Friday, 25 April 2025

JETCO strengthens Johor-Singapore cross-border partnership

Source: JETCO. From left: Saifuddin Bin Abdul Rahim, CEO, JETCO; Syed Ali Alsagoff, VP, Singapore Concierge Association; Dato’ Haji Hasni Mohammad, Executive Chairman, JETCO; and Raven Kumar Krishnasamy, Johor State Unity, Heritage And Culture Committee Chairman.
Source: JETCO. From left: Saifuddin Bin Abdul Rahim, CEO, JETCO; Syed Ali Alsagoff, VP, Singapore Concierge Association; Dato’ Haji Hasni Mohammad, Executive Chairman, JETCO; and Raven Kumar Krishnasamy, Johor State Unity, Heritage And Culture Committee Chairman.

Johor Economic, Tourism and Cultural Office Singapore (JETCO) has been solidifying Johor as a destination within the Singapore tourism landscape with a number of collaborations, including:

A digital tourist counter

Established at Suntec City with WTS Travel, the counter enhances accessibility for travellers by providing real-time travel information and seamless booking services for Johor-bound visitors within a key Singapore retail hub. 

Johor Tourism Ambassador Program 

Set up with Les Clefs d'Or Singapore and the Concierge Association Singapore, the programme equips concierge professionals with in-depth knowledge of Johor's tourism offerings, enabling them to serve as tourism ambassadors and direct more travellers to the state. 

These initiatives align with Johor's vision to strengthen tourism ties with Singapore, especially in preparation for Visit Johor Year 2026, which is expected to attract a surge of international visitors. 

In his welcome address, at a recent  Table Talk session, YB Dato' Hasni Mohammad, Executive Chairman of JETCO, said that the goal is to turn "transit visitors into extended-stay tourists and day-trippers into repeat guests". 

He said: "Johor and Singapore share more than just a border - we share a common vision for tourism growth, and JETCO is here to ensure that vision becomes reality. JETCO serves as the bridge between Johor and Singapore, the driving force behind tourism promotion, and the facilitator of partnerships that benefit both destinations." 

Singaporean tourists are expected to take relatively short trips across the border. For such visitors, Johor offers resorts such as Desaru Coast, theme parks including Legoland and Sunway X-Park, as well as value for dining, shopping, and leisure.

For tourists flying into Singapore, Johor could be an additional destination to a Southeast Asian itinerary. The Malaysian state is less than an hour's drive away and offers beaches, rainforests, and rich cultural heritage.

Johor is also a paradise for golfers, home to 27 world-class golf courses that cater to both amateur and professional players. 

"Let's start a conversation, explore partnerships, and make Johor the next big destination in your portfolio," the Executive Chairman concluded. 

YB Raven Kumar Krishnasamy, Johor State Executive Councillor (EXCO) for Unity, Heritage and Culture said: "As we gear up for Visit Johor Year 2026, it is vital that we work closely with our trade partners in Singapore to enhance connectivity, promote new travel experiences, and ensure seamless access to Johor's attractions. These collaborations demonstrate our commitment to making Johor a top-of-mind destination, and we look forward to deepening these ties for mutual growth." 

JETCO is a Johor State Government agency that provides trade partners with market insights, promotional support, and seamless connections to Johor's best offerings. The organisation is committed to fostering strong cross-border tourism and economic partnerships, and invites more industry players to join forces in developing innovative and sustainable travel experiences for visitors.