Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) has partnered with STIC Travel Group (STIC) to introduce innovative educational programmes aimed at promoting sustainability. This strategic collaboration seeks to leverage Sentosa’s rich ecosystems, positioning it as a sustainable travel destination for Indian students. By integrating learning with real-world environmental experiences, these programmes will play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of sustainability advocates.
Strengthening Sentosa’s Sustainable Tourism Offering
In today’s travel industry, sustainability is no longer just a trend but a critical requirement. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SDC and STIC sets the stage for a transformative educational experience designed to foster an appreciation for the environment. Sentosa, already recognised as Asia’s first island destination certified by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, will deepen its engagement with the Indian market through this collaboration. By focusing on educational tourism, SDC aims to instil eco-conscious practices while driving responsible tourism growth from India, one of its key source markets.
Michael Ma, Assistant Chief Executive of SDC, and Isha Goyal, CEO & Executive Director of STIC Travel Group, officiated the partnership. Witnesses of the ceremony included Chew Tiong Heng, Divisional Director of SDC, and Anshul Gupta, Manager of Product and Operations at STIC, further solidifying the commitment from both organisations.
Immersive Educational Programmes: A Game-Changer for Students
The hallmark of this collaboration is the development of immersive programmes that will serve as a “living classroom” on Sentosa Island. These programmes are designed with a hands-on approach, ensuring students don’t just learn about sustainability but actively engage in activities that promote environmental stewardship. The emphasis will be on critical sustainability issues such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), carbon footprint reduction, and biodiversity conservation.
STIC Travel Group will tailor these programmes to fit the curriculum needs of Indian educational institutions, ensuring students gain practical knowledge that they can apply back home. The experiential learning activities also give participants a chance to witness firsthand how sustainable practices can be integrated into everyday life.
Introducing the “Unchartered Sentosa” Programme
Unchartered Sentosa, the flagship initiative of the partnership, is a comprehensive tour scheduled for launch in November 2024. The programme is specifically curated to immerse Indian students in an eco-conscious adventure, where learning is seamlessly integrated with exploration.
Key activities of Unchartered Sentosa include:
- Intertidal Exploration of Southern Shores: Students will engage in a deep dive into marine conservation and coastal ecology. By examining tidal patterns and marine biodiversity, participants will better understand the delicate balance between marine life and the impact of human activities.
- Guided Nature Walks along Serapong and Imbiah Trail: This nature walk introduces students to Sentosa’s native flora and fauna. Guided by experts, they will learn about species conservation efforts, plant biodiversity, and the importance of preserving natural habitats.
- Amazing Race on Sentosa and St John’s Island: An exciting educational race that challenges students to think critically about responsible consumption. Teams will tackle various challenges that highlight the importance of sustainable choices in daily life.
- Interactive Workshops at Lazarus Island: These workshops focus on ocean survival skills and teach students practical techniques for protecting and restoring marine ecosystems. Participants will leave equipped with vital skills and a better understanding of their role in environmental preservation.
- Visits to Sentosa’s Sustainable Attractions: Students will tour attractions like the Cable Car and Skyline Luge, learning how innovative technologies are used to minimize the carbon footprint while offering world-class visitor experiences.
- Eco Tour of Siloso Beach Resort: This unique eco-tour showcases sustainable design principles and green technology applications in real-world settings. Students will gain insight into how hospitality operations can be aligned with sustainability goals.
Aligning with STIC Travel’s Educational Tourism Vision
“Our partnership with SDC aligns perfectly with STIC’s mission to offer innovative and meaningful travel experiences,” commented Isha Goyal, CEO, of STIC Travel Group. “By combining our expertise in educational tourism with Sentosa’s world-class sustainable practices, we’re creating a truly distinct offering for Indian students. This initiative not only enhances their global perspective but also equips them with practical knowledge about sustainability that they can bring back to their communities.”
By creating such immersive experiences, STIC Travel Group aims to cultivate a generation of Indian students who are not only aware of global environmental issues but also actively contributing to solutions.
Sentosa: A Global Leader in Sustainable Tourism
Sentosa Island has long been a leader in sustainable tourism, integrating eco-friendly practices into every aspect of its offerings, from accommodation to transportation. Through this partnership with STIC, Sentosa is reaffirming its commitment to becoming a global educational hub for sustainability.
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification further underlines Sentosa’s dedication to minimising environmental impact while enhancing the visitor experience. With initiatives such as reducing single-use plastics, promoting green energy in its attractions, and creating a network of sustainable tourism operators, Sentosa stands as a model for other destinations striving for environmental responsibility.
“This partnership with STIC represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to promote sustainable tourism through education, particularly in this growing segment,” said Thien Kwee Eng, Chief Executive Officer, SDC. “By leveraging Sentosa’s ecological diversity, we’re creating a unique platform for students to gain hands-on experience in environmental stewardship. We look forward to creating unique Sentosa-based itineraries and experiences with STIC that showcase Sentosa’s commitment to sustainability and provide invaluable educational opportunities for students.”
A Long-Term Vision for Sustainable Educational Tourism
The partnership between Sentosa Development Corporation and STIC Travel Group signals a long-term commitment to advancing sustainable educational tourism. As more travellers seek meaningful and responsible travel experiences, the importance of creating such initiatives becomes increasingly evident.
This MoU not only positions Sentosa as an ideal destination for sustainability education but also supports STIC’s goal of promoting global learning experiences for Indian students. With India emerging as a critical source market for Sentosa, particularly in the educational travel segment, this collaboration is expected to generate significant interest, drawing students eager to engage in environmental advocacy.
Conclusion
The partnership between SDC and STIC is a significant development in the realm of educational tourism. By offering immersive, sustainability-focused experiences, the collaboration not only enhances Sentosa’s appeal but also equips students with vital skills and knowledge. This partnership is poised to inspire a new generation of environmental advocates, fostering a deeper commitment to sustainability in both local and global contexts.
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