Technology

Visa Data Reveals Travel Spending Boost During Annual Signature Race Week

Published

2 years ago

October 3, 2024

During the week of the Night Race, Singapore saw over 20% surge in international visitors,[1] driving close to 30% spending upliftHigh-net-worth visitors[2] surged by over 70%, contributing to approximately 70% increase in their overall spendingVisa cardholders from Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Malaysia, Australia, U.K., U.S. accounted for over 40% of tourism spendSMBs in Singapore saw a spending increase of over 50% by tourists [3]

SINGAPORE, Oct. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — As Singapore’s premier international night racing event concludes, Visa, the world leader in digital payments, today unveiled data[4] demonstrating consumer behaviours and spending patterns during the week-long September spectacle.

The data, based on Visa’s analysis of the spending patterns of Visa cardholders during the this period, revealed over 20% increase in international visitors, driving close to a 30% uplift in overall spending.[5] Such benefits extended to local spending as well, resulting in a 10% uplift during the same period.[6]

High-Octane Night Race Demonstrates International Appeal
Top spending and international visitor trends identified in relation to Visa cardholders include:

A substantial influx of visitors from the region and beyond: Hong Kong SAR led the way with more than 200% increase in traveller spending. Australia and U.K. also saw a significant uplift in spending (approximately 80%), while U.S. (over 40%), Japan (over 40%) and Malaysia (60%) also saw substantial growth. Together, these markets accounted for over 40% of tourism spend during the race week.Spending preferences by country: Top spending by visitors from Hong Kong SAR were on Entertainment (over 40% of spend) and Restaurants (over 15%). Visitors from U.S., U.K., Australia and Japan spent mainly on Restaurants (over 20%) and Lodging (over 20%). Malaysian visitors spent on Entertainment (over 25%), Retail goods (approximately 15%), and Restaurants (over 10%).Biggest spending increase in F&B and Lodging: The top merchant categories were Entertainment with an uplift of nearly 100%, followed by Quick Service Restaurants (approximately 70%), Restaurants (approximately 60%), Lodging (over 45%), and Food & Grocery (over 30%).Notable increase in high-net-worth visitors and spend: The Night Race week saw over 70% surge in high-net-worth visitors, contributing to approximately 70% increase in overall spending from this segment.Small and medium businesses benefit from tourism boost: The local small and medium business sector in Singapore experienced an approximate 10% spending uplift. This translates to a spending increase of over 50% by tourists.Boost in spending beyond core event area: Surrounding areas like Kallang experienced over 170% uplift in spending, followed by Outram (over 120%), Rochor (close to 80%) and Downtown Core (over 90%).

Decoding Visitor Behaviours: Capturing the Impact of Event-Driven Tourism
To assess the overall impact of major international events on the local business landscape, Visa takes a closer look at visitor behaviours, spending patterns and payment preferences by Visa cardholders during the Night Race week:

Tracking the payments journey: For Lodging, hotels near the event location experienced 70-100% increase in spending, underscoring the premium visitors place on convenience and proximity to the action. In the Restaurants sector, bars and lounges experienced a 130% increase while restaurant chains specialising in Asian cuisine and Singaporean seafood saw an approximately 30-40% increase. In the Entertainment category, bay-facing recreational services saw over 150% uplift, while tourism attractions across the city-state saw more than 90% increase in spending.Singapore after dark – nightlife surges from midnight to dawn: Singapore’s late-night activities[7] experienced a significant boost, particularly in dining and entertainment. Visitors increased their spending by approximately 130% across common nightlife spots such as Chinatown, Bayfront Subzone, City Hall and Clarke Quay between 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. Of which, late-night dining saw a surge of approximately 170% in spending, while entertainment venues enjoyed an uplift of over 130% during these hours.Contactless payments gain foothold: Visitors from Taiwan (over 35%), Japan (over 30%) and South Korea (close to 30%) showed a notable increase in their contactless payment usage[8] while in Singapore. This highlights the growing global adoption of contactless technology, facilitated by Singapore’s advanced digital payments infrastructure.

Unlocking New Opportunities in Travel with Data Insights
Prateek Sanghi, Head of Visa Consulting and Analytics, Asia Pacific, said: “Our findings underscore Singapore’s enduring appeal as a premier destination for major international events, as demonstrated by the marked increase in visitors and spending across various sectors during the Night Race week. Visa’s data unlocks more than just current trends, providing valuable insights into tourist behaviour and spending patterns, which can empower businesses of all sizes to not only maximise opportunities during event-driven travel periods but also predict future behaviours.”

Visa’s payments data, consulting services and in-house data science capabilities enable organisations with key insights to help them enhance visitor experiences, optimise business strategies, and drive economic growth across the travel and commerce ecosystem.

[1] Identified by non-resident cardholders making in-person transactions within Singapore.

[2] Identified as Visa Infinite and Visa Signature cardholders for all countries except Japan (Visa Gold and Visa Platinum in Japan).

[3] Figures compare the period from September 14 to 22, 2024, with the weekly average of the preceding 12 months.

[4] Based on anonymised aggregated transaction data from September 14 to 22, 2024.

[5] Figures compare the period from September 14 to 22, 2024, with the weekly average of the preceding 12 months.

[6] Figures compare the period from September 14 to 22, 2024, with the weekly average of the preceding 3 months.

[7] Figures compare the period from September 14 to 22, 2024, between 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. daily with the weekly average of the preceding 12 months.

[8] Figures compare the period of September 14 to 20, 2024, of contactless transactions with the weekly average of the preceding 12 months. Contactless payment usage is defined by the percentage of total face-to-face transactions made using contactless technology.

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.

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SOURCE Visa Worldwide Pte Ltd

Technology

Kakunin Announces Cryptographic Compliance Shield for Google Gemini and OpenAI Agent Ecosystems

Published

6 hours ago

June 14, 2026

SaaS Compliance Leader Launches First-Class SDK Integrations for Google Antigravity, OpenAI Swarm, and OpenAI Assistants API to Meet Strict MiCA and EU AI Act Standards.

LONDON, June 13, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — K akunin , the leading compliance infrastructure platform for autonomous AI agents, today announced the release of first-class SDK integrations for Google Antigravity SDK, OpenAI Swarm, and the OpenAI Assistants API.

Autonomous agents are executing high-value, real-world tasks—but without strict boundaries, they represent a massive security risk,” said Palash Bagchi, Founder, at Kakunin.

As organizations move autonomous AI agents from sandboxes to production, securing the tools they run has become a critical operational hurdle. The new integrations allow developers to cryptographically secure and audit agent actions in real time, meeting the strict requirements of upcoming regulations like the EU AI Act and MiCA.

Preventing Agent Drift at the Tool Layer

Instead of relying on prompt engineering or system instructions—which are susceptible to jailbreaks—Kakunin secures agent tool execution at the cryptographic layer:

Pre-Flight Scope Verification: Validates that an agent possesses the required permission scope (e.g., trade.execute, file.write) before executing local code.Active-Agent Enforcement: Dynamically halts execution if the agent’s underlying X.509 certificate has been revoked or suspended.Tamper-Evident Auditing: Automatically logs session starts, prompts, responses, tool successes, and error anomalies.

Ecosystem Compatibility out of the Box

The new releases bring seamless, code-first integrations to the industry’s leading agent frameworks:

Google Antigravity SDK: Hook-based runtime protection that automatically secures Gemini-powered tool workflows.OpenAI Swarm: A lightweight class wrapper (KakuninSwarm) that dynamically gates multi-agent handoffs and task executions.OpenAI Assistants API: A polling-loop helper (handle_assistants_requires_action) that streamlines safety checks and tool output formatting in a single call.

Beyond these core OpenAI and Google environments, the new releases also extend Kakunin’s cryptographic shield to the broader agent development community. Out-of-the-box templates and shims are now available for LangChain (KakuninToolGuard), LlamaIndex (KakuninFunctionToolGuard), CrewAI (KakuninCrewAgent), and AutoGen (KakuninConversableAgent), alongside native middlewares for Next.js API routes and raw client libraries for Go, TypeScript, and Python.

“Autonomous agents are executing high-value, real-world tasks—but without strict boundaries, they represent a massive security risk,” said Palash Bagchi, Founder, at Kakunin. “By bringing cryptographic X.509 validation directly to Google’s and OpenAI’s agent loops, we are giving developers the peace of mind to deploy agents in highly regulated environments like fintech and healthcare.”

Availability

The new SDK integrations are available immediately:

Python Package: Available on PyPI via pip install kakunin.Playground Notebooks: Developers can test the integrations in 1-click via the official OpenAI Cookbook and Google Gemini Cookbook.Reference Samples: Available on the public Kakunin Samples Repository.

To learn more about securing your autonomous agent workflows, visit kakunin.ai/docs. or visit Conversational GTM for more enquiries.

Media Contact
Palash Bagchi, Immortal Reality PA LLC, 1 4125437290, ai@kakunin.ai, https://www.kakunin.ai/

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SOURCE Kakunin

Technology

District Taco Kicks Off The Summer’s Biggest Soccer Event with Free Delivery Offer

Published

13 hours ago

June 13, 2026

App Users can enjoy District Taco at home with free delivery during the world’s biggest soccer tournament.

WASHINGTON, June 13, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — District Taco is bringing the excitement of the world’s biggest soccer tournament straight to fans’ homes with a special promotion designed to make game-day meals even more convenient.

This promotion makes it easier and more affordable to enjoy District Taco delivered right to your door so you don’t miss a moment of the action!

From June 11 through July 19, guests who order delivery through the District Taco app can use promo code ‘SOCCER26’ to receive $5 off their order, effectively offsetting the standard delivery fee and creating a free delivery experience.

Whether cheering on a favorite team, hosting a watch party, or enjoying the match from the couch, fans can enjoy District Taco’s fresh, made-to-order menu without leaving home or the extra delivery cost. “We know fans will be gathering throughout the tournament to watch some of the most exciting matches in the world,” said Osiris Hoil, CEO of District Taco. “This promotion makes it easier and more affordable to enjoy District Taco delivered right to your door so you don’t miss a moment of the action!”

The promotion is part of District Taco’s broader effort to drive digital engagement and app use. Here are the campaign details:

Enter Promo Code: ‘SOCCER26’ when placing the order in-appOffer: $5 off delivery ordersAvailable: June 11 through July 19Valid on: District Taco app delivery orders only (not third-party platforms)

Guests can download the District Taco app here for Apple users and here for Android users!

About District Taco

In 2009, two neighbors got together over some homemade chips, salsa and guacamole and decided to launch District Taco as a food cart. Since then, District Taco has opened multiple locations in Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Washington, DC. Their mission is to serve quality – Yucatán style – Mexican food that is fresh, simple, and healthful, with a fully customizable menu that includes vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. At District Taco, food is made fresh daily from the highest quality ingredients. They strive to limit their impact on the environment by serving in environmentally friendly packaging where possible. For more information about District Taco or their menu, and to download the app, visit districttaco.com or follow @districttaco across socials.

Media Contact

Raquel Robinson, District Taco, 1 5712657573, raquel.robinson@districttaco.com, districttaco.com

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SOURCE District Taco

Technology

MGI Tech Showcases Expanding Genomics Ecosystem at ESHG 2026 with New IVD Partnering Program and OEM Collaborations

Published

18 hours ago

June 13, 2026

GOTHENBURG, Sweden, June 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — MGI Tech Co., Ltd. (MGI), a company committed to developing core tools and technologies that drive innovation in life sciences, is showcasing its latest advancements in sequencing, automation and clinical genomics at the European Society of Human Genetics (ESHG) 2026 Conference in Gothenburg, Sweden.

At Booth 352, MGI welcomes researchers, clinicians, laboratory leaders and industry partners to explore its comprehensive portfolio of sequencing and automation solutions while unveiling new initiatives designed to strengthen collaboration across the genomics ecosystem.

Advancing Clinical Genomics Through Partnership

A key highlight of ESHG 2026 is the launch of the MGI NGS Partner Enablement Program, a new initiative designed to connect diagnostic developers, assay providers and laboratory partners seeking to build validated clinical workflows on MGI sequencing platforms.

The program aims to accelerate the development and adoption of regulated next-generation sequencing (NGS) applications by fostering collaborations that simplify workflow implementation, reduce time-to-market and support broader access to precision medicine solutions.

“Clinical genomics is increasingly dependent on strong partnerships across the value chain,” said Fang Chen, General Manager Europe & Africa at MGI. “With the launch of our NGS Partner Enablement Program, we are creating a collaborative framework that brings together assay developers, software providers, automation partners and clinical laboratories to accelerate access to high-quality genomic testing.”

Expanding Automation Capabilities Through OEM Collaborations

At ESHG 2026, MGI is also announcing new Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) partnership opportunities on MGI’s DE Bundles (integrated library preparation and sequencing platform), bringing turnkey automation to global partners. The DE Bundle includes the current D4+E25 combination, as well as the new D16 paired with the E25 featuring a new 50M flow cell.

The D16, which will be launched later this year, is a benchtop, mid-to-low throughput library prep system and the upgraded successor to the D4. Retaining the fully enclosed contamination control system, it integrates a single-channel robotic pipetting module to maximize automation. With two sample preparation cartridges each processing 8 samples, the D16 delivers significantly higher throughput. The D16 and E25 systems provide flexible and scalable automation solutions for library construction, sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, streamlining the entire laboratory workflow.

Through this open OEM framework, MGI is enabling customers and solution providers to integrate proven automation technologies into customized workflows tailored to specific clinical and research applications. The OEM program reflects MGI’s commitment to building an open ecosystem that empowers laboratories to increase efficiency, improve standardization and accelerate scientific discovery.

“We are excited to expand the opportunities available to our OEM partners by providing access to the D16 platform, enabling the development of truly walkaway solutions that simplify and automate complex laboratory workflows,” said Wim Vervaeke, OEM Director at Europe & Africa at MGI. “Our innovations, including the PrepALL, E25, and G99, have already sparked new partnerships across the life sciences ecosystem. By combining MGI’s automation expertise with the specialized capabilities of our partners, we are creating integrated solutions that deliver maximum value, efficiency, and convenience for end users.”

Corporate Satellite Symposium Highlights Clinical Genomics, Precision Oncology and Spatial Multi-Omics

As part of ESHG 2026, MGI hosted its Corporate Satellite Symposium, Advancing Diagnostics: From Clinical Implementation to Biomarker Discovery, bringing together leading experts from across Europe to showcase how advanced genomic technologies are being translated into real-world clinical and research impact. The symposium highlighted applications spanning clinical oncology diagnostics, pharmacogenomics, and spatial multi-omics.

Dr. Raquel T. Lima from IPATIMUP (Portugal) presented the clinical value of RNA sequencing for detecting actionable gene fusions in solid tumours, improving diagnostic yield and supporting precision oncology decision-making. Prof. Dr. Andreas Braun from University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (Germany) shared how spatial biology technologies map the tumour microenvironment in melanoma, revealing tumour heterogeneity, cellular interactions, and mechanisms associated with disease progression and treatment response. Dr. Andrea Conti from BMR Genomics (Italy) explored the opportunities of whole genome sequencing for pharmacogenetic marker evaluation, highlighting how comprehensive genomic approaches can support the implementation of personalised medicine through improved identification of clinically relevant variants.

Together, the presentations demonstrated how genomic and multi-omics technologies are advancing clinical diagnostics, translational oncology research, and precision medicine, while highlighting the growing role of sequencing in delivering actionable insights across healthcare and biomedical research.

Comprehensive Solutions for Genomics and Multi-Omics Research

Visitors to the MGI booth can explore the company’s comprehensive portfolio of sequencing and automation technologies supporting applications across human genetics, oncology, reproductive health, population genomics and multi-omics research.

Highlighting strong market adoption, MGI is showcasing the T7+, its ultra-high-throughput sequencing platform at the conference. Following its official launch for the Europe and Africa region at Analytica 2026 in Munich, the T7+ has gained significant momentum, with 27 units installed worldwide as of the end of 2025. From benchtop to ultra-high-throughput sequencing platforms, as well as advanced laboratory automation solutions, MGI continues to support laboratories seeking high-performance, scalable and cost-effective genomics workflows.

“Our mission extends beyond delivering innovative technologies,” said Dr. Christian Zimmerman, VP Sales Europe & Africa at MGI. “We are focused on building a complete ecosystem that enables our customers to transition seamlessly from research to clinical implementation. The partnerships and initiatives we are launching at ESHG 2026 demonstrate our commitment to making genomic technologies more accessible, integrated and impactful.”

Driving the Future of Precision Medicine in Europe

Europe remains a strategic region for MGI, with growing adoption of genomic technologies across research institutions, healthcare systems and national population initiatives.

Through continued investment in sequencing innovation, automation, clinical partnerships and collaborative ecosystem development, MGI is helping accelerate the transition toward more precise, data-driven healthcare.

As genomics increasingly becomes integrated into routine clinical practice, MGI remains committed to providing the technologies and partnerships necessary to support the next generation of precision medicine.

About MGI

MGI Tech Co., Ltd. (or its subsidiaries, together referred to as MGI) is committed to building core tools and technologies that drive innovation in life science. Our focus lies in research & development, manufacturing, and sales of instruments, reagents, and related products in the field of life science and biotechnology. We provide real-time, multi-omics, and a full spectrum of digital equipment and systems for precision medicine, agriculture, healthcare, and various other industries.

Founded in 2016, MGI has grown into a leader in life science, serving customers across six continents and establishing research, manufacturing, training, and after-sales service facilities globally. As one of the few companies capable of independently developing and mass-producing clinical-grade gene sequencers, MGI empowers global users with scalable sequencing capabilities ranging from Gb to Tb levels. MGI also stands out as one of the only providers of a full-stack product portfolio that spans three core segments: SEQ ALL (short- and long-read sequencing), GLI (Generative Lab Intelligence), and Multi-Omics. With unparalleled expertise, cutting-edge products, and a commitment to global impact, MGI continues to shape the trajectory of life sciences into the future.

To learn more, please visit MGI Tech, LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

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