Singapore residents encouraged to participate in 'Project Postcard'

There is no a better time to roar into Singapore - that is the message the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) wants Singapore residents to tell the world.

As part of this year's National Day celebrations and STB's Singapore Roars marketing campaign, the STB has produced a series of three postcards to be distributed to all Singaporeans, permanent residents and foreigners residing in Singapore. With prepaid overseas postage, these specially-designed postcards featuring tourism icons and various events will make a perfect invite for overseas friends and relatives of Singapore residents to visit the Lion City.

To encourage Singapore residents to send these postcards overseas, for three weeks, starting from 9 August 2003, a postcard will be selected every week. Each lucky recipient of the selected postcards will win an exciting holiday for two to Singapore on Singapore Airlines, a three-night hotel accommodation at The Fullerton Singapore, and a S$1,000 shopping voucher. The Singapore resident who sent the winning postcard will also win a S$500 shopping voucher.

The first batch of postcards will be delivered with the National Day edition of The Straits Times, Lianhe Zaobao, Berita Harian, and Tamil Murasu newspapers on 9 August 2003.

The second and third designs will be maildropped to every household between 15-18 August, and 22-25 August respectively. A total of over 3 million cards will be produced for this exercise, including limited distribution at all Post Offices.

STB's Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive, Lim Neo Chian said: "As we mark Singapore's 38th birthday, we hope to put the worst of the SARs crisis behind us. The tourism sector has been battered badly and there is an urgent need to step up our recovery efforts as many jobs are at stake. 'Project Postcard' provides an excellent opportunity for everyone to play their role as Tourism Ambassadors. I appeal to all Singapore residents to do their part in bringing visitors back to our shores by sending out these postcards inviting their friends overseas to see Singapore for themselves."

Partnering the STB in this nation-wide, first ever initiative, are the Singapore Post (SingPost), Singapore Airlines, and The Fullerton Singapore.

SingPost's CEO, William Tan Soo Hock said: "SingPost is pleased to partner the STB this National Day by offering our mail delivery services and extensive post office network to Project Postcard. The distribution of these postcards will enable Singaporeans to stay in touch with their friends and loved ones all over the world. In an era of electronic communication, we hope that traditional forms of communication will bring back the warmth and joy of both writing and receiving a personal, hand-written message - a memorable keepsake for all time to come."

"SIA is happy to be part of this national effort to invite the world to visit Singapore. This is an important step in our unrelenting effort to help rebuild travel confidence to Singapore." Said Mr Tan Chik Quee, SIA's Senior Vice-President of Marketing.

Mr Gerhard Kropp, General Manager of The Fullerton Singapore added: "As the building that housed the old General Post Office, The Fullerton Singapore's apt partnership with STB in this initiative is significant in reviving the nostalgic charm of this landmark hotel. The Fullerton Square at the forefront of the historic Singapore River, comprising The Fullerton Singapore and One Fullerton, is a destination in itself for the tourists and locals alike. The area features fascinating attractions like the Asian Civilisations Museum, the  Esplanade -Theatres On The Bay and the Merlion Park. Together with the STB, we hope to welcome more visitors to enjoy this unique Singapore experience."

"Project Postcard" represents the latest phase of STB's ongoing Singapore Roars! campaign, geared towards long-term tourism recovery. Launched on 18 June 2003, it features a six-month line-up of Roaring Great Deals, outstanding travel and accommodation packages, Roaring SurPrizes sure-win lucky draws for visitors along Orchard Road, and an impactful global advertising campaign.