Singapore’s reputation for constantly raising the bar in tourism is undisputed, thanks to the indefatigable efforts of many individuals and organisations.
The inaugural 2009 Singapore Experience Awards handed out last night at Capella Singapore was inspired by their work and dedication not merely to increasing tourism numbers and revenue, but also to shaping the country’s image as a unique destination, offering memorable stays with a value-added touch. “In an industry that demands excellence from businesses and service providers, they’ve not only risen to the challenge but also upped the ante with their customer-centric approach and commitment to enhancing their product and service quality,” said Aw Kah Peng, chief executive of the Singapore Tourism Board, which championed the Awards.
The special Breakthrough Contribution to Tourism Award went to the 2008 Formula 1 Singtel Singapore Grand Prix for successfully staging the world’s first night race and Asia’s first street race, along with the accompanying festivities that put a new spin on hospitality and catapulted Singapore into the select circle of F1 cities.
The Events category saw Singapore Sun Festival 2008 of IMG Artists winning Leisure Event of the Year; Merrill Lynch Rising Stars Conference of Bank of America Merrill Lynch for Meeting of the Year; Singapore Maritime Week 2008 of Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore for Trade Conference of the Year; Asia TV Forum of Reed Exhibitions Singapore for Exhibition of the Year; and SIGGRAPH Asia 2008 of Koelnmesse for Association Conference of the Year.
The Experience category featured Pico Art International for the Official Opening of Fusionopolis winning Best Business Event Service; Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre for Best Business Event Venue; The White Rabbit for Best Dining; Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore for Best Hotel. Zouk for Best Nightspot; Museum Shop for Best Shopping; Betel Box The Real Singapore Tours for Best Travel; and Night Safari for Best Visitor Attraction.
In the Marketing and Media category, Suntec Singapore's "Passionate about everything we do" campaign bagged the Most Innovative Marketing Initiative. Feature pieces about Singapore for broadcast and print were likewise recognised in this section.
The Awards received over 24,000 nominations, but the highest number came in for the Customer Service Category, the only one nominated by the public. STB chief executive Aw commented: "With consumers getting more discerning, it is increasingly challenging for service providers in the frontline to meet their expectations. Against this backdrop, the high number of public nominations received is a heartening gesture for our service staff." Individuals working for restaurants, hotels, retail, tour agencies, taxi companies and tourism attraction were duly honoured.
Special awards also went to Kay Kuok, Singapore Hotel Association president (Lifestime Achievement for Outstanding Contribution to Tourism); Edison T Lu, executive director of the Genome Institute of Singapore (Business Event Ambassador); and Desmond Lim, Les Amis Group chairman (Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year).
For more details, visit www.stb.com.sg
Margie T Logarta
