SINGAPORE - The finalists for the Singapore Tourism Awards, the most prestigious awards for the tourism sector, were announced on Wednesday (Sept 21).

The 81 finalists are vying for awards in three broad categories: customer service, visitor experience and excellence in enterprise.

The awards pit newcomers against long-time players in some categories.

Home-grown retailer In Good Company, a first time finalist, is up against established retailer Robinson & Co in the best shopping experience category, for example.

In the new best business innovation category, online travel marketplace BeMyGuest is up against integrated resort Marina Bay Sands, hotel One Farrer Hotel & Spa and travel agent UOB Travel Planners.

Vying for the best attraction experience award are the ArtScience Museum, Gardens by the Bay, National Gallery Singapore and Universal Studios Singapore.

The finalists were identified and selected by a panel of 54 local and overseas judges, including managing director of food company Timbre Group Edward Chia and Mr Robin Yap, president (Asia) of travel agency The Travel Corporation.

Singapore Tourism Board's executive director of communications and marketing capability, Mr Oliver Chong, said: "We hope that more companies would be inspired to follow the lead of these finalists and strive towards achieving experience and enterprise excellence."

The winners will be announced on Oct 5 in an award ceremony attended by President Tony Tan Keng Yam at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore.