Breaking boundaries with Private-Public Partnership.
Facilitated by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), Pro-Enterprise Panel (PEP), the First Mover Framework (FMF) enables asset-owning agencies to be more pro-enterprise by supporting a direct allocation of public assets to businesses with game-changing or novel ideas.
Rejuvenating East Coast and Changi Village.
The groundbreaking and the upcoming launch of The Bus Resort will revitalise tourism in Changi Village and help domestic and international tourists discover a part of Singapore steeped in history, culinary specialties and sports activities. Occupying over 8,600 square metres of land and featuring 20 guest rooms, the resort will plug into the vibrant Changi Village ecosystem of F&B, retail stores and attractions such as the newly renovated Changi Village Hawker Centre, Changi East Boardwalk, Changi Chapel & Museum and Smith Marine floating kelong.
Through the Bus Resort, WTS will showcase how the city and natural elements can be sustainably integrated into the reconstruction of buses into guest rooms to provide an exceptional getaway experience that appeals to a growing segment of eco-conscious travellers. The guest rooms will provide the buses with a new lease of life and signal that the reuse, recycling and upcycling movement is not limited to individuals but can be applied to the construction and tourism sectors. With The Bus Resort, there are opportunities for this resort to lead the charge to reposition Singapore’s tourism sector for differentiation through source market diversification as well as sustainable tourism.
WTS Travel Managing Director Micker Sia said: “This is an incredible opportunity for Singapore, WTS Travel and partners to showcase how tourism, nature and environmentalism can come together for the benefit of our community. The project will showcase the possibilities of upcycling and creative ideas for sustainable actions as part of the Green and Vibrant enhancements to the Changi Village leisure ecosystem while creating employment opportunities. The Bus Resort to complement Changi VIllage F&B, leisure, retail and hospitality ecosystem
WTS Travel (“WTS”) and partners have established a new resort to be launched at Changi Village using upcycled public buses. We can upcycle existing resources by executing creative ideas and creating unique and exciting new experiences for locals and tourists.” There will also be an Events and Experiences Centre nestled within the resort, providing space for activities such as pilates, yoga and other mindfulness-focused experiences.
The new resort will also create local employment opportunities throughout all the operational and front-line levels. The Bus Resort will contribute to the precinct’s culture and ecosystem as a place to enjoy wellness and recuperate from city life. This is the first resort in Southeast Asia that will use reconstructed buses as guest rooms.
Minister Dr Maliki Osman said: “Changi Point, with its rustic charm and lush greenery, is an enduring icon to many Singaporeans. The PEP supported WTS in identifying a suitable space to testbed their novel idea and facilitated discussions with relevant regulatory agencies such as the Singapore Land Authority (SLA).
Partners include LHN Group and Sky Win Holding. We hope to see more such developments which bring value to the community while also serving our longer-term goals of green and vibrant East Coast.” The resort will reside on the vacant State land next to Changi Village’s hawker centre. The resort is estimated to be launched in the second quarter of 2023.
It also demonstrates an innovative way to create exciting experiences while also upcycling. This project will add a new attraction to an already vibrant area.
