Experience Step-Up Fund (ESF)
Aimed at increasing the attractiveness of Singapore to visitors, the Experience Step-Up Fund (ESF) supports the development and enhancement of Singapore's tourism experiences. The ESF was introduced by STB to help businesses in the tourism industry enhance and innovate their tourism products and services, encouraging them to develop unique and high-quality tourism experiences that attract both domestic and international tourists. The latest TDF tranche includes enhancements to the ESF, supporting the development and enhancement of Singapore's tourism experiences that are virtual or include pre- and post-visit experiences to increase the attractiveness of Singapore to visitors. This recognises the evolving nature of tourism where digital and hybrid experiences play an increasingly important role. ESF is particularly relevant for attractions, tour operators, accommodation providers, and precinct businesses looking to create compelling new experiences or significantly enhance existing ones.
Eligibility Criteria
- 01
Open to all legal entities: businesses, associations, government bodies
- 02
Foreign entities encouraged to partner with local entities (Joint Venture or consortium)
- 03
Projects must not have commenced at point of application
- 04
Must focus on development of new products/experiences (including virtual), content enhancements, technology adoption for visitor experiences, amenities enhancements, or infrastructure enhancements
- 05
Project eligibility subject to STB assessment
Frequently Asked Questions
New products and experiences (including virtual), content enhancements, technology adoption for visitor experiences, amenities enhancements, and infrastructure enhancements.
Foreign entities are encouraged to partner with local entities in the form of a Joint Venture or a consortium.
Yes. The latest TDF tranche specifically enhanced ESF to support virtual experiences and pre- and post-visit experiences.
Yes. Production costs for new products/packaging are only funded for the first run. Marketing costs for overseas promotion are only funded for a maximum of 6 months.
Yes, ESF is open to all legal entities including government bodies.
Attractions, tour operators, accommodation providers, precinct businesses, and any legal entity with a tourism experience project.
ESF focuses on enhancing tourism experiences (softer initiatives, content, technology), while TPDF focuses on the creation or major rejuvenation of tourism products (larger-scale infrastructure and attractions).