Urban Environments and Nature-based Attractions: Green Tourism in Singapore

Abstract

The paper examines the place of nature-based attractions in Singapore and its viability as a green tourism destination. The meaning of green tourism is considered and it is suggested that a sufficiently broad definition could incorporate Singapore's resources of this type which are then summarised. The place of nature in official tourism strategies is examined and it is seen to have assumed a higher priority, encouraged by government's general environmental policy which sets the overall framework. A survey conducted amongst international visitors indicates a favourable response to the presentation of a green Singapore, attractive to tourists with a general interest in nature, and the paper ends with some recommendations about approaches to adopt in pursuit of this objective. Constraints are also discussed, including land shortage in Singapore and conflicts over its use. While the distinctive circumstances of Singapore are highlighted, the case does serve to illustrate the dilemmas of a small city state without abundant resources and suggests how innovation and creativity in product development and marketing can help to overcome limitations of size and scale. In addition, questions are raised about the green tourism movement, the experience of participants and implications for destinations.