A senior official at Singapore's tourism agency (STB) said the Chinese embassy in Singapore was "aware" of a statement asking Chinese not to gamble abroad and was "respectful" of the concerns expressed by tourism authorities.
Comments to GGRAsia went to Andrew Pua, managing director of International Group STB at Greater China International Group. The tourism board said it referred to "Chinese market media queries."
Singapore's city-state has a monopoly casino market and other limited forms of legal wages.
"STB is aware of the statement issued by the Chinese [People's Republic of China] embassy in Singapore, and we respect their concerns," Pua was quoted as saying.
The embassy's Chinese message, released on WeChat last week, noted: "Even if casino facilities are legally set up outside [mainland China's] borders, citizens may violate our country's laws, particularly through participation in gambling organizations, which [those citizens] may be held legally responsible for their actions."
"China's position on cross-border gambling is consistent and clear," a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman told a regular press briefing in Beijing the same week. The official, Lin Jian, said the media should contact "eligible authorities" regarding "relevant legal provisions" dealing with the matter.
Speaking on behalf of the Tourism Authority in an STB statement, Pua said: "Singapore is a reliable and vibrant destination for both leisure and business."
He said, "Chinese tourists visit Singapore for many reasons. In addition to Singapore's reputation as a family-friendly, bilingual, and safe destination, Singapore will be an attractive destination choice for Chinese visitors through its wide range of tourism products and strong event calendars."
The STB official also noted that the 30-day mutual visa waiver scheme with China "will continue to increase Singapore's attractiveness as a tourist destination for Chinese visitors, increasing visitor arrivals and spending in Singapore across the tourism sector and related industries."
About 327,000 people arrived in Singapore from China in February 2024, "with 96% of the 2019 figure, making China the most visited market in February," according to an STB statement. 바카라사이트
According to the update, the Tourism Board will continue its "Made in Singapore" campaign, which began in September 2023.
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