Iswaran to oversee more aspects of tourism portfolio; travel by year-end still a possibility

Transport Minister S Iswaran will oversee more aspects of the tourism portfolio to ensure that regulations, policies and protocols between the tourism and aviation sectors are aligned to support the wider reopening of Singapore's borders to overseas visitors.

Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong announced this at the Singapore Tourism Awards on Friday, adding that overseas travel by the end of this year may still be a possibility.

"As more countries prepare to live with endemic Covid-19 and open up their borders, and with higher vaccination rates in Singapore and around the world, travel by year-end may be a possibility. We can reconnect with the world with effective safeguards in place," said Mr Gan.

He also noted that that plans are in place to galvanise the recovery of the tourism sector.

Some of the plans for the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry include continuing to raise confidence in Singapore's ability to host events on a large scale and helping business event organisers rethink their offerings and operations.

Singapore has proven its ability to host safe, trusted and innovative MICE events on a large scale, as demonstrated by the successful pilots of large-scale hybrid events including TravelRevive and Geo Connect Asia, said Mr Gan.

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He also said there will be a step-up in efforts to market Singapore as a MICE destination to rebuild short to mid-term interest in the country.

Meanwhile, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) recently launched a white paper to take stock of how various sectors within the MICE industry have transformed in response to Covid-19 and consolidate ideas around the world.

Separately, the Singapore Tourism Accelerator has to date supported 34 startups to develop 44 industry solutions and is in its fourth cohort. There is also the Tourism Experience Innovation Lab which encourages tour operators and travel agents to reimagine tour experiences in Singapore.

As part of plans to welcome international visitors back to Singapore, STB is is also working with the industry to navigate new safe travel requirements.

One idea is developing "safe itineraries" for group travellers, which deliver quality, bespoke experiences while ensuring safe management measures and health requirements are adhered to, said Mr Gan.

"While we prepare for the recovery of Singapore's tourism industry, we must keep in mind that it remains vulnerable to future pandemics," he said

"We must continue to refine the necessary precautions and safeguards that keep visitors safe, while reimagining new ways to keep our tourism sector resilient and maintain Singapore's attractiveness as a destination."