Tourism voucher scheme had multiplier effect on sector: Experts

The success of the SingapoRediscovers Vouchers (SRV) scheme should be looked at beyond the redemption rate, and its wider effects on the industry should be examined, tourism experts said.

- Adeline Tan

The devastating impact of the pandemic on the hospitality industry would have been much worse if not for the scheme, although there were some ways the scheme could have been improved to boost the take-up rate, they added.

The Singapore Tourism Board said last Friday that about 1.9 million Singaporeans, out of about three million citizens who received their vouchers, had used them at least once by the end of the scheme last month. Close to $300 million in SRV transactions was recorded, comprising nearly $180 million in vouchers and about $120 million in out-of-pocket payments for SRV bookings.

As part of the scheme, each Singaporean aged 18 and above received $100 worth of online vouchers to spend on local attractions, hotels and tours.