Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC), a statutory board under the Ministry of Trade and Industry of the Government of Singapore, and New Delhi-based STIC Travel Group have formed a partnership to position Sentosa as a hub for sustainability education, targeting Indian students. 

According to a press statement by Sentosa, this collaboration will create immersive, hands-on learning experiences that explore Sentosa’s sustainable practices, biodiversity, and the principles of eco-conscious tourism.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) and STIC Travel Group at ITB Asia 2024 marks the beginning of a one-year partnership aimed at showcasing Sentosa’s commitment to sustainability while offering students in India the opportunity to engage with sustainability initiatives firsthand. 

The board says that the partnership aims to cultivate a deeper understanding of eco-friendly practices

The board says that the partnership aims to cultivate a deeper understanding of eco-friendly practices through a series of immersive learning experiences tailored for students.

These experiences will focus on critical global concepts like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reducing carbon footprints, and the importance of biodiversity conservation. 

Sentosa’s environment will act as a living classroom where students can explore various sustainable efforts in action.

The statement adds that as part of this initiative, a new ‘Unchartered Sentosa’ tour will launch in November 2024. It is designed to immerse Indian students in interactive activities that highlight Sentosa’s rich ecosystems and conservation efforts. 

Through guided nature walks, intertidal exploration, and visits to sustainable attractions, participants will develop a better understanding of the importance of sustainability. 

The tour will include marine conservation lessons at the Southern Shores and guided nature walks along Serapong and Imbiah Trail to observe native flora and fauna.

The statement adds that race adventures will also be arranged across Sentosa and St John’s Island to promote responsible consumption with workshops on ocean survival skills at Lazarus Island and tours of eco-friendly facilities like the Siloso Beach Resort and sustainable attractions like the Sentosa Cable Car and Skyline Luge.

It says that this educational adventure will encourage participants to become advocates for environmental change within their own communities, equipping them with practical knowledge about sustainability.

The statement adds that this MoU builds on STIC’s broader efforts to promote educational tourism in Singapore, particularly by offering Indian students the chance to explore Singapore’s rich heritage and sustainable development initiatives. 

Isha Goyal

“Our partnership with SDC aligns perfectly with STIC’s mission to offer innovative and meaningful travel experiences. 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,” says Isha Goyal, CEO, STIC Travel Group.

Thien Kwee Eng

“This partnership with STIC represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to promote sustainable tourism through education, particularly in this growing segment. 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,” says Thien Kwee Eng, Chief Executive Officer, SDC.

The statement adds that Sentosa has long been a leader in eco-conscious tourism. As the first island destination in Asia to receive certification from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), Sentosa integrates sustainable practices into every aspect of its tourism offerings, from leisure activities to accommodation, dining, and transportation. 

The partnership with STIC is expected to further strengthen Sentosa’s position as a hub for sustainable tourism and educational experiences, engaging visitors in meaningful ways that promote environmental stewardship.

The initiative is anticipated to boost tourism arrivals from India, particularly in the educational travel segment, encouraging longer and more meaningful stays on the island.

The statement adds that this collaboration serves as a key component of Sentosa’s broader mission to create positive environmental impacts through sustainable tourism.