Part of a comprehensive analysis of the Singapore Tourism Board Act 1963
All Parts in This Series
Key Provisions and Their Purpose under the Singapore Tourism Board Act 1963
The Singapore Tourism Board Act 1963 establishes the Singapore Tourism Board (the Board) with a comprehensive mandate to develop, promote, and regulate Singapore’s travel and tourism sector. Section 7 of the Act outlines the core functions of the Board, which serve as the foundation for Singapore’s tourism strategy and regulatory framework.
> "to develop and promote Singapore as a travel and tourist destination;" — Section 7, Singapore Tourism Board Act 1963
Verify Section 7 in source document →
This provision exists to ensure that Singapore remains competitive and attractive as a global tourism hub. By actively developing and promoting the destination, the Board supports economic growth through increased visitor arrivals and tourism-related revenue.
> "to advise the Government on matters relating to travel and tourism;" — Section 7, Singapore Tourism Board Act 1963
Verify Section 7 in source document →
The advisory role enables the Board to provide expert insights and recommendations to the Government, ensuring that tourism policies are well-informed and aligned with industry trends and national economic objectives.
> "to enhance the travel and tourism sector’s contribution to the Singapore economy;" — Section 7, Singapore Tourism Board Act 1963
Verify Section 7 in source document →
This provision reflects the strategic importance of tourism as a key economic pillar. The Board is tasked with initiatives that maximize tourism’s economic impact, including job creation, foreign exchange earnings, and business opportunities.
> "to create an economic regulatory framework to regulate persons operating cruise terminals with respect to any matter pertaining to the efficient, reliable and economical operation of cruise terminals, including (but not limited to) the following: (i) berthing allocations at cruise terminals; (ii) the price charged by such persons for any cruise port services and facilities; (iii) the operational efficiency of, and the quality of the experience of users and visitors at, cruise terminals including through the timely and seamless delivery or provision of cruise port services and facilities;" — Section 7, Singapore Tourism Board Act 1963
Verify Section 7 in source document →
This regulatory function ensures that cruise terminal operations meet high standards of efficiency and service quality, which is critical for maintaining Singapore’s reputation as a premier cruise destination. It also protects consumer interests by regulating pricing and service delivery.
> "to operate any cruise terminal in Singapore (including through an agent);" — Section 7, Singapore Tourism Board Act 1963
Verify Section 7 in source document →
By empowering the Board to operate cruise terminals directly or through agents, the Act facilitates hands-on management and oversight, enabling the Board to implement best practices and respond swiftly to operational challenges.
> "to exercise licensing and regulatory functions in respect of any tourism enterprises that the Board may determine." — Section 7, Singapore Tourism Board Act 1963
Verify Section 7 in source document →
This licensing authority allows the Board to maintain industry standards and ensure compliance among tourism enterprises, thereby safeguarding the quality and integrity of Singapore’s tourism offerings.
> "the Board may undertake any other functions that the Minister may assign to the Board and in so doing the Board is deemed to be fulfilling the purposes of this Act" — Section 7, Singapore Tourism Board Act 1963
Verify Section 7 in source document →
This catch-all provision provides flexibility for the Board to adapt to evolving tourism needs and government priorities, ensuring the Act remains relevant over time.
Definitions Relevant to the Singapore Tourism Board Act 1963
Understanding key definitions is essential for interpreting the scope and application of the Act. Section 11(3) provides a critical definition:
> "In this section, 'public authority' means any board, authority or agency established by or under any public Act to perform or discharge any public function." — Section 11(3), Singapore Tourism Board Act 1963
Verify Section 11 in source document →
This definition clarifies which entities are considered public authorities, thereby delineating the Board’s relationship with other statutory bodies and ensuring clarity in governance and accountability frameworks.
Penalties for Non-Compliance and Conflict of Interest
The Act imposes strict penalties to uphold integrity within the Board. Section 12(2) addresses conflicts of interest among officers and employees:
> "Any officer or employee of the Board who has or acquires any share or interest mentioned in subsection (1) is liable in the discretion of the Board to summary dismissal without notice." — Section 12(2), Singapore Tourism Board Act 1963
Verify Section 12 in source document →
This provision exists to prevent conflicts of interest that could compromise the Board’s impartiality and effectiveness. Summary dismissal without notice underscores the seriousness of such breaches, promoting ethical conduct and public trust.
Cross-References to Other Legislation
The Singapore Tourism Board Act 1963 operates within a broader legislative framework, with several cross-references ensuring coherence and compliance with other laws:
> "The Minister may give to the Board any direction under section 5 of the Public Sector (Governance) Act 2018." — Section 9(1), Singapore Tourism Board Act 1963
Verify Section 9 in source document →
This provision allows ministerial oversight consistent with the Public Sector (Governance) Act 2018, ensuring that the Board’s governance aligns with public sector standards.
> "The appointment, removal, discipline and promotion [of Chief Executive] must be in accordance with the Public Sector (Governance) Act 2018." — Section 10(1), Singapore Tourism Board Act 1963
Verify Section 10 in source document →
This ensures that senior management appointments adhere to established public sector governance principles, promoting meritocracy and accountability.
> "The Board may, subject to the Public Sector (Governance) Act 2018, appoint and employ..." — Section 11(1), Singapore Tourism Board Act 1963
Verify Section 11 in source document →
This provision governs the Board’s staffing powers, ensuring that employment practices comply with public sector governance rules.
> "All inspecting officers are deemed to be public servants for the purposes of the Penal Code 1871;" — Section 14, Singapore Tourism Board Act 1963
Verify Section 14 in source document →
By deeming inspecting officers as public servants, this provision subjects them to the Penal Code’s provisions on misconduct and corruption, reinforcing integrity in enforcement activities.
> "in relation to their administration, assessment, collection or enforcement of payment of composition sums or financial penalties under any Act administered by the Board, are deemed to be public officers for the purposes of the Financial Procedure Act 1966, and section 20 of that Act applies to such persons even if they are not or were not in the employment of the Government." — Section 8(1)(n), Singapore Tourism Board Act 1963
Verify Section 8 in source document →
This provision extends financial procedural safeguards and accountability to officers involved in financial enforcement, ensuring proper handling of public funds and penalties.
> "to invest its moneys in accordance with the standard investment power of statutory bodies as defined in section 33A of the Interpretation Act 1965;" — Section 14A, Singapore Tourism Board Act 1963
Verify Section 14A in source document →
This empowers the Board to manage its financial resources prudently, supporting its operational and developmental activities.
> "Despite section 33 of the Interpretation Act 1965, the exercise of any power or performance of any function of the Board by the Board is not affected merely because..." — Section 14A, Singapore Tourism Board Act 1963
Verify Section 14A in source document →
This provision safeguards the Board’s powers from procedural technicalities, ensuring uninterrupted performance of its statutory functions.
Conclusion
The Singapore Tourism Board Act 1963 establishes a robust framework for the development, promotion, and regulation of Singapore’s tourism sector. Its key provisions reflect a balance between proactive industry development and stringent regulatory oversight. The Act’s integration with other legislative instruments ensures that the Board operates within a coherent public sector governance framework, maintaining high standards of integrity, efficiency, and accountability. These provisions collectively support Singapore’s status as a leading global tourism destination.
Sections Covered in This Analysis
- Section 7
- Section 8(1)(n)
- Section 9(1)
- Section 10(1)
- Section 11(1), 11(3)
- Section 12(2)
- Section 14
- Section 14A
Source Documents
For the authoritative text, consult SSO.