SINGAPORE IN GINZA THIS WEEK, GINZA HERE NEXT SPRING

Singapore goes all out to woo Japanese visitors from this week till March next year, as Tokyo’s Ginza and Singapore’s Orchard Road enter an agreement to establish closer cooperation in tourism promotion.

A Memorandum of Understanding on this Twinning partnership was signed between the Ginza Street Association (GSA) and the Orchard Road Business Association (ORBA) today in Tokyo. Thereafter, the famous shopping district will launch its nine-day event – “Ginza Accueille”.

Taking place from 20 to 28 October, “Ginza Accueille” (French for “Ginza Warmly Welcomes”) opens today with a colourful parade along the streets of Ginza, lined with flags of both nations. Highlights of the parade include a contingent of trishaws, one of which will ferry Miss Singapore-Universe. Also set to create excitement is a four-ton Orchid Float adorned with Singapore’s national bloom, as well as Orchid Ikebana creations by acclaimed international floral designers, which will be displayed throughout Ginza. Four 2.4-metre Merlion statues, standing four metres above the ground, have been erected and will stand at Ginza’s prominent street junctions for the duration of the event. For the first time in Tokyo, a Live it up! Bus will also travel the streets of Tokyo, promoting Singapore as a holiday destination.

“The travel and tourism industry has been hard hit, as the wave of anxiety has dampened travel plans. Nevertheless, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) believes that it is important, especially in such difficult times, to work in alliance with our industry partners, at home and abroad,” said Mr Edmund W. Cheng, STB’s Chairman in Tokyo today.

“The Board is delighted to have facilitated the collaboration between these two districts. We are also heartened that ORBA and GSA have proceeded with the plans despite the prevailing situation. This move sends a message of confidence in the tourism industry of both countries,” he added.

Ginza and Orchard Road are vibrant districts renowned for shopping. The common goal of creating greater awareness of both these districts have brought the private sectors of both countries together.

Mr Tang Wee Sung, Chairman of ORBA, agrees, “Japan has been an important source-market for the retailers and hotels on Singapore’s Orchard Road. With the Twinning of Ginza and Orchard Road, ORBA hopes to showcase Orchard Road as a premier shopping district, and Singapore, as an exciting, vibrant city of diverse cultures and lifestyles.”

He added, “It is a fair exchange. Come next March, Singapore’s Orchard Road will be packed with 17 days of exciting Japanese-themed activities and events as the Twinning takes place in Singapore.”

STB, together with tour operators in Japan, have put together special commemorative packages that will be valid from now till March next year. Those who purchase these packages will enjoy special benefits and discounts at 36 leading brands, departmental stores and food outlets on Orchard Road. GSA has also launched a “Stamp Rally” contest for its Japanese customers. 100 lucky winners will get to experience New Asia – Singapore in March next year when the Twinning event takes place in Orchard Road.

The twinning collaboration is part of the Japan-Singapore Economic Agreement for a New Age Partnership. Just last week, the Governments of Singapore and Japan concluded negotiations for this comprehensive free trade agreement. When signed by the end of the year, the pact will be a critical step towards mutually beneficial bilateral trade and investment ties that will boost various sectors of the economy. It is also hoped that the agreement will eventually lead to enhanced economic integration between Japan and Southeast Asia.