In a groundbreaking collaboration, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has teamed up with the Chinese travel platform Mafengwo to showcase Singapore’s diverse appeal through an immersive AI-powered event in Beijing. Titled #AnywayIt’sFun Inspiration Renewal Journey, the event centered around the themes of contrast, novelty, and social connection, offering a unique Nanyang-style experience, engaging discussions, and inspiring stories from travel influencers.
At the heart of the event was Mafengwo’s latest AI-powered cultural and creative product, which leverages the platform’s self-developed AI model to provide tourists with a glimpse into the future of smart travel. According to user data from Mafengwo’s AI Travel Assistant for Singapore, traveler preferences in the city-state are becoming increasingly nuanced and segmented, with families prioritizing “queue times at attractions” and “stroller rentals,” young travelers seeking out “trendy cafés” and “Peranakan culture check-ins,” and seniors focusing on “barrier-free facilities.”
To cater to these diverse needs, Singapore Tourism Board has introduced five themed travel profiles, as explained by Andrew Phua, STB’s chief representative and executive director of Greater China, during the event’s roundtable discussion. “Health-conscious travelers can explore Sentosa’s rainforest ecosystem through immersive guided tours. Food lovers may try the uniquely flavored coffee pork ribs. Urban explorers can marvel at prehistoric wonders at the new Jurassic World: The Exhibition at Gardens by the Bay. Experience-seekers can feel the pulse of Formula 1 and enjoy live performances at the Singapore Grand Prix. Meanwhile, senior travelers may enjoy the tranquility and joy of traditional embroidery workshops.”
Chen Gang, CEO of Mafengwo, elaborated on the role of AI in reshaping travel in the era of hyper-independent travel. “AI travel assistants – whether in the form of digital itineraries or creative cultural products – are more than tools. They are triggers for travel inspiration,” he said. Mafengwo’s AI Travel Itinerary tool can also provide trip planning support, offering suggestions based on the traveler’s budget.
By combining AI technology with a diverse range of tourism products, the Singapore Tourism Board and Mafengwo aim to provide endless possibilities for travelers, aligned with the “Just for Fun” spirit that has become a hallmark of the Singapore experience. This innovative collaboration promises to elevate the destination’s appeal and cater to the ever-evolving preferences of modern travelers.
