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SINGAPORE – The redemption of SingapoRediscovers coupons issued to all adult Singaporeans began without a hitch on Tuesday (December 1), with some already spending their full $ 100 value.
Ms. Angel Ho was one of the people who started exploring the deals at midnight, when the five designated booking platforms (Changi Recommends, GlobalTix, Traveloka, Trip.com and Klook) went live with their stays, tickets for attractions and tours applicable to coupons.
Ho, 32, said the multiple platforms made the search process tedious, although the redemption process was straightforward.
She booked a package on GlobalTix for two adults and two children to visit the Singapore Zoo and River Safari, which cost $ 60 after the $ 100 coupon discount.
“For me, $ 60 for my family of four to both parks is reasonable. Without the vouchers, I doubt that I would want to spend that much,” said the logistics manager.
While tour and attraction operators were initially concerned that a large portion of the voucher value would go to stays, the ban on combining vouchers for a single transaction eventually made the cost prohibitive for some.
Operations manager Caleb Tan, 48, said the hotel vacation packages on offer were too expensive and that he would instead try to book vacation activities for his two sons.
“The $ 100 can barely cover half the cost of each night in a decent four- to five-star hotel,” he said.
Narayana Samy, 68, said she expected to use her vouchers on a six-night stay at a four- or five-star hotel, but was put off by room prices of $ 200 or more.
“I could get the equivalent of (a fee of) $ 160 with my corporate card,” said the retired international marketing manager of a golf company, who decided not to use his coupons.
The $ 320 million SingapoRediscovers credit scheme, aimed at boosting Singapore’s tourism sector, is the Government’s first national digital-only voucher program.
Those who face difficulties navigating online sites and need help can visit any of the 69 physical counters set up throughout the island in community centers and other locations. Counters are provided by three of the five booking platforms, with the exception of Traveloka and Trip.com.
Taxi driver Ng Beng Lam, 72, and his wife Ong Choon Hwa, 68, were the first to make a reservation at the Tampines East Community Center Tuesday morning, arriving an hour before counters operated by Klook and UOB Travel Planners will open at 10 a.m. .
The couple booked tickets to the Sands SkyPark and observation deck at Marina Bay Sands and Singapore Flyer, spending about half the value of their coupons.
“I always wanted to spend some time with my family and create memories, but spending on these attractions would be too expensive. This is an opportunity for my family and me to visit Singapore attractions after this difficult year,” said Ng.
There was no rush to book at the physical counters, and between five and 10 people were seen visiting the Tampines East Community Center between 11 a.m. and noon.
Bank clerk Josh See, 38, said he plans to wait until the December school holidays are over before using his coupons.
“I’ll probably use them for attractions, but I don’t want to deal with the crowds, plus the reservation process sounds complicated, so I’ll let you solve the problems first,” See said.
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