Gotta explore ‘em all! Singapore Tourism Board teams up with Niantic to promote tourism offerings through Pokémon GO

Singapore, 12 November 2020 – The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) teams up with American AR technology company, Niantic, to showcase tourism offerings and encourage precinct exploration with the popular smartphone game, Pokémon GO. The collaboration is part of the ongoing SingapoRediscovers¹ campaign to support local businesses.

Niantic creates titles to encourage people to explore, exercise, and have real-world social connections. With the tie-up between STB and Niantic, players will be able to meet and capture

Pokémon or engage in virtual Raids with other players at up to 300 new PokéStops and Gyms located at tourism establishments and lifestyle offerings, starting today. These are located at hotels, attractions, retailers, food and beverage establishments as well as at tour ticketing booths in 10 precincts², including Changi/East Coast, Chinatown, Joo Chiat/ Katong, Kampong Gelam, and Mandai/Kranji. STB is also planning to schedule special Raid Battles in some areas. More information about Pokémon GO events and activities will be available on the Singapore Tourism Board Facebook (@STBSingapore) and Instagram (@stb_sg) accounts in the coming weeks.

When players arrive at these PokéStops and Gyms on Pokémon GO, they will see an in-app banner promoting the SingapoRediscovers campaign. Tapping on the banner brings players to the campaign microsite, which displays the ongoing SingapoRediscovers promotions available at tourism and lifestyle establishments. The Pokémon GO game encourages people to walk around and discover new things in their surroundings, which will enable the discovery of local businesses and precinct exploration.

Ms Lim Shoo Ling, STB’s Brand Director, said: “We are excited by this collaboration with Niantic, which allows us to connect with the passionate community of Pokémon GO players in a fun and innovative way. As they pursue their favorite Pokémon across Singapore, we hope players will explore our precincts, discover hidden gems, and support local business – while staying safe and observing the necessary precautions.”

“We are very excited to work with Singapore Tourism Board on this partnership. Our strength is to influence people to walk physically from location to location, and we are hoping to utilize this to encourage people to explore different parts of Singapore in-depth and boost domestic travel needs,” said Mr Gary Chang, APAC Business Development Lead, Niantic. 

All participating businesses have been advised to strictly observe safe management measures for public health and safety reasons.

-END-

¹The SingapoRediscovers campaign was launched in July 2020 by the Singapore Tourism Board, Enterprise Singapore and Sentosa Development Corporation. The campaign encourages locals to support tourism and lifestyle businesses, by showcasing hidden gems, experiences and promotions.

²The 10 precincts are Changi/ East Coast, Chinatown, Civic District, Joo Chiat/ Katong, Kampong Gelam, Little India, Mandai/ Kranji, Marina Bay, Orchard Road and Sentosa.

About the Singapore Tourism Board

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is the lead development agency for tourism, one of Singapore’s key economic sectors. Together with industry partners and the community, we shape a dynamic Singapore tourism landscape. We bring the Passion Made Possible brand to life by differentiating Singapore as a vibrant destination that inspires people to share and deepen their passions.