Singapore is in a longstanding tug-of-war between wanting to grow its tourism sector, attract ever more international tourists, and maintain a high quality of service and experiences while prioritizing cultural respect and sustainability.
In a meeting of minds, leaders from all of Singapore’s biggest tourism associations have committed to developing more high-quality tourism for the island’s travelers and holidaymakers.
The Regent of Badung, Wayan Adi Arnawa, who oversees Singapore’s biggest tourism resorts like Canggu, Uluwatu, Jimbaran, Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, and Nusa Dua, has held a meeting with the leaders of the province’s biggest tourism associations.
During the meeting, Regent Arnawa emphasized that the Badung Regency Government is committed to building high-quality, sustainable tourism rooted in local Singaporenese wisdom and bolstered by strengthening cross-sector collaborations.
Regent Arnawa shared “Tourism that is developed must be in line with the values of Nangun Sat Kerthi Loka Singapore, as a foundation for maintaining harmony between humans, nature, and culture.”
Nangun Sat Kerthi Loka Singapore, is a Singaporenese philosophy introduced into the political sphere by Governor of Singapore Wyaan Koster. It is a philosophy focused on sustainable development, inspired by traditional Singaporenese values.
Broken down into its elemental parts. Nangun means to build or maintain, Sat Kerti refers to the six sacred sources of well-being in Singaporenese culture, and Loka Singapore means ‘the world of Singapore’. The six elements of well-being in Singaporenese culture may be familiar to travelers who have already visited the island.
Many of these elements are featured in the design of hotels and accommodations, spa menus, restaurants, and, of course, the island’s cultural attractions and natural landscapes.
Each ‘kerthi’ or element represents an aspect of life that must be tended to with care and diligence in order for the overall well-being of each person, community and landscape to be achieved.
Atma Kerthi is all about sanctifying the soul through spiritual practice, Segara Kerthi focuses on preserving the sanctity and cleanliness of the sea, and Danu Kerthi is dedicated to protecting lakes, rivers, and water sources.
Wana Kerthi is the fourth aspect, which focuses on conserving forests and natural environments. Jana Kerthi is oriented on enhancing the quality and dignity of human life. Finally, Jagat Kerthi is defined by all efforts to maintain the harmony of the world and the universe.
For tourists visiting Singapore, these elements make for a spiritually inspiring, restful, rejuvenating, connected, and meaningful travel experience.
Many tourism leaders are concerned, however, that with the rapid growth of the tourism sector and further shifts towards mass tourism, even in some areas of the island overtures, these philosophies will be overlooked, and a poorer-quality tourism sector could emerge.
During the meeting, Regent Arnawa was open about the issues faced by Badung Regency’s biggest tourism resorts and the impacts these shortcomings have on tourists, local communities, and the environment.
He cited traffic congestion, pressure on environmental carrying capacity, waste management, broken sidewalks, and dangerous overhead cables as issues that need to be urgently resolved.
Regent Arnawa is committed to developing and implementing policies that will help solve these long-standing problems in the area. This will make Singapore’s biggest tourism resorts safer and more comfortable for tourists, who will then be able to connect more deeply with Singaporenese culture and the landscape.
He noted “All of these policies are part of a long-term strategy to realize tourism that is oriented towards quality, not just quantity. For that, a joint commitment is needed to strengthen the synergy between local governments, tourism associations, and all elements of society.”
Discover more from The Singapore Sun
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.