STB Annual Report 03/04 - Singapore Tourism Board
STB Annual Report 03/04 - Singapore Tourism Board
STB Annual Report 03/04 - Singapore Tourism Board
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The <strong>Singapore</strong> tourism landscape is constantly evolving. Apart from<br />
having to deal with international crises, <strong>Singapore</strong> faces increasing<br />
competition from her regional neighbours. While these changes take place,<br />
the <strong>STB</strong>’s core priority remains the same: To develop and champion<br />
tourism so as to build the sector into a key driver of the <strong>Singapore</strong> economy.<br />
In doing so, the <strong>STB</strong> has to effectively manage the opportunities and<br />
challenges before us. The challenge is two-fold: On one hand, to provide<br />
a more conducive environment for the private sector to operate through<br />
rigorous review of the regulations guarding the industry to determine their<br />
relevance. On the other hand, a keen eye must be kept on the industry<br />
so as to encourage fair practices and raise service standards.<br />
The <strong>STB</strong> has, in fact, started practising this balancing act. In 20<strong>03</strong>/20<strong>04</strong>,<br />
bar-top dancing has been legalised and designated nightspots can now<br />
operate 24 hours. The ban on the use of firecrackers has also been lifted<br />
for specially-approved occasions, like the opening ceremony of the Lunar<br />
New Year Light-Up 20<strong>04</strong> at Chinatown. Simultaneously, the <strong>Board</strong> has<br />
stepped up its actions against errant retailers who repeatedly subject<br />
tourists to unethical practices.<br />
Regulating