Opening Address by Minister of State for Trade and Industry Gan Siow Huang at the Singapore Hotel Association Hospitality Exchange 2026

Introduction

1. Good morning. It is a pleasure to be at Hospitality Exchange today. Tourism contributes significantly to our economy. It creates good jobs for Singaporeans, supports businesses across many sectors, and reinforces Singapore’s position as a global city.

2. As of July this year, Singapore welcomed 9.8 million international visitors, while tourism receipts reached S$8.6 billion in the first quarter. Our hospitality industry played an important role in supporting this growth, providing not just accommodation, but trusted touchpoints that strengthen Singapore’s appeal as a vibrant destination.

3. But the operating environment has become more uncertain. Global economic growth has moderated. Geopolitical tensions are affecting business and consumer confidence. Competition among destinations is becoming more intense. These are trends that we are watching closely. But what is more important is how we respond. As we work towards the Tourism 2040 vision, our hospitality industry must continue to create distinctive and memorable experiences that keep Singapore relevant and worth returning to. 

4. Today, I would like to share three priorities that I believe will help us keep Singapore’s hospitality industry competitive in the years ahead.

Creating exceptional visitor experiences

5. First, we must create experiences that visitors cannot easily find elsewhere. Many hotels are already showing how this can be done. Swissôtel The Stamford’s Disney-themed experience is one example. Launched this June, it is Singapore's first-ever Disney-themed dining experience in a hotel, complemented by immersive themed stay experiences. By partnering a globally beloved brand within a uniquely Singapore setting, Swissôtel created an experience that goes beyond accommodation, giving visitors another reason to explore Singapore.

6. We are also seeing stronger partnerships across the tourism ecosystem. Changi Airport Group introduced an Off-Airport Check-In service for Singapore Airlines travellers staying at Marina Bay Sands, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore and The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore, to enjoy more of Singapore before heading to the airport. It is a simple idea, but one that improves the visitor journey by bringing together airline, airport and hotels. I hope that this can scale further in Singapore.

7. These examples remind us that every touchpoint matters. The visitor experience does not begin and end when someone checks in and out of a hotel.
   
   It begins when someone chooses Singapore as their destination and continues until they return home. Every partnership that makes that journey smoother strengthens Singapore’s competitiveness.

Building productive and future-ready hotels

8. Second, we must build more productive and future-ready hotels. Creating distinctive experiences requires more than new attractions or facilities. It requires hotels to continually improve the way they operate. Many of you are facing similar challenges. Labour remains tight. Guest expectations continue to rise. Technology is reshaping how we travel. These trends are not temporary.
   
   They will define the next phase of the hospitality industry.

9. Many hotels have already begun this transformation. Last year, STB refreshed the Hotel Industry Digital Plan to provide clearer pathways for hotels to adopt digital solutions.

10. One example is Hotel Waterloo Singapore – Handwritten Collection. By integrating digital check-in and check-out, smart room technologies and automated service robots into its operations, the hotel streamlined routine processes, enabling staff to spend more time engaging guests. 

11. To support more hotels on this journey, I am pleased to announce another milestone. From 1 November this year, hotels will, for the first time, be able to access hotel industry-specific solution categories under the EDGE for Productivity scheme, beginning with AI-enabled Digital Concierge solutions. Some of you may be familiar with the Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG). We have heard your feedback on how it could be further customised for the hotel industry. Now, with pre-approved solutions and pricing, hotels can expect simpler applications, faster grant approvals, and quicker implementation.

12. JEN Singapore Tanglin by Shangri-La is an early adopter of digital concierge solutions. It invested in AI assistants to help respond to guest requests and automate routine call centre enquiries, allowing employees to focus on personalised service.

13. Technology can help us operate more efficiently. But at the heart of hospitality remains the human touch. That is not so easy to replace. Therefore, service excellence must continue to be our competitive advantage.

14. To support this, STB will introduce service quality masterclasses in partnership with quality assurance institutions. STB and the Singapore Hotel Association will also roll out service excellence training programmes. These masterclasses will equip hoteliers with practical skills to consistently deliver high standards of hospitality.

15. As we adopt new technologies, we must keep investing in our people. Technology may change how work is done, but it is our people who define Singapore hospitality.

Investing in Singapore’s tourism future

16. Third, Government and industry must continue investing together for the long term. Periods of uncertainty often tempt businesses to delay investments. Yet companies which invest during challenging times are often better positioned when growth returns. I am glad that many Singapore hotels are taking this long-term view.

17. Through the Hotel Rejuvenation Fund launched last year, many hotels are upgrading their properties, introducing new concepts and responding to changing traveller preferences. For example, Days Inn by Wyndham Singapore Novena is introducing AI-enabled in-room circadian lighting and music, wellness mattress pads, and HYROX-inspired functional fitness equipment. These enhancements are a response to the growing demand for wellness-focused travel.

18. The Government shares this long-term commitment to invest in Singapore's tourism landscape and support industry transformation.

19. This next wave of tourism development is already taking shape, with the expansion of our two Integrated Resorts, and new offerings such as the Porsche Experience Centre Singapore and Therme Singapore. We will unlock new opportunities for tourism development, including the upcoming launch of the 37 Emerald Hill site. These investments will refresh Singapore’s destination offerings and create new experiences and opportunities for the hospitality industry.

Conclusion

20. Singapore's hospitality industry has earned an international reputation for quality, reliability and service excellence. This reputation is not built overnight. 
    
    As the global environment continues to evolve, we cannot stand still. We must continue innovating and investing in the future to create exceptional hospitality experiences. 

21. The next chapter of Singapore hospitality will be written by you – our hotel owners, operators and industry partners. I encourage all of you to think boldly and work closely with one another. If we do so, I am confident that Singapore will remain a destination that people remember, recommend and return to.

22. Thank you, and I wish you a fruitful Hospitality Exchange 2026.