THE SINGAPORE TOURISM AWARDS ARE BACK AGAIN

Growing from strength to strength and now in its 16th year, the annual Singapore Tourism Awards are back again. This year, the focus is on the Art of Service and underlines the fact that excellent service is indeed a passionate performance that makes an occasion extra special.

The Singapore Tourism Board's Chief Executive, Mr Yeo Khee Leng, said that the Awards continue to play a vital role in acknowledging the stellar performers in the industry ? from the smiling captain who brings guests to their table, to the travel agent who goes that extra mile.

"Last year, we saw a healthy 23,000 nominations," Mr Yeo noted. "This year, we're hoping to see more ? at least 25,000. Nominations are important of course because at the end of the day, the Tourism Awards are also partly the public's endorsement of the stars in the service and tourism industry. There has been much talk about service standards in Singapore. We say: let's highlight positive examples, portray them as role models and help raise the overall benchmarks in Singapore."

That is why the nomination period is kicking off earlier on April 2 and extended for a good eight weeks, compared to five weeks last year.

Mrs Catherine Quah, Director, Manpower Development added, "With an extended nomination period, it's definitely an opportunity to drum up more publicity and awareness through various innovative means. For instance, this year, we're giving out decals to all nominees and we'll be encouraging the nominated retailers, hotels, travel agencies and leisure attractions to display them."

"With the extra buzz, we want to see members of the public put in nominations in as many categories as possible. But because this is not a popularity contest, the actual number of nominations per nominee is less crucial. What we hope is that nominations will come from as broad a base as possible. This will certainly make the Awards more meaningful."

For the first time, attractive prizes are up for grabs for those who nominate a person or organisation in any of the following 15 categories:

· Hotel of the Year

· Nightspot of the Year

· Best Shopping Experience Retail Outlet

· Best Shopping Experience Shopping Centre

· Leisure Attraction of the Year

· Travel Agency of the Year (Inbound)

· Travel Agency of the Year (Outbound)

· Tourism Host of the Year Transport (Taxi)

· Tourism Host of the Year Tour Guiding

· Tourism Host of the Year Restaurant

· Tourism Host of the Year Hotel

· Tourism Host of the Year Travel Agency

· Tourism Host of the Year Leisure Attraction

· Tourism Host of the Year Retail

· Most Innovative Linked Regional Product

At stake, seven attractive prizes are being offered, comprising either a weekend stay at a luxurious hotel or travel and shopping vouchers worth up to $2000 each.

To qualify for the draw, the nominations must be correct and be submitted from members of the public. Although companies and organizations are eligible to make nominations in selected categories, they will not qualify for the lucky draw.

As Singaporeans and tourists become more IT-savvy and plugged into cyberspace, the STB is making it more attractive to nominate on-line as well. For the first time, another similar prize worth up to $2000 has also been set aside for someone who sends his or her nomination on-line.

These nominations will assist the different panels of judges in determining shortlisted finalists. Six categories do not require nominations and winners will be selected by a panel of STB directors and industry experts.

These categories are:

· Best Event Organiser (Arts and Entertainment)

· Best Event Organiser (Special Events)

· Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year

· Outstanding Contribution to Tourism

· Best Travel Story (English)

· Best Travel Story (Non-English)

With the introduction of the World Gourmet Summit Award of Excellence (the inaugural event will be held on April 22), recognition for Singapore's Best Dining Experience will be incorporated into the WGS Awards of Excellence.

Hence this category will not be included in the Tourism Awards with effect from this year.

Come 1 November 2001, the winners of Tourism Awards will be unveiled at a grand gala event, which will become a highlight of the tourism industry calendar.

Public nominations open 2 April and close on 31 May 2001. Nominations can be made via the STB website at https://tourismawards.stb.com.sg or through nomination forms available at all Singapore Visitors Centres (SVC) and Tourist Information Centres*, selected hotels, shopping centres, restaurants and attractions.