Singapore Increases MICE Event Attendees Limit to 250 from 1 October

Singapore Tourism Board ("STB") has revealed that Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions ("MICE") event organisers can apply to hold their event in Singapore with a maximum limit of 250 attendees from 1 October 2020. This was raised from a limit of 50 attendees previously set in July. Event organisers may proceed only upon obtaining Ministry for Trade and Industry's ("MTI") approval and must demonstrate their ability to implement Safe Management Measures. Minister of MTI, Chan Chun Sing, has shared that the purpose of this is to continue to strengthen Singapore's position as the MICE location of choice and to revive the industry. STB has also mentioned that the decision takes into account the importance of the MICE industry, and the strong industry interest in and demand for business events. As part of the reopening, industry members and the government are working to roll out insurance for inbound travellers' critical Covid-related expenses by the fourth quarter. The Singapore Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers will also launch a work plan in September with the STB and Enterprise Singapore.

South Australia Unveils AUD20 Million Boost for Regional Tourism

The South Australian Tourism Commission ("SATC") has unveiled an AUD20 million (USD14.6 million) support package to encourage private investment in demand-driving regional tourism infrastructure, create jobs and aid Covid recovery. Grants from AUD20,000 to AUD500,000 are available for new and improved regional accommodation, as well as quality tourism products and experiences that attract more visitors and a higher return. According to Premier Steven Marshall, the programme will span over two years
to assist regional tourism businesses to recover quicker and stronger and it is expected to directly create 1,400 ongoing jobs in the sector. It is part of a suite of support packages aimed at the tourism sector, which has been significantly impacted by bushfires and Covid-19. Applications to the Tourism Industry Development Fund are limited to private sector businesses. Projects must commence within three months from time of a successful application. A maximum of 30% state government funding will be committed to the total project value. The funding programme has commenced and will run until 31 March 2022 or until all funds have been allocated.

USD50 Million Beach Golf Course to be Built in Đà Nẵng

The Đà Nẵng's People's Committee has approved plans for a 36-hole golf course to be developed by Vietnam-based property developer, VinaCapital Group ("VinaCapital"). According to the city's planning and investment department, the golf course will cover 22-hectares in the Ngũ Hành Sơn district with an estimated investment of VND1.168 trillion (USD50.8 million). The project will include four-star hotels and villas featuring 500 rooms, a tourism village and entertainment centres. The department shared that the project would enhance the booming golf resorts and tourism projects that will be developed along 30-kilometres of beaches from Đà Nẵng to Hội An in the future. The city also shared that VinaCapital has invested USD200 million in beach resorts, golf courses and apartment complexes in Đà Nẵng. At a conference last year, seven golf courses in central Vietnam agreed to join hands to form a new golf-specific marketing group - the Vietnam Golf Coast. Đà Nẵng alone earned USD68 million annually from golf tourism, and the city expects to increase to USD186 million in the future. The International Association of Golf Tour Operators in co-operation with Đà Nẵng's Tourism department has built a strategy to develop golf tourism for Đà Nẵng from 2017 to 2022.

Accor to Manage AUD300 Million Port Douglas Resort under Fairmont Brand

Australia-based property developer, Chiodo Corporation, has announced that France-based multinational hospitality group, Accor S.A., will manage the AUD300 million Port Douglas Resort as Australia's first Fairmont Hotel. Nestled between two UNESCO World Heritage sites - the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, the 253-key Fairmont Port Douglas is designed sustainably to complement the natural environment. It is the first hotel in the region to achieve Ecotourism Australia's Eco Destination Certificate. The resort will feature multiple swimming pools, several restaurants and bars, a treetop walk attraction, a day spa and conference facilities. Slated to complete by 2023, the construction will commence early next year.

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