STB’s International Advisory Council for Tourism Meets to Discuss Future of Singapore’s Tourism

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is convening its seventh meeting of the International Advisory Council for Tourism (IACT) from 30-31 March 2006, in Singapore. Over the two days, the Council members are focusing on Singapore’s Tourism 2015, and will discuss and share their insights on how Singapore can realise the vision laid out in this strategic roadmap.

Tourism 2015 sets to increase tourism receipts to S$30 billion and visitor arrivals to 17 million, as well as to create 100,000 new jobs for the tourism sector by 2015.

Amongst other areas, the Council’s views will be sought on the STB’s strategies to transform Singapore’s tourism landscape to enhance the destination’s appeal to the leisure segment; its proposed positioning of Singapore as a premier Business Travel, Meetings, Incentive Travel, Conventions and Exhibitions (BTMICE) city in Asia as well as upcoming trends and opportunities that it could explore.

During the two-day meeting, IACT members will have sessions with Mr Lim Hng Kiang, Minister for Trade & Industry, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth & Sports and second Minister for Trade & Industry as well as Mr Chan Soo Sen, Minister of State for Trade & Industry. President S R Nathan will also be hosting a reception for the IACT members at the Istana. In addition, IACT members will have the opportunity to interact with Mr Mah Bow Tan, Minister for National Development, members from the Tourism Consultative Council and the Tourism Development Committee.

“To compete for the tourism dollar, we need to transform the tourism sector, while building on our current strengths. We will need to upgrade existing tourism products, develop new ones and entice visitors with more exciting and unique experiences,” said Mr Simon Israel, Chairman of the STB. “The meeting is timely as Singapore is at the cusp of transformational changes in the tourism landscape as we move into the implementation phase of Tourism 2015. We look forward to the IACT members providing new ideas and perspectives to make Singapore a destination of choice, a vibrant tourism hub attracting visitors, business and talent from across the world by 2015.”

The IACT was established by STB in 1999 to provide strategic perspectives to the Board and ensure sustainable long-term growth of Singapore’s tourism sector. The 15-member Council comprises prominent leaders of international tourism organisations from diverse sectors around the world. This year, the STB welcomes to IACT its new Chairperson, Ms Jennie Chua, President and Chief Executive Officer, Raffles Holdings, as well as four new members. They are Mr Mohamed Ali Alabbar, Director General, Department of Economic Development, Government of Dubai and Chairman, for Emmar Properties, Mr Stelios Haji-Ioannou, Founder & Chairman, EasyGroup (UK) Ltd, Mr Carl Ruderman, Chairman, Universal Media, and Mr Barrett Wissman, Chairman, IMG Artists.

Ms Jennie Chua, Chairperson of the IACT said, "The Tourism 2015 plan has set very clear and bold targets for the Singapore tourism sector. Novel, groundbreaking initiatives have been identified for Singapore to leapfrog into the rank of great world cities. I am sure that this distinguished group of international advisors, with their individual strengths and collective wisdom, will contribute actively to help us realise the 2015 vision.”

As part of the continual renewal process of the IACT membership, seven members will be stepping down from their appointment. They are Mr Lim Chin Beng, the former Chairman of IACT, Mr Rupert G Keeley, President and Chief Executive of Visa International Asia Pacific Region, The Honorable Jeffrey Gibb Kennett, Past Premier of Victoria Australia, Ms Marilyn Carlson Nelson, Chairman and CEO, Carlson Companies, Mr Mike Rusbridge, Chairman, Reed Exhibition, Mr Koji Shinmachi, Chairman, Japan Association of Travel Agents and Ms Yang Lan, Chairperson, Sun TV Network.

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