Singapore Tourism Board to gain regulatory powers over cruise terminal operators under new Bill

THE Singapore Tourism Board (STB) may soon take over the economic regulation of cruise terminal operators from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, if this and other proposed changes are passed into law.

The Singapore Tourism Board (Amendment) Bill was tabled in Parliament on Monday (Aug 1). Among other things, it will give STB regulatory powers over berthing allocations at cruise terminals; the prices which operators may charge for the provision of cruise port services and facilities; and the operational efficiency of cruise terminals as a whole.

A controller of cruise administration, as well as one or more deputy controllers, will be appointed to oversee these, if the new laws are passed. Licensing will be introduced for cruise terminals, with it being an offence to operate a cruise terminal without such a licence.

The proposed amendments will allow STB to operate any cruise terminal in Singapore. “This is to cater for the event that the Board needs to take over the operation of any cruise terminal in unforeseen circumstances,” said the Bill’s explanatory statement.

The Bill will also grant STB the ability to act as a third-party guarantor for a tourism enterprise, with the minister’s approval.

The Second Reading of the Bill is expected at the next Parliament session.