Hordes of travelers may not be evident at airports around the world this holiday season, but at least one airport is bringing in crowds regardless.
Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) is taking advantage of lower passenger numbers and expanding its already-robust community engagement efforts. In November, the airport launched a winter-themed experience called Changi Festive Village, held in the airport’s Terminals 3 and 4, and at Jewel Changi Airport, a nature-themed entertainment and retail complex linked to the airport terminals. The event runs through January 3.
The event is possible due to the fact that while the world is still grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, Singapore has the virus under control. The Southeast Asia island nation has the lowest coronavirus death rate in the world and has seen new case numbers diminish to single digits daily since September, according to the Singapore Ministry of Health.
With other nations still grappling with the pandemic, travel to and from Singapore is off dramatically, a fact that prompted SIN officials to try something new.
“With the government’s emphasis in promoting domestic tourism this festive season, we hope to also show our support to travel, hospitality and retail partners who are adversely impacted by COVID-19,” said Jayson Goh, managing director of airport operations management at Changi Airport Group. “The line-up of activities is hence designed to provide entertainment for the whole family … We also using the occasion to experiment with new tourism products that can be relevant for incoming tourists when travel recovers.”
One of the centerpieces of the holiday-themed event is an overnight experience. SIN offered three unique “camping” opportunities within Jewel, all of which were fully booked as of early December. Each overnight experience is coupled with ample time for participants to explore myriad other activities on offer. Jewel offers a 16-meter (52 feet) Christmas tree and Santa’s Workshop, with the Canopy Park garden adorned with festive decorations.
The airport’s Terminal 3 is host to Dino Wanderland, a dinosaur display, as well as the tokidoki Snow Holiday funhouse, which includes a slide and “snowfall” experience. Air tokidoki is a character-themed model aircraft for photos that also provides a pop-up retail experience for themed merchandise.
Terminal 4 features another dinosaur-themed attraction, a bounce castle named Dino Bounce, as well as a slide and maze. Dino Kart electric Go-Karts are fast-paced fun and the Dino Fest themed market will provide street food, merchandise and interactive activities for guests to peruse.
