THE Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has launched a S$10 million (US$7.1 million) fund for the development of tour and technology initiatives.
Named the Experience Step-Up Fund (ESF), the capital serves to encourage businesses to develop new tourism experiences that can enhance overall visitor satisfaction in Singapore.
Choo Huei Miin, director of visitor experience and capability development at STB, said: “Increasingly, travellers are seeking varied and engaging experiences that allow them to gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of our stories and heritage.
“Through the ESF, which is underpinned by STB’s Quality Tourism strategy, we aim to spur tourism businesses to create and deliver more and better experiential offerings that add to Singapore’s overall destination attractiveness. They are also encouraged to adopt innovative technology solutions to up their game.”
Sentosa Development Corporation and Robinsons are two businesses that are looking at utilising the ESF.
Susan Ang, divisional director, island investment and branding at Sentosa Development Corporation said that the scheme “will be helpful to our many partners on the island as they would have the opportunity to tap on this funding to enhance their offerings and ultimately, create a more dynamic and memorable experience for all our visitors”.
Robinsons, meanwhile, is hoping to utilise the new fund by establishing a heritage gallery at their flagship store at The Heeren shopping mall, commented Christophe Cann, group managing director, Robinsons.
STB is now calling out to Singapore registered business to submit their tour development and technology initiatives proposals from now until February 5, 2016.
Evaluation sessions for proposals will be held in October and December this year, and February next year. Applications are to reach STB by the 5th of the month of the evaluation cycle.
More details will be shared at the STB’s industry briefing session on September 4. Information on the briefing session is available at www.stb.gov.sg.
