STB developing new blueprint to boost tourist growth

[Idunspeed]

STB developing new blueprint to boost tourist growth

By Asha Popatlal, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 12 October 2009 2050 hrs

 

SINGAPORE: The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is developing a new road map for 2020. It is also looking for ideas from the public.

 

Singapore's tourism industry has taken a hit with the economic downturn. Latest figures showed tourist arrivals from January to August fell 9.2 per cent over the same period last year to 6.23 million.

 

There was one silver lining though - the rate of decline has slowed since June.

 

The STB had previously set as its 2015 target 17 million visitor arrivals and S$30 billion in tourism receipts. But it now said that would be a challenge.

 

Looking forward to 2020, the STB has put together a steering committee to chart strategic directions for the future of an industry that contributed 5.8 per cent to GDP last year.

 

Five taskforces have been set up to look into specific areas - Business, Enrichment, Lifestyle, Marketing plus Travel and Hospitality.

 

Industry leaders heading these taskforces know they face an uphill task.

 

Dennis Foo, co-chair of Lifestyle Taskforce and CEO of St James Power Station, said: "... very exciting years ahead, with the two IRs (integrated resorts). But the big challenge is really to have the right software - essentially, it's the people. Hospitality is about people."

 

Loh Lik Peng, co-chair of Business Taskforce and director of KMC Holdings, said: "A lot of it is looking ahead and seeing the growth opportunities in markets like China, India, Indonesia.

 

"If you look at the wealth creation in those countries, the size of the middle class and the people who will travel for work and will want to come for events in Singapore or hold a conference here will increase exponentially.

 

"We want to position ourselves so that we get a fair share of that market. We don't want to be marginalised by their own capital cities."

 

About 70 per cent of Singapore's visitor arrivals are from Asia.

 

For its new road map, the STB wants to tap on ideas from the public through this website.

 

The public can submit their ideas over the next four months.

 

STB's chief executive, Aw Kah Peng, said: "Everyone who has a good idea, who can contribute, we want to hear them. If we can take even a small number of these ideas and turn them into something that works for us, that will be tremendously powerful."

 

The new road map and targets are expected to be ready by March next year.

 

- CNA/ir

 

It's funny to see this comment. Hospitality is about people. Sometimes ppl forget to see themselves in the mirror. imo, st james got the worst service standard among all clubs. Lol.

 

sulky and impatient wait staff, long wait, bouncer who thinks they own the world, hard selling promoters etc. how can someone who cant even manage a club's service standard be managing a stb project to attract more tourist?

 

it just make my day. lol

 

 

[Nolicense]

this is all insiders and own people..

always the same few people.

 

what other dumb ideas can stb come out with?

haw par villa?

tang dynasty village?

orchard road shopping with GSS and festival lighting?

[Darth_mel]

Why STB needs public advice ? Dun they have scholars in there ?

 

All jiak liao bee is it ? Now resorting to seek free advice.

 

F**king useless morons.

 

This Aw Kah Peng shud just change his surname to Chio.

Edited October 13, 2009 by Darth_mel

[WTF]

Maybe it's their tactics that they 'seek' public opinons and feedback first, then they roll out their grand plan.

 

If someone complains about the plan, they can say it's acting on the feedback mah! Cover their a** first!!!

[Blueray]

I won't bother to give them any feedback.

[Darth_mel]

Tourists are conned into coming here. If I'm a tourist I will demand a refund.

 

Sinkapore is like a bimbo with plastic surgery all over. Nothing is original and everything is artificial.

Edited October 13, 2009 by Darth_mel

[Leepee]

The various attractions were never meant for us to enjoy. Since the 80s, sentosa is for japs, zoo is for tourist. now to e them ideas? For what? So that they can get big fat bonus, and cliam success using others people idea?

Aiya, where are all the scholars?

 

Not enough scholars, I can suggest to import FT scholars. They will know what makes them want to visit Singapore, so best people to advice tourism board.

[Idunspeed]

this is all insiders and own people..

always the same few people.

 

what other dumb ideas can stb come out with?

haw par villa?

tang dynasty village?

orchard road shopping with GSS and festival lighting?

 

1. Results shown dat F1 didnt work its magic in attracting tourist receipts.

2. i dun recall any major international MICE activities as well. Sg Expo will become white elephant if not for some church activities.

3. Singapore flyer losing monie. restaurants there cry no tears.

4. Orchard losing its shine.

5. medical travel hub facing huge competition from malaysia and thailand.

6. aerospace hub also no news no sound.

7. IR dunno can work anot?

 

maybe can propose heart-land wet-market visit before its all gone in few years time.

 

[1fast1]

1. Results shown dat F1 didnt work its magic in attracting tourist receipts.

2. i dun recall any major international MICE activities as well. Sg Expo will become white elephant if not for some church activities.

3. Singapore flyer losing monie. restaurants there cry no tears.

4. Orchard losing its shine.

5. medical travel hub facing huge competition from malaysia and thailand.

6. aerospace hub also no news no sound.

7. IR dunno can work anot?

 

maybe can propose heart-land wet-market visit before its all gone in few years time.

 

Spot on. There is one thing that still works to draw in the tourists though - Mustafa. 24/7 crowds.

 

Wonder when the STB is going to start taking credit for that also.

[Nolicense]

i remember someone told me stb has offices around the world.. just can't remember wth those office do.. is it like those reach singapore overseas type of bo liao office? basically stb office there to hand out brochures to visit singapore?

[Darth_mel]

The various attractions were never meant for us to enjoy. Since the 80s, sentosa is for japs, zoo is for tourist. now to e them ideas? For what? So that they can get big fat bonus, and cliam success using others people idea?

Aiya, where are all the scholars?

 

Not enough scholars, I can suggest to import FT scholars. They will know what makes them want to visit Singapore, so best people to advice tourism board.

Can turn Chinatown into another Geylang. More convenient for us. Watch movie at Yangtze cinema 1st before engaging for real.