Credit: The Straits Times
AS SINGAPORE mourns the passing of its first and longest-serving prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, the travel industry is likewise marking the loss of the senior stateman who had a hand in shaping the nation’s tourism sector.
Travel Revolution 2015, a B2C travel fair organised by the breakaway faction from NATAS, announced late yesterday that the event would be postponed to April 3-5 instead though the venue and timings remain unchanged.
The travel fair was originally scheduled to run March 27-29, overlapping with the weeklong period of national mourning which ends on Sunday, March 29.
Lee passed away peacefully at Singapore General Hospital yesterday at 03.18. He was 91.
Alicia Seah, director of marketing communications for Dynasty Travel and spokesperson for the working committee of Travel Revolution, said in a statement to the press: “(The change of dates) will also definitely affect those overseas exhibitors and partners…but we feel the need to postpone the event as a mark of respect for one great man – Mr Lee Kuan Yew who had remarkably raised this nation, Singapore, his red dot on the map of this world.
“Singapore is what it is today because of this one great man. We are proud to be Singaporean.”
Asiatravel.com has also postponed a launch event for the Roadundee mobile travel agency initially planned for March 26.
“In view of the fact that this week is national mourning week and it is inappropriate to celebrate, our management has decided to postpone the event,” it said.
Changi Airport Group also posted a heartfelt tribute to Lee on the Singapore Changi Airport website.
Lee had taken a personal interest in the airport and was the one who decided to relocate Singapore’s main aviation facility to Changi from Paya Lebar, characteristically unafraid to fly in the face of recommendations.
Credit: Changi Airport Group
Part of the tribute reads: “Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore’s founding leader and first prime minister, not only transformed this island to a first-world nation but also personally shaped Singapore’s aviation industry. To begin to understand Mr Lee’s contribution is to celebrate his political leadership, foresight and commitment to global aviation. His courage, vision and dedication to building Changi Airport remains unsurpassed and will never be forgotten.
“We continue to pursue Mr Lee’s vision to drive innovation and pursue excellence both in Singapore and overseas.
“Singapore has lost a cherished leader. Mr Lee’s legacy lives on – through Changi Airport’s international recognition as a visible extension of Singapore’s reputation for excellence and reliability. We are ever grateful for his exceptional contributions to Singapore’s aviation industry.
“He will be very dearly missed by all of us at Changi Airport.”
Singapore Airlines (SIA) chief executive, Goh Choon Phong, was reported in The Straits Times as saying: “His vision enabled Singapore to grow into a pre-eminent global air hub, and for SIA to prosper as world-leading international airline.”
The Lion City’s premier performing arts venue, The Esplanade, has also cancelled all non-ticketed performances for the duration of national mourning.
The family wake started yesterday and runs until today. The public may pay their respects from tomorrow to Saturday at Parliament House. Lee’s state funeral service will be conducted at the University Cultural Centre at 14.00 on Sunday.
