Gradual Reopening of Tourism Establishments

Singapore, 28 June 2020 – As part of the resumption of activities in Phase 2 after the Circuit Breaker, tourism businesses in Singapore will be permitted to resume operations in stages from 1 July, beginning with 13 attractions. STB will also allow domestic tour operators to begin submitting their applications to resume operations.

Attractions and tour operators are required to submit their reopening proposals to the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) for assessment. Operators must demonstrate effective implementation of safe management measures to provide a safe environment for customers and workers, and may resume operations only after receiving approval from the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI). These proposals must include safe management measures that are tailored to reduce the COVID-19 transmission risks of each attraction or tour.

Reopening of attractions

Before approval is given for an attraction to reopen, its operator must address risks specific to the nature of its operations and adhere to the requirements, laid out in the Advisory for Attractions . Attractions operators can submit their reopening proposals to STB_Attractions@stb.gov.sg.

The following attractions, including selected components in the two Integrated Resorts (IRs), have submitted their reopening proposals. MTI and STB have carefully assessed their proposals and will allow them to reopen from 1 July 2020:

•  Bounce

•  Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay¹

•  Jurong Bird Park

•  Madame Tussauds

•  River Safari

•  Singapore Zoo

•  Zero Latency

•  ArtScience Museum, Sands SkyPark and Observation Deck and Casino at Marina Bay Sands

•  Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium and Casino at Resorts World Sentosa

As a further precautionary measure, most attractions will be restricted to no more than 25 per cent of their operating capacity at any one time, for a start. Access to the casinos will be limited to existing casino members and annual levy holders only.

Resumption of tours

Tour operators and tourist guides can submit applications to STB_TID@stb.gov.sg, and may only resume carrying out tour activities after receiving approval from MTI. They will be required to submit their tour itineraries and schedules to STB in advance, and demonstrate that they can implement all relevant safe management measures. For the full list of requirements, please refer to the Advisory for Tours.

Concurrently, STB will step up its efforts to ensure that more tourism businesses, including attractions, apply for the SG Clean certification. SG Clean is a national mark of excellence that indicates adherence to heightened standards of cleaning, hygiene and sanitisation, and will provide reassurance to all who visit these premises.

Mr Keith Tan, Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board, said: “The tourism sector has been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, but our industry partners have responded with professionalism and resilience. With tourism reopening in a safe and gradual manner, STB’s key priority will be to ensure that tourism businesses can provide a safe and enjoyable experience for their guests and visitors. While it will be some time before Singapore can fully welcome international visitors, we hope Singaporeans and residents of Singapore will enjoy what our tourism businesses have to offer, in a socially responsible way.”

Ms Tresnawati Prihadi, Chairman, Association of Singapore Attractions, said: “During the three-month closure, our attractions have been working hard on the SG Clean certification and putting in place enhanced measures to ensure that the attractions are safe for our guests as well as for staff. We are delighted that our attractions will  now be able to reopen, to welcome guests and bring smiles to their faces again. ASA is committed to working with the authorities and our members to deliver fun and safe experiences for our guests.”

Ms Jean Wang, Chairman, Society of Tourist Guides (Singapore), said: “We are pleased that tours can now resume, following several challenging months. This is encouraging news, and our members look forward to sharing their stories and knowledge of Singapore with locals and visitors again. STGS will continue to work together with STB and our members to ensure tour operators and tourist guides carry out tours safely.”

For the latest advisories on safe management measures for all tourism businesses, and more information on how to submit an application, visit the STB corporate website.

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For media queries, please contact:

Davelle Lee
Assistant Manager, Communications
Singapore Tourism Board
Tel: +65 6831 3900
Email: davelle_lee@stb.gov.sg
Or call the STB Media Hotline at +65 9011 2071

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.

¹Flower Dome will open to Friends of the Gardens members on 1 July and the public from 11 July.