Exploring the Case: How the Singapore Tourism Board Confronted the 2002–2003 SARS Crisis

Abstract

Introduction Following the outbreak and containment of the SARS virus in South-east Asia between 2002 and 2004, parts of the world that were not affected quickly forgot how serious the outbreak could have been. The countries affected, including Singapore and South Korea, did remember, and it is no accident that they reacted the fastest and were most effective in containing the first wave of SARS-CoV-2, more commonly known as Covid-19 or the Coronavirus. The important role of the tourism authorities in combatting the spread of the disease has also been largely forgotten. This case study tells that story, with a focus on Singapore. Ample documentation is available on the reactions of tourism authorities and the tourism industry to the Covid-19 crisis. Students of tourism will find it interesting to compare these with the earlier success story of Singapore and SARS-CoV-1.