Asia

SeatGeek to exit Asia-Pacific market

SeatGeek is set to exit the Asia-Pacific market to centre its efforts on major sport and entertainment properties in the US and Europe.

The Asia-Pacific arm of SeatGeek will close up shop and eventually cease support for clients across Asia, Australasia and Oceania, as well as for facilities in attractions, regional performing arts and tourism at the end of current contract terms.

SeatGeek told its clients that since its purchase of TopTix in early 2017 and its partner group businesses, including TicketServ, it had “reviewed all vertical markets and SRO product direction,” making “the decision to focus on specific verticals (and to) sunset any new business sales outside of live entertainment.”

SeatGeek defines ‘live entertainment’ as being sport, music/concerts and major performing arts such as Broadway and West End-style commercial theatre.

The announcement added: “After a very careful and detailed review, and consideration of the global markets, SeatGeek Enterprise intends to slowly wind down and ultimately close its operations in the Asia Pacific region and withdraw from the regional market.

“SeatGeek Asia Pacific will continue to perform its obligations under contracts with clients and will work with each client in due course to assist as much as possible in helping you transition to a new ticketing provider.

“We understand that for most clients this is a difficult change to make.”

Ian English, the founder and managing director of TicketServ/SeatGeek Asia Pacific has also exited the business.

English said, according to Australian Leisure: “After nine years of building the business, growing a great team and expanding a wide ranging client base across the Asia Pacific, it is disappointing to have had to manage this exit direction.

“During all these years, I have had the pleasure of dealing with a fantastic group of passionate and professional organisations and people and, while these directions for the business have been decided by others, I will be doing my utmost to ensure that there are future options for the client base as well as the wider market.”

Image: Pxhere with SeatGeek logo added