Extended validity of Multiple Journey Visa will help attract more visitors to Singapore

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) welcomes the announcement by the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of visa measures that will extend the validity of Multiple Journey Visas (MJVs) issued to nationals from the People's Republic of China (PRC), up to a maximum of 10 years. The extended validity of the MJVs will reduce the hassle of having to reapply for a visa for each trip, and make it more convenient for PRC tourists to visit Singapore. This will enhance STB's efforts to increase visitor arrivals and tourism spending, which will benefit Singapore businesses and workers in tourism-related sectors such as hotels, attractions, dining and retail. "This move will support STB's strategy of promoting quality tourism and attracting visitors from our key source markets. It is also timely as we intensify our destination marketing efforts this year, with an exciting calendar of activities planned in conjunction with Singapore's 50th anniversary. Besides China, STB is also reaching out to visitors from other key markets including Indonesia, India and Australia", said Mr Leong Yue Kheong, Assistant Chief Executive, International Group, STB. In addition, STB is working with the embassy in China to expand the network of Authorised Visa Agents so that PRC visitors have more channels to apply for Singapore visas. As part of its marketing efforts to drive travel demand from the PRC, STB's China office had launched a micro-movie by Singaporean director Royston Tan on 15 April 2015. This microfilm showcases unusual aspects of Singapore as seen through the eyes of a Chinese child on an exchange programme, and revolves around the budding friendship he has with his host, a Singaporean classmate. Video can be viewed on http://minisite.youku.com/STB2014/. sourced:traveldailynews.asia