29 individuals and organisations were recognised last night at the Singapore Tourism Awards 2018 for their exceptional achievements in delivering experience and enterprise excellence. Organised by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and held at Fairmont Singapore, the Singapore Tourism Awards presentation ceremony was graced by President Halimah Yacob.
STB Chief Executive Lionel Yeo Said, “The Singapore Tourism Awards aims to raise industry standards by showcasing and celebrating the best of what Singapore has to offer. I am heartened to see many fresh and remarkable experiences delivered by our award finalists and recipients each year. It is our hope that their passion for what they do will pay a part in the telling of the great Singapore story, of how passion is made possible through grit and determination.”
One individual and two organisations were conferred top honours under the Top Awards and Special Recognition award categories.
Dr Kiat W Tan, Founding Chief Executive Officer, National Parks Board and Gardens by the Bay received the highest accolade of the evening – Lifetime Achievement for Outstanding Contribution to Tourism. Dr Tan’s win was attributed to his passion and unwavering devotion to the greening of Singapore for over 30 years. He was instrumental in the development of Gardens by the Bay and redevelopment of Singapore Botanic Gardens, both of which have become world-renowned attractions.
JTB Corporation and ION Orchard were each accorded the Special Recognition award for contributions to Singapore’s tourism sector:
JTB Corporation for its strong commitment and efforts in promoting Singapore as a key destination to Japanese travellers. In its first partnership with an overseas NTO, JTB Corporation partnered STB in 2017 to promote Singapore among Japanese travellers. The joint year-long Closeup Destination of the Year Campaign from April 2017 to March 2018 attracted 128,479 Japanese visitors to Singapore, above the initial target of 90,000 visitors; and
ION for enhancing the attractiveness of Orchard Road as a lifestyle and retail destination by offering diverse retail options to travellers, along with the revamped ION Sky and unique activations through the exciting calendar of events.
Besides the Top Awards and Special Recognition recipients, 26 other individuals and organisations were honoured for their exemplary delivery of experience and enterprise excellence across the three award categories of Customer Service, Experience Excellence and Enterprise Excellence.