Celebrating 50 Years of Tourism

p@ssport
Your Industry Update from the singapore tourism board
Celebrating 50 Years of Tourism
p@ssport
Your Industry Update from the singapore tourism board
Jan / Feb 2014
HALF A CENTURY OF TOURISM
HIGHLIGHTS
Major milestones in the history of
Singapore tourism
p@ssport
Your Industry Update from the singapore tourism board
INTERNATIONAL INDIA
Spotlight on the Indian traveller
ASIAN HAUTE CUISINE
Chefs and industry insiders’ take on Asia’s
dining scene
Overview of Industry Funding
Support Scheme under the Tourism
Development Fund
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EDITOR’S NOTE
Let’s Raise Our
Glasses to 50
Wonderful Years!
All over Singapore, dazzling
Christmas lights have given way
to colourful lanterns and horse
sculptures, a sign that a new lunar
year is upon us.
2014 is a significant year for
all of us in the tourism sector as it
marks our golden jubilee Singapore
tourism development. We have
certainly come a long way in the past 50
years, and plans are afoot to celebrate this milestone; more details
will be revealed in subsequent issues. Still, we can already stroll
down memory lane to reminisce on some of the major milestones
in the history of Singapore tourism.
From our humble beginnings, Singapore is today one of
Asia’s top travel destinations offering a myriad of unique and
memorable experiences for the visitor. The Singapore Tourist
Promotion Board was first established in 1964. That year, we
welcomed some 91,000 visitors; in 2012, that figure has ballooned
to 14.5 million tourists. It has been a remarkable journey, one that
we could not have embarked on without the unstinting support of
both our industry players and the general populace.
2014 itself already promises to be yet another exciting year.
The first quarter alone will see perennial festivals such as Chingay
and River Hongbao, and new events like the inaugural Singapore
International Jazz Festival. Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards
also returns to celebrate the region’s culinary best as chefs and
industry players weigh in with their views on the latest in Asia’s
dining scene.
In our ongoing series to help you better understand our
visitors, we are profiling the Indian traveller in this issue. India
is one of Asia’s emerging economic powerhouses and fastest
growing markets for travel and tourism. Driven by a combination
of factors such as increasing disposable incomes and decreasing
international airfares, the increase in affordable travel packages,
a proliferation of low-cost carriers and the conveniences brought
about by the Internet revolution, Indian travellers are revelling in
their appetite and economic capacity to explore new destinations.
All of us in the Singapore Tourism Board extend our wishes
for a happy and prosperous Lunar New Year. We look forward to
another 50 years of collaboration with you as we propel Singapore
tourism to new heights!
Sincerely,
Oliver Chong
Director, Communications & Industry Marketing
Contents
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EDITOR’S NOTE
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SINGAPORE IN THE NEWS2
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MARKET WATCH
VISITOR PROFILE –
International India
– Jan/Feb 2014
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ON THE HORIZON –
Off to a Great Start
FEATURES –
Half a Century of Tourism Highlights
POST EVENTS –
A Burst of Celebration to End 2013
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7
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IU INDUSTRY UPDATES
INDUSTRY UPGRADING –
Asia’s Best 50 Restaurant Awards Shines
a Light on Asian Haute Cuisine
INDUSTRY ASSISTANCE –
Driving Capability and Innovation
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SB STB BULLETIN
TOURISM PERFORMANCE REPORT –
Singapore Tourism Sector
Performance for 1H 2013
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We would love to hear from you. For feedback on the issue as well as suggestions for articles you would like to read here, please email
us at stb_passport@stb.gov.sg.
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SINGAPORE IN THE NEWS
7 JAN 2014
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WTA LAUNCHES “ROAD TO SINGAPORE” CAMPAIGN
Travel Weekly
Fans of women’s tennis will now have the opportunity to be fully engaged with the Women’s Tennis
Association (WTA) Championships and their favourite WTA stars via the “Road To Singapore”, a
season-long campaign showcasing the stars through their journey from the beginning of the year to
its culmination during the season-ending WTA Championships in Singapore itself. Singapore will be
the first Asia-Pacific city to host this prestigious event, making its debut on 17 – 26 October 2014, and
continuing on for four more years through to 2018.
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2 JAN 2014
TOP 10 DESTINATIONS FOR BUDGET TRAVEL
SEATTLE PI
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Singapore holds the No. 1 spot on the list for the top 10 “budget-friendly” destinations for 2014 by
ShermanTravel.com, an online publisher of travel packages and tips, citing the recent opening of
affordable hotels such as the boutique Clover Hotel and Plot Hostels as the main draw for budgetconscious travellers.
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1 JAN 2014
TOP 10 INSPIRATIONAL TRAVEL SPOTS
Voxy.co.nz
Singapore ranked second in Flight Centre’s list of top 10 inspirational hotspots for 2014 — a list
compiled by Flight Centre’s team of experts based on growing demands from customers wanting more
out of their holiday itinerary. Having evolved from a stopover hub, Singapore is now highly regarded
as a must-see, multi-faceted destination.
31 DEC 2013
SINGAPORE LEADS PACK AS CITIES PREPARE FOR AN INFLUX OF FLIERS
The New York Times
By the middle of the next decade, Changi Airport will have a third runway and two more terminals,
providing travellers more facilities ranging from retail shops to gardens and waterfalls. Singapore
leads the pack of Asian cities, including Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Jakarta, Delhi and Hong Kong that are
gearing up to improve their airports to accommodate the projected rise in air travel. With no signs of
slowing, the region’s strong growth in air traffic is driven by the proliferation of low-cost carriers and a
rising middle class with an increasing propensity to fly.
10 DEC 2013
TOP TRAVEL DESTINATIONS FOR 2013 REVEALED
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Among Philippine travellers, Singapore took the top spot in city destinations in 2013, followed by
Hong Kong, Bangkok, Los Angeles, London, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Tokyo, Dubai, and New York,
according to a recent travel trends report by Skyscanner, a leading global travel search site. Singapore
was also listed as a top 10 outbound summer destination as well as a choice destination for Christmas
and New Year vacationers.
SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD – P@SSPORT
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MARKET WATCH – VISITOR PROFILE
International India
India is one of the fastest growing markets for travel and tourism,
expected to be the second largest in terms of outbound visitors
in the world by 2020. Outbound travel increased by 10 per cent
to 15.4 million trips in 2012 and is estimated to grow at a steady
rate of 13 per cent year-on-year to reach 25 million trips in 2016.
This is driven by a combination of factors such as increasing
disposable incomes, decreasing cost of international airfares
and an increase in affordable travel packages. The emergence of
low-cost carriers (LCCs) has also opened up more alternatives for
travel beyond India.
However, the fluctuation of the Indian rupee and economic
instability may moderate growth. For example, with the
weakening of the Indian rupee, many middle-class Indians are
finding international trips less affordable, preferring domestic
trips and shorter lengths of stay.
MOST VISITED
DESTINATIONS FOR THE
INDIAN TRAVELLER (2011)
Saudi Arabia
Thailand
USA
Singapore
INDIAN TRAVELLERS, IN DETAIL
The Internet has made information
more accessible, allowing Indian
travellers to customise trips and
explore new destinations.
Peak season for leisure travel —
school summer holidays (midApril to end June) and during the
festive season (end October to
early January).
Emergence of LCCs enable
Indian travellers to have more
alternatives beyond domestic
travel, when planning for
short holidays.
TOP 3 EXPENDITURE ITEMS WHILE
IN SINGAPORE
Accommodation
Spend proportionally more on
accommodation and F&B as compared
to the average visitor in Singapore.
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The Need for a Holiday and the Bollywood Effect
For Indians, travel provides a much needed break from the
daily stress of life and it gives them the opportunity to spend
quality time with their loved ones. Travel also has an aspirational
element, one largely inspired by Bollywood — a powerful
source of information and influence exposing Indian audiences
to different destinations and travel interests. Many begin to
look towards further and more exotic destinations as they get
immense satisfaction in saying they have experienced in reality
what others have only seen on the big screen.
In addition, Indians like to immerse themselves in another
culture, so they are drawn to destinations with strong cultures
and big festivals. The Bollywood effect and a thirst for culture-rich
destinations undoubtedly broaden Indian travellers’ horizons, but
also help them to stay ahead of their respective social sets.
Value-conscious and
careful when it comes
to food.
New travellers prefer to
go on group packages
while some experienced
travellers plan their own
itineraries.
LEISURE ACTIVITIES IN SINGAPORE
Shopping
They associate Singapore with high-end labels and
top-of-the-line electronic gadgets. Must-visit places are
Orchard Road and Mustafa Centre.
Food
Spend 20% more than the average
visitor to Singapore; tend to prefer food
they are familiar with.
Local tours
Tourist landmarks, nature- or animal-related attractions
like the Singapore Zoo fulfill their need to experience
our local culture and allow them to spend time with
their families in a safe and comfortable manner.
Shopping
Keen on consumer technology and
gadgets, spending more than double the
average visitor.
Food
They enjoy trying new dishes and flavours at hawker
outlets, but will seek out and return to Indian food,
especially if they are with children and the elderly.
– Jan/Feb 2014
Travel Considerations
The top two considerations when planning for a holiday are
budget and number of days available for the trip. Indian
travellers are value-conscious when it comes to making travel
decisions; their willingness to pay more for a trip depends
on whether they believe the experience can deliver to their
expectations.
Indians are generally risk-averse travellers. Therefore, the
presence of friends and relatives in a destination is one of the top
considerations when choosing a destination. Around 43 per cent
indicated “visiting friends and family” as the main reason for
travel. Friends and family are also deemed more credible sources
of information; able to provide first-hand references about the
destination. They give assurance that the destination is ready
for the Indian traveller, especially in terms of food, safety
and language.
Since spending quality time with loved ones is one of the main
reasons for travel, who they travel with remains as one of their top
five considerations when planning a holiday. Travel companions
influence many aspects of the trip, including choice of destination
and leisure activities to be undertaken during that trip.
As Indians continue to mature and grow in travel experience,
they become more adventurous and discerning in their choices.
While packaged tours offered by travel companies remain
popular amongst first-time travellers, many experienced
travellers are starting to opt for customisable trips or exotic
destinations that can provide them with unique experiences.
Leisure is the main driver for Indians visiting Singapore.
While the majority of first-time visitors choose to come on a
tour package, and are most likely to visit Singapore as part of
a multi-destination trip, those who return to Singapore are
likely to come as free and independent travellers on a monodestination holiday.
The Indian Business Traveller
India is one of the fastest growing markets for business travel
in Asia, recording an 11 per cent year-on-year growth for travel
expenditure. Executives across all levels made an average of 7.3
business trips in the first half of 2011, making it second highest
behind China in terms of frequency of business travel. The
high frequency may be attributed to the internationalisation
of local companies and the establishment of multinational
companies in India, as well as the emergence of LCCs. Indian
business travellers hold high regard for Singapore as a business
destination due to the stability in its economy and political
system, as well as its pro-business ecosystem.
PERCEPTIONS OF SINGAPORE
Modern, vibrant and
safe city
Lacking in terms of
depth for discovery
Evergreen attractions such
as the Night Safari, Sentosa
and Singapore Botanic
Gardens are often mentioned,
attesting to their limited and
dated knowledge of offerings
in Singapore. Hence, the
impression that there is nothing
fresh to experience decreases
their desire to visit Singapore.
Expensive and not value
for money
Singapore is perceived to be an
expensive destination compared to the
rest of Southeast Asia as they believe
they can receive similar experiences at
a fraction of the cost in Dubai, Thailand
or Malaysia.
INDIAN BUSINESS TRAVELLERS AT A GLANCE
Top countries for
Indian business
travellers
Likelihood of revisiting
Singapore for leisure
54%
Average length of stay
Thailand
Singapore
5days
Average expenditure
S$1,800
Per Indian
business traveller
in Singapore
20%
Shopping
50%
Accommodation
30%
Food, transport
and miscellaneous
Leisure activities
Popular shopping items
Visiting iconic attractions (Marina
Bay Sands, Sentosa, Night Safari)
Gifts, electronic and consumer gadgets,
brands not available back home
SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD – P@SSPORT
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WHAT’S UP, SINGAPORE? – ON THE HORIZON
Off to a
Great Start
Singapore is starting the year with a bonanza
of arty offerings, sporting events, gastronomic
experiences and lively conferences in the first
three months alone.
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Huayi – Chinese Festival of the Arts 2014 (6 – 16 February)
Since its launch in 2003, this annual cultural festival has grown
into one of the most warmly embraced arts festivals in Singapore.
Showcasing a diverse range of genres, ranging from traditional to
contemporary, mainstream to cutting-edge, the 12th edition of
Huayi promises an exciting array of theatre, music, dance and more.
Singapore International Jazz Festival 2014 (27 February – 2 March)
Held at the iconic Marina Bay Sands, this inaugural jazz festival,
also known as “Sing Jazz”, promises memorable performances
from local and regional jazz musicians, as well as international
stars like James Morrison, Jamie Cullum, and Natalie Cole.
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Mosaic Music Festival (7 – 16 March)
For the 10th and final time, this 10-day regionally acclaimed music
festival will once again bring music to life at the Esplanade, with a
dizzying variety of music genres and cultures, such as nuevo tango,
straight-up jazz, fusion-funk, alternative rock, ska, R&B, folk-rock,
afro-pop, electronica and many more.
CULTURAL
Chinese New Year Celebrations (10 January – 28 February)
Come to Chinatown to pick up traditional goodies at the three-weeklong festive street bazaar, and see the streets come to life in a light-up
ceremony on 11 January, as well as an international lion dance
competition on 18 and 19 January.
River Hongbao 2014 (29 January – 8 February)
The Floating Platform @ Marina Bay plays host to this
annual Chinese New Year carnival, which boasts
lantern displays of popular Chinese characters
such as the God of Fortune and the animals of the
Chinese Zodiac.
Chingay Parade (7 – 8 February)
Chingay 2014 promises to be the biggest and most
colourful yet. Held at the F1 Pit Building, this year’s
line-up of exciting events include the world’s longest and
largest batik art measuring 360 metres, exotic multicultural
performances, a parade of horses from the Singapore Turf
Club as well as horse sculptures designed by Nanyang
Academy of Fine Arts students. Known as Asia’s largest
and grandest street parade, this national event that
has become a Lunar New Year tradition epitomises
Singapore’s vibrant and multicultural identity.
DINING
Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2014 (23 – 24 February)
The Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list that covers North,
East, South East and South Asia will be announced
on 24 February. Apart from the Awards event, chefs and
restaurateurs will be able to participate in a two-day Forum and
Workshops programme beginning 23 February, which
comprises exclusive talks, demonstrations, discussions
and debates with some of the biggest and most
influential chefs and restaurateurs in the global
culinary scene.
World Gourmet Summit 2014
(26 March – 5 April)
Treat yourself to tantalising flavours and dazzling
dishes by promising talents and seasoned masters of
the culinary arts at the World Gourmet Summit. With
an exciting smorgasbord of themed dining experiences,
masterclasses, wine dinners and workshops, it is bound to be
a deliciously memorable affair.
MICE
Singapore Airshow 2014 (11 – 16 February)
Attended by major aviation industry players,
including aeronautic companies and government
agencies, this biennial aerospace and defence
exhibition at the Changi Exhibition Centre
showcases the finest in aircraft and aviation
technology. It also features the Singapore Airshow
Aviation Leadership Summit and the Asia Pacific Security
Conference, where international government, military
delegates and high level participants from the private
sector will be able to network and debate on a wide
range of topics relating to the aviation industry.
MAISON&OBJET ASIA (10 – 13 March)
An international trade fair for lifestyle fashions and
trends, MAISON&OBJET debuts in Asia at the
Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre.
More than 180 exhibitors around the world will unveil
their cutting-edge furnishings and interior designs. The
itinerary includes the Interior Design & Lifestyle Summit,
with workshops on trends and prominent speakers
expounding on the best in retail and interior design.
International Furniture Fair Singapore 2014
(13 – 16 March)
Quality furnishings and innovative home
decoration ideas are the order of the day at
this design fair, held at the Singapore Expo in
conjunction with the 31st ASEAN Furniture Show,
The Décor Show and Hospitality 360°.
SPORTS
Marina Run 2014 (15 February)
Enjoy beautiful waterfront views as the Marina Run
brings you around the scenic Marina Bay area,
starting from Gardens by the Bay, Bay East. You
can have a splashing good time in the “Wet &
Wild” Fun Run or set a blazing trail in the “Light
Up the Nite” Run.
Eighth Extreme Sailing Series™ World Tour
(20 – 23 February)
This major event on the international sailing calendar
kicks off at The Promontory@Marina Bay for the second
year running. Catch thrills and spills on the high seas as elite
Singaporean and international sailing teams pit their
skills and wits against the waves and one another.
HSBC Women’s Championships
(28 February – 2 March)
The sixth edition of the prestigious tournament
will again bring together the who’s who in the
female golfing arena. Swing by to catch the world’s
top female golfers battling it out on the greens of
Serapong Course at the Sentosa Golf Club, as they
compete for the top prize of US$210,000 and total purse
of US$1.4 million.
MORE EVENTS IN MARCH…
Café Asia 2014
When: 6 – 8 March
Where: Marina Bay Sands
i Light Marina Bay 2014
When: 7 – 30 March
Where: Marina Bay Waterfront
The Festival of Media Asia 2014
When: 16 – 18 March
Where: Cappella Singapore
Fashion Steps Out
When: 4 April – 18 May
Where: Orchard Road
OCBC Cycle Singapore 2014
When: 28 – 30 March
Where: F1 Pit Building
Please visit yoursingapore.com for more
details on events and happenings in 2014.
SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD – P@SSPORT
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WHAT’S UP, SINGAPORE? – FEATURES
Half a Century of
Tourism Highlights
2014 marks 50 years of tourism promotion and development
since the establishment of the Singapore Tourist Promotion
Board in 1964.
Once a humble trading post, Singapore has grown from
strength to strength to become not only a global hub in Asia,
but a thriving modern cosmopolitan destination with a vibrant
multicultural identity. The development and transformation of
our tourism landscape has truly been a remarkable journey —
one that could not have been attained alone. In just 50 years,
T O U R I S M
1964
the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), together with our industry
partners and the populace, has propelled Singapore to become
one of Asia’s top destinations for leisure and business travellers.
In this issue, we commemorate our 50th anniversary with a
stroll down memory lane on some of the major milestones in
the history of Singapore tourism.
M I L E S T O N E S
• Singapore Tourist Promotion Board (STPB)
is established.
• Singapore receives 91,000 visitors.
• The Merlion symbol is born.
1965
1971
1972
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STPB co-organises the first Tourist Week
on 26 September to inculcate tourism
awareness to locals.
Jurong Bird Park opens in January as
a place for Singaporeans to relax with
nature. It is now Asia’s largest bird
sanctuary with more than 5,000 birds
across 400 species.
The first and original eight-metre-tall
Merlion statue is installed at the mouth of
the Singapore River in September 1972.
It was moved to Merlion Park in 2002.
1991
• Raffles Hotel, the grande dame of
Singapore’s hospitality industry, reopens
in September, after two years of
restoration.
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• Singapore Cruise Centre and New
Bugis Street open.
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1986
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A S$1 billion Tourism Product Development
Plan is implemented to conserve Singapore’s
cultural enclaves, revitalise tourist offerings,
and establish the Singapore River as a
cultural and entertainment centre.
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1984
1981
1974
1973
Inaugural Christmas Light-Up on Orchard
Road, themed “Christmas at the Equator”,
takes place in December. Festive light-ups for
Chinese New Year, Hari Raya and Deepavali
are introduced the following year.
Changi Airport commences operations in
July, welcoming its first flight, Singapore
Airlines Flight 101 with 140 passengers
from Kuala Lumpur. Today, Changi Airport
is the sixth busiest airport in the world
serving more than 100 international
airlines flying to some 250 cities in about
60 countries and territories worldwide.
The Singapore Convention Bureau (SCB)
is established in April 1974 to promote
Singapore as a convention city. It was
renamed the Singapore Exhibition and
Convention Bureau™ (SECB) in 1996.
• The Singapore Zoo, Singapore’s first
wildlife park, starts to welcome visitors.
• STPB launches “Singapore – A World
within a World”, the very first marketing
campaign.
SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD – P@SSPORT
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WHAT’S UP, SINGAPORE? – FEATURES
1993
Formerly serving the
river trade, Boat Quay
and Clarke Quay are
conserved and repositioned to offer a
wide variety of dining,
entertainment and retail
options.
• Night Safari, the world’s
first nocturnal safari
park, roars into the
scene in May.
1994
• Launch of Singapore’s
two signature events —
the Great Singapore
Sale and Singapore
Food Festival.
• The Suntec Singapore International Convention and
Exhibition Centre is inaugurated in August, a venue of
choice for more than 18,000 events.
1995
• The National Orchid Garden in the Singapore Botanic
Gardens, which has one of the largest orchid collections in
Asia, is unveiled.
• The STPB is renamed the Singapore Tourism Board (STB)
to better reflect the full scope of its responsibilities beyond
simply marketing and promotion to include strategic
planning, industry development and its role as a regulator.
1997
• The inaugural World Gourmet Summit, featuring 12
world-class masterchefs, kicks off to propel Singapore’s
reputation as a world-class culinary destination.
The Singapore Expo opens in March, giving the Singapore
business events landscape a major boost. The conference
and exhibition space is later expanded from 60,000 to
100,000 square metres in 2005.
The Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay opens in October. The
waterfront centre for performing arts has since hosted a
wealth of renowned acts and international performances.
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1999
2002
2013
Singapore’s reputation as a choice
international meeting destination cemented:
• Asia’s top convention city for the 11th
consecutive year by the International
Congress and Convention Association
(ICCA).
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• Top International Meeting Country
for the second year running and Top
International Meeting City for the
6th consecutive year by the Union of
International Associations (UIA).
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2012
• Gardens by the Bay opens, adding to the
plethora of world-class experiences in
Singapore and building on Singapore’s
reputation as a “city in a garden”.
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• The Marina Bay Cruise Terminal, a key
infrastructural project catering to the
anticipated growth of the regional cruise
industry, is completed.
2010
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• The two Integrated Resorts (IRs) — Resorts
World Sentosa and Marina Bay Sands
open in January and June respectively,
each housing a comprehensive suite
of amenities such as hotels, convention
facilities, and entertainment, retail and
dining outlets.
• A new destination brand,
“YourSingapore”, is launched at the
STB’s Tourism Industry Conference. An
evolution of Uniquely Singapore, the
brand places the visitor at its core and
builds on Singapore’s unique attributes by
empowering travellers to personalise their
own Singapore experience.
2008
• The Singapore Flyer, the world’s tallest
Ferris wheel, takes flight.
• The Singapore Grand Prix, the first
Formula One night race and first street
circuit in Asia, races into town.
• The Singapore Experience Awards makes
its debut, honouring stellar individuals
and organisations in the tourism sector for
delivering holistic and memorable quality
Singapore experiences.
2004
STB launches new destination brand,
“Uniquely Singapore”, in March. The brand
celebrates Singapore as a premier tourist
destination with a unique blend of traditions,
cultures, and modernity.
SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD – P@SSPORT
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WHAT’S UP, SINGAPORE? – POST EVENTS
A Burst of Celebrations
to End 2013
2013 started with a bang and 2014 promises to be even more
spectacular. But let us first take one last look at the events in the
last quarter of 2013 as we bid a fond adieu to a memorable year.
11
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NOVEMBER
ANIME FESTIVAL ASIA 2013
For three days, on 8 to 10
November 2013, Japanese
popular culture fans in
the region congregated at
the Suntec International
Convention & Exhibition
Centre for the annual
Anime Festival Asia. This
year’s marks the sixth edition
and welcomed an attendance of
85,000. Highlights included the I
Love Anisong concert series
featuring 14 acts such as
May’n, Milky Holmes,
LiSA and Singapore’s
own J-pop singer Valerie
Tang; the return of
the Akiba Town retail
experience with exclusive
merchandise from Japan;
a new Japan Fashion Zone
bringing the latest and trendiest
fads; as well as unique dining
concepts within the designated
AFA Food Street.
ASIAN MASTERS
From 1 November to 7
December 2013, Asian
Masters returned for the
fourth time, with a starstudded line-up of guest
chefs, including the debut of
two chefs from two Michelinstarred restaurants — Chef Hajime
Yoneda (Japan) and Chef Mok Kit
Keung (Hong Kong); celebrity
Chef Chumpol Jangprai,
known as the Iron Chef
of Thai cuisine; and Chef
Alex Park from Korea.
Apart from perennial
favourites such as winepairing dinners, this year’s
edition featured innovative
and unexpected cocktail- and
whisky-pairing dinners.
AFFORDABLE ART FAIR
Also back for the fourth
year, the fair welcomed
17,800 art lovers and
over 100 participating
local and international
galleries. Held at the
F1 Pit Building from
21 to 24 November, the
fair showcased a diverse
selection of contemporary
artworks across a variety
of styles, and mediums
including paintings,
sculpture and
photography. Notable
artists include Anish
Kapoor, Cristina
Gayarre, Vinc and
Marc Quinn, along with
Singapore’s established
names such as Ong Kim Seng,
SKL0 and upcoming young artist
TraseOne.
CHRISTMAS ON A GREAT
STREET 2013
Singapore’s bustling
shopping street turned
into a winter wonderland
from 23 November 2013
to 5 January 2014. With
22,330 metres of LED rope
lights lighting up Orchard
Road, the annual Christmas
Light-Up by the Orchard Road
Business Association featured
wintry tones with diamonds
and interactive stars
that depict a sparkling
Christmas. Shoppers and
visitors even made use of
a GPS-enabled Walking
Map to enhance streetlevel and underground
navigation, boosting
the Christmas shopping
experience.
DECEMBER
ZOUKOUT
This year’s party
attracted the largest
crowd yet, with 41,000
revellers trooping to
Siloso Beach, Sentosa
on 13 – 14 December,
surpassing last year’s
crowd of 40,000. The party
boasted a star-studded line-up
of musical acts: American electro
trio Krewella, British rapper
Example (with DJ Wire),
Dutch DJs Afrojack and
Ferry Corsten, Swedish
up-and-comer Alesso,
Dutch mix maestro
Dash Berlin, as well as
the debut of DJ Zedd
and DJ Martin Solveig
in Singapore. Homegrown
emerging artists such as Gema
and A/K/A also impressed partygoers
with their sets at the Localized Tent.
ASIA TV FORUM & MARKET 2013
Touted as Asia’s leading entertainment
content market, the ATF ran from 3 to 6
December at Marina Bay Sands. Reflecting
the evolution of TV across a range of
conferences, apart from the networking
and engagement opportunities, the ATF is
a platform for all industry players to buy,
sell, finance, distribute and co-produce,
across all platforms. This year’s ATF saw
the inaugural participation of National
Geographic Channel in its conferences
and the launch of MIPAcademy, a full-day
programme comprising master classes
and workshops led by some of the leading
industry players.
SCREENSINGAPORE 2013
Held in conjunction with ATF 2013 at the
Marina Bay Sands from 3 to 6 December,
ScreenSingapore delved into the film
industry, giving participants insight and
analyses from the industry’s brightest.
Like the ATF, it had a strong conference
line-up covering a wide range of topics
such as project selection and script
development; financing and production
management; and marketing and
distribution, including film financing in
the burgeoning South East Asian region.
JANUARY
ST. JEROME’S LANEWAY FESTIVAL
Feast your ears on an eclectic mix of music
from indie bands across the world. Taking
place at The Meadow, Gardens by the
Bay, this year’s exciting line-up includes
Australian alternative rock group The
Jezabels, UK post-punk band Savages and
US electronic musician XXYYXX. For the
first time, three Singapore artists — Gema,
The Observatory and Vandetta — are set
to perform on a third stage.
OTHER HAPPENINGS
NOVEMBER
• Digital Fashion Week
• Christmas By The River
• Asia Pacific Food Expo 2013
DECEMBER
• Indoor Archery World Cup
• SSO Christmas Concerts 2013
• Mystica 2013
• Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2014
• Siloso Beach Party 2013
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INDUSTRY UPDATES
INDUSTRY UPGR ADING
Asia’s Best 50 Restaurant Awards
Shines a Light on Asian Haute Cuisine
Playing host to the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards is indeed
an affirmation of Singapore’s reputation as a culinary capital —
an exciting and dynamic destination for fine dining in Asia.
The second edition of the Awards, to be held on 24 February
2014, not only spotlights the region’s best restaurants and
a dining scene that is rich in diversity, but also helps to put
Singaporean cuisine front and centre. The list is compiled from
votes cast for restaurants around the world by The Diners Club
World 50 Best Restaurants Academy, which counts among its
roster influential chefs, food critics and industry professionals.
“We hope it will bring greater attention, on a regional
and global scale, to a greater number of talented chefs and
great restaurants — of all styles,” says William Drew, editor
of Restaurant magazine, publisher of The World’s 50 Best
Restaurants. In addition to the awards ceremony, attending chefs
and restaurateurs will host a series of workshops and forums to
discuss the culinary and dining scene in Asia.
As a run-up to the event, we talk to some of the leading
culinary lights in Singapore on their take on Singapore’s
dining and culinary scene. These chefs and industry players
will be attending Asia’s 50 Best Awards 2014. Some will also be
presenting in the forums and workshops held in conjunction
with the Awards.
OUR CHEFS AND INDUSTRY INSIDERS:
Andre Chiang, chef and owner of Restaurant Andre, Singapore
No.5 in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2013
William Drew, Editor, Restaurant magazine
Raymond Lim, from Les Amis in Singapore, No. 14 in Asia’s 50
Best Restaurants 2013
Dave Pynt, chef of Burnt Ends
Janice Wong, pastry chef and owner, 2am:lab
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What do you think are the reasons behind Singapore’s success as a
prominent food destination?
William Drew (WD): Singapore’s long history as a trade and
communications hub in Asia means it has attracted a wide
variety of people from all around the world — whether to live,
work or visit. In turn, they have brought their own cultural
influences — including culinary skills, techniques, traditions and
ideas. Singapore has proven to be masterful at assimilating these
people and ideas to offer one of the world’s most exciting array
of cuisines and restaurant styles — from indigenous street food
to European fine dining; big-name chef destinations to cuttingedge newcomers. Singapore’s willingness to embrace all, and in
particular what is fresh and exciting, has led to it becoming one of
the world’s premier gastronomic centres.
Raymond Lim (RL): This was the result of symbiotic partnership
between the private and public sectors. The restaurant scene in
Singapore really bloomed organically from mid-noughties and
this was amplified by Singapore Tourism Board’s marketing
efforts which showcased the wonderful restaurant and bar
concepts we have here, in addition to our colourful street food.
Today, we are way ahead, from the depth of selection, with
different price points of meals available from $2 to $200, to the
width of selection — the range of cuisine available here from Foo
Chow to Peruvian.
Is there a trend or change in trends in consumer tastes (e.g.,
sustainability in food, open to more exotic cuisines or preferring
traditional ways)?
WD: The increased speed and ease of international
communication and travel mean that chefs can gather and
exchange ideas and experiences from different parts of the world
as never before. This often informs and sometimes liberates their
cooking techniques and use of ingredients. Yet at the same time
we are seeing an ongoing focus on locality and terroir: Cooking
food that is a true representation of the region in which it is being
cooked and from which the ingredients are sourced.
RL: I see the long-term direction trending towards sustainability in
what we eat, as well as sustainability of our indigenous cuisine.
How has social media shaped expectations and perceptions of different
cuisines? Are consumers now more knowledgeable and discerning?
JW: It has totally changed the dynamics of food. Most restaurants and
bars are now at the mercy of online reviews and photo tags. If a customer
likes a certain type of dish, it immediately goes on the web and with the
tags available, people who have not been can view it immediately and is
aware of what is good, what is bad, what is in and what is out. RL: Social media has definitely driven up interest in food — it has
driven the rise of smaller operations, which used to be disadvantaged
against the bigger restaurant operators who have marketing and PR
departments.
What do you think is the next frontier for Singapore restaurants and
cuisine?
JW: An increase in the number of casual dining restaurants and bars
serving up delicious and affordable food and wine with good service. RL: I believe that the next stage of growth would be concepts that
safeguard the authenticity of food from yesteryear; think Peranakan,
Hokkien, the humble tze char (stir-fried Chinese restaurant-style)
cuisine, etc. There is a wave of nostalgia sweeping over Singapore
with young Singaporeans wanting to retain parts of what we grew
up with, and there is also a concerted push by the government to
retain the culinary fabric of Singapore before they disappear.
How has the arrival of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant list benefited the
culinary industry in Singapore and Asia?
JW: It has a positive impact and a huge encouragement to
establishments and chefs to continue the good level of service
and food. It also pushes chefs to evolve and be more aware
of what is happening in their neighbouring countries. Next,
it connects chefs and establishments, sharing knowledge,
techniques and products. RL: With Singapore and the region firmly in the spotlight, our
industry and restaurateurs can now network with the best and
very importantly, be confident of what we are doing. My biggest
wish is for the media in Asia to give due recognition to our
players. For the longest time, it was always the Western media
which fanned the next culinary movement — from Spanish
molecular to Scandinavian foraging. Why can’t the next global
food movement originate from our part of the world?
GETTING INNOVATIVE
Chefs Andre Chiang and Dave Pynt, two
of Singapore’s most creative chefs, will
be holding a special workshop on wood
fire during the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants
event. We talk to them about innovation
and what they think of Singapore’s
culinary scene.
It is the nature of the food and beverage
industry to innovate all the time. After all,
if chefs and restaurateurs keep offering the
same things over and over again, people
will go on to the next new thing, especially
given the food culture today. Given this,
what is innovation to you? And how do
you strike a balance between innovation
and authenticity (being true to your roots/
influences)?
Andre Chiang (AC): It is about honesty
and sincerity in everything that we do,
so we focus on authenticity. I think
innovation is just a word — it doesn’t
exist. With everything that you create, if
you’re authentic or unique, the thing that
you create falls into its own category, so it
naturally becomes innovative.
Dave Pynt (DP): Innovation in cooking is
very rare, only a few people truly innovate
in an industry that has been around since
the first controlled fires, about 790,000
years ago. Innovation can refer to new
techniques, new recipes or even a new
product that hasn’t been served, but there
is a huge chance that it has been eaten before
by someone somewhere. I don’t think I am
an innovator but I definitely like playing
around with different techniques, flavour
combinations and presentations. Some of
it may be new to me and my diners, but I
always think that someone somewhere has
probably eaten it before!
How would you characterise the food/
restaurant scene in Singapore, compared to
five years ago in terms of innovative concepts
and dishes?
AC: There is a big change from five years
ago. There was not much variety, or quality
independent restaurants. There were mainly
just hotel restaurants. Today all the top
restaurants are independent. There is also
a lot of international talent that is coming
into Singapore, so we don’t just have local
delicacies, but food on an international level.
DP: I am relatively new to Singapore; I
arrived only nine months ago. However, it
seems that in the previous couple of years
the big boys such as Tetsuya Wakuda, Joel
Robuchon, Guy Savoy, Mario Batali and
Wolfgang Puck have managed to pave the
way for the next generation to provide some
exciting new food. A lot of new, casual and
fun eateries are opening that produce some
great food at a great price. You can never
forget the hawkers though — chilli crab,
chicken rice, oyster omelettes and char
kway teow are on hand 24/7, and they are
absolutely amazing with a cold beer after
work! I am looking forward to seeing
what the new generation of hawkers are
capable of!
On the workshop on wood fire —
essentially, that a wood-fire grill can be
used to come up with excellent dishes —
what takeaways do you hope participants
can get from this exercise, aside of course
from partaking of the delicious food?
AC: You won’t see any other workshop
like this. There will be 12 dishes, six
from each of us, which will be cooked
only with charcoal and wood fire. It is
exciting because we’re going to create
everything with just our spontaneous
energy, along with the guests’ energy,
without recipes, all on the spot. It is also
interesting that in cooking with just
wood fire and charcoal, there will be no
energy consumption, as there will be no
electricity used.
DP: I am really looking forward to seeing
the integration of fire and smoke into
Andre’s cooking and it will be great for
the guests to see the range of styles and
techniques that can be used with the
humble wood fire. Hopefully we can show
how versatile and easy it is to cook with
wood fire and then when people dine,
show the results of the effort.
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INDUSTRY UPDATES
I N D U S T RY A S S I S TA N C E
Driving Capability
and Innovation
This section gives an overview of the various industry funding support schemes being offered
by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) under its Tourism Development Fund. In this first of a
three-part series, we take a look at the Tourism Product Development Fund (TPDF) and speak
to Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS), a STB grant recipient that benefitted from a similar
scheme for the development of river-themed wildlife park River Safari.
STB has been supporting the industry in its efforts to
drive capability and deliver unique experiences through a
S$905 million Tourism Development Fund (TDF). As one
of its drives towards Quality Tourism, the TDF supports
the creation of innovative and quality tourism products and
experiences, as well as capability and talent enhancement
efforts in tourism-related enterprises over a span of five
years. The TDF has different schemes that effectively
address various development needs of Singapore’s
tourism industry.
THE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT FUND: AT A GLANCE
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TOURISM PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT SCHEME
Purpose: C
reation and rejuvenation of tourism products.
Includes: Tourism Product Development Fund, Cruise Development Fund.
TOURISM CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT SCHEME
Purpose: To enhance productivity and talent development.
Includes: Tourism Technology Fund, Business Improvement Fund, Training Industry Professionals in Tourism.
TOURISM EVENTS DEVELOPMENT SCHEME
Purpose: For events that build on Singapore’s positioning as an international lifestyle and business events hub.
Includes: Business Events in Singapore, Leisure Events Fund and Kickstart Fund.
– Jan/Feb 2014
Who should apply for these funds and how
will they benefit companies? We examine
how the TPDF supports the creation and
rejuvenation of tourism infrastructure and
talk to grant recipient Wildlife Reserves
Singapore on how the funding support
has helped in the development of the
River Safari.
CASE STUDY #1: RIVER SAFARI
The River Safari is one of Singapore’s latest
attractions. Conceptualised by Wildlife Reserves
Singapore (WRS) as Asia’s first and only riverthemed wildlife park, the River Safari is designed
to add yet another unique wildlife experience
to WRS’s three other award-winning parks
— the Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari and
Singapore Zoo.
Confident that they had a viable
concept in mind, WRS applied for STB’s
funding assistance back in 2008 to develop
and build the wildlife park.
“The STB grant allowed us to improve the
financial viability of River Safari, especially
given the huge financial commitment and long
project gestation period,” says Lee Meng Tat,
CEO, Wildlife Reserves Singapore. He added that
the funding from STB was largely channelled
to support construction costs, including
that of the architect and engineering
consultancy fees.
Today, River Safari is a must-see
attraction in Singapore with its distinct
exhibits showcasing the unique wildlife
of various river habitats around the world.
It also features a 483m-long Amazon River
Quest boat ride which takes visitors on a
thematic exploration of the Amazon rainforest,
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“The STB grant would
allow us to improve the
financial viability of
River Safari, especially
given the huge financial
commitment and long
project gestation period.”
— L ee Meng Tat,
CEO, Wildlife Reserves Singapore
where they will come face-to-face with
close to 30 species of land and arboreal
animals living on the edges of the
Amazon River.
On tips for future grant recipients
seeking STB’s support to create or
rejuvenate tourism products and
experiences, Lee says of his company’s
experience: “With the initial concept
in hand, interested applicants should
have a detailed discussion with STB
and seek inputs on their expectations
and requirements.”
ABOUT THE TOURISM PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT FUND (TPDF)
The TPDF is a tool to help tourism
players develop unique attractions and
projects to help boost Singapore as
a tourist destination. It is part of the
Tourism Development Fund, an overall
incentive scheme by the Singapore
Tourism Board to support the creation of
innovative and quality tourism products
and experiences, as well as capability and
talent enhancement efforts in tourismrelated enterprises over five years.
Who can apply for the grant
Open to all Singapore-registered
entities (e.g., businesses, companies,
associations)
What kind of projects are eligible for
the TPDF
The TPDF can be used to develop or
rejuvenate new and existing tourism
products/experiences.
What falls under qualifying costs
Qualifying costs (excluding GST
where applicable to the project) refer to
professional services, equipment and
materials costs.
When should an entity apply for a grant
Interested parties may submit their
application at least six months before the
scheduled commencement of the project.
How the grant will be disbursed
The grant is given upon fulfilment
of agreed project milestones and
deliverables on a reimbursement basis.
How much will the grant support
The TPDF provides support up to 50
per cent of qualifying costs for tourism
projects/experiences in areas such as
product and infrastructure development.
FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY TO
Singapore Tourism Board
Tel
: +65 6736 6622
Email : STB_Incentives@stb.gov.sg
Website : www.stb.gov.sg
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STB BULLETIN
TO U R I S M P ER F O R M A N C E R EP O RT
Singapore Tourism Sector Performance
for 1H 2013
The latest statistics on Singapore’s tourism industry at a glance.
Singapore continues to be a popular destination for tourists,
welcoming 3.9 million international visitors in Quarter Two
(Q2) 2013, an increase of ten per cent compared to the same
period last year. Overall Tourism Receipts (TR) increased two
per cent year-on-year to S$5.6 billion (B). Growth in Q2 2013
was driven mainly by the strong sixteen per cent increase in
Leisure visitor arrivals.
Here is a summary of some key statistics on tourism receipts
and international arrivals for Q2 2013. Details are available in the
Tourism Performance Report — Quarter Two (Q2) 2013.
TOURISM RECEIPTS (TR) BY MAJOR COMPONENTS
Q2 2013 VS Q2 2012
+8%
-3%
Accommodation
Shopping
1,179M
1,184M
S$
S$
+9%
+1%
Sightseeing &
Entertainment*
Food & Beverage
556M
1,311M
S$
S$
-4%
Other TR
Components**
1,376M
S$
* including gaming
** including expenditure on airfares, port taxes, local transportation, business, medical, education and transit visitors
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T O P 10 M A R K E T S FO R T O U R I S M R E C E I P T S* (I N S$ M I L L I O N),
JA N – J U N 2 013
P R CHINA
INDONESIA
INDIA
AUSTRALIA
MALAYSIA
JAPAN
PHILIPPINES
THAILAND
USA
VIETNAM
1,516
1,473
606
492
428
411
348
313
294
280
HOW WE FARED IN
1H 2013 VS 1H 2012
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• TR for January to June 2013 registered a 2% decline,
mainly due to Q1’s weaker performance.
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• There was a slight decrease in TR for all categories,
except Food & Beverage, which saw a 2% increase.
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• Indonesia, P R China and India were Singapore’s top
three TR generating markets, accounting for 57% of
overall TR (excluding S&E).
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• P R China (+33%), India (+8%) and Japan (+5%)
experienced the fastest growth in TR (excluding S&E).
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* Excludes Sightseeing & Entertainment TR
Source: Disembarkation/Embarkation cards and Overseas Visitor Survey
TOP 10 MARKETS FOR INTERNATIONAL VISITOR ARRIVALS (’000S),
JAN – JUN 2013
INDONESIA
P R CHINA
MALAYSIA
AUSTRALIA
INDIA
JAPAN
PHILIPPINES
HONG KONG
USA
THAILAND
1,475
1,241
602
547
499
385
358
256
255
246
HOW WE FARED IN
1H 2013 VS 1H 2012
• Indonesia, P R China, Malaysia, Australia and
India were Singapore’s top five markets in terms of
international visitor arrivals for January to June 2013,
accounting for 56% of the total for first half of 2013.
• Visitor arrivals from P R China, Taiwan, Hong Kong,
Australia and Japan recorded double-digit growth
rates for January to June 2013.
• Growth in P R China, Hong Kong and Taiwan visitor
arrivals were boosted by increased twinning traffic
with regional markets, particularly Malaysia.
• Australia visitor arrivals growth was driven by the
increase in air capacity as more low cost carrier
flights were introduced in the market.
Source: Disembarkation/Embarkation cards
HOTEL INDUSTRY
HOW WE FARED IN 1H 2013 VS 1H 2012
• Gazetted hotel room revenue for January to
June was estimated at $1.4B, representing
a 2.3% GROWTH.
• Both Average Room Rate and Average Occupancy Rate
had declined, resulting in a 2% drop in Revenue Per
Available Room (S$219).
SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD – P@SSPORT
SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD
Tourism Court
1 Orchard Spring Lane, Singapore 247729
T +65 6736 6622
F +65 6734 7223
www.stb.gov.sg
PHOTOS COURTESY OF: Singapore Tourism Board, People’s Association,
Experia Events, World Gourmet Summit 2013, Laneway Festival Singapore_
Chugg Entertainment, Andrew Tan, Zouk Management, Orchard Road Business
Association, Affordable Art Fair, Reed Exhibitions, Asian Masters, William Reed
Business Media, Wildlife Reserves Singapore, Lonely Planet, Chiam Heng Yin,
Leow Ek Teck, NParks, Gardens by the Bay, Patrick Bingham Hall, Vince Chong,
Singapore Art Museum, Bacchanalia, Amber Lounge, Eric Au, Bjorn Shen, Devagi
Sanmugam, Matthew Mok, Wee Liang Lian, Bi Chonglei, The Podium Lounge,
Mercury Marketing & Communications, Dawn Chua, World Street Food Congress,
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, Singapore Cruise centre.
DISCLAIMER
P@SSPORT is a publication by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). All information is correct at time of printing. Articles may not be reproduced without STB’s permission.