DRTM x CTIRS Study Trip in Singapore: Exploring Integrated Resorts and Urban Tourism Frontiers
From April 2 to 6, 2025, Associate Professor Amy So, Director of the Centre for Tourism and Integrated Resort Studies (CTIRS), along with Assistant Professor Soey Lei from the Department of Integrated Resort and Tourism Management (DRTM), led a delegation of 20 students on an enriching study tour to Singapore. The well-structured itinerary, co-organized by DRTM and CTIRS, featured expert lectures, insightful case studies, and engaging site visits, providing a thorough exploration of integrated resort operations, service innovation, brand management, and sustainability practices at renowned leisure and urban tourism destinations.
The group began their journey by visiting two world-class integrated resorts: Marina Bay Sands (MBS) and the Raffles Hotel. At MBS, Ms. Phua, Director of Training and Quality Assurance, provided an in-depth overview of the hotel’s development history, design philosophy, and its “guest first” service principle, allowing students to gain valuable insights into the behind-the-scenes operations of this iconic landmark. Following this, Ms. Han, Assistant Director of Learning and Development at Raffles Hotel, shared the hotel’s rich history, cultural significance, and organizational structure. She then guided the students on an informative tour of the guest rooms, the Presidential Suite and visit to the legendary Long Bar, famously known as the birthplace of the Singapore Sling cocktail. This fusion of theory and practice expanded the students’ understanding of the diverse hotel formats in the industry and highlighted a key competitive advantage—whether through cutting-edge technology or the warmth of human interaction, everything ultimately revolves around the essence of “creating unforgettable experiences”. These valuable insights will serve as a robust conceptual foundation for their future career development.
Additionally, students participated in a specially designed course titled “THE SINGAPORE STORY: INNOVATION AND CULTURAL HARMONY IN GLOBAL TOURISM” at SHATEC Institutes, The International Hotel & Tourism School. Ms. Margaret Heng, Executive Director of the Singapore Hotel Association, provided an overview of Singapore’s vibrant tourism industry. Professor Tang then led the course, diving into topics such as cultural harmony, innovation, and global marketing. Following this, students engaged in an interactive workshop with Chef Pratheep, where they learned to prepare local delicacies like Chinese Rojak and Prata served with Chicken Curry. Students also explored several unique local attractions in Singapore, including Katong, Little India, Merlion Park, and Jewel Changi Airport. Collectively, these experiences provided students with a holistic understanding of how Singapore adeptly blends tradition and modernity to create a vibrant urban landscape.
The five-day study tour offered students an extensive understanding of integrated resort management and urban tourism. From Marina Bay Sands’ service standards to Raffles Hotel’s unique blend of heritage and technology, along with the professional courses at SHATEC, students acquired invaluable insights. As they move forward, they are poised to apply the knowledge gained from this experience to explore how cutting-edge technologies and innovative strategies can be effectively integrated into the operations of modern resorts.
