Singapore Pushes for Incentives
The destination is not just eyeing the MICE segment but is particularly interested in the incentives part of it and this is reflected in its updated version of INSPIRE that offers elements to groups based on their size
Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has launched an updated version of its incentive programme titled INSPIRE (In Singapore Incentive and Rewards) for the incentive market. Its 3.0 version bundles products together based on the size and needs of the group. Adrian Kong, Area Director for the South East (Mumbai), Singapore Tourism Board, who looks after MICE, says, “We have made improvements to our programme by taking feedback from many travel intermediaries. We are trying to promote more incentive travel to Singapore through corporate as well as through the MICE agents. We have had two successful runs of INSPIRE and the third version intends to incentivise corporate entities further to send their groups for incentive programs to Singapore. It comes with more attractions and value additions.”
The number of passengers in previous editions of INSPIRE were much higher. “Earlier we had about 800-1,500 pax. We understand that Indian corporates are looking at smaller groups for incentives now. We have therefore reduced the group size to 50-200 pax, 50 being the minimum number of people to be eligible to partake in the program. This way smaller companies from tier II and III cities can also take advantage of it,” Kong adds.
One of its schemes called Business Events in Singapore (BeIS) which will look at larger incentive groups for upwards of 200 pax. A third scheme called the Singapore MICE Advantage Programme (SMAP) allows corporates to have
experiences in Singapore and they get certain incentives to offset their costs. Kong explains, “We want to make the INSPIRE programme more relevant for smaller groups of 50-200 pax. We are also adding on experiential elements which cannot be bought off the shelf. You have to qualify for the scheme in order to avail them. Through our INSPIRE 3.0 programme, we want to take Bleisure (Business with Leisure) a notch higher.”
NEW OPTIONS FOR MICE
Singapore is trying to offer a good mix of activities and options for the huge MICE movement that it sees incoming from India. It is offering them new itineraries and offbeat options like gala dinners in non-hotel venues such as Gardens by the Bay Conservatories and Flower Dome. “It could even be on the Royal Albatross Tall Ship that is permanently docked at Sentosa. It can accommodate 130-150 pax and can cruise into the seas and return in a few hours. It was also used in movie ‘Dark Knight',” Kong adds. STB is also looking at team-building options since it is getting increasingly popular among the Indian corporate. “We have partnered with companies like Focus Adventure that does interesting activities like dragon boat race which also incorporates the local culture. So the staff not only does team-building but also experiences and learns about the place. These are not usual programmes which are offered by other DMCs. The Singapore DMCs talk to the agents/corporate about the requirements and accordingly create a package for them.
We also have a mixology class for Singapore Sling for corporate. Its hands-on and incorporates the local essence of the destination. We want the corporate community to know that there's more to Singapore than Orchard Road and Sentosa,” he adds.
With INSPIRE 3.0 programme, we want to take Bleisure (Business with Leisure) a notch higher