With Phase 2 well underway, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) announced today (Oct 19) that the maximum group size for walking, cycling and kayaking tours will be increased from 10 to 20 starting 1 November.
This number excludes the tour guide.
STB clarified that tour participants must still maintain subgroups of five–the standardised social gathering group limit.
While participants within the same sub group can interact with each other, those from different sub groups must maintain safe distancing of at least 1 meter and avoid intermingling.
Travel agencies and tour operators will also be allowed to resume on-site operations from 19 October.
To be eligible, businesses must submit their manpower details via the GoBusiness portal within two weeks of the date of resumption. This includes tours with live or pre-recorded commentary.
Travel agents, tour operators and tourist guides must submit their itineraries and schedules to STB for assessment.
They may only organise the proposed tours after receiving approval from the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
Covid-19 has wrecked havoc on Singapore’s tourism industry. STB announced last month that the tourism sector would be in for a “long winter”, and recovery could take up to five years.
To save the ailing tourism industry, Singapore has established reciprocal green lanes with at least 10 countries, the latest being Hong Kong.
The government has also launched a domestic tourism campaign to stimulate the local tourism dollar, announcing the distribution of S$ 100 tourism vouchers in December.
Featured Image Credit: Asia Nikkei
