SINGAPORE — The tourism industry in Singapore will start to see some signs of life after grinding to a halt due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Government will allow 13 tourist attractions to resume operations from July 1, with more likely to reopen progressively, said the Singapore Tourism Board on Sunday (June 28).

The resumption of some tourism businesses is part of wider efforts to reopen Singapore’s economy during the second phase of its circuit breaker exit.

The 13 attractions are:

• Opening on July 1: Bounce, Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay (opened only to members, but public can go from July 11), Universal Studios Singapore, Madame Tussauds, casino at Resorts World Sentosa, ArtScience Museum, Sands SkyPark and Observation Deck, and casino at Marina Bay Sands

• July 4: Zero Latency, SEA Aquarium

• July 6: Jurong Bird Park, River Safari, Singapore Zoo

Commenting on this development, Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing said in a Facebook post that STB has been working closely with tourism businesses to advise them on the safe management measures required before they are allowed to reopen.

“We will progressively allow more tourism businesses to reopen with those who are able to put in place the additional measures in a comprehensive manner to resume operations first,” he said.

In a press release, STB said an attraction has to address risks specific to the nature of its operations and adhere to requirements, such as being able to limit its density, disperse crowds and prevent bunching, in its reopening proposals.

Most attractions will be allowed to resume only 25 per cent of their operating capacity at any one time, said STB. Access to the casinos at the two integrated resorts will be limited to existing casino members and annual levy holders only.

Other tourist attractions can now submit their applications to the STB to resume operations.

“Operators must demonstrate effective implementation of safe management measures to provide a safe environment for customers and workers, and may resume operations only after receiving approval from the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI),” read the statement.

Besides tourists attractions, tour operators and guides can also submit applications to the STB to reopen and restart tour activities.

They are required to submit tour itineraries and schedules to STB in advance and demonstrate that they can implement all safe distancing measures.

STB chief executive Keith Tan said: “While it will be some time before Singapore can fully welcome international visitors, we hope Singaporeans and residents of Singapore will enjoy what our tourism businesses have to offer, in a socially responsible way.”

Jurong Bird Park, River Safari and Singapore Zoo will reopen on July 6.

Visitors will have to buy their tickets online.

They will also have to clear temperature screening and check-in with SafeEntry before entering.