Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is the Top Innovator among national tourist organisations in the Asia-Pacific. This was the opinion of a selection panel of 20 experts in the first ever Innovators Awards by TravelWeekly East (TWE) - a publication by Reed Travel and Meetings Asia.

The STB also won top place in the category for Innovation in Environment/Heritage work, for its efforts in the exemplary Changi Chapel relocation and preservation project. TravelWeekly East's Innovator Awards seek to recognise specific innovations in the Asia-Pacific tourism industry.  

STB notched it to the top spot as the most innovative national tourist organisation for a number of its initiatives. These included the current Live it up! marketing campaign, which the panelists say have "positioned Singapore as a happening, fun city".

Live it up! was also praised as an effective international advertising campaign, which "promotes Singapore as a place where people can have their dream holiday." STB's efforts in promoting regional tourism and in product development also earned kudos.

Citations from the panel were "the most aggressive tourist board in forging real partnerships with neighbours such as Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia" and "a leading role in the re-development of projects such as Changi Chapel, Chinatown and the waterfront areas".

Yeo Khee Leng, STB's Chief Executive, who received the awards from TWE, said: "All of us at the STB thank the panelists and TWE for this recognition of our efforts. It gives us great encouragement that what we do and how we do it is seen by the industry as innovative.

"The STB has often gone beyond the perimeters of an NTO in our pursuit to make Singapore highly visible. More than marketeers, we are change managers, and we fervently believe in making an impact. That is why we take bold steps and partner the industry to bring about the changes that elevate the industry and give Singapore the leading edge.

The Top Innovator awards are among a growing list of international accolades for the STB. Earlier this year, STB was voted Best NTO by readers of Travel Asia and TTG Asia. STB has also won the International Festivals and Events Association's awards for the Singapore Food Festival and World Gourmet Summit.