Reports | OzSeeker

The economics of operating location-based entertainment in corona-time

3rd June 20203rd June 2020 Randy White blog

There are many challenges to reopening location-based entertainment (LBE) during the post-lockdown era regardless of whether it’s a family entertainment center (FEC), bowling entertainment center (BEC), amusement/theme park, eatertainment venue, laser tag center, bar-arcade, family fun center or any other type of LBE business. There’s the challenge of rehiring/finding, paying and retaining staff; implementing all the Covid-19 safety measures including those needed for social distancing, restricting capacity, disinfecting high-touch surfaces and keeping both staff and customers safe. However, the greatest challenge that’s had little discussion in the entertainment industry is…

'Ghost Town' shop. Photo by Ben Garratt on Unsplash

‘Cut red tape to save the high street,’ architects tell government

4th May 20204th May 2020 Architects Journal

Architects have joined a call for government to make it easier to switch between commercial use classes to help high streets in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. Last week (30 April) the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) published a report arguing that structural challenges to high streets, such as e-commerce and remote working, have been ‘exacerbated’ by Covid-19. RICS said planning rules around use change had been created in a more ‘static’ time and should be eased, adding: ‘The seismic nature of what is currently taking place in…

Grounded aeroplane at sunset. Photo by Ken Yam on Unsplash

Middle East travel and tourism businesses suffer ‘dual shock’

16th April 202016th April 2020 PWC

The dual shock to GCC countries GCC countries are experiencing a dual shock: the COVID-19 pandemic and lower oil prices. The pandemic is having tragic human consequences. The necessary containment measures are having detrimental effects on the global economy and world trade, with serious consequences for the import-dependent GCC countries. The result is supply-side issues and disruptions to global value chains that are creating production problems in GCC economies. Patterns of demand are changing, with demand overall shrinking. Production and productivity are dropping. Along with the impact of the pandemic,…