REACH 582 - 💬 What are your views on Singapore's tourism industry? How else can Singapore build on its strengths to keep up with tourism competition in the region?
(SK)
01 Jul 2024 (10am - 7pm)
REACH
1/7/24, 10:48 am - +REACH: *Dear Contributors,*
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Megan 😊
1/7/24, 11:00 am - +REACH: *📢 Topic 📢*
On Jun 28 (Fri), PM Wong shared about how Singapore can improve its tourism competitiveness at the Singapore Tourism Board’s (STB) annual Singapore Tourism Awards. He noted that Singapore will need to play to its strengths and be more imaginative, all while keeping the human touch to keep its tourism competitive.
💬 *What are your views on Singapore's tourism industry? How else can Singapore build on its strengths to keep up with tourism competition in the region?*
PM Wong noted that the country has come a long way in developing tourism, but travellers today have many options and Singapore cannot be complacent.
One strategy is to build on Singapore’s strengths, including its history, its position as a business hub and its connectivity, PM Wong said.
“We can’t be all things to all people... We should focus on our Singapore Story – how people from diverse backgrounds have come together as one, and how we have worked together to transform this place from mudflats to metropolis,” he said.
PM Wong also shared that the other ways Singapore can bolster its appeal is to develop more “imaginative projects”. Several has already been in the pipeline, including new attractions of eco resort and Rainforest Wild at Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
[ST] https://str.sg/fapt
1/7/24, 11:00 am - ~ REACH Singapore changed this group's settings to allow all members to send messages to this group
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1/7/24, 11:02 am - +Rama: Stop tearing down old buildings and putting up artificial physical history !
1/7/24, 11:11 am - ~ REACH Singapore changed the group description
1/7/24, 11:28 am - +Caleb: This message was deleted
1/7/24, 11:28 am - +Caleb: so when we changing to tele?
1/7/24, 11:59 am - +REACH: *Dear Contributors*
We want to *HEAR* from you!
💬 *What are your views on Singapore's tourism industry? How else can Singapore build on its strengths to keep up with tourism competition in the region?*
We have had good feedback from this group, and we hope that we can keep the discussion robust and active!
Megan 😊
1/7/24, 12:20 pm - Your security code with ~ Shobith changed. Tap to learn more.
1/7/24, 1:46 pm - +REACH: *Dear Contributors*
We want to *HEAR* from you!
💬 *What are your views on Singapore's tourism industry? How else can Singapore build on its strengths to keep up with tourism competition in the region?*
We have had good feedback from this group, and we hope that we can keep the discussion robust and active!
Megan 😊
1/7/24, 2:01 pm - +REACH: *📢 Topic 📢*
1/7/24, 2:04 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
1. Singapore is a little red dot, with short history. There is very little natural landscape or long heritage to wow foreign tourists and keep a sustained tourism. Unlike bigger Countries with natural landscape tourist spots and rich heritage due to long history.
2. Hence we must play to our strength as rightly pointed out by our PM:
a. Refurbished current tourist spots
b. Build new tourist attraction, new imagination, new landscape, new concepts, new ideas
c. Leverage on our strong connectivity as air hub, port hub, comms hub, ecommerce hubs, manufacturing hub, financial hub, tourism hub etc
d. Vibrant business, trade, investment (MICE events) and diplomatic connection (such as Shangrila-Security dialogue, ADMM+, Airshows, F1, etc.
e. Identify internationally famous artiste concert eg. Taylor Swift, Coldplay, Black Pink etc. to attract foreign tourists.
1/7/24, 2:11 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
3. The above events will likely to attract high-heeled tourists - as business tourists, F1, MICE events, concert tourism will attract well-endowed foreign tourists with deeper pockets to visit Singapore - that will bring good tourism receipts as they spend in hotels, F&B, tourism attraction, tour bus services, private hire, taxis etc.
Hence despite Singapore being an expensive city, such premium tourists will still be able to visit our land and spend lavishly.
1/7/24, 2:32 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
4. However, the mass walk-in tourists that are budget conscious will be strain by our high cost environment - as our hotel stay, food prices, transport cost, souvenir etc will be higher compare to our regional competitors.
5. Despite the lower spending power of the mass budget conscious tourists, the mass walk-in tourists will still be a source of more sustainable tourist revenue source.
6. Hence, a more deliberate package budget tourist attraction can be marketed to budget foriegn tourists.
1/7/24, 2:34 pm - +Terrie Wong: Yes: The vital few & the important many concept.
1/7/24, 2:37 pm - ☸️ Danny 心: <Media omitted>
1/7/24, 2:37 pm - ☸️ Danny 心: <Media omitted>
1/7/24, 2:40 pm - +GLCM: Tourist attractions in sg typically will support Singaporeans and create job opportunities. Hence the impact will be two prong if we ensure their profitability. Enhance SG as an air hub as pointed out earlier and also sustain locals with employment.
So if we can tie up promotions linking local air carriers and local tourist attractions, it can benefit the entire tourism and aviation ecosystem.
Similarly, local tour agencies may benefit if tourists sign up with them to head into neighbouring countries for a short getaway. (Using unique promo codes)
1/7/24, 2:54 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
7. Eg. of a more budget conscious tourist package could be budget airlines, budget hotel, Airbnb, budget F&B, budget tourism spots eg. city tour, Merlion, Marina Bay, Garden By the Bay, Changi Airport Gems, Tree Top walk, East Coast Beach, Lavendar Park, etc
8. Though budget travellers will not spend as lavishly, they will still spend in budget airfares, budget hotel, transport, F&B food and drinks, buy some smaller token souvenirs, etc.
9. This will create jobs for our tourism sectors as revealed by the tourism receipts in 2023 - $27.2 billion with 13.6 million foreign visitors - not a small sum of money.
10. Refurbished tourist spots, and new tourists attractions are necessary to attract return visitors - as visitors want to see "new" reimagined attractions - else there will only be one time visitors who will not return to visit Singapore - if attractions become stale.
1/7/24, 3:29 pm - +Bhavani: Hi tru blu Singaporeans are already facing unbearable crowds. Bringing in more tourists will only lead to more waste generation. From what I have read in media articles, we have already lost 95 percent of forests. We must not forget that consumerism leads to waste generation and tourists are also contributing to overcrowded trains. This overcrowding could be contributing to train breakdowns.
1/7/24, 3:29 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
11. We can also establish ourselves as cruise hub by working with cruise ships to berth at our cruise hub - with one or few days stay in our hotels and city tours or tourists spots tour.
12. As cruise tourists are also premium tourists with deep pockets.
1/7/24, 3:30 pm - +Bhavani: Having too many cruise ships on our pure waters could lead to environmental instability <This message was edited>
1/7/24, 3:30 pm - +Bhavani: Deep pockets doesn't mean they are environmentally friendly
1/7/24, 3:32 pm - +Bhavani: In this age of climate change and global warming, it is hypocritical to talk about deep pockets.
1/7/24, 3:36 pm - +Rama: Controlled tourist numbers is tricky. As for 95% of our forest gone, data from which credible source!?
1/7/24, 3:36 pm - +Rama: Believe government is not just chasing tourism without due consideration
1/7/24, 3:37 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
At one hand, someone say cannot find job.
At another hand, someone say government did not give sufficient financial help.
At 3rd hand, some one say don't want so many development, don't want tourists, want environment, want no development.
Wonder, why someone can be so contradictory.
1/7/24, 3:37 pm - +Rama: Government is doing its part
1/7/24, 3:38 pm - +~l or Smiley face: *The Tourism Industry: It's more than just another holiday, another place, and another day*
"_Reimagining Travels & Tours: it all begins when individuals arrive in a new country. The airport, the country's front door, sets the tone for the entire journey. The first impression is crucial, as it shapes the tourist's experience and perception of the country and its people. From swift and effective immigration processes to mesmerising duty-free shopping experiences, and even the aroma in the arrival and departure areas - including the crucial aroma of clean and well-maintained toilets. It all matters! It's not just about maintaining a world-class airport, both inside and out, but also about shifting our mindset away from the extremes of cheapest costs and highest costs. Let's right-size and right-place our Singapore (SG) to target our tourists and their dynamics, which are always changing. We must stay vigilant and adapt, for the tourism landscape is ever-evolving. And let's not forget the ultimate goals: For when tourists become repeat visitors, migrants, and investors, all of which can bring immense value to our country. We know we have succeeded in creating a truly unforgettable experience. Let's be forewarned and stay ahead of the curve, to ensure a memorable and enriching journey for our visitors, and a future where our nation continues to shine as a vibrant hub of hospitality, innovation, and endless possibility. Importantly, not just another holiday, another place, and just another day!_"
-- anonymity
1/7/24, 3:38 pm - +Bhavani: "Looking back to the time the British first came here in the early 1800s, Singaporean and Australian researchers noted that more than 95 per cent of the original vegetation has been cleared."
1/7/24, 3:38 pm - +Bhavani: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/biodiversity-wildlife-habitat-urban-development-3211486
1/7/24, 3:39 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
Must as well Singapore all go back to kampong life.
Let see what the majority say?
1/7/24, 3:40 pm - +Bhavani: Hi Reach will accept all views
1/7/24, 3:40 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
Actually, Malaysia forest rustic life more suitable for you.
1/7/24, 3:40 pm - +Rama: Believe Singapore has lost all its primary forests!?
1/7/24, 3:40 pm - +Bhavani: If we want unpolluted air, clean water and clean food, then it's necessary to focus on the environment and not tourist numbers.
1/7/24, 3:41 pm - +Bhavani: Hi everyone here has a valid opinion, not just you
1/7/24, 3:41 pm - +Rama: A careful balance must be implemented
1/7/24, 3:42 pm - +Bhavani: Noone has the right to tell me to leave the country in which I'm a tru blue citizen
1/7/24, 3:42 pm - +Bhavani: The balance has already been upset
1/7/24, 3:43 pm - +Rama: Our government is far sighted so any past mistakes will be corrected
1/7/24, 3:44 pm - +Bhavani: If it has been corrected, we will not seek to increase tourist numbers
1/7/24, 3:45 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
Since 1965 independence, Singapore will be a developed progressive Country.
Singapore will not be and cannot be a kampong country.
1/7/24, 3:45 pm - +Bhavani: We will seek to be self sufficient without depending on tourist numbers which only leads to environmental decay
1/7/24, 3:46 pm - +Bhavani: Look at all the styrofoam and plastic containers the tourists throw in the rubbish bins
1/7/24, 3:46 pm - +Rama: You need to further understand the economics of balance needs and wants.
1/7/24, 3:46 pm - +Bhavani: I am saying that Singapore must protect its environment.
1/7/24, 3:46 pm - +Rama: Not entirely possible
1/7/24, 3:47 pm - +Rama: Locals pollute likewise!
1/7/24, 3:47 pm - +Bhavani: Developed doesn't mean tourist numbers developed is how we protect the environment
1/7/24, 3:47 pm - ☸️ Danny 心: <Media omitted>
1/7/24, 3:47 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
Singapore greenery and reserve forest is 46.5%.
1/7/24, 3:48 pm - +Bhavani: Tourists add to the rubbish that locals generate
1/7/24, 3:48 pm - +Rama: Your statement doesn't hold much water!
1/7/24, 3:48 pm - +Bhavani: There is rubbish everywhere. How can you say that my statement does not hold water?
1/7/24, 3:49 pm - +Rama: Locals are not reproducing fast enough for a aeging population
1/7/24, 3:49 pm - +Bhavani: Look at all the overflowing rubbish bins. Look at the rat situation.
1/7/24, 3:49 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
Anyway she is a very small minority who want Singapore to be a kampong, underdeveloped, poor economically.
Majority don't agree with her.
1/7/24, 3:50 pm - +Bhavani: Look I'm not a small minority go to facebook and other forums and see how many people are complaining about the crowds
1/7/24, 3:51 pm - +Bhavani: We have been talking about the economy ever since I was born!
1/7/24, 3:51 pm - +Andy: As a taxi driver, I often picked up tourists from the airport. Some will asked me where should they visit and what must eat in Singapore. I'm sure I'm not the only taxi driver or PHV driver being asked by tourist.
Maybe tourism board can engaged interested taxi/PHV driver to take up a simple tour guide course using our skills future fund to pay for it. Thereafter we can be the tour guide for 2-4 pax, it can be a hawker centres hopping instead of cafe hopping, nature trail walks like bukit timah hill instead of orchard road, haw par villa which I think not many tourists know about, geylang seria/join chiat area with rich heritage and great food. These are just some examples. So for taxi/PHV drivers who want to be a tour guide, we must attend the simple tour guide course by tourism board, pass the test or exam and be able to write 2-3 tour packages for tourism board to approve.
When I visited placolike Taipei, Bangkok, Seoul many taxi drivers will asked if we want to go for day trip and charge a fee. I think they are not regulated. So if Singapore can do it with regulation, we drivers can be the unique tour guide where big tour companies cannot or won't catered and for tourists to go about is tough.
1/7/24, 3:52 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
Job, economy, cost of living, are top of Singaporeans concern.
So the effort is to make Singapore economy vibrant, business buoyant and create more high value added jobs.
1/7/24, 3:52 pm - +Rama: But you only start to dialogue at what age!?
1/7/24, 3:53 pm - +Bhavani: Hi we are not benefitting from tourist numbers. We are forced to pay increasing utilities bill
1/7/24, 3:53 pm - +Rama: You misunderstanding the issues
1/7/24, 3:54 pm - +Bhavani: Hi you and Danny are the ones gravely twisting the issues to your whims and fancies and not letting anyone else share their valid views. <This message was edited>
1/7/24, 3:55 pm - +Bhavani: and not allowing anyone else to share their valid views
1/7/24, 3:56 pm - +Rama: Only Megan can control the sharing and no one else
1/7/24, 3:56 pm - +Bhavani: I have seen people being calm when there is lack of overcrowding. This makes people more creative.
1/7/24, 3:56 pm - +Rama: We in each own way are challenging your hypothesis
1/7/24, 3:56 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
You can share your points.
But whether people agree with you or not is another thing.
What you say, I don't agree with you - because your points are contradictory.
1/7/24, 3:57 pm - +Rama: Our circumstances without natural resources are limited and stacked against us
1/7/24, 3:57 pm - +Bhavani: You are not challenging fairly but just for its own sake. I read about rubbish and rats often and am telling the truth
1/7/24, 3:57 pm - +Rama: We too are reading the same
1/7/24, 3:57 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
Most important thing, many Singaporeans will not benefit from what you have suggested.
1/7/24, 3:58 pm - +Bhavani: Why must we always think that overcrowding are resources? We don't get anything from overcrowding except lack of creativity, stress, quarrels and arguments
1/7/24, 3:58 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
Many Singaporeans will go back to poverty if based on what you say.
1/7/24, 3:59 pm - +Bhavani: Most importantly, many people will be gravely affected by your overemphasis on the economy
1/7/24, 3:59 pm - +Rama: Your comments can apply in 1965, not in 2024
1/7/24, 3:59 pm - +Bhavani: Look I practice what I preach
1/7/24, 3:59 pm - +Rama: Which is!?
1/7/24, 3:59 pm - +Bhavani: I live a minimal lifestyle
1/7/24, 4:00 pm - +Bhavani: I am not into consumerism
1/7/24, 4:00 pm - +Bhavani: I am aware that most products are environmentally unsustainable
1/7/24, 4:00 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
That's you but not the majority of Singaporeans.
1/7/24, 4:00 pm - +Bhavani: You are mistaken Danny
1/7/24, 4:00 pm - +Rama: Likewise
1/7/24, 4:01 pm - +Rama: We all try
1/7/24, 4:01 pm - +Bhavani: Even the food we buy contains all kinds of additives
1/7/24, 4:01 pm - +Rama: Stone age utensils are not practical widely
1/7/24, 4:01 pm - +Rama: Grow your own
1/7/24, 4:02 pm - +Bhavani: I would if only I did not have multiple spine and joint conditions
1/7/24, 4:03 pm - ☸️ Danny 心: <Media omitted>
1/7/24, 4:03 pm - +Rama: I respect and understand your situation but a balance has to be struck with appropriate public and or private assistance
1/7/24, 4:03 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
I am not mistaken.
This is the median household income of Singaporeans.
1/7/24, 4:03 pm - +Bhavani: Tourists do not benefit the average household income
1/7/24, 4:04 pm - +Rama: From official accepted data source
1/7/24, 4:04 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
Your minimal lifestyle don't correspond to reality.
1/7/24, 4:04 pm - +Bhavani: Look again you are talking as if you are God
1/7/24, 4:04 pm - +Rama: But their dollars do in so ways
1/7/24, 4:04 pm - +REACH: *📢 Topic 📢*
1/7/24, 4:04 pm - +Rama: Humans are not infinite
1/7/24, 4:05 pm - +Bhavani: Their dollars lead to unnecessary consumerism
1/7/24, 4:05 pm - +Rama: Any valid opinion polls!?
1/7/24, 4:05 pm - +Bhavani: Wd have to learn to move away from unsustainable consumerism
1/7/24, 4:05 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
$27.2 billion from tourist receipt.
1/7/24, 4:05 pm - +Rama: Government is on track for this
1/7/24, 4:05 pm - +Rama: Useful for the country and its people
1/7/24, 4:06 pm - +Bhavani: Look overcrowding of tourists is also unsustainable
1/7/24, 4:06 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
You do.
You speak without facts.
Just based on your own needs and wants - disregarding others.
1/7/24, 4:06 pm - +Bhavani: They consume water, food and electricity
1/7/24, 4:06 pm - +Bhavani: You are the one doing so
1/7/24, 4:06 pm - +Rama: Government considers all opinions
1/7/24, 4:06 pm - +Rama: All humans do
1/7/24, 4:07 pm - +Bhavani: This message was deleted
1/7/24, 4:07 pm - +Rama: Agreeable to some extent only
1/7/24, 4:07 pm - +Rama: Nothing is cast in stone
1/7/24, 4:07 pm - +Bhavani: Then why rebut whatever I say let the government decide
1/7/24, 4:08 pm - +Rama: This is a public forum so expect difference of opinions
1/7/24, 4:08 pm - +Bhavani: I know but I truly hope the government will take the correct opinion here <This message was edited>
1/7/24, 4:09 pm - +Rama: I know the government will do its level best in the broad interests of people and country
1/7/24, 4:11 pm - +Bhavani: Danny and Rama are always advocating for economic interests but it's high time we look at how tourists are damaging our country.
1/7/24, 4:11 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
The current conservation efforts 46.5% conservation efforts is good enough.
Singapore cannot go down the path of anti-development.
Because we need to create jobs for people.
Good economy to boost our fiscal budget so that government can spend money for the people.
1/7/24, 4:11 pm - +Rama: Rama!? Is who. My name is Andrew
1/7/24, 4:12 pm - +Rama: We all seek the best balance possible economically, socially, politically etc.
1/7/24, 4:13 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
Yes.
Agree.
1/7/24, 4:15 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
Simply we don't want to see jobless and beggars on our streets.
1/7/24, 4:16 pm - ☸️ Danny 心: <Media omitted>
1/7/24, 4:18 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
This is what she means - live minimally.
1/7/24, 4:18 pm - +Rama: Remember the samsui women who bore the brunt of hard work, not forgetting our fore fathers who strive to give future generations a better life. Its still a work in progress for us!
1/7/24, 4:22 pm - +~l or Smiley face: *I. Global*
The tourism industry has experienced unprecedented growth, with international tourist arrivals reaching 1.4 billion in 2022 (World Tourism Organisation, 2022). However, this growth has also brought challenges, such as environmental degradation, cultural homogenisation, and economic inequality. To remain competitive and sustainable, Singapore must embrace innovation, sustainability, and creative thinking. Let's explore the macro and micro trends shaping the tourism industry, Singapore's unique strengths, and actionable solutions to transform our country's tourism landscape.
*II. Macro Trends*
_A. Global Tourism Growth_
- In 2022, international tourist arrivals reached 1.4 billion, with a forecast of 2.5 billion by 2030 (World Tourism Organization, 2022)
- Asia and the Pacific region accounted for 44% of international tourist arrivals in 2022, with China, Japan, and South Korea leading the way (World Tourism Organisation, 2022)
1/7/24, 4:24 pm - +Rama: We are a country with no natural resources but we have done amazing things since 1965 and the international community holds us in very high regards for our achievements in such a short span of time!
1/7/24, 4:24 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
But she wants to drag us back into poverty.
1/7/24, 4:25 pm - +Rama: Will never happen ever!
1/7/24, 4:25 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
And then she complains no one gives her job.
Very contradicting.
1/7/24, 4:27 pm - +~l or Smiley face: _B. Digitalisation and Online Booking_
- Online travel agencies like Expedia, and Airbnb have transformed the way tourists plan and book their trips
- In 2022, online travel bookings accounted for 57% of total travel bookings, with a forecast of 65% by 2025 (Statista, 2022)
_C. Sustainable Tourism Practices_
- The Singapore Tourism Board's "Singapore Eco-Tourism Programme" has encouraged tourism businesses to adopt sustainable practices
- The program has resulted in a 25% reduction in carbon emissions and a 30% reduction in water consumption among participating businesses (Singapore Tourism Board, 2022)
1/7/24, 4:30 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
Wonder how to treat such feedback seriously?
1/7/24, 4:31 pm - +Rama: Remember the tears of our dearly departed MM LKY when we had to leave the Federation of Malaysia way back then! It was a grit resolve to bring people and country Forward!
1/7/24, 4:32 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
That's why important not to let our development and progress be destroy by people's ignorance.
1/7/24, 5:07 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
Good ideas.
1/7/24, 5:17 pm - +~l or Smiley face: _"Yes, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the current global economic outlook is forecast to grow at 3.2% in 2024 and 2025, which is the same pace as in 2023. The current global economic outlook is indeed less robust compared to 2019, and this slowdown is expected to impact various sectors, including tourism and consumer expenditures."_
-- anonymity
- The growth in advanced economies is expected to increase from 1.6% in 2023 to 1.7% in 2024 and 1.8% in 2025.
- Emerging market and developing economies are expected to experience a modest slowdown from 4.3% in 2023 to 4.2% in both 2024 and 2025.
- Global inflation is expected to decline steadily, from 6.8% in 2023 to 5.9% in 2024 and 4.5% in 2025.
- About 80% of the world's population will experience slower economic growth in 2024 compared to the pre-COVID decade.
_Global growth is projected to slow down:_
The IMF and World Bank expect global growth to slow down in 2024 and 2025, with a forecast of 3.2% and 3.1%, respectively.
_Inflation remains a concern:_ Despite a decline in inflation rates, they remain above pre-pandemic levels, and central banks are likely to maintain a cautious stance.
-_Consumer expenditures are cautious:_ High debt levels, elevated debt servicing costs, and uncertainty surrounding the economic outlook are leading consumers to be cautious with their expenditure.
_Tourism impacted:_
The slowdown in global economic growth and cautious consumer behaviour will likely impact the tourism industry, leading to reduced travel and expenditure.
_Risks remain:_
Downside risks, including geopolitical tensions, trade fragmentation, higher-for-longer interest rates, and climate-related disasters, could further impact the global economic outlook.
https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO
Despite the current slow global economics, Singapore's tourism industry can still seize opportunities to develop its capabilities and emerge stronger.
_*Strategies*_
1. Diversification: Expand offerings beyond traditional tourist attractions.
2. Innovation: Invest in digital solutions, virtual tours, and augmented reality experiences to enhance visitor engagement and attract tech-savvy travelers.
3. Sustainability: Emphasize eco-tourism initiatives, green tourism products, and responsible travel practices to appeal to environmentally conscious visitors.
4. Collaboration: Foster partnerships between tourism stakeholders, local businesses, and communities to create authentic experiences and job opportunities.
5. Skills Development: Upskill tourism professionals through training programs, workshops, and certifications to enhance service quality and expertise.
6. Marketing: Leverage social media, influencer partnerships, and targeted campaigns to reach new audiences and reposition Singapore as a vibrant, resilient destination.
7. Infrastructure Development: Invest in sustainable infrastructure, such as green hotels, eco-friendly transportation, and community-based projects.
8. Niche Marketing: Focus on specific segments like wellness tourism, educational travel, or luxury cruise travel to differentiate Singapore from other destinations.
9. Community Engagement: Engage locals in tourism development through crowdsourcing ideas, community-based initiatives, and inclusive decision-making processes.
10. Research and Development: Continuously monitor industry trends, conduct market research, and analyze visitor feedback to stay competitive and innovative.
1/7/24, 5:22 pm - +Bhavani: Hi we have to stop praising ourselves snd address a lot of issues
1/7/24, 5:23 pm - +Bhavani: Inflation is caused by too much demand for products, services by an overpopulation that needs to be controlled
1/7/24, 5:24 pm - +Bhavani: This is the reason for the high price of many things even basic things as food, medical and utlities
1/7/24, 5:25 pm - +Bhavani: I would like to know how we are developed now that everybody is competing for limited resources
1/7/24, 5:26 pm - +Bhavani: Do we want people to live in harmony and peace or do we want people to quarrel over limited resources? <This message was edited>
1/7/24, 5:27 pm - +Bhavani: Tourism is leading to the creation of non stop hotels. These hotels consume energy and water.
1/7/24, 5:27 pm - +Bhavani: The creation of too many buildings is itself not sustainable.
1/7/24, 5:28 pm - +Bhavani: <Media omitted>
1/7/24, 5:29 pm - +Rama: Addressed with caution
1/7/24, 5:29 pm - +Rama: Control your spending
1/7/24, 5:30 pm - +Rama: Production and manufacturing costs have gone up.
1/7/24, 5:30 pm - +Bhavani: Yes controlling the spending is important but so is alleviating the overcrowding
1/7/24, 5:30 pm - +Rama: Inevitable
1/7/24, 5:30 pm - +Rama: Only to a feasible extent
1/7/24, 5:30 pm - +Bhavani: There is no such thing as inevitable
1/7/24, 5:30 pm - +Bhavani: We can reduce the population.
1/7/24, 5:31 pm - +Rama: Energy savings options are available
1/7/24, 5:31 pm - +Rama: There is!
1/7/24, 5:31 pm - +Rama: Not practical given our unique situation
1/7/24, 5:31 pm - +Bhavani: Energy saving options are not enough. Look at the following article carefully.
1/7/24, 5:32 pm - +Bhavani: <Media omitted>
1/7/24, 5:32 pm - +Rama: Still, must perservere
1/7/24, 5:32 pm - +Bhavani: What do you mean persevere.
1/7/24, 5:33 pm - +Rama: Go the distance to see how much we can achieve and evaluate the options
1/7/24, 5:33 pm - +Bhavani: We are suffering from the heatiness caused by too many concrete buildings and overcrowdedness.. telling us to persevere is not compassionate
1/7/24, 5:34 pm - +Rama: Are you aware the government is planning for a population of 10M in the far future!?
1/7/24, 5:34 pm - +Bhavani: We need a more compassionate society that doesn't go after material wealth <This message was edited>
1/7/24, 5:34 pm - +Rama: It all starts with the Individual
1/7/24, 5:35 pm - +Rama: Get involved with social issues by spending time meaningfully
1/7/24, 5:35 pm - +Thomas: How to reduce? Start a war or do some extermination?
1/7/24, 5:35 pm - +Bhavani: This would be a total slap on the faces of true blue Singaporeans as we are already suffering from overcrowdedness and warming.
1/7/24, 5:35 pm - +Rama: Understand the practical issues first
1/7/24, 5:36 pm - +Bhavani: We paid taxes for so many years not to experience this overcrowdedness and warming especially in our elderly years.
1/7/24, 5:36 pm - +Rama: Let us be invaded and occupied!?
1/7/24, 5:36 pm - +Rama: Your reason is flawed
1/7/24, 5:36 pm - +Bhavani: You are the one who has a poor understanding of the issues
1/7/24, 5:36 pm - +Bhavani: No yours is gravely flawed
1/7/24, 5:37 pm - +Rama: Maybe the Clinton's is Your kind of population size!?
1/7/24, 5:37 pm - +Rama: I meant flinstones!
1/7/24, 5:42 pm - +Bhavani: Stop making jokes when we elderly are feeling the grave heat on the ground. You could suffer the same when your old
1/7/24, 5:42 pm - +Bhavani: Stop importing foreigners
1/7/24, 5:43 pm - +~l or Smiley face: *A Tale of Two Cities*
_"We learned from others!"_
-- anonymity
Singapore's risk of sinking is lower compared to cities like New York City due to its solid bedrock foundation, careful urban planning, and well-managed land reclamation processes. Moreover, Singapore is proactively addressing sea level rise with measures like sea walls and flood protection infrastructure. While the risk is lower, continued vigilance and environmental stewardship remain essential.
New York City's susceptibility to sinking is attributed to a combination of factors, including its foundation on soft soil and sediment, high water table, and dense infrastructure. The city's ageing infrastructure and vulnerability to sea level rise further exacerbate the risk, making proactive investments in environmental resilience and infrastructure upgrades crucial to mitigating the threat of subsidence.
1/7/24, 5:43 pm - +Rama: This is no joke! Living expenses for the elderly have skyrocketed beyond the roof. Growing the economy and increasing the population is a direct necessity to alleviate!
1/7/24, 5:43 pm - +Rama: Not possible!
1/7/24, 5:44 pm - +Rama: You get young people to marry early and have at least four children each!?
1/7/24, 5:45 pm - +Bhavani: Definitely no. We elderly are suffering even more than other people due to overcrowding.
1/7/24, 5:46 pm - +Bhavani: This nonsense has been spewed for a long time and does not make sense at all.
1/7/24, 5:47 pm - +Rama: The reason why we need PR, SP, EP to supplement our work force
1/7/24, 5:47 pm - +Rama: Including WP!
1/7/24, 5:47 pm - +Bhavani: All we elderly need is greenery and no overcrowding. Young people too as overcrowding is one the important causes of mental health issues
1/7/24, 5:47 pm - +Rama: Rubbish
1/7/24, 5:48 pm - +Bhavani: What you are talking is rubbish for the sake of it
1/7/24, 5:48 pm - +Rama: Hope your wishes and desires bear fruit for the nation as a whole!
1/7/24, 5:49 pm - +Bhavani: Singapore used to be a beautiful country with much less buildings
1/7/24, 5:49 pm - +Bhavani: People were much happier then
1/7/24, 5:49 pm - +Rama: Last time, police men wear shorts. Now, long pants. Don't dwell in the past!
1/7/24, 5:50 pm - +Bhavani: No you are mistaken in thinking
1/7/24, 5:50 pm - +Frankie Wee: New York highest crime rate
1/7/24, 5:50 pm - +Rama: Look for a backward third world country
1/7/24, 5:50 pm - +Bhavani: We can't wear long pants when the weather is so hot!
1/7/24, 5:51 pm - +Bhavani: Focusing on the environment does not mean we are a backward country
1/7/24, 5:51 pm - +Bhavani: If we respect the environment, then we will be role models for other countries too
1/7/24, 5:51 pm - +Rama: Singapore is respected internationally for its efforts in combating climate change
1/7/24, 5:51 pm - +Rama: We are
1/7/24, 5:52 pm - +Bhavani: This is not enough. We must make our people happy
1/7/24, 5:52 pm - +Rama: We have to create our own niche of happiness
1/7/24, 5:52 pm - +Bhavani: Peaceful I mean. This is the key to preventing unrest.
1/7/24, 5:53 pm - +Rama: We have relevant laws for that
1/7/24, 5:53 pm - +Bhavani: We can't create our own niche when things on the ground are so bad.
1/7/24, 5:53 pm - +Bhavani: No we can't just rely on laws.
1/7/24, 5:53 pm - +Rama: Then, do an outreach yourself
1/7/24, 5:54 pm - +Frankie Wee: I feeling this year is not the best years.
Something happened global and USA president vote worse
1/7/24, 5:54 pm - +Rama: Communication with the relevant Government ministry, minister and GPC would be good
1/7/24, 5:54 pm - +Rama: Yes
1/7/24, 5:58 pm - +Rama: Dotard and stammer!
1/7/24, 6:00 pm - +Bhavani: Don't tell me what to do
1/7/24, 6:01 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
1. The issue is not about worrying massive foreign tourists coming over and overcrowd Singapore infrastructure because :-
a. Availability of hotel rooms and accomodation - will be the equaliser to restrict how many foreign tourists can come into Singapore.
Without or unable to book a hotel stay - foreign tourists cannot come.
So the argument that foreign tourists will over crowd Singapore infrastructure is a flaw argument.
1/7/24, 6:01 pm - +Rama: Don't gives ideas without substance or foundation
1/7/24, 6:02 pm - +Bhavani: No communication here is encouraged. Why should I go to other ministries when I can give my feedback here
1/7/24, 6:02 pm - +Bhavani: You are the one talking with no substance and foundation whatsoever
1/7/24, 6:02 pm - +Rama: You still have a lot to learn about the working of government
1/7/24, 6:05 pm - +REACH: *📢 Topic 📢*
1/7/24, 6:06 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
2. The challenge Singapore is facing - is the strong competitions for foreign tourists to come to Singapore - so that Singapore can boost our tourism economic sector and create more jobs.
3. Tourism is the economic sector - least threaten by AI - and has created many business and jobs for Singaporeans.
4. The moment we discourage foreign tourists - many people will lose jobs in airlines, air hubs, hotels, F&B, transport such as taxis, private hire, goods and services tourism related etc
And we will lose $27 over billion in GDP.
5. CNA just now broadcast that HK being a vibrant international business, finance and tourism city has lose its shine - and struggle to win it back - losing to many China cities and to ASEAN and regional countries.
Based on this lady suggestion - Singapore will be condemned going to the kampong age - whereby many people will lose jobs and income.
1/7/24, 6:07 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
"Indonesia’s Jokowi says complex permit processes reason for losing out on Taylor Swift concerts to Singapore.
Singapore was the only stop in Southeast Asia for Taylor Swift's "The Eras Tour" earlier this year, with six sold-out concerts that were held in March."
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/indonesia-concerts-taylor-swift-coldplay-joko-widodo-bureaucracy-4434991#:~:text=Indonesia%E2%80%99s%20Jokowi%20says,held%20in%20March.
1/7/24, 6:07 pm - +Rama: So, we did well in the end with tourists!?
1/7/24, 6:07 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
See, foreign countries are competing teeth and neck to wrestle tourism business from us
1/7/24, 6:08 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
Yes we did.
Fortunately, we don't follow what this lady say.
1/7/24, 6:08 pm - +Rama: Thanks for great foresight by our government
1/7/24, 6:09 pm - +Rama: For the record, I don't like Taylor Swift For religious reasons.
1/7/24, 6:09 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
Has Hong Kong lost its way in the tourism business and is there a route back despite stiff competition from neighbouring cities?
More Hongkongers are heading to neighbouring Shenzhen for leisure, with some putting aside politics to embrace cheaper prices, better service and more options.
But mainland visitors are not returning to Hong Kong as much as expected, with cities across the border adding to the competition for tourists.
https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3247058/has-hong-kong-lost-its-way-tourism-business-and-there-route-back-despite-stiff-competition
1/7/24, 6:10 pm - +Bhavani: Hi I know how the government works.
1/7/24, 6:11 pm - +Bhavani: As I often read articles
1/7/24, 6:11 pm - +Rama: A warning!
1/7/24, 6:11 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
Competition is so steep and we cannot be complacent.
The moment we listen to this ignorant lady ideas - we will follow HK footsteps and hundred and thousands of people will lose their jobs.
1/7/24, 6:11 pm - +Rama: So do most of us
1/7/24, 6:11 pm - +Bhavani: Jobs need not be tourism jobs
1/7/24, 6:11 pm - +Bhavani: Jobs can also be AI based
1/7/24, 6:11 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
You are too naive.
1/7/24, 6:11 pm - +Rama: Jobs cover various sectors of our economy
1/7/24, 6:12 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
Di you know AI?
1/7/24, 6:12 pm - +Rama: How about chatgpt!?
1/7/24, 6:12 pm - +Bhavani: No I dont know AI but I heard that AI robots will help the elderly in the future
1/7/24, 6:13 pm - +Bhavani: We have to create more environmental jobs
1/7/24, 6:13 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
So you are ignorant to give constructive advice.
1/7/24, 6:14 pm - +Bhavani: I'm not ignorant. I think you are really ignorant to keep harping on the economy every feedback session
1/7/24, 6:14 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
You are proposing something that you don't know.
1/7/24, 6:14 pm - +Rama: That's all!?
1/7/24, 6:14 pm - +Rama: How would we survive without a thriving economy!?
1/7/24, 6:14 pm - +Bhavani: AI from what I read are already being used in construction
1/7/24, 6:15 pm - +Rama: Much more than that!
1/7/24, 6:16 pm - +Bhavani: Look as someone practicing a minimal lifestyle aleady,I I know for example that we dont need luxury
1/7/24, 6:16 pm - +Bhavani: We don't need to eat out as we can cook ourselves.
1/7/24, 6:16 pm - +Rama: Not so easy, nowadays
1/7/24, 6:16 pm - +Rama: All of us!?
1/7/24, 6:17 pm - +Bhavani: Cooking is very simple you know?
1/7/24, 6:17 pm - +Rama: For lonely people with no family support!?
1/7/24, 6:17 pm - +Bhavani: If we spend hours on cooking, all the nutrients will escape into the air <This message was edited>
1/7/24, 6:17 pm - +Rama: You are way off!
1/7/24, 6:18 pm - +Bhavani: Cooking is simply stir frying when we have just 5 mins to spare
1/7/24, 6:19 pm - +Rama: For those with down syndrome, intellectual disabilities, physical handicap etc!?
1/7/24, 6:30 pm - +Bhavani: what about normal people why should they keep eating out and hurt their stomachs and wallets
1/7/24, 6:31 pm - +Rama: We all make our individual life choices
1/7/24, 6:31 pm - +Bhavani: And why should businesses keep prospering from consumers not only do they prosper what they serve to the people is mostly not healthy
1/7/24, 6:32 pm - +Bhavani: We can't keep saying indvidual choices we must look at the collective good
1/7/24, 6:33 pm - +Bhavani: When we encourage food establishments to thrive, we are also encouraging consumerism, waste generation, unhealthy food and drinks, crowdedness and pests
1/7/24, 6:34 pm - +Bhavani: This does not help anyone
1/7/24, 6:35 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
1. Then there is this argument that to attract foreign tourists - Government need to overbuild hotel infrastructure and lead to sinking of the city.
2. Government through URA, HDB, LTA and other housing planners has a central urban plan - how much HDB, condos, landed properties, industrial estates, offices, hotels, MRT, taxis, private hires and tourist attraction to build - based on the land spaces Singapore has.
3. Building and development are controlled - hence overcrowding is avoided. Sinking due to overbuild housing, hotel and infrastructure - is unlikely as engineering, architecting, soil study etc --- are well taken into account.
4. Moreover, 12 million to 14 million tourists visit - is well within STB plan's - reaping about $27 billion to $30 billion annually.
This is our projected and expected GDP generated by tourism - so that our infrastructure, accomodation - can accomodate the foreign tourists.
The notion of overcrowding and need to prevent tourism is simply flaw, based on this lady emotion - and not based on facts.
1/7/24, 6:35 pm - +Rama: They are duly taxed
1/7/24, 6:35 pm - +Rama: Only in communism which even doesn't work!
1/7/24, 6:35 pm - +Bhavani: Taxes can do nothing to help the environment
1/7/24, 6:36 pm - +Rama: Animals need to eat for us to consume later
1/7/24, 6:36 pm - +Bhavani: Whe they are taxed they simply pay but continue to generate waste
1/7/24, 6:36 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
5. Moreover a whopping 46.5% of the land space are used for forest and great conservation.
6. So the lady arguments of not environmentally friendly - is not based on facts.
1/7/24, 6:36 pm - +Rama: Know the current varied taxes first and what they can and are used for
1/7/24, 6:37 pm - +Bhavani: There are too many buildings
1/7/24, 6:37 pm - +Rama: The pocket hurts with too much inconsiderate taxes!
1/7/24, 6:37 pm - +Rama: Cannot go back to 1965 levels!
1/7/24, 6:38 pm - +Bhavani: Of course we can. We just need willpower
1/7/24, 6:38 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
Well, just have to rebut all your points that don't make sense.
Then government and people can see which points make sense and which points don't.
1/7/24, 6:38 pm - +Rama: Our government has the willpower, determination and foresight.
1/7/24, 6:38 pm - ☸️ Danny 心: <Media omitted>
1/7/24, 6:39 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
Yah willpower that more beggars on the street. <This message was edited>
1/7/24, 6:39 pm - +Bhavani: Hi same to you. Let the government decide
1/7/24, 6:39 pm - +Rama: If you travel the world, it can be shocking!
1/7/24, 6:39 pm - +Bhavani: There are already so many poor people today due to businesses profiteering from.the people
1/7/24, 6:40 pm - +Rama: Flawed without substance
1/7/24, 6:40 pm - +Bhavani: Stop talking as if you are the government
1/7/24, 6:40 pm - +Bhavani: Who are you to say my thinking is flawed
1/7/24, 6:40 pm - +Rama: We are the people lending our voices
1/7/24, 6:41 pm - +Bhavani: No you are the people pitting others down without valid reason!
1/7/24, 6:41 pm - +Rama: No basis for consideration
1/7/24, 6:41 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
She is the only lone voice here.
1/7/24, 6:41 pm - +Rama: Join the opposition then!
1/7/24, 6:41 pm - +Bhavani: As if your's has a basis
1/7/24, 6:42 pm - +REACH: Dear Contributors,
Please be courteous to one another so that we can have a conducive discussion.
Thank you.
Megan
1/7/24, 6:45 pm - +REACH: *Dear Contributors,*
⏰ We will be closing the chat in *15 minutes* ⏰
Thank you very much for being part of our WhatsApp chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan 😊
1/7/24, 6:48 pm - +Rama: 🙏👌👍🤝
1/7/24, 6:49 pm - +Kenneth Lee WM: Don’t kernah snook by straits times.
There be are super duper high paying jobs that skew the median.
Should look at the mode.
If median is above $10k, everyone will easily hv minimum retirement sum in cpf.
1/7/24, 6:53 pm - +~.@: that's median household income, so probably 2 working adult combined amount
1/7/24, 6:53 pm - +~.@: so individually will be around 5.4k, and yes that's median so 50% lower than that
1/7/24, 6:54 pm - +Rama: Median cannot be sustained at the same level indefinitely
1/7/24, 6:55 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
1. The argument that more foreign tourist bring more rats.
2. Rats come not because of too much tourists.
3. Rats come because people don't bag their waste food.
4. With more waste food sources, rats will grow.
1/7/24, 6:56 pm - +Rama: Nonsense
1/7/24, 6:56 pm - +Rama: From the one who mentioned in the first place
1/7/24, 6:57 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
Else China and India will be rat infested as both have 1.4 billion people.
1/7/24, 6:58 pm - ☸️ Danny 心:
That's why all her arguments cannot stand water.
1/7/24, 6:59 pm - +~l or Smiley face: <Media omitted>
1/7/24, 6:59 pm - +Bhavani: Don't be ridiculous tourists generate waste
1/7/24, 6:59 pm - +~l or Smiley face: "Empowering the next generation of changemakers, and honoring the selfless bravery of our mighty SAF. Wishing an inspiring Youth Day and a proud salute to our nation's protectors!"
-- anonymity
1/7/24, 7:00 pm - +REACH: *Dear Contributors,*
We will be closing the chat for today.
Thank you very much for being part of our WhatsApp chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan 😊
1/7/24, 7:00 pm - +Bhavani: Hi we do not want tourists as they are making everywhere congested and uncomfortable
1/7/24, 7:00 pm - ~ REACH Singapore changed this group's settings to allow only admins to send messages to this group
=====
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