Singapore is gradually reopening its borders to allow visitors in limited numbers from neighbouring countries, after closing all tourist attractions and local tours as part of the ?circuit breaker? plan, to prevent the spread of COVID-19 earlier this year.
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) allowed local tour operators, tourist guides and tourist attractions to resume operations from July onwards, provided they maintain a safe environment for customers and their staff. Hotels which were not allowed to take in leisure guests are now allowed to welcome back local guests. However, there is no official announcement on when borders will be open to large numbers of tourists from beyond neigbouring countries and the FCO is still advising against all non-essential travel to the cirty state.
?All of our partners in the tourism sector have to comply with stringent Safe Management Measures before reopening. After reopening, we will conduct regular spot checks. In addition to the SG Clean certification programme, we have launched a domestic tourism campaign, called SingapoRediscovers,? says STB chief executive Keith Tan.
?The tourism industry has stepped up to create new and more exclusive experiences and products. I have been pleasantly surprised at the quality of these experiences, such as small group back-of-house tours, hands-on-experiences, up close and personal experiences, and I am confident that many of these will appeal to the visitors,? he added.
Mr Tan says further, ?Visitors will not need to serve any form of quarantine, except for a short period when they are awaiting results. We have also resumed transit travel via Changi Airport and our national carrier, Singapore Airlines has resumed flights to major cities, including London.?
?COVID-19 will change many aspects of the travel and tourism industry permanently. But I am confident that Singapore is ready to adapt to these changes and will continue to be one of the world?s safest, most attractive and most sustainable destinations,? concluded Mr Tan.
Singapore Airlines (SIA) and SilkAir have increased the frequency of selected services in their passenger network in September, October and November 2020, and reinstated flights to Phnom Penh, Surabaya and Taipei. By the end of November 2020, the group?s passenger capacity will reach approximately 11% of its pre-Covid-19 levels. Singapore Airlines has scheduled a steady number of flight between September to November to London Heathrow, and on some days more than two flights on one day.
To watch the video with Mr Keith Tan?s message: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwjwytJpUrE&feature=youtu.be
