Rediscovering Singapore

THIS WEEK'S TOPIC: How might the tourism sector be boosted amid international travel curbs? What hidden gems do you find in Singapore ?

Lawrence Loh Director, Centre for Governance, Institutions and Organisations NUS Business School

There are many best kept secrets in Singapore. Very often, overseas visitors coming here have seen more places in a few days than Singaporeans have seen in a few decades. More creative promotion and packaging may be good to tailor the home-based products to attract locals. We can even bring the world into Singapore - for example, we can have a mini ''world expo'' that replicates overseas destinations. There can be augmented-reality journeys. ''Travel agents'' and ''airlines'' can take local visitors to the ''world''. The experiences can be paired with country cuisines and resort stays. There can even be virtual interactions with people of the other countries, somewhat like Pokemon GO which never seems to fade with time.

Deborah Elms Vice-chair Asia Business Trade Association, Singapore

In addition to encouraging domestic tourism, Singapore's travel industry should explore innovative ways of reaching new customers. This includes looking at digital alternatives - take travellers on a virtual tour of the zoo, explore a unique temple, cycle the Park Connector Network (PCN), or learn how to make prata from a local hawker. These experiences can be offered online to sofa-bound paying travellers now. Digital experiences can also whet the appetite of many tourists who may not have had Singapore on their personal bucket list at all to come visit when travel reopens.

Victor Mills Chief Executive Singapore International Chamber of Commerce

Boosting our tourism and related sectors is tough. Not everyone is able or willing to spend on staycations - although I know many are. Nonetheless, we can all do our part by supporting our favourite hawker stalls and restaurants. More than that, current travel restrictions allow us to appreciate and discover parts of Singapore we don't know. That is one of the most surprising and enjoyable things about Singapore. There is always more to do and see. One of my favourite things is to go to Coachman Inn at Changi Sailing Club for fresh air, sea views and that holiday feeling.

Kannan Chettiar Managing Director Avvanz

When my business counterparts based in bigger countries tell me that they are driving to faraway corners for an holiday, it hit me that I don't seem to have that option in Singapore. There's only so much you can do here. Staycations in hotel chains might not appeal to those living in resort-like condos and for others, it might not be enticing enough in terms of the cultural experience.

The STB might want to explore:

* Using Mixed Reality, combining with other senses (like smell and sound) to offer a real-life experience of walking down the local streets

* Making virtual dinner and cocktail events more affordable and engaging so that they will appeal to more patrons. Arts and music performances can be packaged with these.

* Recreating country-themed events in hotels with safe-distancing measures in place, and the offerings should go beyond just the cuisines.

* Air-conditioned buggies to move people around the beautiful outdoor parks, to motivate the heat-fearing people to get out. People travel out of Singapore to escape the heat, so this could be a good option.

Being born and bred here, I have pretty much explored all the hidden gems, but we have lovely outdoors to check out. Singapore also offers less-known but amazing food corners, and none of these are in crowded malls. If we are creative and innovative, we can recover some of the lost tourism dollars.

Alex Blyth Founder and CEO Mega Adventure

In the crucible of adversity, true character is forged. Such is a moment for the leaders of businesses dependent on tourism. Some are resigned to the idea that their business model cannot be sustained by the local community alone. That mindset eclipses opportunity.

There are three key actions which can help small business capitalise on STB's SingapoRediscovers campaign. First, form partnerships. We will emerge stronger with an alliance-orientated culture. Second, explore your marketing story and monetisation process. The government is offering generous incentives to develop digital platforms and strategies. Thirdly, get agile. Test, measure, adjust, repeat. In the words of HG Wells, ''Adapt or perish, now as ever, is nature's inexorable imperative.''

Jeffery Tan Group General Counsel & Chief Sustainability Officer Jardine Cycle & Carriage

We travel because we want to experience new places and have a break from the monotony of the familiar. Now that Covid prevents us from leaving Singapore, we can still adopt this same mindset and lenses to experience the different excursion and leisure destinations that Singapore has to offer.

From discovering Chek Jawa's wetlands ecosystem to the world heritage site of Botanic Gardens, we can enjoy the many attractions we often overlook as resident Singaporeans. Instead of simply travelling to these destinations from our homes, we can also incorporate a stay at local hotels to complete the ''travel'' experience.

After all, recreation is about re-creating experiences. In these Covid times, any activity done for our enjoyment, whether at home or abroad, must surely qualify.

Mieke De Schepper EVP Online Travel & MD Asia Pacific Amadeus

Competition for the domestic tourism market will be high in the coming months, so Singapore's hospitality and travel companies will need to think really creatively to differentiate themselves.

Diversification of the activities and services that hotels offer within their own four walls will be key to attracting staycationers who are unable to venture elsewhere - and could also be a much-needed source of additional income.

Singapore's hotels should also think about ''day-cationers'' too. Making all their assets - such as their pools, restaurants and spas - available at day rates could be another interesting revenue stream. The challenge will be to create an ''away'' experience, even if guests' homes may only be 15 minutes away.

Soong Chuan Sheng General Manager Klook Southeast Asia

With months of pent-up demand and staying indoors, people are eager to turn to their next accessible option - domestic experiences. However, locals tend to view their own backyard quite differently from international tourists.

In order to bridge that gap, the tourism industry must understand what makes local audiences tick, and develop products that create value-added experiences. Coupled with compelling storytelling, businesses can help shape locals' perception of the domestic market and help uplift the sector.

For example, in Singapore, there are disappearing trades such as traditional coffee roasters and Chinese customary paper-house making. These hidden gems are in our own backyard, and locals could learn more about these unique professions.

Chia Ngiang Hong President Real Estate Developers' Association of Singapore (REDAS)

Singapore has its fair share of attractions and experiences, such as our varieties of hotels, tempting cuisines, nature reserves and farms, offshore islands, heritage trails, casinos, creepy night tours and many others to help boost domestic tourism. For the SingapoRediscovers campaign to be effective and impactful, safe management measures may have to be cautiously tweaked to drive to permit larger tour groups.

There are many rare gems in our midst, and the one I like is our forgotten Singapore River. Curated and enhanced by the place-making entity Singapore River One with its rich historical significance and undiscovered intrigues, it is enchanting and exciting, and not to be missed.

All relevant stakeholders should work together to leverage on their available resources to create diverse offerings with interesting itineraries combining leisure, learning/knowledge and experiential tours into convenient packages at tempting prices to incentivise locals to bite, and explore their own country.

Helen Ng Chief Executive Officer Lock+Store

Culinary tours to the heartlands could be interesting. A passion for good food is at the core of the Singapore identity. Affordable dine-in experiences for groups of no more than five people could be hosted by Singaporeans with a passion for cooking, with stopovers at community gardens for fresh vegetable supplies and at community heritage museums such as Museum@My Queenstown for stories about disappearing traditions.

Tourism industry freelancers who are hard hit by the Covid-19 outbreak could be roped in to conduct and coordinate the tours. The tours should unite Singaporeans over traditional food and help them rediscover Singapore.

Toby Koh Group MD Ademco Security Group

Let's get adventurous. If we want Singaporeans to rediscover our homeland, we need to create new experiences. People gravitate to the new and the unknown. Throw a new flavour into the mix.

There are so many possibilities. How about sleep-out adventures? I would love the opportunity to camp overnight in places like the zoo and be one with nature. The unique opportunity of observing wildlife in close proximity is a budget option to luxury lodges in Africa and guaranteed to attract thousands.

Or perhaps a camp night under the stars on the Padang (each family safely distanced) with specially catered local flavours and topped off with a night tour at the museum a la Ben Stiller's blockbuster movie.

Or how about a night of horrors on Fort Canning where the old ghosts of World War II await. Fully guided, of course, by a local storyteller - STB certified professionals fully decked out in old military garb.

Or how about a flight to nowhere, crowdfunded for kids who have never been on an aeroplane - which will keep our pilots current.

Let our imagination flow. We have plenty of once-in-a-lifetime experiences right here waiting in Singapore. Cut the red tape please.

Wendy Johnstone SVP & COO APAC Zendesk

Local businesses will have to re-imagine how to continue delivering great experiences, both online and offline. Going digital presents an opportunity to bring the best of Singapore to more people around the world, which may lead to more visitors in the future.

Additionally, as people continue to work from home and increase digital consumption, things like the SingapoRediscovers campaign will remind Singapore residents of what's right on their doorstep.

Singapore has so many diverse activities to offer that we should all explore. The National Day long weekend is the perfect time to get outdoors and discover the hidden gems in your neighbourhood.

I'll be enjoying a bike ride with my family along East Coast Park, followed by a stop at Satay by the Bay for dinner - a perfect way to unwind from Zoom-filled work days and support the local community.

Vernon Lee General Country Manager, Singapore Frasers Hospitality

Tourism players across the country have been united by the SingapoRediscovers campaign and STB's efforts to stimulate demand for domestic tourism. The campaign has highlighted the need for hospitality, leisure, and F&B players to harness this moment of unity and come together to curate new experiences that appeal to Singaporeans of different demographics.

Whether their passions are health, food and drink, wellness or the arts, we must look at Singapore in a new light and think creatively about how we can showcase the vibrant array of activities and excursions that lie on our doorstep. By looking at our country through a creative lens, the possibilities for domestic tourism are endless.

Edmund Lee Managing Director Singapore TMF Group

Although domestic travel can be a solution during the recovery stage, Singapore's small domestic market implies it may not be a long-term, sustainable solution. In tandem with government policies, the tourism industry must invest in the future viability of their businesses by improving the quality of their services and offerings to cater to a more local market.

Singapore must also continue on its diversification strategy across sectors and within the tourism sector, as relying on any one sector would make the economy vulnerable to volatility.

While still staying confined very much to home ground, families can start to rediscover their local culture and heritage. They can seek out hidden gems and visit ethnic enclaves, in addition to exploring old residential estates such as Joo Chiat, Kampong Glam and Bukit Purmei.

Saikrishnan Ranganathan CEO & Co-Founder SensorFlow

With international travel still restricted, Singapore's domestic tourism sector has an opportunity to grow and gain sustainable traction from local visitors. Leading hotels are generating attractive rates and staycation packages as a strategic offering to provide leisure and vacation opportunities for Singaporeans.

SensorFlow is supportive of these efforts by offering its hospitality partners enhanced smart-tech features that ensure contactless and safe hotel stays for guests. These new features help hotels to strengthen customer confidence while maintaining optimum operational productivity.

Yip Hon Mun Chief Executive Officer NOROO Holdings Singapore

2020 has nudged us all to go back to basics, and Singaporeans are becoming increasingly interested in growing, cooking and understanding the food we eat. This is a major opportunity for businesses - especially those in the F&B sector - to create agricultural or Seed-to-Table experiences for locals. Doing so could even spark greater national interest around food innovation and education.

Joshua Gan Regional Director Asia-Pacific EHL Group

To boost Singapore's hospitality and tourism sector, the industry needs to go back to the basics of hygiene, authentic and coherent products and services, and service excellence to rebuild a relationship of trust with consumers. Hospitality providers will have to invest in staff training for the new normal and innovate the guest experience to remain attractive, while following government guidelines amidst restrictions on social interaction and limitations to leisure services.

Under such circumstances, at EHL, we see accelerated changes in staycation trends and sustainable tourism. Globally, people are looking at longer and slower travel plans and venturing outdoors to explore the wonders of nature. On that front, there are tons of places in Singapore to cater to all travellers - from resorts on Sentosa Island to glamping at East Coast Park. Discovering local neighbourhoods such as Kampong Lorong Buangkok are also great learning journeys for families.

With people finding ways to enjoy the outdoors and local communities, the hospitality and tourism sector can take this unique opportunity to reset and rethink about building more sustainable tourism for the future.

Mario Singh Chief Executive Officer Fullerton Markets

Necessity is the mother of invention, and I'm heartened to see the STB launch a S$45 million marketing blitz to drum up support for local lifestyle and tourism businesses in Singapore.

We must take a two-pronged approach, which I'll call the ''Glocal Initiative''. This means first to market Singapore globally so that tourism returns strongly when curbs are lifted, and secondly to get residents to spend locally during these trying times.

Just a few days ago, Tourism New Zealand launched Play NZ, an open world-style gaming experience that lets people explore some of New Zealand's greatest attractions. Italy has also recently launched the Masters Gallery Rome where people can enrol in courses and virtual tours to discover the majestic St Peter's Basilica and unearth archaeological treasures of the Roman city.

My wife and two kids look forward to our weekly Family Fun Friday where we hang out and find a different place to eat each time. A couple of hidden gems worth mentioning are the Wine Company in Dempsey and The Singapura Club in Little India, which is a heritage-style vintage bistro.

Sam Fischer President, Greater China and Asia Pacific Diageo

Governments across the Asia-Pacific have launched innovative ways to boost local spending and domestic tourism. It is crucial in the region as so many people depend on the tourism and hospitality sectors for their livelihoods.

As health remains top priority, adopting best practice safety protocols to gain the trust of consumers will be key as hospitality venues build back their business. This includes implementing contactless exchanges as well as practical training and equipment to ensure they are fully prepared for a safer reopening.

Some of the world's best cocktail bars and restaurants are here in Singapore, and Diageo believes we have a strong role to play in helping maintain the country's world-class reputation for hospitality.

Tan Mui Huat President and CEO, Asia International SOS

To kickstart the tourism sector, it is important for hotels and other operators to focus on restoring confidence with customers. International SOS has been supporting our hotelier clients in this area by implementing new protocols and training programmes, and providing onsite medical support.

The Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh and New York are examples where we implemented new practices for workforce management and safe distancing, and conducted simulated exercises for staff to manage emergencies.

Beyond routine guest monitoring, we work with hotels to conduct pre-stay communications and updates, flexible plans and virtual check-ins and check-outs. To ensure that guests feel safe and supported, some hotels have inked partnerships with healthcare providers to provide telemedicine services for guests. These practices will go a long way in re-establishing confidence and encouraging more Singaporeans to rediscover the many unique, historical and charming sites and hotels in Singapore.

Simon Dale Managing Director of South East Asia Adobe

While we may be temporarily restricted from physical travel, we are also seeing new digital innovations from local brands and leaders such as STB. Creativity and data go hand in hand in that. It has never been more important to understand each individual's interests and be able to suggest personalised experiences that match. Singapore is equipped with a strong digital foundation and mobile penetration. Local businesses can innovate on the digital front to bridge that physical-to-virtual hybrid model.

For example, local residents can explore a virtual art gallery on their phone, and be recommended related experiences that might take them on a Grab car to a nearby restaurant that serves related cuisine completing the whole experience. Data is key to offering such connected and meaningful experiences, and creativity then drives the unique content and delivery format.

Ho Yat-Wai Country Manager American Express Singapore

With travel curbs, we need to try to boost local demand to make up for the decline in inbound tourism to continue to have a strong and vibrant tourism industry. And to successfully do this, companies need to offer customised experiences that cater to the various local segments.

At American Express, we have anonymised data insights into our customers' travel, shopping and dining preferences. These insights can be reinterpreted and hyper-localised to draw locals to establishments and attractions.

This may also be an opportune time to step up our efforts to bring in more art exhibitions, which previously Singaporeans travelled overseas for, and have them hosted at local hotels or other local establishments. In addition, we could develop our own community programmes.

Pierre Samson Senior Vice-President, Asia Pacific Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise

Tourism in the new norm should focus on redesigning the guest journey using technology, thus building new unique experiences for Singaporeans while keeping personal safety and hygiene top priority. The hospitality industry can create renewed customer experiences enabled by security, mobility and self-service solutions - implementing more contactless solutions with self-check-in/out kiosks to reduce front desk interactions, or turn guests' mobile devices into a room phone to access on-demand services.

Singapore's hidden gem is that this island-city is greener than most capital cities around the globe. I get to explore new nature trails every weekend. Some of my favourites include the Southern Ridges and Coney Island.

Rajeev Menon President, Asia Pacific (excluding Greater China) Marriott International

Domestic tourism will play a crucial role in kickstarting the tourism industry. Travellers have shared their desire to travel again - they are looking to get out and relax after being home for many months. With the easing of restrictions, it is an opportune time for Singaporeans to explore locally.

Considering this, we have launched different staycation packages that allow holiday-goers to experience a vacation away from home. Sentosa is just the gem that offers an island-within-an-island getaway for those looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Lim Soon Hock Managing Director PLAN-B ICAG

Reaching out to Singaporeans and residents of Singapore to support the tourism industry during this downturn is a helpful move although it will not resurrect the industry, given Singapore's small size and small population. Nevertheless, some companies in the sector would benefit and at least generate enough revenue to cover overheads.

Thanks to the promotional efforts by the STB, Singaporeans now have fresh ways to discover more about Singapore and its hidden gems that will complement efforts by the tourism sector to re-invent itself.

For example, in my first brisk walk along the tranquil and idyllic route of Mount Pleasant Road- Gymkhana Avenue-Bukit Brown Cemetry-Kheam Hock Road, I discovered the Senior Police Officers' Club in a grand colonial black and white house; Singapore Polo Club's horse stables and equestrian training grounds; a 47-year-old mosque, Masjid Omar Salmah atop a small hill; many ornate tombstones in a countryside setting; and The Command House, before I was awakened to the hustle and bustle of Dunearn Road.

I found that when one bothers to explore places off the beaten track in Singapore, one can enjoy them as much, if not more, than overseas attractions. Curiosity and surprises contribute to much of the excitement and enjoyment. In this regard, in terms of attractiveness and appeal, being local is an asset and not a liability for our hidden gems.

Henry Tan Group CEO Nexia TS Group

The limitation of Singapore as a small country makes it difficult for local tourism to thrive. What I like as a alternative to going away is to go away to another island, Sentosa. I like to have a two-day staycation on the island and take the time to visit the beaches and attractions there as well as cycling around the cove areas.

The other local activity that I like is to take long walks at the various nature parks that Singapore has, ranging from the Dairy Farm area, Macritichie, Upper Pierce, Venus Walk and Thomson Nature park. Also, we should not forget about patronising the different hawker centres in Singapore, and visiting the different cafes across the country in what I call the Cafe Trail. In my travels, I find that it is the company that is important, and we can recreate that in Singapore too.

Dora Hoan Chief Executive Officer Best World International Ltd

We believe that with innovation comes opportunity. Beyond the usual sightseeing spots, Singapore - with its robust economy, diverse range of industries and the world's busiest cargo seaport - is also home to a great deal of off-the-beaten-track treasures.

With proper preventive measures taken, the authorities could introduce edutainment tour packages that expose the locals to various industrial operations, such as the PSA, SMRT's Rail Operations Centre, Seletar Aerospace Park, farms, maritime locations, wafer fabrication parks, etc. Virtual tourism experiences could be widely developed to open the doors to tourists worldwide.

Annie Yap Chief Executive Officer AYP Group

As Singapore's tourism sector faces headwinds, we will need to reinvent the industry to provide travel offerings that deliver more high-quality products and services. Efforts include developing a more comprehensive travel experience for tourists, ensuring that their health and well-being are taken care of prior and after their itinerary.

Long-term plans for the sector will also see an integrated tourism development in Jurong Lake District, one which will complement nearby attractions like the new Science Centre and Jurong Lake Gardens. Our receptivity to safe, affordable and authentic experiences would hopefully spur us to re-explore unique nooks and crannies of Singapore, re-live the enchantment of our vibrant heritage and rekindle memories with fresh perspectives through the SingapoRedicovers project.

David Leong Managing Director PeopleWorldwide Consulting Pte Ltd.

Local spending may not be able to make up for the S$27.7 billion tourists' spending last year. However, active promotion by STB will drive consumption - whether it's staycations, visits to places of interest or dining experiences. Hotels, F&B and retail are badly and squarely hit with almost negligible tourist flow. Many businesses are decimated. Changi Airport, with its four terminals, has literally become a ghost town.

Hopefully, the S$45 million allocation by STB has elements of incentives to spur local consumption. Incentivisation and deals dished out through treasure hunts, played like games, can create local buzz and interest.

There can be food trails and hunts or an equivalent of a Great Singapore Sale to promote local consumption. The key is to create excitement around the hunt for bargains.

Zaheer K Merchant Regional Director (Singapore & Europe) QI Group of Companies

The OECD calculated that tourism will decline up to 80 per cent this year end given Covid-19's impact, with domestic tourism offering the ''main chance'' (of up to 75 per cent) for recovery. On domestic ground, the appeal has to be widespread to cater to all from old to young. Great food offerings (given our foodie status), special staycation deals, unique elements during the stay, innovative bundling of sights and sounds, off-beaten-track experiences, special entry packages, or an Amazing Race concept may all help to boost the sector.

Meanwhile, we wait for travel restrictions to be lifted, new health protocols to be established, traveller confidence to be restored, and innovation and investment to return to the travel sector internationally. The big-spend can only really come from this.

Hidden gems are subjective but to me, Haji Lane, Kranji Countryside, Syonan Jinja, then dinner at Keong Saik Road are less documented. They offer a quaint and quirky day out overall.