Singapore launches 'The COOL Singapore Award'

Singapore is going the extra mile to put in place stringent precautionary measures to woo visitors to the city state and to instill confidence in the destination, the local tourism industry is banding together to give visitors some added assurance.

The COOL Singapore Award, launched by the Singapore Tourism Board today with Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong as the guest of honour, served to recognise close to 100 tourism-related establishments for having achieved Gold Standard for Best Practices in implementing SARS Precautionary Measures.

"It is critical that we remain prepared and vigilant in our fight against SARS. SARS will remain a danger to us so long as it has not yet been brought under control in other countries. Singapore is an open economy. We cannot shut ourselves from the world. Whenever a case crops up here, we must act swiftly and decisively to isolate and ring-fence sick persons and their contacts to limit any transmission," said Mr Lee.

"The COOL Singapore Award shows that the tourism industry, Government and the entire community are committed to working together to tackle SARS comprehensively and vigorously. Today's award recognises the extra steps taken by the industry to give international visitors and Singaporeans confidence and added peace of mind," he added.

Within three weeks, 97 tourism-related establishments have implemented these rigorous efforts in SARS precaution. Besides the Singapore Changi Airport, other award recipients included three limousine services, three convention and event venues, and 90 hotels (accounting for 83% of the total number of hotel rooms in Singapore).

"It is precisely because of these concerted efforts that Singapore has been able to keep our borders open. These additional efforts by the tourism industry have made Singapore a safer destination for both residents and visitors alike. Singaporeans have begun to lead life as normal by once again stepping out and enjoying themselves. We are ready to welcome visitors back here," said Mr Lim Neo Chian, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive of the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).

"I am pleased to say that the response to the COOL Singapore Award has been overwhelming and the industry has been quick and steadfast in its support. It is heartening to see how quickly we can make things happen when we work as one. I would like to commend the tourism industry for its vigilant efforts in ensuring that rigorous precautions, even beyond what the Government and WHO have recommended, are in place at their premises. It is indeed a feat to get as many as 300 companies, if you include all the organisations at the airport, and 50,000 tourism workers united in this endeavour," added Mr Lim.

"Our message to the world is clear. Under the current circumstances, we understand that safety concerns are paramount to visitors. We want to rebuild confidence in our visitors by letting them know that we are totally committed to these efforts. We will not shift our focus or lessen our resolve to give that added peace of mind," Mr Lim said.

The stringent measures are also implemented with minimal hassle to the visitors. The Singapore Changi Airport is the first airport in the world to have implemented contactless thermal scanners screening for all incoming and outgoing passengers for any signs of fever. Examples of other precautionary measures in place at the airport include:

· temperature checks for all staff, tenants, suppliers and contractors of the airport;

· daily disinfecting of all common facilities;

· provision of information on SARS prevention to passengers and staff;

· good ratings from the National Environment Agency's Eating Establishment Grading Scheme;

· appointment of a SARS prevention manager responsible for ensuring compliance of SARS prevention measures;

· full compliance with the Ministry of Health's advisory on SARS for airport ground crew and work places.

These precautionary measures at the airport alone required the dedication and support of more than 20,000 staff and 200 organisations and companies operating in the airport.

"The safety of our passengers is our priority. With such thorough measures in place, our passengers have greater peace of mind when they use Changi Airport. We hope to play our part to prevent the trans-border spread of the virus," said Mr Wong Woon Liong, Director-General of Civil Aviation, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore.

"In the weeks to come, more establishments will come on board the COOL Singapore Award. Although there are signs that the nation's battle against SARS is beginning to pay off, Singapore's tourism industry will continue to stay alert, and will press on with firm, decisive and stringent measures to make Singapore the choice destination for both business and leisure visitors," Mr Lim said.