MERLION’S VIRTUAL VACATION AT M SOCIAL DECENTRALAND MARKS STB’S FORAY INTO THE METAVERSE

^{Caption: The Merlion (centre) stands at the entrance of M Social Decentraland with his friends, also familiar Singapore icons (L-R) the hawker assistant, bird watcher, and otter*}

Singapore, 21 November 2022 – Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and homegrown hospitality group Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR) have jointly launched Merlion on Vacation, a virtual adventure that enables players to explore Singapore in the metaverse, win prizes and enjoy a Merlion 50^th Birthday themed room package at M Social Singapore.

Players will search for clues to locate the Merlion as he is teleported to Decentraland, a 3D virtual world platform, for a vacation to mark his 50th birthday. Singapore’s Merlion, located at Merlion Park, turned 50 on 15 September this year.

Apart from discovering M Social Decentraland – a virtual hotel with glass exteriors and neon pink accents – players can engage in mini-games featuring Singapore landmarks such as Orchard Road, Sungei Buloh, Gardens by the Bay, and Maxwell Food Centre. Those who complete the games will enter a raffle for the grand prize of a one-night-stay at M Social Singapore, as well as hotel and F&B vouchers and other merchandise.

M Social Singapore has also launched a Merlion 50^th Birthday Package to mark the Singapore icon’s jubilee, allowing guests to experience Merlion-themed cocktail-mixing and perfume-making workshops.

The virtual adventure Merlion on Vacation builds on the opening of M Social Decentraland in May this year, which marked MHR as the world’s first hotel group to operate a hotel in the metaverse. M Social Decentraland occupies prime real estate in Decentraland as it is one tram stop from Genesis Plaza, the starting point for all visitors to the virtual platform.

“M Social Decentraland may be in the virtual world but the campaign is grounded in the reality of reaching new customers and generating new revenue sources with the metaverse as the platform. Our partnership with STB on the Merlion’s virtual vacation is one such example. By getting local and international guests to participate in this campaign, we are promoting destination Singapore and the M Social brand, while sweetening the pot with rewards for stays and dining that can be used at our physical hotel, M Social Singapore,” said Mr. Saurabh Prakash, Group Senior Vice President, Commercial, Millennium Hotels and Resorts.

“Stepping into the metaverse creates opportunities for STB to engage new audiences and connect with travellers in a novel and creative way. The tourism landscape is evolving, and to remain relevant it is critical that we embrace emerging technologies to inspire travel to Singapore and push the boundaries of marketing innovation. STB is excited to collaborate with hospitality stalwart Millennium Hotels and Resorts on this metaverse pilot to reimagine our tourism offerings, and we welcome everyone to join us in exploring Singapore virtually,” said Mr. Chang Chee Pey, Assistant Chief Executive, Marketing Group, Singapore Tourism Board.

Access to M Social Decentraland is free of charge. Players can engage in M Social Decentraland activities from https://www.msocial.com/merlion-in-metaverse. An open call to “cover” for the Merlion while he is on vacation is ongoing from now till 12 December 2022. You can stand in for the beloved icon through filters available on VisitSingapore and MHR Instagram accounts by using the hashtag #MerlionOnVacation.

The world was introduced to the M Social brand in 2016, starting with M Social Singapore, and has since expanded with other physical outposts in Paris, New York and Auckland. M Social Decentraland marks the first virtual location in the metaverse. MHR plans to grow the brand in more physical locations including Suzhou, Phuket, London, Sunnyvale and key cities in the Middle East, with strong characters to capture diverse stories in vibrant and creative communities.

*Please click here for high-resolution images of the Merlion on vacation in M Social Decentraland.

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About Millennium Hotels and Resorts

Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR) is the global brand of Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Limited (M&C), a global hotel company which owns, manages and operates over 145 hotels across some 80 locations. It has several distinct hotel brands, including Grand Millennium, Millennium, M Social, Copthorne and Kingsgate, throughout Asia, Europe, the Middle East, New Zealand and the United States. Occupying the best locations in gateway cities around the world, MHR has the perfect address for business and leisure travellers. M&C is the hotel arm of Singapore-listed global property company City Developments Limited, and a member of the Hong Leong Group. Visit www.millenniumhotels.com for more information.

About the Merlion

The Merlion is a mythical creature with the head of lion and the body of a fish, that was first created in 1964 as the corporate logo for the then Singapore Tourist Promotion Board (STPB). The first Merlion statue was constructed in 1972 by local sculptor Lim Nang Seng and was officiated on 15 September 1972 by then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew at the mouth of the Singapore River. Since its installation, the Merlion has been Singapore’s national emblem for tourism – a cherished icon synonymous with our humble beginnings and journey as a nation. As we welcome the world to Singapore again, the Merlion is a reminder of our rich cultural heritage and our resilience. The Merlion’s 50th birthday celebrates not just its longevity, but how we are reimagining our city as a vibrant destination and a home that Singaporeans can be proud of.

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.