Singapore hosts Euro-agents

SINGAPORE Singapore recently hosted 14 incentive agents from the Mediterranean for the first time in a bid to grow arrivals from this region. The educational programme, themed "Senses of Incentive Isle Singapore", was led by the Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau, the Singapore Tourism Board's office in Paris and Singapore Airlines. Held from April 6 to 11, it drew agents from France, Greece, Italy and Spain. "The number of incentive participants from the Mediterranean region grew by 10% between 1998 and 2000. Through educationals like this one, we hope to boost growth figures from Mediterranean Europe," says STB director exhibitions and conventions, Mr Lee Loong Koon. The group visited new venues such as the Asian Civilisations Museum II and Stadium Cove. The former opens in February 2003. Peranakan food and entertainment was staged at the museum. Activities included an evening at Raffles Hotel, a tai chi session and a dinner party at Siloso Beach. Club Med agent from Italy, Mr Nicolino Poeta, said: "I have been surprised and delighted by what Singapore has to offer. Through this programme, I now have a better knowledge of the range of Singapore's incentive products." Five DMCs, East West Executive Travellers, Pacific World, Siam Express, Tour East and World Express, participated in the programme. Each DMC took turns to host the delegates on each day of their stay. Partner hotels in the educational were The Beaufort Singapore, The Fullerton Singapore, Raffles Hotel, The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore, Raffles The Plaza and Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa Resort.