Singapore is slowly starting to lift restrictions imposed during the nationwide pandemic lock-downs.

As of today, organizers of business events can start applying for permission to hold events of up to 250 participants, starting from October 1st. As of now, events are only limited to 50 attendees.

The news was first announced by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) yesterday, stating that this move takes into account the revitalisation of the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry, which has come to a halt during the lock-downs and travel restrictions.

In the report, STB mentions that the MICE industry supported more than 34,000 jobs, adding over SGD$3.8 billion in economic value to the country (1% of the country's domestic GDP).

STB also added that business travellers fall under the category of "high-yield visitors", as they spend close to double what leisure travellers spend.

The criteria for event organizers are as follows:

• Organizers who hold events of up to 250 attendees need to gain approval from the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
  
• Organizers must demonstrate their ability to implement health and safety measures during the event.
• Organizers must submit 2 reports after the event, to monitor any new cases arising from the event.
• During the events, organizers must ensure at least one metre spacing between individuals at all times and ensure an operating capacity of 10-square-metre per attendee for event spaces with an area of more than 930 square metres.
• Organizers are also to limit the number of people in each zone to 50 people at any one time, with a maximum of 20 people allowed from any one cohort. 
• Intermingling between event cohorts are prohibited.

STB also adds that more details on the application guidelines will be released at a later stage.

"The gradual resumption of business events will help maintain Singapore’s position as a leading MICE hub and retain critical capabilities, while safeguarding jobs and livelihoods in the industry and other related sectors".