Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has rolled out several new initiatives, including aid to ease cash flow concerns for travel agents to further support tourism businesses during the pandemic and to give them a head start for recovery.

As part of the efforts, STB has launched a S$20 million Marketing Partnership Programme to help tourism businesses maintain their international presence, and build demand for when the market recovers.

Under the programme, STB will support part of the marketing costs, and award additional funding boosters to companies that collaborate with other tourism stakeholders to create value-added experiences.

Following the launch of Phase 1 of the programme for hotels on April 1, 2020, STB will be increasing support from 50 per cent to 70 per cent of qualified marketing costs, and will extend the programme to attractions, inbound travel agents, and the corporate sector in Phase 2.

Applications for Phase 2 will open in early May, and interested applicants can email MPP@stb.gov.sg.

In addition, STB has launched the SG Stories Content Fund to encourage and support local and international content creators to create compelling stories of strength, resilience, solidarity and unity in Singapore.

The S$2 million fund for digital video content will cover the costs of creative development and conceptualisation, production and execution, as well as marketing and distribution. The fund will support 90 per cent of qualifying costs, capped at S$150,000 per project.