New tours, experiences, promotions and milestone events have been lined up for 2022 as Singapore’s Sentosa celebrates 50 years of tourism establishment through the formation of Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) in September 1972.
Under the theme Discovery Neverending, Sentosa’s Golden Jubilee will celebrate the diverse facets of the island, including lesser-known and new leisure experiences, while showcasing Sentosa’s evolution as a leisure destination.
Celebratory programmes will be rolled out progressively throughout the year. For now, the first batch of offerings will include SentoSights, a new series of sustainability- and heritage-themed tours curated by SDC and travel partners. SentoSights features more than 10 unique guided tours aligned with Sustainable Sentosa strategic roadmap. Guests can immerse in rich history and natural wonders while exploring gems such as Fort Siloso, Fort Serapong, Tanjong Rimau, and the Imbiah and Coastal Trails. Unique elements such as game-based exploration, magic demonstrations, and night-time forest walks will be incorporated into relevant tours.
SentoSights tours will also offer opportunities to appreciate the nearby Southern Islands, such as through a sunset cruise with a sustainable fishing experience in the waters around St John’s and Lazarus islands.
Four tours have been launched for now, and more will be rolled out from February.
Also part of the initial programme is Silvers Deals, exclusively available to Singapore citizens and permanent residents aged 60 and above. From January 21, these visitors can enjoy discounts and deals at participating business establishments in Sentosa on weekdays.
Set for launch on February 7 is the Stories of Discovery, SDC’s social media contest to crowd-source guests’ memories of Sentosa. Selected entries will stand to win a curated Sentosa experience package which includes a three-day/two-night staycation.
Following on in March is the Sentosa Passport and Golden Jubilee Grand Draw, where visitors can collect stamps that translate into lucky draw chances as well as redeemable prizes.
The celebratory pipeline also packs in a revamped Sentosa Islander membership programme, collaborations with homegrown F&B brands to create unique retail products, public festivals themed around wellness and food, the Sentosa Golden Jubilee Charity Golf in support of President’s Challenge and Community Chest, and the commemorative Golden Jubilee E-book.
SDC and Sentosa will continue with infrastructural developments, which have so far resulted in newly-launched attractions such as SkyHelix Sentosa.
As part of sustainability advocacy and education efforts under the Sustainable Sentosa strategic roadmap, SDC will launch new low-carbon leisure experiences in the Southern Islands, which will extend the Sentosa getaway and help guests better appreciate the islands’ rich flora and fauna. Bicycle rentals and sustainable accommodation will soon be made available, while a new public ferry jetty has opened at Sentosa Cove Village to connect Sentosa to the Southern Islands from Fridays to Sundays and on public holidays.
In the coming months, SDC will be conducting a series of feasibility studies to look into the potential for new and sustainable tourism opportunities that may arise from the pandemic, as part of the development of the Sentosa-Brani Master Plan.
