SINGAPORE TOURIST INDUSTRY (Travel Association)

Mr John Ede asked the Chief Secretary whether the Government has any plans formulated to encourage the tourist industry in Singapore; and whether it is intended to set up a Travel Association or similar organisation for this purpose.

Mr Higham: Yes, Sir. This Government regards Singapore, with its unique geographical position, its diverse cultures and its amenities, as a natural and most desirable centre for tourists. In consultation with the commercial interests concerned, whose co-operation is essential to success, it is intended to examine the most effective form that a central travel organisation or bureau could take. Among positive action already taken, Singapore has already joined the International Union of Travel Organisations, a subsidiary of the United Nations Organisation, and the Pacific Area Travel Association. The Public Relations Office has over the past years produced poster and publicity material and has worked in close association with travel agencies concerned with tourist publicity. The shooting of a tourist colour film begins this month.

Mr John Ede: Sir, is the Chief Secretary aware that the Public Relations Office is not properly equipped to deal adequately with the whole scope of the tourist trade?

Mr Higham: There was no suggestion in my reply that the Public Relations Office, in itself, would be an adequate central tourist bureau. There will have to be something much wider in scope than that.