Singapore, 2 August 2006

In line with its Tourism 2015 vision, STB announced the introduction of three new categories to Tourism Awards 2006. They include the Top 10 Best Family Experiences, Best Tourism Host - Nightspots and the Uniquely Singapore award. This is part of the Singapore Tourism Board's (STB) continual efforts to encourage the industry to innovate and create unique experiences and distinctive service elements to enhance Singapore's competitiveness in order to realise the aggressive targets under its Tourism 2015 vision.

"The industry's support is pivotal to the realisation of the Tourism 2015 vision. The new awards recognise tourism players who contributed significantly to some of the key priority areas in our Tourism 2015 plans," said Dr Chan Tat Hon, Assistant Chief Executive (Leisure), Singapore Tourism Board. "Singapore is already a leading destination for families travelling to this region. We would like to recognise and encourage the industry players to continue to innovate and create Uniquely Singapore experiences for families travelling to Singapore. Winners of the new Top 10 Best Family Experiences award will be recognised and specially highlighted in our extensive marketing efforts both locally and overseas."

"As Singapore's entertainment and lifestyle landscape continues to transform with many new and happening entertainment options injecting much vibrancy to Singapore, it is timely to introduce the Best Tourism Host - Nightspot category to encourage the emphasis on service quality even as the sector continues to grow," Dr Chan added.

Another award that it will be making its debut at Tourism Awards 2006 is The Uniquely Singapore award. Honouring individuals, organisations, events or projects that best encapsulates the essence, personality and inspiration behind the brand, this award aims to recognise the significant efforts and achievements made by tourism players in bringing alive the Uniquely Singapore branding. Industry players' concerted efforts in leveraging on and living out the Uniquely Singapore brand will inspire a strong positive buzz in the global audience and achieve top-of-mind awareness when travellers make their plans.

Now into its 21st year, the Tourism Awards will see 28 categories - 22 of which will be open for public to submit nominations. Nomination period for Tourism Awards 2006 will begin on 3 August 2006 through 30 September 2006.

To make it easier and more convenient for participants, for the first time, nominations can be submitted via Short Message Service (SMS) to 73300. With this feature in place, nominations can literally be made anytime, anywhere. Each SMS nomination is charged at S$0.20. Participants who submit their nominations through SMS can stand to win attractive lucky draw prizes worth up to S$1000. To encourage more local and foreign participation, nominations can also be submitted either online (http://www.tourismawards.com), through a local toll-free hotline (1800-4AWARDS/ 1800-4-292737), or via the official forms that will be available at locations island-wide including restaurants, hotels, attractions, shopping centres, retail outlets, nightspots, all Singapore Visitors Centres, as well as the STB's overseas offices.

Members of the public can make nominations in 22 categories which include the eight 'Tourism Host' awards, three 'Best Accommodation Experience' awards, two 'Best Shopping Experience' awards, and two 'Best Travel Story' awards, as well as 'Best Leisure Event Experience', 'Best Leisure Attraction Experience', 'Best New Retail Concept', 'Best Nightspot Experience', 'Best Spa Experience', 'Best Singapore Travel Experience', and 'Most Innovative Marketing Effort by an Airline and/or Foreign Tour Operator' categories.

(A full list of the 28 award categories and criteria is appended at Annex A.)

Based on the nominations, a panel of judges comprising representatives from the STB and other public and private-sector organisations, will select the finalists and the eventual award winners.

More details on the Tourism Awards 2006 and past Tourism Awards are available at http://www.tourismawards.com.

For further enquiries, please contact:

Ms Tan Yen Nee
Manager
Leisure & Brand Communications Department
Communications Division
Singapore Tourism Board
Tel: 68313 867
Email: TAN_Yen_Nee@stb.gov.sg

Or

You may also reach us on the STB Press Phone at 9011 2071.

Annex A
TOURISM AWARDS 2006
(Awards numbered 7 to 28 as listed below are open for public nominations.)

1. Outstanding Contribution to Tourism
Honours an individual and/or organisation whose contributions have had a significant impact on the development of tourism in Singapore. Vision, dedication and commitment to the future of tourism are the qualities which will distinguish the recipient in earning the respect of all in the industry and Singaporeans in general.

2. Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year
Outstanding individuals who have applied their business acumen, creativity and innovative talents to assist in the growth and development of the tourism industry in Singapore. Entrepreneurial and leadership skills are among the qualities that will distinguish the recipient, who has also been responsible for growth in the financial or operating performance of the organisation concerned.

3. New Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year
An ‘up-and coming’ organisation and/or individual that have been in the tourism industry for five years or less. Determination, enterprising, visions for the future of tourism and product innovation are among the qualities that will distinguish the recipient, who has also shown potential to generate economic returns in the near future.

4. Special Recognition Award
Individuals or organisations that have made exceptional contributions to the tourism industry in Singapore.

5. Top 10 Best Family Experiences (New award)
Leisure attractions, shopping, food and beverage outlets, entertainment or sightseeing tour programmes that are Uniquely Singapore and family-oriented in terms of their products/facilities, services. In addition, these establishments should also excel in service delivery and constantly reinvents itself to create and provide a memorable experience that appeal to families.

6. Uniquely Singapore Award (New award)
Recognises the significant efforts and achievements made by individuals, organisations, events or projects that best encapsulate the essence, personality and inspiration behind the Uniquely Singapore branding.

Public nominations are invited for the following categories:

Best Tourism Host (Renamed, previously known as ‘Tourism Host of the Year’)
7. Best Tourism Host – Hotel
8. Best Tourism Host - Leisure Attraction
9. Best Tourism Host – Nightspot (New award)
10. Best Tourism Host – Restaurant
11. Best Tourism Host – Retail
12. Best Tourism Host – Spa
13. Best Tourism Host - Tour Guiding
14. Best Tourism Host - Transport (Taxi)

Best front-line staff who displays outstanding service, professionalism, initiative, responsiveness and knowledge of products and services.

Best accommodation Experience – Hotel
15. Best Accommodation Experience – Deluxe
16. Best Accommodation Experience – Superior
17. Best Accommodation Experience – Standard (Renamed, previously known as ‘Best Accommodation Experience – Budget Hotel)