TOURISM STARS SHINE AT TOURISM AWARDS 2001

Singapore’s tourism industry honoured 21 winners of the 16th annual Tourism Awards, held on November 1 at the Stamford Ballroom of the Westin Stamford & Westin Plaza.

Hosted by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), the gala event was graced by President SR Nathan and Mrs Nathan.

Tourism Awards, highlight of the tourism industry calendar, pays tribute to the achievements of various individuals and organisations in the hotel, attractions, food and beverage, entertainment, retail and travel agency sectors.

Commenting on the Tourism Stars, STB Chairman, Mr Edmund W Cheng said: “The Tourism Awards winners are all extremely passionate about creating a memorable experience for customers. Over the 16 years of the Tourism Awards, we have witnessed service excellence being pushed to new levels in the industry, and tonight we celebrate those who have reached the service pinnacle and exemplify what the art of service is all about”.

More than 23,000 visitors and members of the public submitted nominations for the tourism hosts and establishments for awards this year. A total of 21 awards were presented, including Outstanding Contribution to Tourism and Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year.

“The Government has identified the need for Singapore to restructure its economy. The focus will be on improving the efficiency and competitiveness of the services sector. Tourism is one of the key industries of this sector. We must respond to the challenge now. Tonight’s winners are an inspiration to all of us,“ added Mr Cheng. “They are exemplary reminders that in Singapore, there are people capable of delivering superb service consistently.

Tourism Awards dates back to 1985, when the Singapore Tourism Board introduced an annual award to acknowledge outstanding individuals and companies in the industry. Since then, the categories have increased three-fold. Finalists of the awards span all areas of the tourism industry, including hotels, leisure attractions, food and beverage establishments, entertainment, retail and travel agency. Members of the industry, as well as visitors and locals, nominate these individuals and organisations.

Tourism Awards 2001 Winners



Outstanding Contribution to Tourism

Mr Richard Helfer

Chairman & CEO

Raffles International Limited



Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year

Mr Andrew Tjioe

President

Tung Lok Group



Best Event Organiser (Arts & Entertainment)

IMG Singapore Pte Ltd (for Chicago and Riverdance – The Show)



Best Event Organiser (Special Events)

Peter Knipp Holdings Pte Ltd (for World Gourmet Summit 2000)



Best Shopping Experience – Retail Outlet

Robinson & Co. (S) Pte Ltd



Best Shopping Experience – Shopping Centre

Takashimaya Shopping Centre



Best Travel Story (English)

“Singapore Swing”

by Mr John Powers, (for Gourmet Magazine, USA)



Best Travel Story (Non-English)

“A Green Tour of Singapore”

by Ms You Hui-Ling, (for To'Go Magazine, Taiwan)



Hotel of the Year

The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore



Leisure Attraction of the Year

Singapore Zoological Gardens



Most Innovative Linked Regional Product

“New Asia Premier Vacations”

Tour East Singapore (1996) Pte Ltd


Nightspot of the Year

Zouk



Travel Agency of the Year (Inbound)

Pacific World Singapore



Travel Agency of the Year (Outbound) – Merit Award

Chan Brothers Travel Pte Ltd



Tourism Host of the Year – Hotel

Ms Sharmini Heer

The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore



Tourism Host of the Year – Leisure Attraction

Mr Krishnan s/o Vellasamy

Singapore Zoological Gardens



Tourism Host of the Year – Restaurant

Ms Jocelyn Tay Kai Lin

Outback Steakhouse



Tourism Host of the Year – Retail

Ms Samantha Chan Sok Lye

Larry Jewelry (S) Pte Ltd



Tourism Host of the Year – Transport (Taxi)

Mr Sunny Ho Choon Hwa

CityCab Pte Ltd



Tourism Host of the Year – Tour Guiding

Mr Clinton Chong Hin Leong

Sentosa Discovery Tours Pte Ltd



Tourism Host of the Year – Travel Agency

Ms Cindy Yeap Chin Lian

Anglo-French Travel Pte Ltd