STB may pen promotion plan with Gujarat

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB), the tourism promotion body of Singapore, may tie up with the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd (TCGL) to promote that country's tourist potential among domestic as well as non-resident Gujaratis.

As Singapore received only 3.09 lakh Indian tourists during last year against 3.75 lakh tourists in 2002, STB has allocated Rs 40 crore to promote the country among Indians for this year.

Edward Chew, manager (international group), STB, said, "We are looking for a strategic alliance with a local government body to promote Singapore more among Gujaratis. TCGL may be the best such enterprise in this state to work for mutual benefit. There is lesser interest among people in Singapore for considering Gujarat as a tourist destination in comparison with states like Kerala, Goa and Jammu & Kashmir. But if such an alliance can be worked out, it will fetch in good fortune for both the parties. We will initiate talks with TCGL and the tourism department officials in the state to expedite such a venture."

Chew was here on Wednesday at the announcement of the first flight connecting Singapore with Gujarat through Ahmedabad. Chew said the board has started working in Singapore to set up various facilities exclusively targeting tourists from Gujarat.

"We understand that the people from Gujarat like eating out, so we are planning to set up shops and restaurants in Singapore which will sell Gujarati cuisine and delicacies. We are also interested in inviting Gujarati entrepreneurs to set up businesses in our country which will bring in fresh investment in Singapore and also business opportunities for Gujaratis," Chew said.

STB is also working on package deals with Singapore Airlines Ltd (SAL) to woo tourists from Gujarat.

"With the first flight connecting Ahmedabad and Singapore will start operating from July 28, we are trying to work out an economical package for our passengers along with STB and the board has recently agreed in principle. A package within the range of Rs 18,000-19,000 including stay in Singapore for three nights and four days is being worked out for the initial stage. We are also looking for opportunity to work with other tour operators to increase traffic from Gujarat and India," said B K Ong, general manager (India), SAL.

STB is targeting over four lakh tourists from India by the end of this calendar year with the help of SAL expanding its operations in India and adding more cities in its Indian map.