{"id":4211,"date":"2022-06-29T10:24:53","date_gmt":"2022-06-29T14:24:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ustoa.com\/blog\/?p=4211"},"modified":"2024-02-22T15:33:54","modified_gmt":"2024-02-22T20:33:54","slug":"singapore-fireside-chat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ustoa.com\/blog\/singapore-fireside-chat\/","title":{"rendered":"Fireside Chat with Singapore Tourism Board’s Rachel Loh"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Fireside Chat with Singapore Tourism Board’s Rachel Loh<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

By: Gina Ng, Vice President, MICE and Leisure Trade, Singapore Tourism Board Americas <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Singapore is a vibrant, cosmopolitan, English-speaking city state with a rich tapestry of Asia\u2019s cultures and influences weaved together. With its friendly and passionate population, this forward-thinking destination is constantly evolving and has not sat still throughout the pandemic. Now, Singapore wants to welcome all international fans and friends to embark on a journey through its reimagined tourism products.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I checked in with my boss, Rachel Loh, Senior Vice President of Singapore Tourism Board Americas, who is currently in Singapore to obtain the latest updates from the Lion City.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo Courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Can you share with everyone what\u2019s it like traveling in Singapore right now? What can travelers expect when visiting Singapore?  <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ever since Singapore dropped all testing and quarantine requirement for fully vaccinated travelers in April 2022, it is now truly a breeze to visit Singapore! Life in the city state is also pretty much back to normal, and we are seeing more and more international visitors enjoying themselves at our attractions, restaurants, and hawker centers alongside the locals.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are still some safety measures in place, such as the SG Clean certification for businesses and face masks required indoors (it\u2019s optional outdoors), to ensure that everyone\u2019s health is safeguarded while enjoying themselves. As such, I think that now more than ever, Singapore should be a bucket-list destination for everyone who wants safe, authentic, and memorable reimagined experiences.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ph<\/em>oto Courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

How do you see international travel change in the post-Covid world, and how would this look like for Singapore?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We recognize that there is a renewed focus on travelers seeking a respite and connecting with family and friends during their travels, with a focus on authentic nature and wellness experiences. This is why we have worked closely with our tourism partners to develop new products to meet the new travel needs. I\u2019m glad to have experienced some of these new products this time in Singapore!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m envious! Can you share some of these new experiences?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Definitely! Visitors to Singapore can now easily hop on a scenic yacht cruise (or speedboat if you like the thrill!) from Sentosa to visit Singapore\u2019s southern islands such as Lazarus Island for its beautiful beaches. Visitors can also combine cultural immersion with one of the many biking tours in Singapore, with rides along the Singapore River to discover the bustling Clarke Quay area. On the wellness front, you can now enjoy a serene sunset yoga atop Marina Bay Sands, while taking in amazing 360 views of Singapore.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo Courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Travelers are increasingly seeing sustainability as part of their travels, can you share some exciting attractions in Singapore that embrace sustainability and eco-friendliness?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s right, more travelers are looking for a smaller carbon footprint and seeking to incorporate sustainability during their vacations. Singapore already has a reputation of being a leader in sustainability, with even further plans to become a \u201cCity in Nature\u201d. Singapore is well poised to meet the needs of these travelers.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, many first-time visitors are quite surprised that Singapore is very green. Our Gardens by the Bay for one, the largest nature park right in the city center, has also incorporated sustainable functions throughout the park and managed to reduce energy consumption by 20%.  Most of our architecture has weaved in green concepts, bringing the outdoors to the indoors. One example is the latest PARKROYAL Collection Marina Bay which embraced the hotel-in-nature concept with its interior areas brimming with lush foliage.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not forgetting our exciting food scene! Michelin rated restaurant, Labyrinth, provides a 90% locally sourced menu, and even green bespoke cocktails are all in the spirit of sustainable practices at Native, for one.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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