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SINGAPORE: Physical contact points will be established across the island for Singaporeans who need help making reservations with SingapoRediscovers vouchers, State Minister for Trade and Industry Alvin Tan said on Tuesday (November 3).
Mr Tan was responding to a parliamentary question from GRC West Coast Member of Parliament Ang Wei Neng about options for Singaporeans who do not know how to use digital tourism vouchers.
“The Government is aware that some older people may need help accessing SingapoRediscovers vouchers through Singpass. While we encourage all Singaporeans to sign up for a Singpass account if they have not already done so, and redeem the vouchers digitally, we will provide some physical contact points for those who need them, ”Tan said.
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Booking platforms for SingapoRediscovers vouchers, including Klook Travel Technology with UOB Travel Planners, Changi Travel Services and GlobalTix, will offer both digital and physical touchpoints, he added.
Singaporeans who need help making their travel product reservations can seek help from the physical contact points provided by these platforms. These physical points of contact will be spread throughout the island to facilitate access for people. ”
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is working with the People’s Association (PA) to supplement this with physical contact points at some community centers. STB will also establish a hotline for public inquiries and comments, Tan said.
Announced in September, all Singaporeans aged 18 and over in 2020 will receive SingapoRediscovers coupons worth 100 Singapore dollars, which can be used for stays, attraction tickets and tours.
Vouchers will be available for redemption through SingPass between December 1, 2020 and the end of June 2021. Information about the redemption process and the list of authorized platforms will be mailed to Singapore citizens before that coupons are implemented.
Addressing concerns about how to avoid the fraudulent use of digital vouchers, Tan said that the use of SingPass will “provide secure authentication” for voucher distribution and help mitigate fraud.
Individuals should keep their SingPass account details confidential and not share their unique password with others. They should also be wary of unsolicited text messages or web links that direct them to “shady portals” claiming to be SingapoRediscovers booking platforms to avoid falling victim to scams, he added.
“The public is advised to make purchases only on authorized platforms. And the ambassador at the physical contact points will also remind older people of the aforementioned safeguards, ”said the Minister of State.
“STB will carry out periodic verifications and audits and will take advantage of data analysis to pinpoint suspicious transactions for future investigations and cases of fraud will be reported to the police.”
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In a follow-up question, MP Melvin Yong asked if the Ministry of Commerce and Industry plans to work with vendors to create senior-only tours that can be redeemed with SingapoRediscovers coupons and keep them off-peak to reduce crowds.
To help older people who are left alone or have little social support, STB will explore working with social service organizations and the Palestinian Authority to facilitate the use of vouchers, Tan said. This could include organizing small-group tours for old people.
Booking platforms could also create packages geared towards families or seniors, and bundle them with food and beverage and retail options, he added.
“We hope that all Singaporeans will be able to enjoy SingapoRediscovers vouchers and take some time off from what has been a very busy and difficult year for many of us.”
