Travel Feb. 27, 2009 - 06:38AM JST ( 5 )

SINGAPORE —

Singapore Airlines has teamed up with Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) in a global campaign to attract visitors to Singapore.

The special SIA Holidays package to be launched from the end of this month will be supported by a range of promotional activities throughout the year in the Singapore Airlines and SilkAir route network of 93 cities in 38 countries.

“The thrust of the campaign is to bring visitor numbers back to Singapore. Both short and long haul markets would be targeted from the outset,” said Huang Cheng Eng, Singapore Airlines executive vice president.

“The promotions will be launched in phases across Singapore Airlines’ network and over $9 million will be pumped in jointly by Singapore Airlines, STB, CAAS and the travel industry for joint in-market promotions and advertising, as well as value-adds to the package,” he added.

Ken Low, Singapore Tourism Board’s assistant chief executive (marketing), said, “STB’s collaboration with Singapore Airlines, SilkAir and CAAS is a prime example of the travel industry here working together. We are very excited with the partnerships that are being forged - and pleased that travelers will benefit and get to enjoy so much more value in the great deals and irresistible offers under the ‘2009 Reasons to enjoy Singapore’ banner.”

To kick-start the campaign, Singapore Airlines and its industry partners have lined up a collection of special packages for travelers, including a free first night’s stay in Singapore, with a minimum stay of two nights, subject to terms and conditions.

Also included in the package are free airport transfers, discounted entry to selected Singapore’s leading attractions and unlimited free rides on the Singapore Airlines “Hop-On Bus” – an air-conditioned bus service that allows customers to visit over 20 major attractions in Singapore, including the popular shopping malls and restaurants.

Customers staying at participating hotels will also enjoy 50% off food and beverage discounts at their respective hotels’ designated F&B outlets.

Apart from boosting tourist arrivals, there are also attractive deals for Singaporeans looking for short-getaways.

Singapore Airlines and SilkAir are offering SIA Holidays and SilkAir Holidays to their destination cities in countries such as Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Hong Kong.