Fireside Chat with Singapore Tourism Board’s Rachel Loh

By: Gina Ng, Vice President, MICE and Leisure Trade, Singapore Tourism Board Americas 

Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Singapore is a vibrant, cosmopolitan, English-speaking city state with a rich tapestry of Asia’s cultures and influences weaved together. With its friendly and passionate population, this forward-thinking destination is constantly evolving and has not sat still throughout the pandemic. Now, Singapore wants to welcome all international fans and friends to embark on a journey through its reimagined tourism products.  

I checked in with my boss, Rachel Loh, Senior Vice President of Singapore Tourism Board Americas, who is currently in Singapore to obtain the latest updates from the Lion City.  

Can you share with everyone what’s it like traveling in Singapore right now? What can travelers expect when visiting Singapore?   

Ever since Singapore dropped all testing and quarantine requirement for fully vaccinated travelers in April 2022, it is now truly a breeze to visit Singapore! Life in the city state is also pretty much back to normal, and we are seeing more and more international visitors enjoying themselves at our attractions, restaurants, and hawker centers alongside the locals.  

There are still some safety measures in place, such as the SG Clean certification for businesses and face masks required indoors (it’s optional outdoors), to ensure that everyone’s health is safeguarded while enjoying themselves. As such, I think that now more than ever, Singapore should be a bucket-list destination for everyone who wants safe, authentic, and memorable reimagined experiences.  

How do you see international travel change in the post-Covid world, and how would this look like for Singapore? 

We recognize that there is a renewed focus on travelers seeking a respite and connecting with family and friends during their travels, with a focus on authentic nature and wellness experiences. This is why we have worked closely with our tourism partners to develop new products to meet the new travel needs. I’m glad to have experienced some of these new products this time in Singapore!  

I’m envious! Can you share some of these new experiences? 

Definitely! Visitors to Singapore can now easily hop on a scenic yacht cruise (or speedboat if you like the thrill!) from Sentosa to visit Singapore’s southern islands such as Lazarus Island for its beautiful beaches. Visitors can also combine cultural immersion with one of the many biking tours in Singapore, with rides along the Singapore River to discover the bustling Clarke Quay area. On the wellness front, you can now enjoy a serene sunset yoga atop Marina Bay Sands, while taking in amazing 360 views of Singapore.  

Travelers are increasingly seeing sustainability as part of their travels, can you share some exciting attractions in Singapore that embrace sustainability and eco-friendliness? 

That’s right, more travelers are looking for a smaller carbon footprint and seeking to incorporate sustainability during their vacations. Singapore already has a reputation of being a leader in sustainability, with even further plans to become a “City in Nature”. Singapore is well poised to meet the needs of these travelers.  

In fact, many first-time visitors are quite surprised that Singapore is very green. Our Gardens by the Bay for one, the largest nature park right in the city center, has also incorporated sustainable functions throughout the park and managed to reduce energy consumption by 20%.  Most of our architecture has weaved in green concepts, bringing the outdoors to the indoors. One example is the latest PARKROYAL Collection Marina Bay which embraced the hotel-in-nature concept with its interior areas brimming with lush foliage.  

Not forgetting our exciting food scene! Michelin rated restaurant, Labyrinth, provides a 90% locally sourced menu, and even green bespoke cocktails are all in the spirit of sustainable practices at Native, for one.  

What else can visitors expect in 2022 and beyond? 

The city has welcomed new and unique hotels including the PARKROYAL Collection Marina Bay, The Clan Hotel Singapore, and the Dusit Thani Laguna resort for golf and wellness enthusiast. The famed Raffles Singapore is also slated to open its new villas-only resort on Sentosa Island in 2023.  

We have also been busy on the culinary side, with the opening of the Analogue for one, with its plant-based foods and sustainable cocktail menu, as well as the restaurant 1-Arden, located on the 51^st floor rooftop, and features the world’s highest 1000 sq.ft. food forest. There’s always something new in Singapore to experience.  

Find your dream vacation to Singapore with a USTOA tour operator here https://ustoa.travelstride.com/trip-list/singapore.

For further information: 

Visit Singapore 

Passion Tours in Singapore 

About Singapore Tourism Board

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is the lead development agency for tourism, one of the country’s key service sectors and economic pillars. STB brings the Passion Made Possible brand to life by differentiating Singapore as a vibrant destination that inspires people to share and deepen their passions. The STB Americas offices in New York and San Francisco drive all marketing, business development and travel trade activities in the Americas. 

Dreamy African Honeymoons with Allure, Passion, Enchantment, Love, and Intrigue 

By: Lion World Travel

Africa is celebrated for its outstanding natural beauty and stunning destinations. It also delivers energy, passion, and splendor. The options are endless when it comes to your dream honeymoon in Africa. A mix of adventure and charm, beach time or active time, Africa has it all. Sunset drinks, romantic private dinners, spa treatments, wine-tastings, the great migration, Gorilla trekking or a leisurely mokoro ride are all examples of the variety of experiences one can enjoy on a honeymoon in Africa. It all adds up to a life-changing experience and the perfect recipe for love. 

South Africa is one of the most popular African honeymoon destinations and it’s not hard to see why. From the sweeping vineyards of the Cape Winelands to the gourmet food in Franschhoek, the vibrance of Cape Town and the wildlife-rich Kruger National Park, to an overnight in a romantic treehouse on safari and luxurious safari lodges, it checks all the boxes as far as romance is concerned. 

Botswana is the place for an exceptional honeymoon, with its deltas brimming with life, striking scenery and wildlife in pristine wilderness areas, along with a list of exciting activities from leisurely mokoro trips to exciting game drives, a romantic sundowner cruise on the Chobe River, hot air balloon flights and quad biking for an adrenaline rush. Then there’s the most luxurious tented accommodations at intimate safari camps in the most idyllic locations that you have ever seen. Botswana offers unmatched experiences. 

Victoria Falls is a popular stop after a honeymoon safari in South Africa and Botswana. Imagine staying in a Treehouse Suite on a private Island, nestled amongst the treetops with your own private deck, plunge pool and personal butler. Sleep out under the stars in an exclusive star-bed treehouse and explore the lush rainforest and wildlife of the spectacular Victoria Falls. The perfect romantic way to end the day is to indulge in a candlelit dinner for two or toast your love on a sunset cruise.  

While on safari in Kenya or Tanzania your days will be filled with incredible wildlife sightings and magical experiences like a sunrise hot air balloon ride with champagne and candle-lit dinners under starry skies. One can add an escape to Zanzibar Island, a place of mystery and blissful beauty especially when you have your partner by your side to admire the crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and swaying palm trees of the “Spice Island”. 

Known for its sunny skies, unspoiled palm-fringed beaches, azure waters, excellent diving reefs with multitudes of tropical fish, Mozambique has so much to offer. The long, dune-bordered beaches, well-preserved corals, pounding surf, secluded archipelagos, and graceful dhows with billowing sails all add to its beauty. There is a wealth of experiences to delight the senses, along with the British-style architecture, energetic nightlife, fascinating cultural mix, and vast expanses of stunning scenery. 

For a more relaxing honeymoon, unwind on white sandy beaches, watch unforgettable African sunsets, take scenic walks, scuba dive in crystal clear waters and enjoy a romantic picnic on the beach in Mauritius. Or head to the turquoise waters and sun-drenched world-renowned beaches of the Seychelles for an ideal post-safari retreat in a perfect tropical paradise with its palm-fringed beaches and warm waters. Enjoy a couples massage and end your days sipping champagne on the beach while watching a magnificent sunset.  

No matter where you choose to travel on your dream honeymoon in Africa, you will return with many wonderful memories of the warm African hospitality on your epic romantic trip of a lifetime.  

Find your dream vacation to Africa with a USTOA tour operator here https://ustoa.travelstride.com/trip-list/africa .

About Lion World Travel 

Making safari dreams come true for more than 58 years, Lion World Travel is one of North America’s largest operators to the continent of Africa. We love Africa and specialize in affordable luxury safaris for group travel and individual tours to Southern Africa, East Africa and Egypt. As a proud member of The Travel Corporation (TTC), we are part of the largest privately-owned travel company in the world. Our Africa Specialists have first-hand knowledge of Africa, enabling Lion World Travel to provide 5-star service and confidently assist clients in creating their own personalized African adventures. Lion World Travel is committed to offering the best value safari options and an unforgettable travel experience that matches the interests and budgets of each client. 

Slovenia – Sustainable Diversity on a Plate

Slovenia is a Central European pocket-sized country, where short distances speak in its favor and reveal an outstanding diversity which reflects also through gastronomy. Believe it or not, but as many as 24 gastronomic regions and three wine-growing areas with 14 wine-growing districts will welcome you here. But what is it that makes Slovenian cuisine so special and why has this boutique country evolved into one of the most recognizable European foodie destinations?  

The secret behind: fresh, locally grown and diverse ingredients 

Wherever you try authentic Slovenian cuisine, you can be sure it comes straight from nature. Here, foraging and sourcing fresh ingredients from nearby fields and gardens is not a trend, but part of tradition and sustainable development, which has been present for centuries. Next to locally sourced ingredients, which are the true heroes of Slovenia’s authentic culinary stories, an abundance of tastes will also surprise you. It is thanks to the fact that Slovenia lies at the crossroads of four geographically and culturally very different areas that no fewer than 400 local traditional dishes and drinks await you here. Another reason is that Slovenia borders on four countries: Austria in the north, Italy in the west, Hungary in the east and Croatia in the south. While the Alpine Slovenia boasts goods from mountain pastures, Mediterranean and Karst Slovenia feature the flavors of salt and charcuterie aged by the Bora wind. In addition to healthy water, Thermal Pannonian Slovenia offers different farinaceous foods and bread, and Central Slovenia with Ljubljana will surprise you with authentic dishes with cosmopolitan influences.  

Excellence on a plate – trust recommendations, rely on your own experience 

To find the very best when it comes to food and wine in Slovenia, the internationally acclaimed culinary guides, such as Michelin and Gault&Millau, will come in handy. The ratings prove that Slovenia is an intriguing gastronomic destination, offering a plethora of exceptional culinary experiences in restaurants led by top chefs, who masterfully combine traditions with modern trends. In 2021, when Slovenia held the European Region of Gastronomy title, the Michelin Guide listed as many as 53 Slovenian restaurants and awarded 6 of them with Michelin stars. Ana Roš’s Hiša Franko, which also ranks 21st among the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, received an astounding 2 stars. Pretty amazing for a country half-a-size of Switzerland, don’t you think?  

Restaurants with the Slovenia Green sustainability label and Michelin Green Star 

Many restaurants in Slovenia have their own circle of local suppliers or even own gardens or fields where they obtain fresh and local ingredients for their dishes. In doing so, they respect tradition and present it to the guests in a new, original way. Restaurants that are particularly devoted to sustainability have gained the Slovenia Green Cuisine label. Currently, there are as many as 40 holders. 

Returning to nature and care for future generations is also becoming increasingly important in haute cuisine. This is why Michelin awards special Green Stars to the restaurants that follow the principles of sustainability. Currently, there are as many as 5 holders in Slovenia: Gostišče Grič in Horjul, Hiša Franko in Kobarid, Gostilna Mahorčič in Rodik, Gostilna za Gradom in Koper and Gostilna Krištof in Predoslje. 

Authentic Slovenian dishes revealed 

Wherever you go in Slovenia, you will find special local dishes. Many of them are also protected. Among the most well-known and distinctive specialties of Slovenia are potica, Prekmurska gibanica, idrijski žlikrofi, and belokranjska pogača. The queen of Slovenian festive dishes is definitely potica, a rolled cake with various sweet or savory fillings, usually served for the most important holidays. Since the written records of this festive dish date from the 16th century, potica has become a true ambassador of Slovenia throughout history – it has, for example, even been brought to the Pope for Easter breakfast. 

All in all, it can be said that Slovenia is home to an array of splendid authentic and fresh tastes which are based on the sustainable use of resources and an integrative approach. Pair this with top chefs and excellent award-winning local wines and you will get a perfect gastronomic destination that will impress even the most demanding foodies.  

Find your dream vacation to Slovenia with a USTOA tour operator here https://ustoa.travelstride.com/trip-list/slovenia

For further information visit:  

Taste Slovenia 

Slovenian Gastronomy: You can’t spell Slovenia without love

Slovenia.info 

About Slovenian Tourist Board 

Slovenian Tourist Board (STB) is the central national agency for the promotion of tourism, one of the most successful and promising industries in the Slovenian economy. Systematic planning, development and promotion activities and a modern approach to the placement of Slovenia on the global tourist map – particularly in recent years, this is what has helped the STB to increase the visibility and reputation of the country as an authentic boutique destination of five-star experiences, which is committed to sustainability.