SINGAPORE - Singapore has been named Destination of the Year at a global cruise awards, beating out contenders from the Mediterranean.
Singapore was selected for its work in promoting cruises not just within the country but in the region, said Ms Mary Bond, the editor of online cruise news site SeaTrade Insider, which gave out the awards.
Through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), Singapore rallied the region to develop port infrastructure so that bigger ships can be deployed in Southeast Asia, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said on Monday.
STB's assistant chief executive Neeta Lachmandas said the award "underscores our collaborative efforts in promoting our region as an attractive cruising destination".
Last year, Singapore facilitated a trade visit to the region for industry players so that they could experience first-hand the latest cruise itineraries across Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.
The Republic is also working with Asean on a monthly e-newsletter that will report on the latest cruise trends and developments in Southeast Asia.
The Seatrade Insider Cruise Awards, now in its eighth edition, recognises achievements in the global cruise industry. Singapore beat out the Mediterranean's French Atlantic Ports and Cruise Net Hamburg to become the first Asian country to win the top destination award.
