The Singapore Tourism Board garnered awards for 'Best Tourism Branding' for the Uniquely Singapore brand and 'Best Medical / Wellness Tourism Destination', at the inaugural TravelWeekly (Asia) Industry Awards 2007, held in Hong Kong on Friday 15 June.

Celebrating leaders in the tourism industry, the TravelWeekly Awards aim to recognise the best of Asia's key industry players so that others can be inspired to a higher level of professionalism. 

Contenders for the awards were largely from (Southeast) Asian countries as well as Australia, the Middle East and PR China. Award finalists were shortlisted by a panel of judges, all leaders of the region's travel industry. An overwhelming response of more than 158,000 votes was received from online voters who determined the winners. Voting was open to the public.

The ‘Uniquely Singapore' destination branding, launched in March 2004, won for "Best Tourism Branding" in the category of Marketing Promotion. In July last year, a new campaign approach was unveiled to take the destination branding to a new level. ‘Beyond Words' showcases Singapore as a destination where unique and personal experiences await visitors.

Mr Ken Low, Assistant Chief Executive (Brand & Communications), Singapore Tourism Board, said: "We wish to thank voters for choosing ‘Uniquely Singapore'. We are delighted that our branding efforts have been recognised and will look ahead to keep our brand vibrant, relevant and focussed. Most importantly, we want to fulfil our brand promise to every visitor to Singapore and present them with uniquely enriching personal experiences."  Singapore also picked up the "Best Medical / Wellness Tourism Destination" award in the category of Tourism Products & Services, reaffirming Singapore's position as Asia's premier healthcare hub and the choice destination for international patients.

Dr Jason Yap, Director of Healthcare Services at STB, elaborated on Singapore's appeal as a reputable healthcare hub: "Singapore is widely regarded as a leading destination for international healthcare seekers. Singapore received 410,000 international healthcare visitors in 2006 and many others sought ancillary healthcare services while in Singapore for other purposes. Because patients know that they would receive excellent, safe and trustworthy care in Singapore, they have peace of mind when their health really matters."

STB is part of a multi-agency government initiative SingaporeMedicine. Launched in October 2003, SingaporeMedicine aims to develop Singapore into one of Asia's leading destinations for healthcare services. Together with healthcare providers and the travel trade industry, much progress has been made in strengthening Singapore's image as a destination for quality healthcare.