Singapore Coronavirus Travel Impact Summary

Consumer spending has fallen 14% in Singapore, according to a new report by Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Visa. Local brands in particular have suffered, especially those without an online presence. STB and Visa have signed a 3-year MoU, with research and analytics, as well as marketing partnerships. Their first project is to encourage Singaporeans to shop at local retailers

Source: www.warc.com/newsandopinion/news/singapores-local-retail-brands-hardest-hit-by-covid-19-pandemic/44112

18 Sep outbound

Singapore has been added to England and Scotland’s travel corridor list, meaning that from 19 Sep Singaporean travellers will no longer have to self-isolate for 2 weeks on arrival

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/covid-19-england-singapore-thailand-travel-self-isolation-exempt-13122516

18 Sep inbound

Tourism companies are cautiously optimistic about the benefits of the SingapoRediscovers vouchers. Tour operators suspect that hotels will get the majority of spend, rather than them

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singaporediscovers-vouchers-local-tours-hotels-offers-13120948

17 Sep aviation

Singapore Airlines Group reported a drop of -98.6% YoY for their Aug pax, carrying just 32,700 in total, with a load factor of 19.2%. Their passenger capacity was -91.1% YoY

Source: blueswandaily.com/singapore-airlines-group-reports-full-service-carrier-pax-declines-98-6-in-aug-2020/

17 Sep inbound

Experts have suggested that the effectiveness of the SingapoRediscovers vouchers lies with how collaborative tourism players are with one another. The Association of Singapore Attractions urges hotels, attractions and tour operators to work together to create a staycation package that would benefit the whole tourism ecosystem

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/businesses-can-collaborate-to-extend-vouchers-impact-experts

16 Sep inbound

Singaporeans 18 years and above will receive $100 SGD in digital vouchers for the SingapoRediscovers Vouchers in Dec. The vouchers will come in denominations of $10 SGD and can be used at all licensed hotels, leisure attractions and local tours which have been approved by STB to reopen. The STB say “As to the exact extent of the catalytic effect, it will be a bit hard to predict at this point in time, but we hope that it is at least a few times what we have provided for in the budget.”

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/all-adult-sporeans-to-get-100-tourism-vouchers-in-december-for-staycations-attractions-and

16 Sep aviation

Around 50% of Singapore Airlines’ cadet pilots and cabin crew attendees have been let go, with the other 50% allowed to complete training, but they must leave after

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/half-of-sia-pilot-cabin-crew-trainees-allowed-to-complete-training

16 Sep inbound

Tourist attractions can double their capacity to 50% from 18 Sep once their application is approved. Outdoor shows will be allowed 250 pax, up from the current 50, but must be split into 5 zones with distancing between the groups. The Gardens by the Bay has seen encouraging increases in their visitors, with 480,000 since Jul

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/curbs-eased-on-capacity-caps-for-visitors-at-singapore-tourist-attractions

16 Sep inbound

The idea of no-destination flights from Singapore Airlines has been criticised by environmental groups, who have instead proposed alternative on-the-ground activities the airline could undertake, including overnight stays in the business and first-class suites, as well as tours of the cockpit

Source: www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/sia-flight-nowhere-proposal-gets-thumbs-down-local-environmental-groups

15 Sep inbound

The Transport Minister is hoping to announce an air bubble with Singapore, as well as other countries soon

Source: www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/09/15/transport-minister-malaysia-hopes-to-announce-air-traffic-bubble-with-singa/1903583

15 Sep aviation

Singapore Changi Airport has come top in the Safe Travel Barometer’s lisr of safest airports, with a score of 4.7 out of 5

Source: www.ttgasia.com/2020/09/15/singapore-changi-named-worlds-safest-airport/

15 Sep inbound

Retrenchments in Q2 more than doubled those in Q1, with a total of 11,350 workers made redundant in H1. This number does not include the numbers from Singapore Airlines Group or Resorts World Sentosa. Singaporean and permanent residents were less likely to be made redundant than foreign workers. The overall unemployment rate for Singaporeans in Jul rose to 4.3% from 3.5% in Mar. Overall hiring demand also fell

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/manpower/retrenchments-spike-in-q2-as-unemployment-rises-steadily

15 Sep inbound

The STB is aiming to capture around 10% of the $25 billion USD 2018 outbound spend from Singaporeans

Source: www.cnbc.com/2020/09/16/singapore-turns-to-domestic-tourism-as-travel-sector-reels-from-coronavirus.html

14 Sep inbound

STB and Klook have signed a $2 million SGD partnership for domestic marketing under the SingapoRediscovers Campaign. Klook’s merchants will be encouraged to develop new products and experiences to inspire locals

Source: www.marketing-interactive.com/stb-and-klook-launch-sg2-million-domestic-marketing-partnership

14 Sep aviation

Singapore Airlines has confirmed it will not resume its routes to Canberra and Wellington

Source: simpleflying.com/singapore-airlines-cuts-canberra-wellington-flights/

13 Sep outbound

The travel industry has said that many of their customers are just waiting for a “green light” to be able to travel, but the main sticking point would be stay-home notices upon return to Singapore

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/covid-19-rigorous-testing-air-travel-stay-home-notices-13099034

12 Sep aviation

Singapore Airlines Group’s retrenched staff will get one month of pay per year of service, limited to 25 months, if they have been working at the group for at least 2 years

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/manpower/retrenched-sia-staff-to-get-1-months-pay-per-year-of-service

11 Sep aviation

Singapore Airlines may launch no-destination flights, according to sources, by mid-Oct. These could potentially be paid for by the government’s tourism credits. Flights would last 3 hours, and would likely be paired together with a package

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/sia-looks-to-launch-flights-to-nowhere-by-end-october-to-mitigate-covid-19

11 Sep aviation

The Singapore Airlines Group is cutting 4,300 positions, directly affecting 2,400 employees, as the remaining 1,900 positions have already been cut by recruitment freezes and voluntary departure schemes. The airline expects to operate just 50% of its capacity by Mar 2021, and that it was a “painfully difficult decision” to make

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/2400-sia-staff-affected-as-group-cuts-4300-positions

11 Sep inbound

Singapore has agreed a ’Business Track’ with Japan for essential business and official travel from 18 Sep. This is the first country which Japan has established such a framework. Travellers will need to be tested pre-departure and on arrival, as well as keep to strictly controlled itineraries for the first 14 days of their trip

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/spore-japan-to-launch-green-lane-for-essential-business-and-official-travellers-on-sept-18

10 Sep inbound

STB and Mastercard have partnered to explore solutions to transform the tourism visitor experience under the City Possible programme

Source: www.miragenews.com/mastercard-and-singapore-tourism-board-co-develop-tools-to-reimagine-tourism-in-digital-first-age/

10 Sep inbound

Singapore would welcome talks to resume travel to Hong Kong, the government has said

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-welcomes-talks-with-hong-kong-on-resuming-cross-border-travel

10 Sep inbound

An Agoda survey has shown that the availability of a vaccine, virus containment in destination and quarantine exemptions are the most important factors for Singaporeans to travel confidently. 48% of Singaporeans are also worried about job security and financial security, so might spend less on travel

Source: www.ttgasia.com/2020/09/10/absent-covid-vaccine-batters-singaporeans-travel-confidence/

10 Sep inbound

Johor state has submitted an SOP working paper to the Malaysian ministry to expedite the reopening of the Malaysia – Singapore border beyond the current arrangements

Source: www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/09/10/johor-submits-working-papers-sop-to-putrajaya-in-bid-to-reopen-singapore-bo/1901925

10 Sep inbound

Singapore will distribute TraceTogether tokens free throughout the nation, which will be used for contact tracing. The tokens use Bluetooth signals with other tokens nearby, as well as mobiles with the app

Source: www.malaymail.com/news/singapore/2020/09/10/singapore-to-distribute-tracetogether-token-from-sept-14-new-self-check-and/1901806

9 Sep inbound

The first 14 visitors from New Zealand and Brunei arrived into Singapore under the Air Travel Pass scheme

Source: newsinfo.inquirer.net/1333234/visitors-arrive-from-new-zealand-brunei-as-singapore-opens-its-borders-to-those-countries

9 Sep inbound

Non-Singaporean travellers to Singapore from India will need to have pre-departure tests 72 hours prior to departure, due to the surge in cases in India

Source: www.theedgesingapore.com/news/covid-19/singapore-require-pre-departure-tests-travellers-india-step-enforcement-against-errant

9 Sep aviation

All planes operating to/ from Singapore must have on-board emergency quarantine areas, with a section of seats blocked off to minimise passenger risk

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/all-planes-operating-here-must-set-up-on-board-isolation-area

8 Sep inbound

The MICE industry in Singapore welcomed the news that events would be allowed more participants, saying it would give hope and open up the opportunity for even larger events

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/industry-players-welcome-move-to-restart-mice-sector

8 Sep inbound

MICE Depot created a hybrid model for events, allowing 50 pax to attend a meeting physically, whilst the rest attend virtually. This new model has generated about 50% of lost revenues and managed to avoid retrenching employees

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/events-firm-regained-50-of-lost-revenue-with-hybrid-model

8 Sep inbound

Hong Kong has said that they are in talks with 6 nations to establish travel bubbles – including Singapore, who had reciprocated interest

Source: www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3100730/bubbles-or-bust-battered-covid-19-hong-kong

8 Sep inbound

Tripadvisor’s Season Travel Index has shown that 45% of Singaporeans are more likely to consider outdoor or nature trips, whilst 37% are more likely to consider roadtrips

Source: www.ttgasia.com/2020/09/08/domestic-bookings-in-singapore-on-the-rise-tripadvisor/

7 Sep inbound

Singapore will allow MICE events with up to 250 people to take place from 1 Oct, once organisers have obtained relevant permissions. This will act as a pilot scheme before larger-scale events are allowed

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-to-allow-bigger-mice-events-with-up-to-250-attendees-application-to-start-from

7 Sep inbound

The Ministry of Manpower has revealed that 39% of workers retrenched in Q1 managed to find jobs by Jun, an encouraging sign that businesses are still hiring. 1,400 workers from 100 hotels and tourism companies have been retrained or are being retrained for new roles

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/manpower/2-in-5-workers-retrenched-in-first-quarter-found-jobs-by-june-despite-economic

7 Sep inbound

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is launching a new program, Cook with Me, which will focus on Singaporean dishes, as well as Jalan-Jalan Bersama Marissa, following Marissa Nasution, an Indonesian actress who lives in Singapore, around the city, to attract more Indonesians

Source: www.thejakartapost.com/travel/2020/09/07/singapore-entices-indonesian-tourists-with-new-travel-culinary-shows.html

5 Sep aviation

Air Charter Service was seen 3 times more charter flights in and out of Singapore compared to the same period last year

Source: www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/travel/private-jets-flying-high-during-the-pandemic

4 Sep aviation

Scoot will not pay its cabin crew a basic salary if they earn more than $2,500 SGD/ month in temporary jobs. For those who do not, they will have half of their basic salary paid

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/scoot-sia-cabin-crew-basic-salary-temporary-job-13081932

4 Sep inbound

Singapore’s retail sales have fallen 8.5% in Jul YoY, an improvement from Jun’s 27.7% drop

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/covid-19-singapore-retail-sales-july-13081858

3 Sep aviation

Singapore Airlines has now reduced the requirement needed to maintain or reach its loyalty scheme statuses for PPS Club and Krisflyer customers

Source: www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2020/09/03/singapore-airlines-makes-it-easier-to-earn-loyalty-status-in-2021/

2 Sep inbound

Starburst, an aerospace and defence accelerator, has launched the Aviation Tech Accelerator Program in Singapore, related to new aviation technologies. It will take 10 startups a year through a 13-week program

Source: www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/starburst-announces-inaugural-aviation-tech-accelerator-program-held-in-singapore-301122985.html

2 Sep inbound

The PM has said: "Do not doubt. Do not fear. Jewel will shine again. Changi will thrive again. SIA will be a great way to fly once more. Our economy will prosper anew."

Source: www.straitstimes.com/politics/parliament-do-not-doubt-and-do-not-fear-that-singapore-will-prosper-anew-says-pm-lee

2 Sep inbound

A fast lane for residents of Singapore and South Korea will open on 4 Sep for essential business and official trips. Travellers will need to be tested pre-departure and on arrival, as well as follow a closely controlled itinerary for the first 14 days

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/covid-19-singapore-south-korea-to-launch-fast-lane-travel-sep-4-13075842

2 Sep inbound

Sentosa has revealed that its Jul and first 3 weeks of Aug had an increased of 40% YoY for domestic tourists. Other attractions such as Universal Studios Singapore and S.E.A Aquarium have also seen “enthusiastic footfall” since reopening. However, it remains to be seen whether this football is translating into hotel stays

Source: www.travelweekly-asia.com/Destination-Travel/Sentosa-catches-domestic-tourism-wave

2 Sep aviation

By the end of Nov, the Singapore Airlines group will have reached 11% of its January 2020 capacity

Source: www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/sia-resumes-flights-to-six-cities-passenger-capacity-to-hit-11-of-pre-covid-levels

2 Sep aviation

Singapore Airlines Group and Jetstar Asia will be increasing the number of destinations. Jetstar Asia will restart flights to Cambodia on 18 Sep, as well as implement a new safety programme where passengers will receive a sanitising wipe and have sequenced boarding of flights

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/sia-group-jetstar-asia-restarting-flights-to-more-destinations

1 Sep inbound

Singapore’s international arrivals in Jul reached 6,840 pax, up from 2,170 in Jun. Arrivals remained 99.6% down YoY. Hotel occupancy reached 70% in Jul

Source: www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/singapore-arrivals-more-than-triple-month-on-month-to-6840-visitors-in-july

1 Sep inbound

A reciprocal green lane between Singapore and Brunei has been established for essential business and official trips. Passengers will need to take a test upon arrival

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-brunei-green-lane-travel-covid-19-13071136

1 Sep aviation

Workers in the aerospace sector can now access more training courses with higher subsidies with 13,000 places across 100 courses, in the hope to avoid workers leaving the industry

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/over-13000-training-places-for-aerospace-employees-in-hard-hit-sector-35000

31 Aug inbound

TruTrip, a startup based in Singapore focusing on business travel, is capitalising on COVID-19 by providing more tools such as Covid Entry Check for SMEs

Source: www.travelweekly-asia.com/Travel-News/Travel-Technology/Covid-spells-a-breakout-moment-for-this-corporate-travel-startup?utm_source=enews&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=TWAedaily

31 Aug inbound

Consumers in Singapore are now more price-conscious, according to a Nielsen survey, and consumer confidence for Q2 2020 is 68 (dropping 23% from Q4 2019)

Source: www.campaignasia.com/article/price-and-promotion-strategies-need-a-rebuild-in-singapore/463303#_ftn3

31 Aug inbound

Millennium Hotels and Resorts have partnered with Wildlife Reserves Singapore to create personalised guest packages, including “Millennium Wild Experience with the Orangutans”. Guests will have a chance to go behind-the-scenes with the animal care team. For those serving Stay-Home notices, guests can enjoy “Hello from the Wild Side”, an initiative that allows quarantined guests to interact virtually with the animals

Source: marketing-interactive.com/wrs-brings-personalised-wildlife-experience-to-millennium-hotels-and-resorts-guests-with-latest-partnership

31 Aug aviation

Singapore Airlines is planning to reopen its Singapore – New York JFK route from 1 Nov, according to the latest GDS filing

Source: www.ttrweekly.com/site/2020/08/sq-will-resume-jfk-service-this-november/

29 Aug inbound

Pattaya is joining the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) to promote Pattaya as its First MICE City. Their new push will focus on their facilities as well as the new normal measures it follows

Source: www.pattayamail.com/featured/pattaya-pins-tourism-hopes-on-thai-meetings-conventions-312879

28 Aug aviation

Scoot will add Tokyo and Osaka to its routes from Singapore in Sep

Source: mainlymiles.com/2020/08/28/scoot-adds-tokyo-osaka-and-kaohsiung-flights-in-september/

28 Aug aviation

dnata has laid off employees in Singapore, declining to announce the number or compensation of the workers. It stated that it will have a “stronger Singaporean core” than before, moving from 63% of its workers being Singaporean to 73% after the cuts

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/dnata-retrenchment-ground-handling-firm-changi-airport-13063250

28 Aug aviation

One of Singapore Airlines’ 787 Dreamliners has been affected by a grounding by Boeing after it discovered issues in the jet’s structure

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/singapore-airlines-boeing-787-dreamliner-structural-issue-13063306

27 Aug inbound

Changi Airport launched its first online shopping campaign until 11 Oct, with deals on 9,000 tax and duty-absorbed products, as well as live streams from celebrities and social media stars

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/changi-airport-launches-its-first-online-shopping-campaign

27 Aug inbound

85 employees of Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre, almost half of its workforce, will be retrenched

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/suntec-singapore-retrenchment-workforce-covid-19-13059836

27 Aug inbound

Singapore and Thailand have agreed to speed up discussion on a reciprocal green lane for essential business travel

Source: www.ttgasia.com/2020/08/27/singapore-thailand-to-speed-up-green-lane-talks/

27 Aug aviation

Reviving Singapore’s status as an air hub is a “top and immediate priority” according to the Ministry of Transport. They are also taking advantage of the downtime to review Terminal 5’s layout, to make it more resilient

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/covid-19-changi-air-hub-aviation-transport-ong-ye-kung-13059146

27 Aug aviation

Chinese nationals protested outside the Chinese Embassy against new requirements which would mean that they had to get tested before travelling back to China – something that Singapore does not usually do. In reaction, authorities have set up a testing service. 3 flights from Singapore has hit the ‘circuit breaker’ measure from China, where a 1-week flight suspension is triggered if 5 pax or more test positive onboard

Source: themalaysianreserve.com/2020/08/27/raucous-crowd-in-singapore-shows-anger-at-china-travel-rules/

27 Aug inbound

Hotels in Singapore are partnering with local tour operators to create innovative staycation packages which include tours as an extension to the hotel stay

Source: www.ttgasia.com/2020/08/27/singapore-trade-band-together-to-uplift-tourism-industry/

27 Aug inbound

Singapore have set up a “Safe Travel Office” which will be a single touchpoint for all travellers, and will help to coordinate across the different government ministries

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/mha-ica-covid-19-safe-travel-office-borders-reopen-13059030

25 Aug inbound

Visitors from Brunei and New Zealand would need to use the TraceTogether app whilst they are in Singapore, and only delete the app 14 days after they have left the country to facilitate contact tracing

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/coronavirus-visitors-from-new-zealand-and-brunei-can-only-delete-tracetogether

25 Aug aviation

Scoot has apologised after sending out a mass email to customers who have travelled with Scoot or have future bookings, regardless of whether they were the specific passengers who needed to take a COVID-19 test before a flight to Guangzhou. They put this down to human error, rather than a data leak

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/scoot-sends-mass-e-mail-on-covid-19-travel-requirements-apologises-for-oversight

24 Aug inbound

All foreign arrivals must now submit their travel information and health declaration form electronically before immigration clearance

Source: www.ttrweekly.com/site/2020/08/singapore-arrival-card-online/

23 Aug inbound

Chinatown Complex Hawkers’ Association is organising virtual and physical tours of complex, under a campaign Hawker Day Out. They hope to rejuvenate the stalls and the complex in general, bringing back business

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/physical-and-virtual-tours-to-revive-chinatown-complex

22 Aug inbound

Whilst New Zealand is aware of Singapore’s changed travel restrictions for its citizens, it will not change its own travel advisories, the New Zealand government has said

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/new-zealand-travel-advisory-singapore-travel-advisory-13043882

22 Aug inbound

From 1 Sep, there will be further easing of restrictions, including exercise classes allowed to take place at more open spaces, and the 1m safe distancing requirement will be waived on public transport and in lifts. However, crowd control for Lucky Plaza and Peninsula Plaza malls will be enhanced, with visitors with an identity card which ends with an even number will only be allowed to visit the mall on even dates on the weekend, and vice versa for odd numbers

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/singapore-eases-some-border-control-measures

22 Aug outbound

Singapore and China are working together to find out why some travellers returning to China who have been classified as non-infectious by the Singaporean authorities then have a positive PCR result in China

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/spore-china-consult-on-travellers-who-still-test-positive

21 Aug inbound

Nam Ho Travel, a Singaporean travel agency, is launching virtual tours with overseas presenters visiting “hidden gems”, whilst their online store, Buy Beyond Borders, had a soft launch in Aug and will sell overseas trending snacks

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/covid-19-singapore-companies-transform-diversify-13030146

21 Aug outbound

Singapore will allow people to travel to New Zealand and Brunei for general purposes from 1 Sep, including leisure, and students for study overseas. Travellers entering Singapore from Brunei or New Zealand will also not have to serve a stay-home notice, but will still need to have a COVID-19 test on arrival at the airport. However, this still depends on border measures implemented by New Zealand and Brunei, as Singapore is still in talks to ensure reciprocal arrangements, as those countries only allow their own citizens and residents to visit. Stay-home notices from low-risk countries will also be reduced from 2 weeks to 1 week, including Australia (excluding Victoria), mainland China, Macau, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam, with a COVID-19 test at the end of their notice

Source: www.todayonline.com/singapore/general-travel-new-zealand-brunei-allowed-sept-1-authorities-partially-ease-singapore-borders

21 Aug aviation

Scoot is extending its passenger network to 15 cities, including 3 cities in Indonesia – Palembang, Pekanbaru and Yogyakarta, bringing its Sep totals to 38 flights weekly

Source: mainlymiles.com/2020/08/21/scoot-to-operate-15-routes-in-september-2020-adding-3-indonesian-cities/

21 Aug inbound

Singapore will allow small-scale live performances as trials to restart events on a broader scale

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/covid-19-live-performance-resume-small-scale-pilots-arts-culture-13042546

21 Aug inbound

Singapore Airlines and Changi Airport Group welcome the government’s decision to ease entry restrictions from New Zealand and Brunei, as it “is an important step towards the gradual rebuilding of the Singapore air hub.”

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/covid-19-sia-changi-airport-welcome-easing-travel-restrictions-13042352

20 Aug aviation

Aviation companies have welcomed the government’s extended measures for the industry, but note that they still need to carefully manage costs

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/aviation-and-aerospace-firms-continue-to-manage-costs

20 Aug aviation

Singapore Airlines has spent $3.2 billion USD over the last 2 months, almost half of the amount it raised through rights issues in Jun

Source: en.vietnamplus.vn/singapore-airlines-burns-32bln-usd-in-just-two-months-because-of-covid19/181631.vnp

19 Aug aviation

More passengers will be allowed to transit at Changi Airport, including Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, on Singapore Airlines Group’s flights, in addition to last week’s approval for Cambodia and Vietnam. Routes include from Bangkok, Jakarta, Medan, Surabaya, Ipoh, Kuching, Kuala Lumpur and Penang

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/more-passengers-allowed-to-transit-at-changi-airport

19 Aug inbound

Millennium Hotels and Resorts has made 159 employees redundant in Singapore, around 15.2% of its workforce, following cost cutting measures, calling it a “difficult but inevitable move”

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/millennium-hotels-resorts-retrench-layoff-159-staff-covid-19-13034592

18 Aug inbound

Malaysia and Singapore’s cross border agreement came into force, with both sides stating that the systems were working well so far

Source: www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/cross-border-travel-between-singapore-and-malaysia-kicks-off

18 Aug inbound

The academic year dates for 2021 have been set, with term starting on 4 Jan, and finishing on 19 Nov

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/education/2021-school-year-to-start-on-jan-4-end-on-nov-19

18 Aug inbound

The Jobs Support Scheme has been extended by up to 7 months for workers in the tourism, aerospace and aviation industries, with wages paid at 50% from Sep to Mar 2021

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/manpower/jobs-support-scheme-to-be-extended-by-up-to-7-months

18 Aug inbound

“Tourism credits” of up to $320 million SGD will be given to spend domestically, called SingapoRediscovers vouchers. The mechanism for the vouchers will be announced in Sep

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singaporeans-to-get-320m-in-tourism-vouchers-to-boost-sector

18 Aug inbound

80% of SMEs surveyed by the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry have seen revenues decline, but only 8% have retrenched workers

Source: www.malaymail.com/news/singapore/2020/08/18/survey-80pc-of-singapore-companies-see-revenues-decline-so-far-in-2020-8pc/1894939

17 Aug inbound

187 million SGD will be allocated to support the aviation industry further, with extended financial relief for airlines, ground handlers, cargo agents, and other aviation businesses at Changi and Selatar Airport. It includes landing, parking and rental rebates. The government said that this funding “is critical to preserving our relevance as a global hub”

Source: www.straitstimes.com/politics/additional-187-million-for-covid-19-support-measures-for-singapore-aviation-dpm-heng

17 Aug aviation

Singapore Airlines had a load factor of 22.5% in Jul, the highest level in 4 months, but still total pax numbers were -98.6% YoY

Source: mainlymiles.com/2020/08/17/singapore-airlines-load-factor-increases-to-23-in-july-2020/

17 Aug inbound

The Consumers Association of Singapore has revealed that 1,133 complaints have been made against the travel industry between Feb to Jul, significantly higher than the same period last year

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/spike-in-complaints-over-travel-weddings

16 Aug inbound

More than 20 tourist souvenir shops have been closed permanently, with many other shops under strain

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/over-20-souvenir-shops-shut-more-to-follow

16 Aug inbound

The Singapore’s east coast should be promoted to domestic tourists, the Deputy PM said in a live broadcast highlighting its hidden charms

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/domestic-tourism-to-singapores-east-coast-to-be-promoted-dpm-heng

16 Aug inbound

Backpacker hostels are struggling to take advantage of the staycation campaign, forming their own alliance to try to discuss their specific needs

Source: www.thejakartapost.com/travel/2020/08/16/backpacker-hostels-in-singapore-miss-out-on-staycation-boom-amid-covid-19.html

15 Aug inbound

Speakers will be able to be beamed “live” on stage at Marina Bay Sands, thanks to a studio which allows holograms at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre. The studio can accommodate up to 50 people to host hybrid format meetings

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/go-live-on-stage-at-new-mbs-studio-while-abroad

14 Aug inbound

Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has teamed up with Tripoto, with an embedded microsite within the Tripoto website. This is aimed to keep top of mind awareness for Indian travellers

Source: bwhotelier.businessworld.in/article/Singapore-Tourism-Board-Tripoto-partner-to-help-Indians-rediscover-the-city-now-travel-later/14-08-2020-308754/

14 Aug inbound

The Singapore Transport Minister has suggested Singapore introduce reciprocal green lanes for leisure travellers at Changi Airport, for tourists coming from countries where the COVID-19 situation is similar or better than that of Singapore. He said that the challenge was to restore passenger volume whilst maintain safety, but that Singaporeans needed to be enterprising and “hungry” to do this: "To survive, we have to keep our borders open. To thrive, we have to connect to the world. To prosper, we have to be a hub of the global economy."

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/leisure-travel-green-lanes-can-help-changi-airport-regain-some-lost-traffic-amid-covid-19

14 Aug inbound

Singapore and Japan have agreed to resume essential business travel, with an agreement to come likely by early Sep, called a “Residence Track”. This would provide a quota of cross-border business travel, including a 14-day stay home notice on arrival to each country. They would also need to maintain a controlled itinerary

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-japan-essential-business-travel-resume-13018504

13 Aug inbound

The slots for the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) and Periodic Commuting Agreement (PCA) between Malaysia and Singapore are fully booked on Aug 17 – 19, the first 3 days of reopening. 60 people per day are allowed under the RGL, and 2,000 people per day are allowed under the PCA

Source: www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/08/13/johor-immigration-applications-fully-booked-for-jb-singapore-travel-from-aug-17-19

13 Aug aviation

Singapore Airlines and SilkAir are offering early retirement or early release to its cabin crew to cut costs

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/sia-silkair-offer-cabin-crew-early-release-retirement

11 Aug inbound

Singapore revised down its economic growth projection to a range of -5 to -7%, as GDP for G2 shrunk 13.2% YoY. This would be the worst economic performance in Singapore’s history

Source: asia.nikkei.com/Economy/Singapore-narrows-2020-GDP-forecast-to-5-to-7-as-outlook-dims

11 Aug inbound

Singapore must build a new economy, the Trade and Industry Minister has said. She said that industries such as tourism should reinvent themselves, pivoting into new markets and new products to survive

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-will-not-return-to-pre-covid-19-world-must-chart-a-new-path-now-chan-chun-sing

10 Aug aviation

6,000 Singapore Airlines group staff have taken unpaid leave, with 1,700 staff signed up to take on voluntary positions and jobs in external organisations. 8,000 staff have also taken skills training

Source: www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2020/08/10/6000-sia-group-staff-take-no-pay-leave-so-firm-can-cope-with-crisis-due-to-covid-19-pandemic

8 Aug inbound

Attractions in Singapore who have reopened have had a mixed bag of results with attracting domestic tourists so far, with Flight Experience experiencing more customers than available slots, whilst Madame Tussauds and the Trick Eye Museum were quieter

Source: www.todayonline.com/singapore/some-tourist-attractions-struggle-woo-locals-others-unable-meet-demand

8 Aug inbound

The Asean+3 Macroeconomic Research Office has forecast that Thailand’s economic growth could drop by 7.8% for 2020, due to its reliance on tourism

Source: www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1964795/thailands-covid-hit-worst-in-region-say-experts

7 Aug inbound

Genting Singapore have confirmed that there will be delays to its Resorts World Sentosa expansion, and also foresees design changes

Source: www.asgam.com/index.php/2020/08/07/genting-singapore-confirms-delays-to-us3-3-billion-rws-expansion-plans-re-design/

7 Aug aviation

Jetstar Asia is set to reopen weekly services from Singapore to Penang, HCMC and Jakarta from 10 Aug. It will also reopen flights from Singapore to Clark, Manila and Medan later in the month, bringing it to 26 services/ week

Source: www.malaymail.com/news/singapore/2020/08/07/singapores-jetstar-asia-re-introduces-services-to-key-ports-including-penan/1891932

7 Aug aviation

Yogyakarta Airport (YIA) is set to reopen flights to Malaysia and Singapore, with flights to Malaysia starting on 16 Aug and to Singapore in Sep. Both flights would be operated by AirAsia

Source: coconuts.co/jakarta/news/international-travel-appears-set-to-resume-for-yogyakarta-airport-with-plans-to-reopen-flights-to-malaysia-singapore/

7 Aug aviation

Singapore Airlines will reopen its flight to Perth, flying 3 times/ week

Source: mainlymiles.com/2020/08/07/singapore-airlines-relaunches-perth-flights-in-august/

7 Aug outbound

Singapore will cover COVID-19 related healthcare costs for those outbound travellers who are travelling under permitted travel arrangements to Malaysia and China

Source: www.malaymail.com/news/singapore/2020/08/07/singapore-to-subsidise-covid-19-healthcare-costs-of-some-outbound-traveller/1891720

6 Aug inbound

The Singapore Tourism Board has said that they are looking at different types of visitors being allowed into the country, from business travellers to “tightly-controlled” leisure visitors, and that the government is looking to expand green lane arrangements to more types of visitors also. "It will be a long while more before mass travel can resume and that ultimately stems from consumer confidence," the CEO said

Source: www.straitstimes.com/business/singapore-looks-to-widen-range-of-visitors-as-tourism-wanes

6 Aug inbound

The retrenchment of workers by Resorts World Sentosa mainly affected foreigners, not Singaporeans, the Ministry of Manpower has announced

Source: www.malaymail.com/news/singapore/2020/08/06/resorts-world-sentosa-retrenchments-affected-mostly-foreigners-says-singapo/1891628

6 Aug inbound

Genting Singapore have announced Q2 losses of $163.3 million SGD, the worst since the resort opened. With China, Malaysia and Indonesia being a big majority of RWS’ gamblers, the group is not optimistic for its H2 results. Marina Bay Sands also had net losses of $113 million USD

Source: www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/genting-singapore-reports-into-its-worst-quarterly-performance-since-2010

5 Aug inbound

Singapore is one of the top destinations for Indian, Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong and the Philippines for post-lockdown travel, a survey, “Unravel Travel: Fear & Possibilities in a Post Coronavirus (COVID-19) World”, has found

Source: sg.news.yahoo.com/singapore-tops-travel-destination-for-tourists-in-asia-when-borders-reopen-061945134.html

4 Aug outbound

Travel agency Nam Ho are planning to roll out virtual tours to destinations – they will also move into e-commerce, logistics and warehousing

Source: www.straitstimes.com/business/economy/tourism-companies-boost-digital-offerings

4 Aug inbound

Electronic wristbands will need to be worn by those serving Stay-Home Notices in Singapore from 10 Aug. The wristbands will need to be worn during the whole 14-day stay, and if the wearer tries to leave home, the authorities will be alerted

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/new-wrist-devices-to-enforce-shn

4 Aug aviation

Singapore Airlines will restart three services/week between Singapore and Taipei from Sep

Source: focustaiwan.tw/business/202008040021

3 Aug inbound

Pratt & Whitney, an aircraft engine manufacturer, have made 400 staff redundant at its 6 facilities in Singapore, as a “last resort”

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/pratt-whitney-lays-off-400-staff-at-five-of-six-facilities-across-singapore-due-to

3 Aug aviation

AirAsia is planning to restart flights between Malaysia and Singapore in the week of 17 Aug, with daily flights between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, and one weekly flight between Penang, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Ipoh and Singapore. Guests will soon be able to upload their COVID-19 test results into the AirAsia mobile app and website during check in

Source: www.theedgemarkets.com/article/airasia-plans-resume-malaysiasingapore-flights-midaugust

3 Aug inbound

Universal Studios Singapore will implement facial recognition scanners to help smooth access for guests, as annual and season ticket holders would no longer need physical passes

Source: www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2020/08/03/singapores-universal-studios-deploys-facial-recognition-for-entry

3 Aug aviation

Singapore Airlines/ Silkair customers can now transit from Milan via Changi Airport to any destination in the SIA group network

Source: www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2020/08/03/singapore-airlines-allows-changi-airport-transit-for-passengers-from-milan/

3 Aug inbound

Tourism New Zealand have launched a new campaign, “Messages from New Zealand”, which is aimed at the Singaporean outbound market. It features celebrities and ordinary New Zealanders sharing messages of hope to stay top of mind. Tourism New Zealand continue to provide training programmes to the travel trade

Source: www.ttgasia.com/2020/08/03/new-zealand-aims-to-stay-top-of-mind-for-singapore-visitors/

1 Aug inbound

Further requirements have been revealed for the cross-border travel arrangement between Singapore and Malaysia, including for the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) having documentation from their companies or host agencies to show that the visiting country has approved the trip and be tested before and on arrival. Travellers must stay in their declared accommodation until negative test results are released. Those on short visits of up to 14 days must follow a controlled itinerary for their stay and not use public transport. Those on the Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA) can do so only via the land borders and travellers entering Singapore must serve a Stay Home Notice (SHN) of at least 7 days and have a COVID-19 test

Source: app.getpocket.com/read/3066634523

31 Jul inbound

Weekend crowds have started to return to Jewel Changi Airport, but business is still far from pre-pandemic levels. However, the number of visitors has tripled during Phase 2 vs Phase 1. It is also working to develop promotions including 55% off tickets in Aug

Source: www.todayonline.com/singapore/covid-19-crowds-return-jewel-changi-airport-some-shops-still-struggle-without-tourist

31 Jul aviation

Maintaining Singapore as a competitive air hub is critical for the Ministry of Transport and will be prioritised. The Minister said that Singapore’s seaport and Changi Airport "oxygenate and vitalise various parts of the body and... add vitality and competitiveness to all sectors of Singapore"

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/crucial-to-revive-air-travel-and-preserve-spores-hub-status-ong

31 Jul inbound

Singapore Airlines is delaying the launch of its new first and business class for its Boeing 777-9, which now may launch only in the mid-2020s

Source: www.executivetraveller.com/news/singapore-airlines-new-777x-first-business-class

31 Jul aviation

Singapore Airlines will be cutting basic salary by 10% for all those below the rank of manager, whilst those above that rank will see deeper paycuts. The airline will also offer early retirement schemes for ground staff and pilots for those aged 50 and above. Staff must also brace themselves for more measures. Shares of the group dropped by 5.1%, the lowest rate for 21 years

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/sia-cuts-staff-pay-by-at-least-10-offering-early-retirement

31 Jul aviation

Airbus have made some of its Singapore workers redundant, whilst aircraft maintenance company Eagle Services Asia also let go 140 workers

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/airbus-lays-off-some-workers-here-as-part-of-global-job-cuts

31 Jul inbound

Singapore had just 2,170 tourist arrivals in June 2020, down -99.86% YoY

Source: stan.stb.gov.sg/portal/tourism-statistics.html

30 Jul outbound

Malaysia and Singapore have agreed to start building a 4km light-rail connection between the 2 countries in 2021, estimated to cost around $2.4 billion USD - 61% of the costs will be borne by Singapore. It will be able to take an estimated 10,000 pax/ hour each way. It is expected to open in 2026

Source: asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Malaysia-and-Singapore-greenlight-rail-link-delayed-by-Mahathir

30 Jul inbound

Analysts believe that the Jobs Support Scheme (JSS) should be extended beyond Aug, with a targeted approach, as stopping the scheme now could result in mass lay-offs

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/covid-19-extend-jss-keep-jobs-workers-employed-economy-analysts-12973360

29 Jul inbound

Singapore Airlines has reported a Q2 loss of $816.73 million USD

Source: www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2020/07/29/singapore-airlines-reports-us817m-loss-in-1q-due-to-pandemic

29 Jul aviation

Singapore Airlines and Silkair have updated their Aug/ Sep schedule, which will reach 7% of pre-pandemic levels, up from Jul’s 6%

Source: www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2020/07/29/singapore-airlines-updates-flying-schedule-for-august-and-september/

29 Jul inbound

The MICE sector in Singapore believes government help is invaluable for recovery and new investment into developing technologies, as well as bridging loans

Source: www.ttgmice.com/2020/07/29/singapore-mice-recovery-needs-wide-ranging-support-industry-players/

29 Jul aviation

Thai AirAsia announced plans to resume the following routes in Aug from Bangkok Don Mueang Airport to Phnom Penh, Singapore and Yangon

Source: centreforaviation.com/news/thai-airasia-to-resume-services-on-16-aug-2020-1014057

28 Jul inbound

The STB’s Singapore Food Festival will take place over the last 2 weekends of Aug, with online masterclasses, virtual food tours and food ordering from participating merchants

Source: www.todayonline.com/singapore/virtual-singapore-food-festival-include-free-online-masterclasses-virtual-tours-and-food

28 Jul inbound

Tours run by tour operators and tourist guides can take up to 50 people or the vehicle’s maximum operating capacity after safety SOPs are implemented. All tours will need to ensure that there are no more than 5 people in a group, as for walking, cycling and kayaking tours

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/tours-tourist-guides-stb-groups-50-people-12969122

27 Jul inbound

Local walking, cycling and kayaking tours will now be permitted to run with 10 pax – but as 5 is the limit for public gatherings, these groups must be split into 2 with no intermingling. Tours may now last up to 8 hours

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/local-tours-now-allowed-for-groups-of-up-to-10-stb

27 Jul aviation

Singapore Airlines’ Singapore – London Heathrow route will be increased to daily from 1 Aug

Source: www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2020/07/27/singapore-airlines-heathrow-route-to-go-daily-from-august-1/

26 Jul inbound

Cross-border travel between Singapore and Malaysia under the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) and Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA) will start on 17 Aug at the earliest. Applications will begin on 10 Aug

Source: www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/07/26/cross-border-travel-between-malaysia-and-singapore-expected-in-august

25 Jul outbound

The UK has added Singapore to its list of countries exempt from advice against “all but essential” international travel

Source: www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-countries-and-territories-exempt-from-advice-against-all-but-essential-international-travel

24 Jul inbound

Singapore’s Health Minister has told Malaysians and Singaporeans who are thinking of holidaying in the other country that they must “put off the idea for quite some time yet.”

Source: www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2020/07/24/weekend-trips-to-singapore-malaysia-wont-happen-anytime-soon-says-minister/

24 Jul inbound

Singapore travel agents have diversified their products to selling items such as bird’s nest drinks, or even offering virtual tours. The President of the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS) has welcomed the new STB campaign, many agents see limited potential from tours as they must have a maximum of 5 people and only last 2 hours. Meanwhile, outbound travel agents do not believe that they will be able to pivot to domestic tourism

Source: www.todayonline.com/singapore/domestic-tourism-sale-birds-nest-seafood-travel-firms-seek-beat-hard-times

23 Jul inbound

The STB “do not expect domestic consumption to fill the hole left by the diminution of international travel.” The Trade & Industry Minister has also said that tourism will become “a quality and not a quantity game.”

Source: www.bnnbloomberg.ca/singapore-courts-locals-with-spas-sailing-to-save-tourism-1.1468941

23 Jul inbound

Singapore will work closely together with Japan to resume essential travel after Japan announced that it is looking at relaxing entry restrictions for business travellers from 12 Asian territories, including Singapore, Cambodia, Brunei, Malaysia, Myanmar and Laos from SE Asia. Travellers would still need to self-quarantine for 14-days, pass a COVID test and not take public transportation

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/coronavirus-singapore-and-japan-will-work-towards-resuming-essential-travel

23 Jul inbound

Marina Bay Sands has reported a Q2 loss of $113 million USD, a marked difference from its Q2 2019 profit of $346 million USD. They also project that the expansion project will have delayed timings. It has started to accept limited hotel bookings in Tower 1, whilst Towers 2 & 3 are for guests under stay-home notices (self-isolation)

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/mbs-loss-q2-2020-marina-bay-sands-circuit-breaker-12956420

23 Jul inbound

The Great Singapore Sale will be online this year and will run from 9 Sep – 10 Oct, as part of the STB’s SingapoRediscovers campaign. The event organisers originally had said that it would not take place this year, but made a U-turn after” popular demand” from retailers

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/covid-19-great-singapore-sale-shopping-online-12955746

23 Jul inbound

A professor from National University of Singapore has said that he does not expect recreational travel to resume either this year or early 2021 as travel exposes us to “different factors beyond our control”

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/coronavirus-leisure-travel-not-happening-anytime-soon-as-countries-continue-to-play-safe

23 Jul inbound

Singapore will continue to develop Sentosa, Pulau Brani and the Jurong Lake District tourism hub in the medium-to-long-term, and remains committed to maintaining Singapore as a competitive destination, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has said

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/no-big-shifts-in-singapores-tourism-plans-for-longer-term

23 Jul aviation

Scoot will reopen flights to Nanjing from 23 Jul, and Seoul and Kuala Lumpur next month, making a total of 11 destinations. Bookings made from 22 Jun – 30 Sep will also benefit from a one-time free date change

Source: www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/scoot-resuming-flights-to-three-cities-extends-free-date-change-on-tickets

23 Jul aviation

Singapore Airlines has raised $750 million SGD from long term loans, taking its total of raised liquidity to $11 billion SGD since the start of the financial year in Apr. They still have an option to raise up to $6.2 billion SGD in mandatory convertible bonds, which can be activated until Jul 2021

Source: www.straitstimes.com/business/covid-19-singapore-airlines-raises-additional-750-million-brings-total-sum-raised-so-far-in

22 Jul inbound

The STB has launched a $33 million USD domestic travel campaign, the largest it has ever run under “SingapoRediscovers”. They will partner with Enterprise Singapore and the Sentosa Development Board, as well as tourism associations, community groups and e-commerce platforms to develop unique and value-for-money experiences and packages for local travellers. It will use 3 approaches: 1. Partner with local communities to discover off-the-beaten-track activities 2. Curate precinct activities to develop authentic experiences for “Singapolidays” 3. Collaborate with tourism players to develop quality experiences and promotions

Source: www.travelweekly-asia.com/Destination-Travel/Small-Singapore-goes-big-on-domestic-tourism-push-with-US33m-marketing-blitz

22 Jul inbound

More than half of the hotel rooms in Singapore are being used as isolation and quarantine facilities, so the reopening of hotels for staycations has to be balanced against the state needs

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/more-than-half-of-singapores-hotel-rooms-used-in-covid-19-battle-not-all-can-reopen-for

22 Jul inbound

STB is trialling a new hybrid model of business functions, with 2 events in the next 2 months. These will involve both face-to-face and virtual interactions. They are working on a framework to reopen the MICE sector, which sees event organisers meeting 5 key outcomes: • Infection control measures for each stage of the journey of an attendee • Limits on crowd density • Limits on close contact between individuals • Safe and clean environment • Preparation in place for COVID-19 related emergencies

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/coronavirus-singapore-tourism-board-to-trial-hybrid-format-at-two-business-events

22 Jul aviation

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) will work together with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (Easa) to create common standards of safe air travel and facilitate air travel between the 2. The CAAS will also team with Changi General Hospital to create a civil aviation medical examination centre at Changi Airport, which will allow aviation licence holders access to medical services

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/coronavirus-singapore-to-work-with-european-union-on-safety-measures-for-air-travel

22 Jul outbound

Singapore is still looking into “reciprocal arrangements” with South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Europe

Source: www.ttgasia.com/2020/07/22/singapore-eyes-green-lanes-with-south-korea-australia-new-zealand-europe/

21 Jul inbound

80 hotels have been approved for staycations as of 21 Jul, with approval in place to benefit from the upcoming long weekends in Jul/ Aug. The Singapore Hotel Association has said that hotels offering staycation packages have seen “significant demand”, but “The revenue will not be comparable to the buoyant results before Covid-19.”

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/more-than-80-hotels-approved-for-staycations-more-bookings-expected-for-upcoming-long

21 Jul inbound

The FTE APEX Asia Expo, scheduled for 8-9 Dec in Singapore, has been rescheduled to 3-4 Feb 2021 and will be hybrid event with online and in-person participation

Source: www.ttrweekly.com/site/2020/07/fte-reschedules-asia-expo/

21 Jul inbound

The Singapore Flyer will reopen on 23 Jul, with up to 54% off for Singaporean residents during Aug. Safety measures are in place such as limiting the number of pax to 7 per capsule, and being disinfected prior to the next group’s arrival

Source: mothership.sg/2020/07/singapore-flyer-reopen-discount/

21 Jul aviation

Changi Airport has revealed that June’s pax movements were just 48,200, a decrease of 99.2% YoY, but this number has been slightly boosted by the opening of the China – Singapore green lane, as well as transit passengers

Source: www.onlinecitizenasia.com/2020/07/21/changi-airport-passenger-numbers-buoyed-by-singapore-china-green-lane-and-resumption-of-transit-flights-but-lower-than-last-year/

20 Jul inbound

Trip.com has held its first English-language livestream sale session in Singapore to encourage staycations as part of its Travel On campaign. Major hotel chains took part, including the Shangri-La Hotel Singapore and M Social Singapore

Source: www.travelweekly-asia.com/Travel-News/Travel-Agent-News/Trip-com-brings-first-English-livestream-sales-to-Singapore-travel-audience?utm_source=enews&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=TWAedaily

18 Jul inbound

Raffles Hotel will cut its employees by around 15%, but at this stage, no Singaporean or permanent residents are affected

Source: www.sgsme.sg/news/government/raffles-hotel-cuts-15-staff-cope-covid-19-fallout

18 Jul inbound

The National Development Minister warned Singaporeans that the government’s travel advisory on avoiding all travel overseas is unlikely to change in the “near term”. He added “mass tourism travel... that, I think, will not happen any time soon." The government has also changed its policy for travellers arriving from Japan, Hong Kong and Australia’s Victoria state, who from 20 Jul will have to serve their stay-home notice at dedicated facilities, instead of at home. Those travellers who left Singapore after 27 Mar will have to pay the cost for the 14-day stay, approximately $2,000 SGD

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/leisure-travel-may-not-be-possible-this-year-wong

17 Jul inbound

The triple ITB Asia, the MICE Show Asia and Travel Tech Asia shows, scheduled for October 2020, has been converted into online events

Source: www.ttrweekly.com/site/2020/07/itb-asia-the-latest-casualty-of-covid-19/

17 Jul inbound

Singapore’s Q1 tourism receipts have dropped 39% to $4 billion SGD, with shopping expenditure showing the sharpest drop at 52% down YoY. Hotel occupancy dropped to 58.6%

Source: www.malaymail.com/news/singapore/2020/07/17/covid-19-q1-singapore-tourism-receipts-fell-39pc-with-harsher-impact-expect/1885572

17 Jul aviation

Singapore Airlines saw an average load factor of just 12.2% in June, with passenger carriage down 99.3% YoY. This is an improvement from May’s 8.6%. In its report, it said that “the recovery trajectory will be slower than initially projected”

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/singapore-airlines-silkair-scoot-june-operating-results-covid-19-12935062

17 Jul inbound

Analysts say that Marina Bay Sands (MBS) will eventually have to make cuts to staffing, and that its extension project costing $4.5 billion SGD may have to be postponed or modified

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/job-losses-likely-to-hit-mbs-eventually-say-analysts

16 Jul inbound

Some Singaporean hotels are fully booked for upcoming weekends, whilst others have occupancy rates of 80%. 35 hotels as of 15 Jul have been approved to reopen so far. Hotels are offering staycation packages, with F&B promotions

Source: www.todayonline.com/singapore/covid-19-hundreds-singaporeans-book-staycations-after-some-hotels-get-permission-reopen

16 Jul aviation

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore has said that it will freeze fee increases for the financial year until 31 Mar 2021, which will save aviation companies around $200,000 SGD in total

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/caas-freezes-fee-increase-for-aviation-companies-providing-industry-with-much

15 Jul inbound

Skyscanner will be reducing its presence in Singapore after decisions to cut 20% of its global workforce

Source: www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/skyscanner-cutting-jobs-and-offices-reducing-presence-in-singapore-after

15 Jul inbound

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has launched a #TravelThrowback campaign on social media, aimed at promoting not just Singapore’s beauty, but that of SE Asia, too. Other NTOs will be welcomed to the campaign across the region

Source: mb.com.ph/2020/07/15/singapore-tourism-board-harps-on-power-of-social-media-for-travelthrowback-initiative-to-promote-tourism-in-southeast-asia/

15 Jul inbound

Singapore’s Resorts World Sentosa are reported to make cuts of 2,000 employees

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/rws-workers-face-uncertain-future-after-mass-retrenchment-exercise

15 Jul inbound

The Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA) will be limited to 2,000/ day initially, whilst the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) will allow 400 people per country on a weekly basis

Source: www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2020/07/608800/pca-limited-2000-day

14 Jul inbound

Singapore entered recession in Q2, with GDP dropping 41.2% from the previous 3 months

Source: www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-07-14/singapore-slumps-into-recession-with-41-2-fall-in-quarterly-gdp

14 Jul inbound

Singapore Airlines will now offer transit routes from all European cities, with Barcelona, Paris and Zurich added to the list. They have also restarted flights to Paris from 15 Jul

Source: mainlymiles.com/2020/07/14/singapore-airlines-rolls-out-transit-approval-to-and-from-all-its-european-cities/

14 Jul inbound

Malaysia and Singapore have agreed 2 schemes for reopening the borders, to start on 10 Aug: 1. Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL), for essential business and official purposes. Travellers would need to undergo PCR swab tests 2. Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA) for Malaysian and Singapore residents who hold long-term immigration passes for business and work purposes in the other country, to enter for work. They will be able to briefly return to their home country after 3 consecutive months of working

Source: www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2020/07/608408/malaysia-singapore-border-reopen-under-rgl-pca-schemes

13 Jul inbound

The Singapore Tourism Board is focusing on reviving tourism with 3 approaches: 1. Driving domestic spend 2. Developing a targeted approach for international markets 3. Supporting tourism stakeholders to adapt to COVID-safe conditions

Source: www.travelbizmonitor.com/Outbound-News/singapore-has-set-aside-sgd90-mn-for-tourism-recovery-and-a-task-force-is-developing-recovery-plans-52756

13 Jul aviation

Singapore Airlines and Silk Air will increase frequencies in Aug, but will not increase the number of locations. It will operate at approximately 7% of scheduled capacity, up from 6%. Routes which will be increased include to London, Kuala Lumpur and Osaka

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/singapore-airlines-group-to-operate-at-7-of-scheduled-capacity-in-aug

13 Jul outbound

Singaporean outbound travel agents are still seeing enquiries from customers about overseas trips. Dynasty Travel have stated that they are receiving enquiries for Thailand, Japan and China, whist top destinations for EU Asia Holidays include Taiwan, Japan and South Korea. AirAsia stated that it has seen a 47% growth in searches to Kuala Lumpur and Penang from Singapore since the start of the circuit breaker

Source: www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/sporeans-getting-travel-bug-again

12 Jul inbound

The cost of living is one of the top concerns for Singaporean voters

Source: mothership.sg/2020/07/cost-of-living-ge2020/

11 Jul inbound

The incumbent party, PAP, won the Singapore General Election on 10 Jul, although with less of the popular vote than they hoped for at 61.24%, and the opposition party winning a record 10 seats

Source: www.straitstimes.com/politics/pm-lee-pap-will-designate-pritam-as-opposition-leader-urges-all-sporeans-to-put-aside

9 Jul outbound

Japan is planning to start talks about restarting business flights in mid-Jul with 10 more economies, including Singapore

Source: asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Japan-looks-to-reopen-business-travel-with-10-more-Asian-economies

9 Jul aviation

Sats, the ground handler and caterer, posted a loss of $6.3 million SGD in the first 3 months of the year

Source: www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/sats-sinks-63-million-into-the-red-in-q4

7 Jul inbound

The CEO of Accor SA’s APAC unit has expressed doubt over staycations sustaining Singaporean hotels, saying “Unless we have a return to international business, the hotel industry is going to be decimated as up to 90% of our bookings come from international travelers.”

Source: www.theedgemarkets.com/article/singapore-finds-staycations-cant-fill-us20-billion-tourism-hole

7 Jul inbound

A survey has shown that 1 in 4 Singaporeans have lost their jobs, and 17% faced pay cuts. Those in the hospitality industry were harder hit than others, with 1 in 4 having salary reductions of over 30%

Source: www.hcamag.com/asia/news/general/singaporeans-feel-miserable-amidst-covid-19/227060

6 Jul inbound

Close to 2,000 pax visited Singapore Zoo on the first day of opening

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/almost-2000-visitors-at-singapore-zoo-on-first-day-of-reopening

6 Jul outbound

The reopening of borders between Malaysia and Singapore will be likely known in Aug, according to Malaysia’s Foreign Minister

Source: www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/07/06/covid-19-travel-between-malaysia-and-singapore-to-be-known-as-early-as-aug/1881988

6 Jul aviation

Singapore Airlines will impose a surcharge on bookings made via GDS of $12 USD from 4 Jan 2021, with Singapore and Indonesian agents being affected in SE Asia

Source: skift.com/2020/07/06/what-a-new-surcharge-from-singapore-airlines-could-mean-for-other-carriers/

4 Jul outbound

Singaporeans are still advised against all but essential travel, the Foreign Minister has said

Source: www.thejakartapost.com/seasia/2020/07/04/singaporeans-still-advised-to-defer-all-travel-abroad-minister-says.html

4 Jul inbound

Tourism companies in Singapore have pivoted to new business models and products over the past few months to generate income, from selling seafood to F&B deliveries

Source: www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/travel/pandemic-pivots-travel-players-sell-seafood-durians-and-do-fb-deliveries-to-stay

4 Jul inbound

New statistics show Singapore’s May 2019 arrivals were just 880 pax. However, average stays rose to 51.7 days compared to the previous average of 4. Jan-May arrivals are down 65.7% YoY. May’s occupancy rates were around 57%, an improvement of April’s 40.3%

Source: www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/singapore-may-visitor-arrivals-plummet-to-just-880

4 Jul inbound

Retail sales are at an all-time low in Singapore, plunging 52%, with the outlook looking “bleak” according to the Singapore Retailers Association

Source: www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/may-retail-sales-hit-all-time-low-industry-hoping-for-rebound

4 Jul inbound

Survey results from Revinate have revealed that Singaporean travellers: • 58.2% would stay at a hotel they’ve stayed at before for their next trip • 21.8% expect to book their next trip within 6 months, although 27.8% are unsure of the timeframe • 35.5% say that safety and cleanliness are their top considerations to select accommodation

Source: www.covid19hotel.info/survey/confirm/?mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiTnpZNU1EVTROR00wWWpjNCIsInQiOiJ3RW1lYUhuUmQ5ZEdNTTM3WndhYmdCVXJscWROdHd1UzE2djJWaVR3NzdcL084K1F0RU1NbWlFQ0xRZzUrSEdNUlFTV2ZFbHZZTm5vWWFkbUx1TWlIc0pBSE1RS1pWXC9rc0ZDeXlaVkNXSVRvaVErM2VPd2dlRnJhWWhsemlRajZZIn0%3D

3 Jul inbound

Singaporean travellers rated flexible room change/ cancellation policies as “extremely important” in a Skyscanner survey, the highest out of all the markets surveyed. Having activities in-room was also attractive for Singaporean travellers

Source: www.ttgasia.com/2020/07/03/hygiene-highest-priority-for-travellers-skyscanner-survey/

3 Jul inbound

Cinemas are allowed to reopen from 13 Jul, subject to social distancing

Source: www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/entertainment/cinemas-can-reopen-on-july-13

3 Jul outbound

A Travel Intent Survey has shown: • 54% of Singaporeans are planning to travel in 2020 as soon as restrictions are lifted • Top countries include: Japan (23%), Thailand (12%), Malaysia (11%), Australia (8%), South Korea (7%), Taiwan (6%), mainland China (5%), New Zealand (4%), Indonesia (4%) and Vietnam (2%) • 85% are also prepared to spend more on their next holiday • 58% say that value based promotions would encourage them to book • More than 70% say that they would buy if discounts are 50% or more

Source: www.ttgasia.com/2020/07/03/spore-sees-pent-up-demand-for-travel/

3 Jul inbound

Hotels will be allowed to reopen for leisure purposes from 3 Jul, subject to approval. Hotels must identify hot spots for potential mingling of crowds and implement crowd control. Should the hotel also be a designated quarantine facility, they must have clear notices displaying that information, as well as dedicated floors or blocks which are segregated from other guests

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/hotels-to-be-open-for-staycations-again-with-safe-management-measures-in-place

2 Jul aviation

Singapore Airlines has stored 4 more aircraft in Darwin, including 2 A380s

Source: www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/sia-group-mothballs-four-more-planes-in-australia-taking-total-tally-to-22

2 Jul inbound

Singaporean tour operators are happy to be able to operate once more, as it signals recovery for the industry. Tours will only be allowed to operate with a maximum of 5 people per group. They will also have to ensure a ready supply of hand sanitiser, and must keep the contact details of participants for tracing purposes

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/tour-operators-eye-sporeans-as-services-resume

2 Jul outbound

Changi Airport will be minimising contact with surfaces, with facial and iris recognition instead of fingerprint scanning, as well as operating self-check in and baggage drop without needing to touch them

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/changi-airport-making-travel-touch-free

30 Jun aviation

Singapore Airlines has cancelled the launch of a new route from Singapore to Brussels

Source: www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2020/06/30/singapore-airlines-cancels-launch-of-brussels-flights/

30 Jun inbound

33% of Singaporeans have said they would take a staycation or relaxing getaway once the situation has improved, according to a Wego survey

Source: blog.wego.com/wego-apac-survey-post-lockdown-travel-trends-in-apac/

30 Jun outbound

63% of Malaysian and Singaporeans in a YouGov Omnibus believed that the border should reopen. 55% of those polled believed that a 14-day quarantine period should be observed once entering, and 52% said the same should be done on return to their respective nation

Source: www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/06/30/s039poreans-want-border-with-malaysia-to-reopen

30 Jun inbound

Unemployment levels grew to 2.9% in Jun, the highest rate in 10 years, with total employment falling by 121,800 in Q2, the biggest drop on record. The Manpower Minister does not think that the jobs situation has bottomed out, and may see further falls

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/manpower/unemployment-at-highest-in-a-decade-retrenchments-up

30 Jun inbound

Trip.com recorded over 12,000 Singapore hotel rooms booked in its live streams in Singapore and China, with a value of $2.72 million USD

Source: www.ttgasia.com/2020/07/30/trip-coms-live-stream-sessions-in-singapore-and-china-rake-in-over-us2-72m-for-singapore-hotels/

29 Jun aviation

Singapore Airlines passengers from Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Frankfurt and London are now allowed to transit through Changi airport

Source: mainlymiles.com/2020/06/29/sia-passengers-from-london-and-three-other-european-cities-can-now-transit-at-changi/

28 Jun inbound

The casinos at Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa, Universal Studios Singapore and Singapore Zoo will reopen from 1 Jul. Other attractions that will open include the ArtScience Museum, Sands SkyPark, Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay, S.E.A. Aquarium, Madame Tussauds, Jurong Bird Park, River Safari, Bounce and Zero Latency. Many will be limited to 25% capacity initially. Domestic tour operators are also allowed to submit applications to resume operations

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/covid-19-phase-2-attractions-casinos-uss-singapore-zoo-12878574

28 Jun aviation

Airlines scheduled to operate air routes to/from Singapore in July include Jetstar, SilkAir, Singapore Airlines, Air China, Air France, Air Niugini, AirAsia, ANA, Asiana, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Emirates, Etihad Airways, EVA Air, Garuda Indonesia, Japan Airlines, Juneyao Airlines, KLM, Korean Air, Malindo Air, Myanmar Airways International, Philippine Airlines, Qatar Airways, Royal Brunei Airlines, Swiss International, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, US-Bangla Airlines and Vistara

Source: mainlymiles.com/2020/06/28/which-airlines-are-flying-out-of-changi-in-july-2020/

26 Jun inbound

The National Museum, National Gallery Singapore and Asian Civilisations Museum will reopen on 26 Jun, with other heritage centres set to open on 3 Jul. Museums will have to operate at 25% capacity, with groups of people limited to 5

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/covid-19-national-asian-civilisations-museum-reopening-date-12852978

26 Jun inbound

STB is organising ongoing training on Chinese travellers for the travel trade

Source: us.acrofan.com/detail.php?number=301819

25 Jun aviation

Jetstar Asia will cut 180 workers, around 26% of its workforce, and extend furlough to the majority of its staff until Dec. Cuts will be to all sectors of the business, and it will also remove 5 A320 aircraft

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/covid-19-jetstar-cuts-jobs-furlough-travel-qantas-12868904

25 Jun aviation

Singapore Airlines and Scott will give refunds to more customers, as they have extended their policy to cover trips departing before end of Aug, so long as tickets were booked prior to 15 Mar

Source: www.thejakartapost.com/travel/2020/06/25/singapore-airlines-and-scoot-extend-travel-waiver-for-trips-till-end-august.html

24 Jun aviation

AirAsia is thinking of resuming international flights in Jul, with more potential routes filed including Kuala Lumpur to Singapore and Penang to Singapore

Source: www.ttrweekly.com/site/2020/06/airasia-rethinks-july-flights/

24 Jun outbound

Singapore will take a “step by step” approach to reopening the border with Malaysia, according to the Singapore Foreign Affairs Minister. He estimates that the protocols could be ready in “days to weeks”

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-malaysia-covid-19-travel-border-vivian-balakrishnan-12863326

24 Jun outbound

Singapore’s 2021 public holidays calendar has been released, which will include 4 long weekends next year

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/public-holidays-2021-singapore-long-weekends-12865140

24 Jun aviation

“Hundreds” of transit passengers have now passed through Singapore’s Changi airport, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) have said. They are also evaluating transit applications from other airlines

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/changi-airport-set-to-receive-more-transit-passengers

23 Jun inbound

Singapore has announced its General Election Data to be 10 Jul, which will be a public holiday

Source: www.onlinecitizenasia.com/2020/06/23/breaking-polling-day-for-general-election-set-on-10-july/

22 Jun inbound

Google x Trip.com have revealed that Singapore is #11 for APAC travellers’ next phase destinations, with the nation also coming in the top 20 short haul getaway destinations

Source: youtu.be/DkOZN_gehYo

22 Jun aviation

Singapore Airlines passengers can transit through Changi airport from more destinations in addition to Australia and New Zealand, including Hong Kong, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Osaka and Tokyo

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/sia-passengers-can-now-transit-through-changi-airport-from-more-places-in-china

22 Jun aviation

Scoot plans to reopen flights from Singapore to Surabaya and Taipei in July, taking a total of 128 flights to 8 destinations

Source: www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/scoot-to-operate-flights-to-eight-cities-by-august-offers-free-date-change-on

21 Jun aviation

The Consumers Association in Singapore has received more than 350 complaints about airline refunds since 22 Jan, with inconsistent refund policies

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/inconsistent-refund-policies-for-flights-cancelled-due-to-pandemic

20 Jun outbound

Malaysia is holding talks with Singapore about allowing travel between the 4 countries without restrictions, including the exemption of a 14-day quarantine

Source: www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2020/06/20/officials-meet-on-fuss-free-travel-to-thailand-singapore/

19 Jun aviation

Scoot has plans to restore flights to Indonesia from Singapore in Jul, including to Manado, Yogyakarta, Balikpapan and Semarang

Source: www.ttrweekly.com/site/2020/06/scoot-returns-to-indonesia/

19 Jun outbound

Malaysia has made the provisional decision to allow Singapore and Brunei citizens entry into Malaysia without prior approval. These nationals would not need to undergo a 14-day quarantine. However, final permission is subject to the same permissions being granted to Malaysians when visiting Brunei and Singapore

Source: www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/06/19/malaysia-to-let-singapore-brunei-nationals-in-covid-19-test-and-quarantine/1876995

17 Jun inbound

Taiwan has stated that from 22 Jun it will allow business travellers into the country from lower-risk areas, including Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia. They will still have to provide proof of negative tests and also undergo 14-day quarantine or test on arrival

Source: news.chinhphu.vn/Home/Singapore-eases-quarantine-regulations-for-some-travelers-from-Viet-Nam/20206/40482.vgp

17 Jun outbound

Taiwan has stated that from 22 Jun it will allow business travellers into the country from lower-risk areas, including Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore and Malaysia. They will still have to provide proof of negative tests and also undergo 14-day quarantine or test on arrival

Source: www.bangkokpost.com/business/1936488/taiwan-to-let-in-thai-business-people

17 Jun inbound

KidZania Singapore, an indoor attraction, has closed down permanently after 4 years of operation

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/kidzania-singapore-sentosa-close-103-employees-affected-12841880

17 Jun inbound

Singapore MICE players anticipate that new events will combine a mixture of physical and digital, building broadcast rooms for digital events. They also conducted research which has found that 40% of people would choose not to attend an event physically in October

Source: sbr.com.sg/hotels-tourism/in-focus/%E2%80%98hybrid-events-arise-mice-industry-adapts-in-post-pandemic-era

16 Jun aviation

Singapore will put the construction of Changi Airport’s 5th terminal on hold for at least 2 years, citing “great uncertainties”

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/changi-airport-terminal-5-construction-paused-khaw-boon-wan-12840364

15 Jun inbound

Singapore will implement a user-pay screening model for COVID-19 from 17 Jun. A stay in a 14-day designated quarantine centre will cost non-citizens $2,000 SGD, with a test costing $200 SGD

Source: aecnewstoday.com/2020/singapore-to-charge-for-covid-19-airport-entry-screening-starting-wednesday/

15 Jun aviation

The Singapore Airlines Group had a 99.6% drop YoY in passenger carriage in May, with overall passenger capacity cut by 96.2%

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/singapore-airlines-silkair-scoot-may-operating-results-12837326

15 Jun inbound

: Phase 2 of eased lockdown restrictions will begin on 19 Jun, allowing more businesses to reopen and social activities to restart. There will still be limits on gatherings of 5 pax. Shops, parks, swimming pools, and dining in restaurants will be allowed once more. However, museums, entertainment outlets and other indoor and outdoors attractions will not be permitted to reopen yet. Schools will reopen fully on 29 Jun. Working from home is still encouraged

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/coronavirus-spore-to-start-phase-2-reopening-on-june-19-dining-in-public-social-gatherings

14 Jun outbound

Singapore outbound travel agents are engaging with overseas tourism boards (Australia, HK, Taiwan, South Korea) to get tour package subsidies and offsets for items such as tour buses

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/covid-19-travel-agencies-in-talks-with-overseas-tourism-12832734

12 Jun inbound

F1 has cancelled its Singapore Grand Prix

Source: www.sportbusiness.com/news/f1-eyes-more-european-races-as-doubts-grow-on-asian-stops/

12 Jun inbound

Singapore could begin phase 2 of its lockdown easing measures by the end of June, with the government expecting that almost the entire economy will be reopened. However, limits would remain on the number of people able to gather

Source: www.theedgemarkets.com/article/singapore-could-reopen-practically-entire-economy-month-end

11 Jun outbound

The Japan National Tourism Organisation has launched a competition for travel agents and airlines to propose projects which could stimulate Singaporeans’ interest in revisiting Japan from now until 31 Mar ’21

Source: www.ttgasia.com/2020/06/11/jnto-singapore-launches-contest-for-agents-airlines/

11 Jun aviation

Transit Holding Areas have been established at Singapore’s Changi airport for transit passengers. Singapore Airlines will allow travellers to transit from selected Australian and New Zealand cities to any destination in SIA’s group network

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/changi-airport-sets-up-new-transit-holding-areas-as-sia-travellers-from

11 Jun aviation

Scoot has resumed its flights from Singapore to 3 Malaysian destinations, including Kuching, Ipoh and Penang

Source: www.tin.media/news/details/-scoot-resumes-flights-to-three-malaysian-destinations-

10 Jun inbound

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has launched a remake of the hit Singapore Town, featuring 60 local Singaporeans enjoying a range of at-home activities during their Circuit Breaker

Source: www.tin.media/news/details/stb-introduces-tourist-attractions-in-remake-of-classic-singapore-town-song

9 Jun outbound

Malaysia and Singapore are discussing how Malaysians living in Johor but working in Singapore can travel into the city state

Source: www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2020/06/09/msia-spore-discuss-reentry

8 Jun outbound

An Ipsos survey has shown that 53% of Singaporeans do not intend to travel this year, even if it is allowed

Source: www.ipsos.com/en-sg/singaporeans-life-new-normal-covid-19

8 Jun aviation

Singapore Airlines has secured $10 billion in liquidity through its rights issue and long-term loans

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/sia-secures-10-billion-of-liquidity-to-combat-covid-19-fallout

7 Jun aviation

Enhanced safety measures for travellers for Singapore Airlines group flights are being rolled out, including a passenger kit with surgical mask, anti-bacterial wipes and hand sanitiser, enhanced cleaning for aircraft and lounges. Carry-on bags weight have changed for Scoot from 10kg to 3kg – the remaining 7kg will be able to be checked in at no extra cost

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/covid-19-coronavirus-sia-flights-safety-measures-12812572

7 Jun aviation

Singapore Airlines is not planning to cut jobs at the moment, but still will have to review potential job cuts

Source: www.bangkokpost.com/business/1930800/singapore-airlines-doesnt-plan-to-cut-jobs-for-now

4 Jun inbound

April’s arrival numbers to Singapore hit just 748, a drop of almost 100% YoY. However, the average stay went from 3 to 39 days, due to stay-home notices for short-term visitors

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/visitor-arrivals-to-singapore-hit-historic-low-in-april

4 Jun inbound

The Banyan Tree Group has made 30% of its Singaporean office employees redundant as part of a worldwide cost cutting initiative

Source: www.straitstimes.com/business/companies-markets/hospitality-group-banyan-tree-lay-off-staff-create-internal-portal-to

4 Jun inbound

Singapore Tourism Board is starting a consumer engagement event in India with Zomato with an online festival in June

Source: www.traveldailymedia.com/singapore-tourism-partners-with-zomato-to-bring-virtual-weekend-festival-experience/

3 Jun outbound

Further details regarding the “fast lane” between Singapore and China have been released. It will start on 8 Jun, and travellers will need to take a COVID-19 swab 48 hrs prior to departure. The test fee will be borne by the passenger. For Chinese travellers to Singapore, they must also undertake a controlled itinerary supervised by the host company for the first 14 days, and may not use public transport (except for taxis). On arrival to Singapore or China, pax will undergo a swab test, and must stay in designated accommodation (China) or isolation (Singapore) until test results are released

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-china-fast-lane-covid-19-swab-tests-business-travel-12798518

3 Jun aviation

Singapore will fully implement the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) guidelines

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/spore-to-implement-icao-guidelines-fully

2 Jun outbound

Singapore and Malaysia are delaying the High Speed Rail project until the year end

Source: www.ttgasia.com/2020/06/02/spore-msia-defer-high-speed-rail-project/

1 Jun aviation

Singapore Airlines and SilkAir will begin to rebuild their scheduled flights from 5 Jun, doubling its flown routes vs May 2020. 12 new destinations are to be added, including Adelaide, Amsterdam, Auckland, Barcelona, Brisbane, Cebu, Christchurch, Copenhagen, Hong Kong, Medan, Melbourne and Osaka. They now have 389 flights scheduled for Jun

Source: mainlymiles.com/2020/06/01/singapore-airlines-adds-more-destinations-with-expanded-june-july-schedule/

31 May outbound

Singapore is in talks with South Korea, Australia, Malaysia and New Zealand to establish “green lanes” for travel

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/singapore-in-talks-with-australia-s-korea-on-green-lanes-for-travel

31 May aviation

Airlines schedule to fly to Singapore’s Changi airport in June subject to approvals include Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Jetstar Asia, SilkAir, Air China, AirAsia (Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, Penang), ANA (Tokyo), Asiana (Seoul), BA (London), Cathay Pacific (HK), Eva Air (Taipei), Garuda Indonesia (Jakarta), KLM (Amsterdam), LOT Polish (Warsaw), Malindo (Kuala Lumpur), Myanmar Airways Intl (Yangon), Myanmar National Airline (Yangon), Philippine Airlines (Manila), Qatar Airways (Doha), Royal Brunei Airline, SriLankan Airlines (Negombo), Swiss Intl (Zurich), Turkish Airlines (Istanbul), Vistara (Mumbai, Delhi)

Source: mainlymiles.com/2020/05/31/which-airlines-are-flying-out-of-changi-in-june-2020/

30 May outbound

Singapore is in discussions with South Korea and Australia to establish “green lanes” for travel to facilitate short-term essential business and official travel. The Trade and Industry Manager said that Singapore is in simultaneous discussions with as many countries as possible, on a bilateral basis

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/singapore-in-discussions-with-s-korea-australia-to-establish-green-lanes-for

29 May aviation

AirAsia are considering resuming routes from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore

Source: www.ttrweekly.com/site/2020/05/airasia-resumes-more-flights-in-asia/

29 May outbound

Expedia have revealed that Singaporeans are preferring to search for staycations from Jun to Dec this year. Popular overseas travel destinations for check-in stays between Oct to Dec 2020 included Tokyo, Taipei, Seoul, Maldives, Bali, Phuket, Osaka, Hokkaido and HK, whilst for Jan to Feb 2021 included Tokyo, Maldives, Bangkok, Niseko, Seoul, Bali, Taipei, Johor, Sapporo and Okinawa

Source: www.ttgasia.com/2020/05/29/uptick-in-travel-searches-in-spore-and-thailand-expedia/

29 May inbound

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has partnered with local nightclub Zouk to offer virtual parties in the last weekend of May, showcasing the best of Singapore’s nightlife and entertainment

Source: www.ttgasia.com/2020/05/28/stb-zouk-throw-virtual-parties/

29 May outbound

Singapore and China have launched a “fast lane” arrangement in early June to facilitate essential travel for business and official purposes. It will first be applied between Shanghai, Tianjin, Chongqing, Guangdong, Jiangsu and Zhejiang and Singapore

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-china-fast-lane-arrangement-travel-covid-19-12784946

29 May outbound

Foreign travellers who have been in Singapore for the last 14 days will be denied entry to Japan

Source: mothership.sg/2020/05/japan-singapore-travel-ban/

28 May inbound

Phase 2 of Singapore’s Circuit Breaker reopening could start before the end of June, depending on Phase 1’s impact on new cases. The government also continues its talks with other countries about opening up to one another, prioritising business travel agreements to prevent businesses from relocating from Singapore

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/covid-19-phase-2-of-post-circuit-breaker-reopening-before-june-12779946

27 May inbound

Experts believe that Singapore could entertain the first wave of Chinese leisure travellers

Source: www.ttgasia.com/2020/05/27/changing-face-of-chinese-travellers/

27 May outbound

Singapore and New Zealand will start discussing a safe reopening of mutual borders

Source: www.straitstimes.com/politics/singapore-and-new-zealand-emerging-from-pandemic-look-to-reopening-borders

27 May outbound

STB intends to collaborate with regional governments to restore Southeast Asian cruising itineraries, as well as increase training and accreditation for travel agents in cruising products

Source: www.travelweekly-asia.com/Cruise-Travel/Regional-collaboration-to-drive-cruise-tourism-recovery-to-Singapore

26 May inbound

The Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix’s future remains uncertain still, but bids are being received by STB for various services

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/gearing-up-for-spore-gp-with-live-audience-parties-despite-uncertainty

26 May inbound

Singapore’s recession will be deeper than expected, with the Ministry of Trade and Industry forecasting a contraction of 7-4%

Source: www.straitstimes.com/business/economy/spore-to-sink-into-deeper-recession-than-expected-2020-growth-forecast-cut-to

21 May aviation

Scoot announced that it plans to resume limited flights to Malaysia (Ipoh, Kuching, Penang) and China (Guangzhou) in June

Source: www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/291378/scoot-june-2020-interim-operations-as-of-20may20/

20 May inbound

Singapore will begin to ease its circuit breaker (lockdown) period from 2 Jun, and will open up in 3 phases: 1. Phase 1 (at least 4 weeks): Safe re-opening will allow businesses with low risks of transmission to reopen, although working from home will still be encouraged. Schools will also gradually restart classes 2. Safe transition (several months): Social gatherings in small groups, restaurants reopening, sports and recreation facilities reopening, all students return to school 3. Safe Nation (until a vaccine is developed): Numbers of people allowed into same space still limited, gradual opening up of borders to allow Singaporeans to do essential travel overseas, and foreigners to enter the country

Source: thehoneycombers.com/singapore/circuit-breaker-end-june-singapore-what-to-expect/

20 May aviation

Transit through Singapore’s Changi Airport will be permitted from 2 Jun, but “stringent” measures will be in place to ensure that pax remain in designated areas. Airport staff will also wear PPE

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/covid-19-travel-passengers-transit-changi-airport-jun-2-12753104

19 May inbound

Piloting green lane arrangements with a few countries who have lower or the same risk of community transmission as Singapore is being explored by the government

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/covid-19-singapore-reopen-borders-resume-essential-travel-12749534

19 May inbound

70% in a survey of more than 170 event organisers and suppliers in Singapore revealed that their revenue has dropped by 90%, with pay cuts and no-pay leave implemented. 62% stated that they would have to close down without further government assistance

Source: www.ttgmice.com/2020/05/19/industry-survey-highlights-coronavirus-impact-on-singapore-events/

19 May inbound

The Singapore Tourism Board has launched an edutainment series with Singaporean personalities to promote the country

Source: bwhotelier.businessworld.in/article/Singapore-Tourism-Board-comes-up-with-a-New-Edutainment-Series-featuring-SG-personalities/19-05-2020-192609/

18 May outbound

According to Booking.com, the top international destinations their Singaporean customers had in their wishlist during March and April 2020 were: Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Bangkok, Seminyak-Bali, Tokyo, Taipei, London and Osaka

Source: news.booking.com/en-sg/bookingcom-reveals-the-top-travel-dreams-of-a-nation-in-waiting-sg/

18 May aviation

Finnair plans to resume flights from Helsinki to Singapore in July, subject to government approval

Source: www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2020/05/18/finnair-to-resume-flights-to-the-uk-and-asia-in-july/

18 May aviation

Singapore Airlines has set up a task force to help with recovery, which will look at new travel demands as well as health and travel regulations from worldwide governments

Source: www.ttgasia.com/2020/05/18/sia-task-force-to-shape-travel-safety/

18 May inbound

According to Booking.com, Singapore was in the top 10 destinations worldwide that their customers in Japan, India, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Thailand and Indonesia are dreaming of in their wishlist during March and April 2020. Globally, it ranked in the top 30 out of 1,000 destinations

Source: news.booking.com/en-sg/bookingcom-reveals-the-top-travel-dreams-of-a-nation-in-waiting-sg/

17 May inbound

March was one of Singapore’s worst months for the hotel industry on record, with occupancy at just 38.3%. It has since trended above 70% at the start of May, according to STR, but this is mainly due to COVID-related activities at the hotels

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/digital-check-ins-and-lots-of-disinfecting-as-hotels-gear-up

15 May aviation

Singapore Airlines have said that on increasing fares that "The price of the air ticket is really a function of demand and supply, and we will adapt these curves accordingly”. They also questioned the efficacy of social distancing on planes

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/sia-says-flight-experience-post-covid-19-will-change-workgroups-created-to-look

15 May outbound

Singapore has deferred its Hajj plans to 2021, citing concerns over the pandemic. 900 pilgrims were set to travel in July

Source: www.salaamgateway.com/story/singapore

14 May aviation

All airports in Singapore have been added to the “European Union List of Airports considered high risk of transmission”

Source: traveltourism.news/european-union-list-of-airports/

14 May outbound

The Japan National Tourism Organisation has launched the Dream Japan Journey competition for Singapore travel agents to keep their interest in the destination alive. Prizes include air tickets to Japan

Source: www.ttgasia.com/2020/05/14/jnto-singapore-calls-for-entries-of-creative-japan-itineraries/

14 May aviation

Singapore Airlines reported its first annual loss in its company history, of $212 million SGD in its year ending 31 Mar. In Jan – Mar alone, it lost $732 million SGD, vs. a profit of $203 million SGD YoY

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/singapore-airlines-sia-q4-full-year-results-covid-19-coronavirus-12732134

14 May inbound

PATA estimate that Singapore’s tourism arrivals are “most likely” to shrink by 19% vs their original forecast for 2020, and will not recover to its original trend until Q2 2021

Source: www.pataprodigy.org/CStaff/PATA_Forecasts%20PPT_Final.pdf

12 May inbound

Airbnb has made at least 38 of its staff in Singapore redundant

Source: www.businesstimes.com.sg/garage/at-least-38-airbnb-singapore-employees-axed-in-global-layoff

12 May inbound

Singapore continues discussions on how to reopen national borders, but says that COVID-19 testing before departure would be a precaution countries would need to take to be able to establish the lifting of bi-lateral border restrictions

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/covid-19-singapore-travel-restriction-discussions-with-countries-12725110

12 May aviation

Singapore’s Changi Airport Terminal 4 will suspend operations from 16 May, with airlines based there relocating to T1 or T3 due to lack of demand

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/covid-19-changi-airport-terminal-4-suspend-operations-12723918

10 May aviation

Korean Air will reopen its Seoul – Singapore route in June

Source: simpleflying.com/korean-air-international-resumptions/

9 May outbound

Travel Revolution, one of the biggest consumer travel fairs organised by the Singapore Outbound Travel Agents Association (SOTA) will not be held in 2020 or 2021 due to the uncertainty surrounding travel

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/spore-travel-sector-faces-uncertain-future-amid-covid-19

9 May aviation

Singapore Airlines will introduce obligatory mask wearing on board from 11 May

Source: www.paddleyourownkanoo.com/2020/05/09/singapore-airlines-introduces-mandatory-byo-face-mask-policy-and-onboard-social-distancing/

8 May aviation

Singapore Airlines is expecting a loss for the first time ever for its full financial year which ended on 31 Mar, with results announced on 14 May

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/coronavirus-sia-expects-to-make-a-full-year-net-loss-for-the-first-time-in-its-history

7 May outbound

Singaporean outbound travel agents are confident that China will remain a popular tourist destination for Singaporeans

Source: www.ttgasia.com/2020/05/07/travel-agents-restart-china-programming-marketing/

6 May aviation

Qatar Airways plan to resume flights from Doha to Singapore by the end of June

Source: www.airlive.net/qatar-airways-to-resume-52-destinations-by-end-of-may-and-80-in-june/

6 May inbound

According to research by HVS, the Average Daily Rate (ADR) at Singaporean hotels fell by 20.3%, and the Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) dropped by 61.9% in March YoY

Source: www.hospitalitynet.org/opinion/4098523.html

4 May inbound

The Great Singapore Sale 2020 has been cancelled. It is usually timed to coincide with school holidays, as well as a peak tourism period

Source: www.onlinecitizenasia.com/2020/05/04/sra-great-singapore-sale-2020-cancelled-amid-covid-19-pandemic/

4 May inbound

Singapore has said that its border reopening will start small and selectively, reviewing transmission levels in other countries

Source: www.thestar.com.my/news/regional/2020/05/04/border-re-opening-singapore-say-it-is-likely-to-start-small-and-selectively

3 May aviation

Singapore Airlines is looking at selling and leasing back their aircraft to raise cash

Source: simpleflying.com/singapore-aircraft-sale-leaseback-consider/

2 May inbound

Some businesses will be allowed to resume on 12 May, with other circuit breaker measures loosened next week

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/some-singapore-businesses-to-reopen-from-may-5-as-circuit-breaker-measures-eased

1 May aviation

Jetstar Asia has extended its flight suspension until 31 May

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/covid19-jetstar-asia-extends-suspension-of-flights-to-may-31-12694600

1 May inbound

Foreign workers newly recovered from COVID-19 moved into the cruise ship SuperStar Gemini as temporary accommodation

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/foreign-workers-who-recovered-from-covid-19-moved-into-superstar-gemini-cruise-ship

1 May inbound

Singapore is in talks with Australia, Canada, South Korea and New Zealand to facilitate the resumption of international travel necessary for maintaining global supply chains

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/coronavirus-singapore-australia-canada-south-korea-new-zealand-commit-to-resume-essential

30 Apr inbound

Singapore’s arrival numbers in March fell to just 240,000, an 85% drop YoY, with Q1 figures overall down 43%

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-visitor-arrivals-in-march-lowest-since-sars

25 Apr aviation

Singapore Airlines has extended its flight cancellations until the end of June, accounting for around 96% of its scheduled services

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/coronavirus-singapore-airlines-extends-cancellation-of-96-per-cent-of-flights

24 Apr inbound

IATA’s revised estimates show that passenger demand could fall by 48% in 2020, with a loss of $6.732 billion USD in revenue and 169,000 jobs

Source: www.iata.org/en/pressroom/pr/2020-04-24-01/

21 Apr inbound

Singapore’s “Circuit Breaker” lockdown has been extended until 1 Jun

Source: www.scmp.com/week-asia/health-environment/article/3080880/singapore-extends-coronavirus-circuit-breaker-measures

18 Apr aviation

Changi Airport saw a 70.7% drop in passenger numbers in March YoY, with just 1.65 million pax. The last 7 days of March saw a 98% drop in pax movements YoY

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/changi-airport-sees-70-drop-in-march-passenger-numbers

15 Apr aviation

Singapore Airlines group’s carriers recorded a 60.4% drop in passengers in March, with Singapore Airlines’ passenger carriage down 57.2% vs last year and SilkAir’s down 71.1%

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/singapore-airlines-covid-19-march-operating-results-12644466

15 Apr inbound

Sojern’s latest report on travel trends shows an interest in travelling to Singapore from long-haul destinations such as Europe, USA and Australia. The regional market also looks promising, particularly over the December period

Source: www.travelweekly-asia.com/Travel-News/Travel-Trends/Whats-the-outlook-for-Singapore-inbound-Heres-the-latest

14 Apr outbound

Genting Cruise Lines will enhance their safety and hygiene protocols for its Dream Cruises and Star Cruises ships, as well as strict health screening prior to embarkation and disembarkation

Source: www.ttgasia.com/2020/04/14/genting-cruise-lines-beefs-up-covid-19-hygiene-protocols/

9 Apr aviation

Jetstar Asia will extend its flight suspension until 19 May, making a total of 8 weeks suspended

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/coronavirus-jetstar-asia-extends-suspension-of-all-flights-to-may-19

7 Apr outbound

Singaporean residents who ignore travel advisories and leave Singapore will not be able to claim under insurers should they be hospitalised

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/coronavirus-no-hospitalisation-coverage-for-those-who-disregard-singapores-travel

6 Apr aviation

Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 2 will be suspended for 18 months from 1 May, with other operations to be consolidated across the terminals. The suspension of T2 will allow them to accelerate the building works they had planned, with the completion date being able to be brought forward by possibly one year. Changi is also considering suspending operations at T4 temporarily

Source: www.changiairport.com/corporate/media-centre/newsroom.html#/pressreleases/changi-airport-to-consolidate-terminal-operations-from-1-may-2020-2989018

31 Mar inbound

The SG Clean quality assurance will be rolled out to tourism and lifestyle sectors in the island. Ran by the Singapore Tourism Board and Enterprise Singapore, they aim to certify 570 hotels, attractions and tourism companies to help visitors’ and locals’ peace of mind

Source: ftnnews.com/health-a-spa/39174-singapore-extends-sg-clean-quality-mark-to-tourism-and-lifestyle-businesses

31 Mar aviation

Singapore Airlines has released its reduced schedule for April, with flights to London, Los Angeles, Frankfurt, Zurich, Sydney, Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Chongqing, Seoul, Shanghai and Tokyo only

Source: www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2020/03/31/singapore-airlines-announces-april-schedule-including-london-la-and-frankfurt/

30 Mar outbound

Singapore and Vietnam are exploring opening borders for essential travel

Source: www.facebook.com/leehsienloong/photos/a.344710778924968/3308572945872055/?type=3

28 Mar inbound

7,500+ hotel rooms have been booked up by the Singaporean government for returning Singaporeans and long-term residents to serve their Stay-Home Notice of 14 days

Source: www.99.co/blog/singapore/hotel-government-stay-home-notice-shn/

27 Mar aviation

Singapore Airlines is aiming to raise $15 billion SGD with a combination of issuing new shares and issuing mandatory convertible bonds

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/sia-aims-to-raise-15-billion-amid-major-financial-challenges-posed-by-covid-19

26 Mar inbound

The Singaporean government has launched its Fortitude Budget, worth $33 billion SGD. Measures it will take include: • Extending the duration of wage subsidies until Aug 2020, including MICE and tourism businesses at 75% • May include further support for aviation and tourism longer-term • Rental waivers for SMEs who have significant income loss • One-off $100 SGD credit for every Singapoean household to cover utilities • $2 billion SGD in cash grants to SMEs to offset rental costs • Creation of 100,000 job opportunities in public and private sectors • Financial support for startups

Source: www.straitstimes.com/politics/parliament-33-billion-set-aside-in-fortitude-budget-bringing-covid-19-war-chest-to-nearly

23 Mar aviation

Singapore Airlines has implemented further paycuts for management and compulsory no-pay leave. It is cutting 96% of its scheduled capacity til end Apr, ground 138/ 147 SIA and SilkAir aircraft

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/sia-to-cut-96-of-capacity-grounds-138-of-its-147-planes

22 Mar inbound

All short term visitors to Singapore are barred from entering the country from 23:59 on 23 Mar

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/coronavirus-all-short-term-visitors-barred-from-entering-and-transiting-in

19 Mar outbound

NATAS Travel Fair has been cancelled from its postponed date of 1 – 3 May. They are reviewing the status of the August fair

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/natas-travel-fair-may-cancelled-covid-19-outbreak-12556940

18 Mar inbound

Cruise arrivals to Singapore have fallen by 52% since the start of the outbreak. STB have developed a Cruise Development Fund to provide enhanced support for companies to boost cruise tourism

Source: www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/cruise-passenger-traffic-down-covid-19-stb-more-support-12549696

17 Mar outbound

Singaporeans have been asked to defer all non-essential travel for 30 days

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-residents-advised-to-defer-all-non-essential-travel-for-next-30-days-as-part-of

11 Feb inbound

Singapore Tourism Board says that they are expecting a daily loss of 18,000 - 20,000 visitors, with a forecasted fall in tourism arrivals of 30%

Source: www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3049995/singapore-bracing-coronavirus-hit-tourism-harder-sars

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