TTG Asia Honours Three Singapore Industry Leaders

Three meetings industry figures in Singapore have been commended for their commitment and contribution to the Asian travel and tourism industry in 2003.

Mr Lim Neo Chian, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive of Singapore Tourism Board, Mr Robert Guy, Managing Director of Pacific World and Mr James L. Papineau, Director of Marketing & Sales for Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre all shared the limelight at a Cocktail & Presentation held in conjunction with the Incentive Travel & Corporate Meetings Asia (IT&CMA) 2003 in Bangkok, Thailand.

The TTG Honours were given in recognition of remarkable individuals and organisations who had risen to the challenge of battling the SARS crisis in the meetings, incentives, corporate and leisure travel industry in the region. The three honourees were credited for their active involvement in spearheading various initiatives to help the Singapore events and tourism industry.

Mr Guy and Mr Papineau were particularly distinguished for their tireless efforts in rallying the support of the private sector members and STB to set up the Singapore Can-Lah! communications working group in a bid to restore the confidence of business travellers and visitors to Singapore during the SARS crisis. The initiative not only successfully countered negative press in the international market to present non-biased and real-time perspectives but also stimulated interest in visiting Singapore and in positioning Singapore for a quick recovery.

Commented Mr Guy: "We are pleased that the work of Singapore Can-Lah! has been recognized by TTG. The important work of Singapore Can-Lah! continues and we appreciate the support of all organisations and individuals who continue to contribute."

The two well known key players in the MICE industry were also responsible for establishing COPE International in Singapore, an institution that sets certification benchmark to vendors in the meetings and events industry. Recognised as a new standard in the industry, COPE aims to provide quality assurance of 'controlled performance' in logistics, security, and service.

Said Mr Papineau: "I am proud to have been a part of the 'rescue team' in helping the industry to overcome the misconception of SARS in Singapore and the region. The industry is back on track but the importance of co-operation between the public and the private sectors can never be overemphasised."

Mr Lim summed it up: "I am honoured to receive this award, but it does not belong to me alone. Without the hard work and tireless efforts by my colleagues in STB and our partners in the entire tourism industry, we would not have emerged as quickly and as strongly from SARS, as we did. I would like to share the honour of the award with them."