Singapore 50th Can Motivate Visits

Another country with a red and white flag is celebrating a birthday now, and it’s not Canada. Singapore marks its 50th anniversary this year and designates Aug. 9 as the official birthday of the small island nation in South East Asia.

Travel agents in Vancouver got this and other updates on Singapore at a recent morning presentation at the downtown Coast restaurant. Until December, visitors to Singapore will be able to choose from a range of attractive airfares, hotel stays, retail experiences, dining deals and admissions to attractions. More than 35 hotels are offering two-night packages with a third night free (for bookings to the end of August). During the Great Singapore Sale, tourists who spend a minimum of $50 will get a chance to win $500 in the form of a MasterCard pre-paid card, with one winner daily.

Also worth considering is a trip to watch the Formula One race on the streets of Singapore, which will be held Sept. 22. This is a singular event – in the night, on city streets under bright lights – that has been contracted until 2018.

Pictured, bringing news of Singapore to Vancouver recently were (back row, l-r) Toh Ern Chong, airline development manager for the Changi Airport Group; Michael Wraight, Singapore Airlines western Canada sales manager; and Ambrose Tham, the Vancouver-based marketing rep for the Singapore Tourism Board in the Americas. Front row – all members of the Changi Airport Group – (l-r) Ong Yu Shu, Amy Tan and Adeline Chia.(http://www.stb.gov.sg)