For the first time, shoppers who spend at least S$300 can participate in the exhilarating “Grab and Go” challenge at a giant suitcase full of goodies located next to the Singapore Visitors Centre at Orchard Road. The challenge is part of the “Christmas in the Tropics” promotions where shoppers can grab up to S$200,000 worth of prizes from 14 November 2009 to 3 January 2010.

“Christmas is a time of giving and there is always that last minute present to grab. This year, as shoppers rush around to get the perfect gift for their friends and family, they can get more value out of their shopping by participating in the ‘Grab and Go’ challenge which is open to both locals and visitors.” said Mr Chew Tiong Heng, Director of Destination Marketing at the Singapore Tourism Board who elaborated that the challenge was part of the Board’s 2009 Reasons to enjoy Singapore marketing campaign.

Prize coupons will be loaded in the giant suitcase and propelled around the booth by built-in fans. Participants are required to grab as many prize coupons as they can within the given time. Every S$300 spent on retail purchases, with a maximum of 3 combined receipts on the same day, entitles shoppers to an opportunity to grab vouchers and prizes. Purchases can be from any retail outlets islandwide. As part of VISA’s strategic partnership with STB, shoppers who charge all receipts to Visa will get double the time they have within the challenge booth.

Instant prizes include shopping vouchers and tickets to attractions. There are also eight weekly grand prizes of $2,000 shopping vouchers to be won. In addition to winning an instant prize, all ‘Grab and Go’ participants will be ranked on a leadership board according to the number of coupons they have grabbed during the challenge. On 24 December 2009, the participant who grabbed the highest number of coupons will win the grand prize worth S$30,000 comprising 600,000 KrisFlyer miles* from Singapore Airlines, shopping vouchers and hotel accommodation. The other top 4 winners will also be similarly awarded with KrisFlyer miles, shopping and hotel vouchers of varying value.

* Equivalent to 7 Economy Class or 4 Business Class tickets to New York

Further information on this promotion can be found at all Singapore Visitors Centres, selected hotels and shopping malls. Stilt walkers and Late Night Shopping “Owl” girls will also be distributing flyers to publicise the event along Orchard Road every Saturday from 4pm to late night.

What some lucky participants have to say

“The Grab and Go challenge not only makes the shopper happy but also has the tourist in mind this Christmas season,” said happy legal executive Madam Fadzilah who won Uniquely Singapore souvenirs after a trip to the Salvatore Ferragamo shop this afternoon. “I for one, hope to return with the chance of winning more prizes.”

“This is our first time experiencing ‘Christmas In The Tropics’ since we usually visit Singapore in June. I look down Orchard Road and I’m awed with the Christmas Light-Up, the decorations and street performers,” said holiday maker Rosemary Falconer.

Currently based in Abu Dhabi, Rosemary has future plans to make Singapore home. But in the meantime, she and daughters Cate and Stephanie are happy to soak in the festivities, take in the spectacular Christmas lights, enjoy their Singapore vacation as well as the pair of attraction tickets won at the “Grab and Go challenge” today.

About the Singapore Tourism Board
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is a leading economic development agency in tourism, one of Singapore’s key service sectors. Known for partnership, innovation and excellence, the mission of the Board is to champion tourism and build it into a key economic driver for Singapore. STB aims to differentiate and market Singapore as a must-visit destination offering enriching experiences through the “Uniquely Singapore” brand. For more information, please visit www.stb.gov.sg

Orchard Road Hotels include Orchard Parksuites Serviced Residence, Singapore Marriott Hotel, Park Hotel Orchard, Meritus Mandarin Hotel, Grand Hyatt Singapore, Somerset Grand Cairnhill Serviced Residence, Somerset Compass Serviced Residence, York Hotel, Royal Plaza On Scotts Hotel, The Elizabeth Hotel, Hilton Hotel, Pan Pacific Orchard Hotel, Four Seasons Hotel, Orchard Parade Hotel, Somerset Orchard Serviced Residence and Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City.

Orchard Road Map

The Jagannath Temple in Puri is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath (Lord Krishna) and is located in the coastal town of Puri in the state of Orissa, India. The name Jagannath implies Lord of the Universe.  The temple is an important pilgrimage destination for many Hindu traditions.

The temple is famous for its annual Rath Yatra, or chariot festival, in which the three main temple deities are hauled on huge and elaborately decorated chariots.

The Temple of Lord Jagannath built during the 12th century A.D. by Chodaganga Deva dominates the landscape for kilometers around. Being the tallest temple (65 metres) in Orissa, it is one of the most magnificent pieces of monuments of India. In front of the main gate stands a 16 sided monolithic pillar (11 metres high), called Aruna Stambha which formally stood in front of the Sun Temple and was brought to Puri during the 18th century A.D.

http://www.orissatourism.gov.in/new/puri.htm

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