Singapore Tourism Board Introduces New Free Shuttle Tour Service For Transit Passengers

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has introduced a new free shuttle tour service known as the 'Roar Round Singapore' programme for transit passengers at Singapore Changi Airport.

The 'Roar Round Singapore' programme will enable airport passengers who are in transit to enjoy some of the island's attractions, and special offers of the Singapore Roars! marketing campaign, before they depart from Changi Airport. All transit passengers are eligible to sign up for the programme so long as they satisfy minimum requirements. They need to have at least five hours of transit time before their next flight, as well as the necessary visa to enter Singapore. These transit passengers must show their boarding passes as proof of their departure arrangements.

The aim of the programme is to tap into a potential market of more than 100,000 transit passengers who arrive at Changi Airport each month. This programme enables these transit passengers to experience a little of what Singapore has to offer in terms of the ethnic and historical heritage, the diversity of dining and shopping experiences, as well as our exciting line-up of events.

The transit passengers will be provided with a brochure to use as a guide when they sign up for the programme. This brochure contains information on the area, as well as the things they can do, see and buy. They will also be given a copy of the Singapore Roars! brochure which enables them to enjoy the various discounts available.

Chang Chee Pey, Director, Sightseeing and Attractions, STB, said; "This programme is conceptualised for passengers who have five hours or more of transit time at the airport. It enables them to take a peek at Singapore without any hassle, whilst making the best of their transit time and travel plans. It is also a good way to showcase the best of Singapore to a potentially large group of visitors who would otherwise have bypassed Singapore and not see for themselves what Singapore has to offer."

The 'Roar Round Singapore' programme was launched on 29 September, and will end on 31st December 2003. Todate, 1,300 passengers have signed on and explored four key attractions available as part of the programme including the Civic District, Chinatown, Orchard Road and Little India. Most of the passengers who have enjoyed the programme are from the United States of America, Australia and Japan.

WTS Travel and Tours Pte Ltd is the appointed bus operator who will provide the 'Roar Round Singapore' shuttle bus service between 12.30 p.m. and 8.30 p.m. seven days a week for this program.

Mr Micker Sia, Managing Director, WTS Travel and Tours Pte Ltd said; "We have kept in mind the different lengths of transit time the passengers have and have worked out a flexible tour schedule. Passengers can manage their time by choosing to get off and on the bus at the various designated stops. By making this service free for all passengers, we hope to encourage more passengers to sign up and take this opportunity to visit Singapore during the few hours of their transit here. We are very happy to work with STB on this project and we hope that there will be many more opportunities of collaboration to showcase the best of Singapore to our visitors."

Since its launch, 'Roar Round Singapore' has received positive feedback from tourists. Ms Patricia Assen, a visitor from Melbourne commented; "I travel through Changi Airport a lot and am impressed with the services offered. This new tour is a great way for me to be able to see a little bit of Singapore between my flights."

Mr Andrew Lim, an American tourist added; "I think that this tour is a great idea. What better way to spend time between flights than exploring the city you are in. I have not come across this service anywhere else." 

The 'Roar Round Singapore' programme is part of STB's Singapore Roars! marketing campaign launched in June. A global tourism advertising and promotion campaign which is ongoing till December, Singapore Roars! includes an online contest programme, amazing travel and accommodation deals, spectacular events and celebrity line-ups and a sure-win lucky draw for visitors along Orchard Road.