Selling Singapore, forging a nation : tourism and nation-building in Singapore 1959-1980

Abstract

Tourism has long been seen as an integral component in Singapore’s economy. As such, Singapore’s tourism strategies are usually interpreted from an economic perspective, in terms of increasing visitor numbers and contributing to a country’s GDP, and stimulating different segments of the economy. However, a country’s tourism strategies can serve a larger national purpose apart from merely attracting overseas audiences and contributing tourism dollars to a country’s economy. Hence, this thesis examines how Singapore’s tourism strategies were intricately connected with national programmes aimed at shaping Singapore’s society, environment, economic development and citizenry during a critical period of nation-building from 1959 to 1980. More significantly, this study also highlights how the global outreach embodied in tourism is often linked to local campaigns to fashion selves, habits and the everyday lives of Singaporeans, and at the same time helped define and shape the identity and character of Singapore in the process.