ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS TO PROMOTE SINGAPORE TO HONG KONG PUBLIC

Dr Kanwaljit Soin asked the Minister for Trade and Industry if he will give an appraisal on the total amount of money spent on the advertising campaigns to promote Singapore as a good place to live to the people of Hong Kong and whether he will be able to assess the success of these campaigns in some tangible ways.

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: The Government has been spending an average of $1.5 million annually on STPB's advertising campaigns in Hong Kong since 1990. The primary objectives are to promote Singapore as an attractive tourist destination and to shape the general perception of Singapore amongst the Hong Kong public.

This year's campaign in addition focuses on Singapore being a good place to work and live in, to attract Hong Kong businessmen and professionals to invest and work here.

One good indication of the success of these campaigns is the increase in visitor arrivals from Hong Kong since 1990. Tourist arrivals from Hong Kong have increased from 194,000 in 1990 to 271,000 in 1994, a growth rate of 9% a year.