Images generated by AI are distorting the average Brit’s
idea of what cities and countries look like, with 41 per cent admitting they
wouldn’t feel confident telling them apart from real photos.
Research commissioned by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) found
that almost a third of those surveyed believed Ai-generated imagery would
become prevalent in marketing material.
Brits struggled to tell the difference between real and
AI-generated imagery of Singapore, with 93 per cent selecting at least one real
image of Singapore that they believed was AI-generated.
Singapore Tourism Board’s “Made in Singapore” global
campaign, launched in September last year, puts a fresh spin on STB’s ‘Passion
Made Possible’ destination brand and focuses on how Singapore transforms
familiar or ordinary moments into extraordinary and memorable experiences for
travellers – to distinguish itself from other destinations.
Leveraging this, a month of activations under the banner of
“Unreal. Made in Singapore” has been introduced this March to showcase ‘unreal’
experiences, to encourage people to visit.
Michael Rodriguez, area director Northern & Southwestern
Europe, Singapore Tourism Board said: “Singapore is a destination that is so
unreal, it is more unbelievable than any traveller, and even AI, can imagine.
It offers unexpected takes on everyday moments, and captivates through its
vibrant culture, food and nature, alongside show-stopping and futuristic
scenery. The launch of our integrated campaign marks a significant point in our
journey to welcome more UK travellers to Singapore and establishing ourselves
as a must-visit destination in 2024.”
The launch of the campaign comes on the back of a strong
recovery for Singapore’s tourism industry in 2023 with International Visitor
Arrivals (IVA) reaching 13.6 million and Tourism Receipts (TR) estimated to
reach between S$24.5 to S$26 billion.
This achievement surpassed STB’s initial projections of
12-14 million visitors and tourism receipts of S$18-S$21 billion. Notably, the
UK was one of the top 10 markets for international visitors to Singapore, with
474,000 arrivals in 2023.
FIVE THINGS TO SEE
IN SINGAPORE THAT LOOK UNREAL
1. Gardens by
the Bay: Home to 1.5 million plants, the Gardens’ iconic structures are
architectural marvels that reimagine nature with artistic finesse. Designed
with sustainability in mind, the Gardens feature two huge futuristic structures
- Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest cooled conservatories - which use
cutting-edge technologies for better energy efficiency. Visitors can walk
amongst the iconic Supertrees that rise up to 50 metres above ground and come
alive with an exhilarating light and musical show at night.
2. Sensoryscape
Sentosa: Opening this month and located at the heart of Sentosa island, the new
30,000sqm Sentosa Sensoryscape will link Resorts World Sentosa in the north to
Sentosa’s beaches in the south through a multi-sensory unique experience.
3. Hawkerwalk
@ Old School Snacks Walking Tour: Discover the unreal flavours of Singapore, at
affordable prices, through an exploration of local hawker culture[5]. This
unique tour will showcase the stories, passion, and grit of local hawker
heroes, learn about the origins of traditional snacks, and taste delicious local food.
4. Henderson
Waves: Find unimaginable tranquillity in the heart of Singapore. Head to the
highest pedestrian bridge in the country with a fantastical design that
provides breath-taking views of the nearby marina and vast greenery.
5. Jewel
Changi Airport: Immerse yourself in this iconic urban oasis and marvel at the
world’s tallest indoor waterfall soaring up to 40 metres high. With a mix of
attractions, lifestyle experiences, retail and dining establishments, a visit
here will redefine any traveller’s notion of an airport.
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
