|
With the World Health Organisation
(WHO) declaring Singapore SARS-free, Singapore is all set
to live it up again with its come-back strategy. With ‘Singapore
Roars’ programme, STB (Singapore Tourism Board) has recently
launched its second phase of recovery - ‘Singapore Roars’-
a SARS recovery programme includes a six month line up of
roaring deals and events, outstanding packages with global
print and broadcast advertising campaigns. The first phase
includes implementation of rigorous SARS precautionary measures
through the ‘Cool Singapore Award’ a confidence
building exercise, at all the essential entry points of tourists
and other tourist venues, like hotels.
| Singapore is back in business with
visitor numbers going up by 88,000 globally and the increase
in Indian arrivals is to the tune of 35 per cent. An increase
of 45 to 50 per cent is expected in the months of July
and August compared to May this year. |
Plans include expansion of existing
products in the leisure travel segment and introduce new attractions
such as the Esplanade and the Elephants of Asia etc. The board
has also started pushing its hot deals, packages, events and
various other special offers along with the global campaigns
that represent the most intensive tourism campaign undertaken
by Singapore, to revive its tourism. “The Indian travel
industry will offer great deals and attractions that will
be supported by STB. Most packages would be at special prices
on airfare, accommodation, shopping vouchers and activities
as part of the package to ensure that visitors have a complete
fun bonanza. Besides, we will also showcase cultural, culinary,
educational and other events each month so tourists have something
to look forward to. Our thrust would be on health care and
educational tourism as well as certain exchange programmes.
Since Singapore has state-of-the-art universities and institutions
of international repute in various academic fields including
management, communications etc, it would be excellent to have
Indian students come in for exchange programmes and gain exposure.
Moreover we also intend to promote our marine life and zoos,
botanical gardens etc to give international students a learning
yet enjoyable experience, we would also build on our healthcare
sector in a similar fashion,” says Alfie Yee Howe Mun,
manager tourism business, northern and western India, STB
based in Singapore.
(With inputs from Jyoti Koul, New Delhi)
 As
part of its strategy to reiterates and enhance its presence
in the Indian market, STB has recently appointed Romen
Bose designated area director - Northern and Western India.
STB is looking at developing focused sectors in India.“Our
focus is on eight new strategic tourism units that include
shopping, sight seeing and attractions, business travel
and MICE, cruises, life style and food and beverages.
However, this year our core focus would be healthcare
and educational services. The board is strongly looking
at building the focussed sectors in India and we see lot
of potential as far as these new products are concerned,”
said Bose. |
|
