Hotel stays, tour deals as Great Singapore Sale kicks off

More lifestyle activities included in annual event

This year, at least five tours will be offered at a discounted rate, including visits to Chinatown (above) and a city tour.
This year, at least five tours will be offered at a discounted rate, including visits to Chinatown (above) and a city tour. THE NEW PAPER FILE PHOTO

It's not just about shopping discounts. Staycations, city tours and even brewery visits will be on offer at this year's Great Singapore Sale (GSS), which kicks off today promising something for everyone.

Now in its 21st year, the event is pushing "lifestyle" activities more than ever.

Miss Lau Chuen Wei, executive director of event organiser Singapore Retailers Association (SRA), said: "This year, a person can get to have a variety of experiences. It's not just about sales and offers, although those are great to have.

"The GSS is a great opportunity to introduce these experiences to people - not just tourists but locals."

There will be at least five discounted tours at lower prices, more than twice the number in recent years.

They include visits to the Tiger Brewery in Tuas, the Chinatown area and a city tour.

Other highlights include staycations at more than 40 hotels - such as Goodwood Park - and ticket promotions for attractions such as Universal Studios Singapore and the SEA Aquarium.

"The event has evolved over the last 21 years, from a largely tourist event concentrated along Orchard Road to a more 'lifestyle' event," Miss Lau said.

On each day of the sale, the SRA will give away $500 to one shopper who spends at least $20 in a single receipt. To stand a chance of winning, shoppers must submit an entry for each transaction on the event's website at www.greatsingapore sale.com.sg

For each entry, the SRA will donate $1 to the Community Chest, up to $10,000. These donations will be matched dollar for dollar by the Government under the Care and Share Movement, a national fund-raising effort.

More than $250,000 worth of prizes are up for grabs in this year's Singapore Press Holdings Shop and Win campaign, which is part of the festival.

Its lucky draw will also give shoppers the chance to be one of three people to win $500 each to spend at department store Metro.

Banker Daniel Tay, 33, is hoping to pick up some gadgets at bargain prices.

He added:"The promotions for Universal Studios and SEA aquarium sound good.

"If the staycations are at least 40 per cent off, then I don't mind going for them - otherwise I will just travel overseas."

The sale lasts until July 27.

ateng@sph.com.sg

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