Singapore seeks to INSPIRE Indian incentives

SINGAPORE Tourism Board (STB) yesterday in Mumbai launched the In Singapore Incentives & Rewards (INSPIRE), a rewards programme for Indian outbound MICE groups.
Produced in partnership with Singapore’s major tourism players such as Changi Airport Group, Gardens by the Bay and Sentosa Leisure Group, among others, INSPIRE categorises and rewards incentive groups according to three tiers – basic, value and premium.
To qualify for INSPIRE’s basic tier, groups must travel to Singapore before December 31, 2014 and book a minimum of 1,000 room nights. Value and premium tier require 1,500 and 1,800 room nights respectively.
Groups accepted into the INSPIRE programme will receive a S$20 (US$16) Singapore Changi Airport shopping voucher per visitor. Other rewards include a guided tour to the Singapore Turf Club Parade Ring and a trackside marquee dinner, a New York Street Party dinner at Universal Studios Singapore, a specially chartered zoo tram expedition at the Night Safari, reserved seating at Jurong Bird Park’s new High Flyer show, and premium seating for Sentosa’s Songs of the Sea show.
STB welcomes applications from now until July 31, 2014.
STB executive director for South Asia, Middle East and Africa, Chee Pey Chang, explained that Indians were increasingly seeking unique experiences while on business travel.
“INSPIRE was created to appeal to this growing segment by developing a selection of personalised programmes and exclusive offerings,” he said.
Meanwhile, the NTO, in collaboration with the Asia Cruise Association, has also been conducting training sessions for travel consultants in Mumbai and New Delhi on how to market cruises effectively or become Cruise Lines International Association-certified cruise counsellors.
Said Chee: “Given the recent rupee devaluation, Indians will find cruise vacations a great, cost-effective, all-inclusive vacation.”
Faraway Places Mumbai managing director, Arvind Tandon, said: “Cruise tourism has gained huge popularity over the last two to three years and although Singapore remains the prime hub for Indian outbound cruise enthusiasts, cruises in Europe and Alaska are also becoming popular. We have seen 20 per cent (year-on-year) growth in the segment.”

Sourced: ttgasia