After an unprecedented era of armchair travel, fantasising about the bucket list holidays, it’s time to reimagine travel. Singapore is at the forefront of shaping the future of travel – and you know what? The ‘new normal’ looks extraordinary. Through necessity invention is born and the cutting-edge city-state will be greener, cleaner and more technologically advanced than ever before. Eco-attractions will include a new rainforest, a sustainable hotel and robots serving coffee. Reassuringly pristine before, Singapore’s attractions will now be certified spotless with the new SG Clean seal of approval. One of the safest places to visit in the world, Singapore will remain one of the most rewarding. Read on to discover a Singapore reimagined…
Reimagine Safety
Peace of mind is critical when it comes to really enjoying travel, and Singapore – already renowned for its unrivalled cleanliness – has elevated all health and safety measures to new national standards. The SG Clean Quality Mark initiative has raised the bar on hygiene and sanitisation, ensuring tourism establishments adhere to stringent practices to earn the accolade, while Singapore Tourism Board has laid our clear and concise guidelines in their Safe Management Measures (SMMs). This includes limiting capacity at attractions and upholding one-metre social distancing between groups, giving guests more space to enjoy Singapore’s popular attractions. Officials will perform regular inspections to ensure standards are met across all venues and, with safety so closely monitored, holidaymakers can truly relax and delight in the destination.
Reimagine Technology
Challenges give birth to progress and if there’s one thing the global pandemic has inspired, it’s advances in travel technology. The world’s first national digital contact tracing tool, Singapore’s TraceTogether app and token can be used for seamless and efficient entry into attractions. Contactless technology has made travel easier and safer. At Singapore’s Changi Airport visitors can now walk all the way from their seat on the plane to the front door without touching a single surface. Cleaning robots have supported the vigilant efforts of staff, while robot baristas have poured the coffee. There’s never been a more exciting time for technology in travel and hospitality.
Reimagine Stays
Hyatt Andaz Singapore is just one of hundreds of venues certified with the SG Clean Quality Mark. Catering to the requirements of the new traveller, the hotel has also introduced a digital concierge that allows guests to ask for information and book services and amenities around the clock via an AI-powered Facebook chatbot. Contactless delivery will be the norm when dropping off amenities and room service orders, and the hotel’s restaurant menus are now digital.
You don’t even need to stay over to book a room. The new eight-hour ‘Workation Package’ allows guests to use the hotel as certified clean and comfortable workspace, where lunch can be delivered (without contact) direct to your room.
Reimagine a City in Nature
Taking into account the needs of the community and the environment, Singapore aims to be the world’s most sustainable urban destination. New tourist development Jurong Lake District (JLD), set around a vast freshwater lake in western Singapore, will focus on sustainability, nature and science, while the Mandai Precinct – home to Singapore’s three main wildlife attractions, Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and River Safari – will become a world-class eco-themed nature cluster. New additions include Rainforest Park and Bird Park. There will even be eco-friendly accommodation.
These green developments are aligned with Singapore’s goal to become a ‘City in Nature’ with a focus on biophilic architecture connecting people to nature. Anyone travelling via Singapore Changi airport’s Jewel Terminal has experienced the power of biophilic design. Wandering through its 100,000 plants, hedge mazes, vertical gardens and aerial canopy parks generate a sense of wellbeing. The world’s tallest indoor waterfall completes the look.
Picture all of these advancements, and then picture Singapore, the future of travel.
For more information, visit www.stb.gov.sg/content/stb/en.html
