The Singapore Tourism Board is stepping up its efforts this year to attract more visitors to Singapore for the Great Singapore Sale 2004 (GSS) (28 May - 25 July 2004).

With the mega sale extended by two weeks to 25th July 2004 to coincide with the high travel season of key regional markets, including Australia, China, India and Japan, the Board aims to sell 46,000 GSS travel packages this year, up 70% from 2002.

With retailers island-wide coming together to offer shoppers a wide variety of quality goods including electronics, fashion, jewellery, handicrafts, cosmetics, watches, books and toys at attractive prices slashed by up to 70%, there is something for everyone during GSS.

"With the high level of participation and support from retailers offering a wide variety of quality goods at attractive bargains, as well as fabulous prizes like cars, holidays, shopping vouchers and tickets to events, visitors can be assured of an excellent shopping experience while they are here for the Great Singapore Sale. With the recovering global economy and growing affluence of target markets like China and India, we are confident that this year's event will attract more visitors from around the region," said Ms Sulian Tan-Wijaya, the STB's Director of Tourism Shopping.

Leading the charge to woo shoppers from around the region to this annual nationwide shopping event are the STB's regional offices, which have been busy marketing the Board's GSS packages.

The target markets this year include Singapore's Southeast Asian neighbours as well as countries further afield, such as China, India, Japan, Korea, Australia and New Zealand. Visitors can look forward to attractive GSS travel packages which include air fare, accommodation, great shopping deals, food and beverage offers and spa promotions.

To extend the reach of GSS 2004 overseas, the STB has for the first time, launched a regional online marketing campaign to promote GSS 2004 in key markets.

Working with leading news-cum-lifestyle internet portals in China, India, South Korea, Indonesia and the Philippines, the STB has launched a series of web advertisements to promote GSS 2004 to these markets. With the increasing number of Asians turning to the internet to seek travel information and make travel arrangements, the STB hopes to build a significant web presence for GSS in markets with high internet penetration.

Also for the first time, GSS has been extended to Singapore Changi Airport, where visitors and transit passengers can look forward to great deals the moment they arrive in Singapore. During the GSS period, not only can visitors and transit passengers enjoy fabulous discounts on a wide range of merchandise offered by more than 90 retail outlets at Changi Airport, a total of over S$100,000 worth of 'Changi dollars' can also be won. These 'Changi dollars' can be redeemed for purchases made during the GSS period.

To draw an additional market segment of niche customers with stronger spending power to shop in Singapore, this year, the STB will also leverage on the luxury goods' promotions which coincide with the GSS period. The Board has also stepped up its publicity efforts for GSS 2004 in the target markets this year.

Advertorials and features on GSS have also been commissioned in regional lifestyle publications, such as Tatler and Female magazines, to convey to their readers in Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand that June and July are the best months to shop in Singapore. This is because in addition to the usual GSS mass-market fare, designer goods including fashion, jewellery and watches are also offering irresistible specials.

To enhance our reach to the visitors with high spending power, the STB's overseas offices have also been working closely with industry partners such as banks, credit card companies, travel agents, airlines and media partners to promote the GSS packages.

The STB is also be launching the new "Uniquely Singapore Shop & Eat Tours" in the months of June and July, in conjunction with GSS 2004. The tours will add a new dimension to this year's GSS, which is moving into its 11th year.

Designed to showcase trusted brand names which have, for generations, won the hearts of Singaporeans with their quality products, visitors can sample authentic local delights, such as Kaya Toast, Roti Prata and Laksa, while loading their shopping bags with jewellery, local food gifts, traditional Chinese medicine, and Asiatic arts and crafts, all in the truly "Uniquely Singapore" style.

Great Singapore Sale Web site

Source: Singapore Tourism Board Press Release 24 May 2004

If you have an event or some news to share with our readers, send the details, including picture(s), to us at editor@getforme.com 

Click New Web sites for the list.

We are now 6584 pages thick and growing.

Public Holidays VESAK DAY is the next public holiday. It falls on 2 June 2004.

Letters to the Editor

Editor's Page

Comments about this Web site

Web site Visitors' Book