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Business Times
20 hours ago
- Business
- Business Times
STB, OpenAI ink MOU to drive advanced AI adoption across tourism sector
[SINGAPORE] The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has inked a memorandum of understanding with ChatGPT-maker OpenAI to drive the adoption of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) across the city-state's tourism sector. Going beyond traditional AI systems, advanced AI can perform complex cognitive tasks and generate human-like responses – by using machine learning generative capabilities to do things like understand natural language, analyse data at scale and create personalised, context-dependent solutions. The collaboration will prepare STB and Singapore's tourism sector for an AI-driven future and lay the groundwork for the sector to benefit from the latest AI advancements, the board said on Wednesday (Jul 23). This is in line with STB's Tourism 2040 roadmap – which focuses on ensuring Singapore's tourism sector is future-ready – as it will prepare the sector for evolving technological advancements and lay the foundation for transformative changes in the travel industry. Jordan Tan, STB chief technology officer, said: 'We see tremendous potential in this collaboration with OpenAI to drive innovation and agility in the tourism sector. By leveraging OpenAI's capabilities, we envision AI as a key enabler in addressing productivity challenges and accelerating digital transformation across the sector.' Speaking on the partnership, Oliver Jay, managing director of international at OpenAI, said the company would support STB in integrating its technology across multiple applications. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Improving visitor experience Under the tie-up, STB will adopt OpenAI's technology and explore potential use cases where advanced tools and robotics can be incorporated into tourism. STB will evaluate the impact of such use cases, explore their scalability and potentially launch trials with relevant sector partners. The board will use OpenAI's capabilities to enhance visitor experiences through greater personalisation and engagement, as well as to improve organisational and industry productivity. This could range from working with tourism businesses to provide tailored recommendations and multilingual assistance, to delivering immersive storytelling initiatives that create memorable experiences, the STB said. 'These initiatives will ultimately encourage repeat visits and (serve as) advocacy for Singapore,' the STB said. Moreover, the use of advanced AI will help deepen insights, to refine destination marketing and product strategies in order to support industry stakeholders in creating responsive services, the board added. OpenAI was co-founded in 2015 by a group including CEO Sam Altman and Elon Musk, the world's richest person. Musk has since left the firm due to disagreements with its direction.
Business Times
16-07-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Singapore tourism receipts edge down 0.1% in Q1
[SINGAPORE] The city-state's tourism receipts (TR) marginally fell 0.1 per cent in the first quarter of 2025 to S$8.07 billion, from S$8.08 billion in the year-ago period. This came as international visitor arrivals rose 0.1 per cent year on year (yoy) to 4.31 million, just a touch above 4.30 million in Q1 2024, Singapore Tourism Board (STB) figures showed on Wednesday (Jul 16). On a quarterly basis, visitor spending grew 9.4 per cent, from S$7.4 billion in the final quarter of 2024. 'Singapore's tourism sector continues to perform steadily,' said an STB spokesperson. Major components mixed The largely consistent TR performance in Q1 2025 came as major components made mixed showings compared with the same quarter in the preceding year. Expenditure on food and beverages (F&B) increased the most yoy, up 14.1 per cent to S$1.3 billion. This was followed by accommodation, where TR rose 6.5 per cent to S$1.4 billion. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up The 'other components' segment – which includes spending on airfares on Singapore-based carriers, port taxes, local transportation, business, medical, education and transit visitors – was also up 4.1 per cent to S$2.5 billion. In contrast, shopping TR slowed 2.5 per cent to S$1.3 billion; and the sightseeing, entertainment and gaming (SEG) component moderated 16 per cent compared with the corresponding 2024 period. But STB noted that the first quarter of last year 'featured an exceptional line-up of events', including the Singapore Airshow 2024 and Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour concerts. Singapore hotels' average room rates, revenues, and occupancy for Q1 2025 similarly fell on a yearly basis. Quarter on quarter, the higher TR was due to growth in spending across all major components except shopping, where TR declined marginally. F&B expenditure picked up most on a quarterly basis, at 16.9 per cent. China drives receipts By market, Mainland China remained the top TR generator for Singapore tourism in the Q1 2025, contributing S$1.3 billion in revenue, excluding the SEG segment. This was up 9.3 per cent from its S$1.2 billion contribution to TR in Q1 2024. 'Mainland China's top TR-contributing market position is consistent with its strong IVA (international visitor arrival) performance in Q1 2025, boosted by the 30-day mutual visa exemption and the Chinese New Year peak travel season,' said the STB spokesperson. China was the source of 831,472 tourists to Singapore in the quarter. In Q1 2025, Indonesia (S$719.8 million) and Australia (S$538 million) were the second and third-largest contributors to TR respectively. The US (S$474.6 million) and India (S$342.9 million) rounded out the list of Singapore's top five TR-generating markets. Indonesia was the origin of 640,259 visitors; 312,218 came from Malaysia; 308,124 arrived from Australia; and 261,456 hailed from India. Among these key markets, Australia and the US both recorded strong TR growth of nearly 15 per cent yoy, which the STB spokesperson attributed to robust spending on accommodation and F&B. The spokesperson also pointed to F&B as a strong growth driver in general, with eight of the top 10 markets recording yearly growth in this segment in Q1 2025. This growth, they said, reflects 'Singapore's growing appeal as (a) culinary destination, and follows STB's launch of a marketing campaign in October 2024 to position Singapore as a culinary capital, showcasing the city's vibrant, diverse and innovative food scene to a global audience'.
Business Times
16-07-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Singapore tourism receipts edge down 0.1% in Q1 on year
[SINGAPORE] The city-state's tourism receipts (TR) marginally fell 0.1 per cent in the first quarter of 2025 to S$8.07 billion, from S$8.08 billion in the year-ago period. This came as international visitor arrivals rose 0.1 per cent year on year (yoy) to 4.31 million, just a touch above 4.30 million in Q1 2024, Singapore Tourism Board (STB) figures showed on Wednesday (Jul 16). On a quarterly basis, visitor spending grew 9.4 per cent, from S$7.4 billion in the final quarter of 2024. 'Singapore's tourism sector continues to perform steadily,' said an STB spokesperson. Major components mixed The largely consistent TR performance in Q1 2025 came as major components made mixed showings compared with the same quarter in the preceding year. Expenditure on food and beverages (F&B) increased the most yoy, up 14.1 per cent to S$1.3 billion. This was followed by accommodation, where TR rose 6.5 per cent to S$1.4 billion. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up The 'other components' segment – which includes spending on airfares on Singapore-based carriers, port taxes, local transportation, business, medical, education and transit visitors – was also up 4.1 per cent to S$2.5 billion. In contrast, shopping TR slowed 2.5 per cent to S$1.3 billion; and the sightseeing, entertainment and gaming (SEG) component moderated 16 per cent compared with the corresponding 2024 period. But STB noted that the first quarter of last year 'featured an exceptional line-up of events', including the Singapore Airshow 2024 and Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour concerts. Singapore hotels' average room rates, revenues, and occupancy for Q1 2025 similarly fell on a yearly basis. Quarter on quarter, the higher TR was due to growth in spending across all major components except shopping, where TR declined marginally. F&B expenditure picked up most on a quarterly basis, at 16.9 per cent. China drives receipts By market, Mainland China remained the top TR generator for Singapore tourism in the Q1 2025, contributing S$1.3 billion in revenue, excluding the SEG segment. This was up 9.3 per cent from its S$1.2 billion contribution to TR in Q1 2024. 'Mainland China's top TR-contributing market position is consistent with its strong IVA (international visitor arrival) performance in Q1 2025, boosted by the 30-day mutual visa exemption and the Chinese New Year peak travel season,' said the STB spokesperson. China was the source of 831,472 tourists to Singapore in the quarter. In Q1 2025, Indonesia (S$719.8 million) and Australia (S$538 million) were the second and third-largest contributors to TR respectively. The US (S$474.6 million) and India (S$342.9 million) rounded out the list of Singapore's top five TR-generating markets. Indonesia was the origin of 640,259 visitors; 312,218 came from Malaysia; 308,124 arrived from Australia; and 261,456 hailed from India. Among these key markets, Australia and the US both recorded strong TR growth of nearly 15 per cent yoy, which the STB spokesperson attributed to robust spending on accommodation and F&B. The spokesperson also pointed to F&B as a strong growth driver in general, with eight of the top 10 markets recording yearly growth in this segment in Q1 2025. This growth, they said, reflects 'Singapore's growing appeal as (a) culinary destination, and follows STB's launch of a marketing campaign in October 2024 to position Singapore as a culinary capital, showcasing the city's vibrant, diverse and innovative food scene to a global audience'.
Bangkok Post
08-07-2025
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Thailand weighs casino legalisation
As Thailand edges closer to legalising casinos under its proposed Entertainment Complex Bill, the debate over potential benefits and risks is intensifying. But the future of the bill is now in doubt. Amid mounting public opposition to casinos, the legislation has stalled in parliament and may be withdrawn entirely -- a reflection of just how controversial the idea remains in this predominantly Buddhist country. Thailand's heavy reliance on tourism -- accounting for up to 20% of its economy -- has prompted policymakers to consider whether integrated resorts, complete with casinos, could reinvigorate the sector. Proponents argue it could help revive a stagnating tourism industry. Opponents warn that the social costs may outweigh any economic gains. For Bo Bernhard, Vice President of Economic Development at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, this is familiar territory. For the past three decades, Mr Bernhard has advised governments on the economic and social impacts of casino-driven tourism, from Singapore and South Korea to South Africa and Japan. Lesson from Singapore Speaking to the Bangkok Post's Deeper Dive podcast, Mr Bernhard told stakeholders that Thailand now faces the same dilemma Singapore confronted more than two decades ago. "At the time, the Singapore Tourism Board admitted, 'We're a beautiful country, a business hub, a banking centre, but ... we're afraid we're a little bit boring,'" he recalled. The city-state feared tourists would fly in for a conference, then rush straight back to the airport. Singapore ultimately adopted the concept of the "fun economy" by introducing integrated resorts, including the iconic Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa. The result: tourism grew by 10%, the nation's GDP increased, and Singapore became a destination where families now choose to holiday, not just pass through. The lesson, Mr Bernhard said, is simple. "If you don't create new rides at the amusement park, people stop coming. That's as true for Las Vegas and Orlando as it is for Bangkok or Phuket." Nobody thinks of Thailand as boring, of course. However, the kingdom, he argued, is showing signs of slowing tourism. "If you are Tokyo and tourism is just a side business, that's manageable. But for Thailand, stagnation in tourism is devastating," he warned. Mega-resorts, anchored by casinos, have proven to be powerful tools for reviving flagging tourism sectors worldwide, he said. Crime, Addiction, Resistance The economic benefits are only one side of the equation. Mr Bernhard acknowledged widespread concerns about gambling addiction -- a "sickness of our time", as he described it. "We live in an era where problems of excess, whether it's gambling, alcohol, or even social media, are more devastating than problems of deficiency," he told the podcast. Thailand, which currently bans almost all forms of gambling, has little in the way of support services for problem gamblers. But Mr Bernhard pointed to Singapore as a case study showing that legalisation can actually lead to better public health outcomes, if properly managed. Contrary to expectations, Singapore's problem gambling rate fell after the opening of the integrated resorts, thanks to rigorous safeguards, education, and treatment programmes. Concerns about crime also loom large. Mr Bernhard argued that, when properly regulated, casinos are actually a poor choice for criminal enterprises. "A casino is the worst place to launder money," he said. "Every dollar is monitored by cameras, by humans, by digital systems. The chips themselves are traceable." But the key, he cautioned, is enforcement. "You need a strong regulatory framework. If it's weak, or if there's corruption, then yes, the risks are real," he said. In Thailand, many question whether the government has the capacity to enforce such standards. Mr Bernhard admitted the risk cannot be dismissed but noted that modern surveillance and tracking systems offer strong deterrents, if used properly. To further address addiction concerns, Thailand's draft bill proposes limiting casino access to foreign tourists and the ultra-wealthy. Locals would reportedly have to prove bank deposits of 50 million baht -- a threshold that would effectively bar 99.8% of Thais. Mr Bernhard questioned the practicality of this. "Singapore uses a S$100 entry fee to discourage impulsive or excessive gambling. But requiring proof of vast wealth is unprecedented and may not be workable," he said. His view was clear: locals should be allowed entry if they can afford it and if adequate safeguards are in place. "It's about choice," he said. "If the right protections are built, people should be allowed to make that decision." Beyond the immediate debate about addiction and crime, Mr Bernhard pointed to a global shift. "For the first time in human history, more than 50% of the world's population is middle class or above," he said. "And what do people buy when they enter the middle class? They buy experiences." With regional competitors like Japan and Singapore already capitalising on this boom, Thailand risks falling behind. "It's like standing at the dawn of the automobile age and saying, 'No thanks, we'll skip that,'" he said. Ultimately, the decision rests with the Thai public and its lawmakers. "If you are morally opposed to gambling, that's your choice and it's a perfectly valid one," he said. "Our job as researchers isn't to argue morality. It's to give governments the data to make informed decisions." For now, with the Entertainment Complex Bill stalled and possibly facing withdrawal, Thailand's gamble on the future of its tourism economy remains unresolved. Scan the QR code to watch the full interview in the latest edition of Bangkok Post's Deeper Dive podcast.
Tatler Asia
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
The rise of concert tourism: How live music is shaping global travel trends
Live music is driving a new wave of tourism. Here, we look into how major music events and concerts such as Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour are starting travel trends Concert tourism is booming, transforming live music from a cultural experience into a powerful driver of travel and economic growth. From Taylor Swift's record-breaking Eras Tour to Coldplay's multi-night spectacles, live concerts are no longer just events—they are catalysts that shake up everything from airline bookings to restaurant reservations. Across Asia, cities like Singapore and Bangkok are becoming live music capitals, leveraging mega tours as a tourism strategy. This new wave of concert tourism is transforming the way we travel: fans fly in, spend big and leave with memories that last longer than the merchandise. Read more: 6 futuristic music venues transforming the concert experience Above Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour at the Singapore National Stadium () Singapore Tourism Board's director of leisure events, Guo Teyi highlights the significant economic impact of major concerts with international visitors typically making up 25 to 30 per cent of attendees. For example, Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour concert in Singapore back in 2024 saw over 300,000 tickets sold, with a significant number of fans travelling into Singapore from other countries. While the Singapore Tourism Board does not track the economic impact of individual concerts, Guo notes that such live entertainment events generate positive returns for Singapore, with spillover benefits for retail, dining and other tourism-related industries. The trend is reflected in traveller behaviour as well. According to Momentum 2025: Travel's Next Big Trends report, 66 per cent of travellers now plan trips around live events. Singapore's general manager Edmund Ong observes: 'When international artists announce Singapore concert dates, we typically observe exceptionally strong booking patterns.' For one, Lady Gaga's latest concert in Singapore from May 18 to 24 saw hotel reservations spike 200 per cent. Above Sabrina Carpenter opens for Taylor Swift () The impact of concert tourism is not limited to established destinations. In January 24, 2025, Ed Sheeran kicked off the 2025 leg of his iconic Mathematics Tour in Bhutan's Changlimithang Stadium, marking the country's first-ever major international concert. Department of Tourism Bhutan's chief marketing officer Carissa Nimah shares how the concert was a 'milestone moment' which alined with the country's 50 years of tourism celebrations. 'Bringing Ed Sheeran to Bhutan was not just about hosting a superstar. It was a strategic step to diversify our tourism offerings and demonstrate our ability to stage world-class sustainable events,' she continues, highlighting how sustainability was built into every step of the planning process. A defining moment for Bhutan, the concert allowed Bhutanese to see a world-class artist live. Internationally, the concert redefined perceptions of the country. 'We are not only a destination for hiking, monasteries and mountains. We're also a creative, connected society capable of staging events that leave a deep emotional impact,' Nimah explains. Above Bhutan's Changlimithang Stadium () Above Ed Sheeran performs in Bhutan (Photo: Department of Tourism Bhutan) Staging such a large-scale event in Bhutan came with unique challenges, from repurposing the Changlimithang Stadium to managing logistics for 23,000 attendees. Sheeran's team transported over 45 trucks of equipment and meticulous planning was required for infrastructure, security and crown management. Despite these hurdles, the concert's success showcased Bhutan's capacity for cultural innovation and high-value, low-impact tourism. The ripple effects were felt across the country. 'We heard from young musicians who said it renewed their passion. From business owners who saw increased footfall. And from elders who, while unfamiliar with Ed's music, were moved by the way the event brought people together,' Nimah shares. Above Ed Sheeran performs in Bhutan to 23,000 attendees (Photo: Department of Tourism Bhutan) Ong notes that travellers are increasingly seeking immersive and meaningful experiences beyond attending main concert events, turning their concert trips into full vacation experiences. 'Rather than flying in just for the performance, fans typically extend their trips by several days to explore the destination,' he adds. Beyond concerts, Ong shares how movies and TV series are increasingly shaping travel decisions. 'Following the premiere of The White Lotus Season Two, social media chatter about Thailand surged 60 per cent, driving increased interest in the destination,' Ong continues. As concert tourism continues to surge, it's clear that live music is no longer just about the show. Rather, it's shaping travel and economies across Asia, with these cities benefiting far beyond the final encore.
