SECB discount card to raise delegate spend

By Patricia Wee SINGAPORE The Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau (SECB) has launched a Meet in Singapore Privilege Card for overseas conference, exhibition and incentive (CEI) delegates to publicise Singapore's tourism products and services and encourage spending. "The card is offered to participants through CEI event organisers. Each card is customised with the name of the event and the validity period," Singapore Tourism Board director of exhibitions and conventions," Mr Lee Loong Koon said. "Discounts are available for a wide range of products and services. Some of the more unusual products and services include spa treatments, Singapore Symphony Orchestra performances and making your own pewter souvenir." Since its soft launch in March, organisers of seven events have applied to SECB for these cards to be distributed to 28,000 foreign participants. Organisers which have applied for the card are Messe Dusseldorf Asia, Terrapinn, Singapore Exhibition Services, Koln Messe International and System Design. In 2000, conference delegates spent about 44% of their total expenditure on shopping, food and beverage, sightseeing and entertainment and recreation, while exhibition visitors spent nearly 50% on these items. The SECB anticipates the largest users of the cards would be meeting delegates and exhibition visitors. Discounts range from 5% to 22%.