Singapore Tourism Board revamps its annual Tourism Awards

The Singapore Tourism Board has decided to revamp its 18th Tourism Awards by adding eight brand new categories in order to recognise new trends in the tourism industry and have a greater emphasis on innovation, creativity and experiential factors.

The eight new categories introduced for the first time include:

1. Best Spa Experience
2. Most Promising Tourism Star of the Year 
3. Best Singapore Travel Experience - ASEAN
4. Best Singapore Travel Experience - China
5. Best Singapore Travel Experience - North Asia
6. Best Singapore Travel Experience - Western
7. Most Innovative Marketing Effort by an Airline
8. Most Innovative Marketing Effort by a Foreign Tour Operator

In addition, six existing categories have been renamed to better reflect the new emphasis on the overall experience to visitors as well as to reward and recognise individuals and organisations for harnessing innovation to enhance Singapore's status as a premier tourist destination.

"It is important that we recognise new tourism trends and developments in this dynamic and ever-changing industry. It is therefore timely that we review the annual Tourism Awards to ensure greater relevance to our tourism business. Elevating the standards of service and driving home the message that service excellence requires passion and dedication from our  service personnel is what the STB has been doing and we will continue to do so," said Mr Lim Neo Chian, the STB's Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive.

On top of honouring service excellence, the STB also aims to profile budding talents that have made the industry more vibrant and competitive. The new ''Most Promising Tourism Star' award will serve to recognise 'up-and coming' organisations and individuals with no more than three  years experience in the tourism industry, who has displayed determination, vision, enterprising qualities, as well as potential to generate significant economic returns in the near future. By applauding promising young players, the Board said it hopes to attract more newcomers into the industry.

Also making their debut at the 2003 Awards are the 'Best Singapore Travel Experience' and 'Most Innovative Marketing Effort' awards.

"The aim here is to recognise the creativity of foreign tour operators and airlines in promoting travel to Singapore as well as the efforts of the local travel agencies in showcasing the variety and uniqueness of activities and products available here," said Mr Lim.

For the 'Best Singapore Travel Experience' categories, the awards will be given out on a regional basis, rewarding the collaborative marketing efforts of both the foreign tour operators and the local travel agencies. This year, the focus is on the following source markets, namely, ASEAN, Australia, China and North Asia. 

Another new category that will be opened for public nomination is the 'Best Spa Experience', which seeks to recognise spas that excel in service and provide value for money.

"The spa industry has seen a tremendous growth in the last few years, both in terms of the number of players as well as the range of products and services available. This new award will certainly help encourage further development of the sector and augment Singapore's position as a premier lifestyle destination in the region," Mr Lim added.

In addition, members of the public can make nominations in any of the 13 categories which includes the seven tourism hosts categories and 'Best Event Experience', 'Best Nightspot Experience', 'Best Leisure Experience', 'Best Accommodation Experience' and 'Most Memorable Shopping Experience' categories.

Last year, the Tourism Awards received more than 92,000 nominations, representing a four-fold increase compared to 2001. Riding on the success of the STB's domestic tourism drive - "Step Out! Singapore" - which saw many Singaporeans and residents enjoying events and making use of the  attractive value-deals at local hotels, attractions, and F&B and retail outlets, the Board hopes to see even more active participation this year.

"With the extra buzz from the 'Step Out! Singapore' programme and a colourful and exciting line-up of events and global promotions over the next few months, we would like members of the public, both local and foreign, to put forth their nominations for their favourite establishments or individuals in as many categories as possible. Service excellence is a two-way street. By commending those who render good service, we as  consumers are also motivating the tourism workforce to go that extra mile," Mr Lim said.

The nomination period for the Awards begins on 11 June 2003 and runs through to 15 October 2003. Members of the public can make their nominations online at www.tourismawards.com or through nomination pamphlets that can be found at various locations island-wide, including restaurants, hotels, attractions, shopping centres and retail outlets.

Based on the nominations, a panel of judges comprising representatives from the STB and other public and private-sector organisations, will select the finalists and the eventual award winners.