Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) galvanised a whole-of-island efforts which saw it receiving the Global Sustainable Tourism Council – For Destinations (GSTC-D) certificate in August 2022, the first island destination in Asia to achieve this.
SDC set up Singapore’s first carbon-neutrality focused business alliance, aiming to be carbon neutral by 2030. The public-private collaboration comprises 27 members – who generate more than 95 per cent of the island’s carbon footprint.
Satisfying international MICE organisers’ demand for eco-friendly and sustainable options and launching new attractions and activities make Sentosa competitive amid regional destinations.
“Sentosa’s recovery in MICE activities has surpassed pre-pandemic levels. Our focus on sustainability, backed by our unique ‘One Sentosa’ value proposition involving partners across the island, has helped make Sentosa home to many top business events and meetings,” said Chew Tiong Heng, SDC’s divisional director, business and experience development.
Recent successes include the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in November and Trip.com Global Partner Summit in October, attended by more than 2,000 key decision-makers in the China travel trade and regional media.
At the 2023 World Golf Awards, Sentosa Golf Club was named the World’s Best Golf Course (Serapong) and also clinched the World’s Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility award. Its high-ceilinged ballroom and meeting rooms in the main clubhouse are drawing more business events.
Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa, which has a stand-alone conference centre, has seen growing interest in its green meeting packages. Recently, a group enjoyed the Farm-to-Table program comprising a tour of Garden by the Sea, where 35 varieties of herbs, fruits and vegetables are grown and a hands-on workshop making mushroom wrap with ingredients from the garden.
For team-bonding activities, LeBar hosts mixology workshops. Its Sofitel Sling uses leaves from the resort’s lemon trees and alcohols from ecoSPIRITS, an innovative closed-loop distribution system.
Far East Hospitality’s Sentosa cluster of four hotels, totalling 1,030 guestrooms and variety of event venues, caters to big groups and small gatherings.
“Meeting and incentive groups choose to hold their events on Sentosa as it has meeting venues, dining options and many recreational activities all within the island,” said Sohrab Thareja, area general manager for Far East Hospitality.
“Australasian organisers are also drawn to the island’s history and our four colonial heritage buildings, formerly utilised by the British army,” he added.
The two-storey Events Centre was once part of the artillery barracks. The Barracks Lawn at The Barracks Hotel Sentosa is favoured for outdoor corporate dinners and product launches.
The recently-opened Palawan @ Sentosa is the first standalone lifestyle and entertainment precinct by the Shangri-La Group. It comprises a floating aqua park, an 18-hole mini golf course and an indoor electric go-kart circuit with gamified features, in addition to meeting rooms within the facility.
Tipsy Unicorn Beach Club is Sentosa’s newest attraction. Situated at Siloso Beach, the 500-seat venue has indoor and outdoor areas, private cabanas, daybeds and VIP lounges.
Through SentoSights, visitors can discover ‘hidden gems’ and sustainability and conservation efforts. It offers more than 10 unique guided tours, including an experiential tour to Fort Serapong and sunset cruise along Sentosa and the Southern Islands.
Among the Southern Islands, besides Lazarus Island’s beaches and Glasshouse for 50-pax events, new offerings include a sea sports centre, bicycle rental kiosk and soon, glamping.
