and higher ESG standards weaken Bangkok's dominance.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • Yesterday

Customer Experience

AirBorneo taps The XMakers to shape brand experience

The consultancy will help the Sarawak state-owned airline align its visual identity, onboard sensory cues and passenger touchpoints as it expands regionally.

By Mara Sugue • 4 min read • Last week

Airlines

Global Payments expands Thailand travel network with Centara

The tie-up should help Centara reduce checkout drop-off as international guests in Thailand get local currency pricing and more payment options.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • This month

Global Stories

Tourism stories

Data centers

'Sky glow': Data centres could threaten Mackenzie's dark sky status

Residents fear fast-track data centres could flood Twizel with light pollution, putting Mackenzie's dark sky reserve status and tourism at risk.

By Claire Taylor • 7 min read • 5 days ago

Data sovereignty

Julia to open Paris forum on fragmented AI in travel

Travel leaders in Paris will test whether AI tools can work across rival regional systems as Europe's adoption gap widens.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • Last week

Property Technology

Homhero appoints Pete Smith to board as growth nears

The appointment gives the Gold Coast software group direct operator insight as it nears its 10th year and passes USD $3 billion in bookings.

By Sean Mitchell • 3 min read • This month

Stories from Other Regions

Tourism stories

Cycling

Mangapurua Track on Great Ride reopens with seven new bridges

Cyclists can again use the remote route after seasonal work and seven wider crossings improved safety before summer.

By Moana Ellis • 3 min read • Yesterday

Civil Defence

Flood risk meeting called at Franz Josef Glacier

Residents will hear updated advice on whether stopbanks and infrastructure at Franz Josef can withstand the Waiho River's shifting flood risk.

By Vihan Dalal • 5 min read • 2 days ago

Construction

Famed Coromandel track eyes Christmas reopening at a third of original cost

Visitors to Cathedral Cove could regain access before Christmas as a new reroute is set to cost $121,000, well below the 2024 estimate.

By Jordan Smith • 3 min read • 2 days ago

Local Government

Rates cap could leave roading projects high and dry

North Canterbury councils warn the cap could delay bridge and road work, forcing hard choices for small ratepayer bases and freight links.

By David Hill • 4 min read • 2 days ago

Ministry of Social Development

Rotorua emergency housing drops to one motel as crisis-era numbers collapse

Emergency housing demand has fallen sharply in Rotorua, leaving just one motel supporting about a dozen households after more than 600 at the 2020/21 peak.

By Mathew Nash • 3 min read • 4 days ago

Conservation

South Waikato visitors asked to reconsider trip to Te Waihou/Blue Spring over long weekend

Pressure on South Waikato ratepayers is mounting as officials budget $20,000 for Labour weekend traffic controls at Te Waihou/Blue Spring.

By Bronson Perich • 6 min read • 4 days ago

Climate change

Gisborne farmers and wine growers see upside of El Niño

Dryer summer weather could ease flystrike risk for Gisborne farmers and help vintners produce a stronger vintage, though fire danger is rising.

By Imogen Brophy • 5 min read • 5 days ago

Auckland Council

Piha domain to reopen for summer despite council recommendations

The move secures jobs and keeps a key Piha business open, even as council staff warn flooding could make the site unsafe in future.

By Ross McNaughton • 4 min read • Last week

Broadband

Suspected copper thieves cause major internet outage in Bay of Islands

The latest disruption left 750 homes and businesses unable to take electronic payments, deepening pain for Bay of Islands operators after a slow winter.

By Peter de Graaf • 4 min read • Last week

Small Business

How has the new CRL affected Auckland hospo? It's a mixed bag

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.

By Serena Solomon • 5 min read • Last week

Real estate

Mackenzie house values soar as demand continues

Residential and commercial owners face higher rates bills after the district's rateable value climbed to NZD $8.353 billion on strong demand.

By Claire Taylor • 3 min read • Last week

Construction

Harkness AI tops 50 clients as revenue surges in NZ

Bootstrapped and profitable, the Christchurch startup's rapid growth suggests Kiwi firms are paying for practical AI help rather than standalone tools.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Last week