What Kind of Government Grant Can a Tourism and Hospitality Business Get in Singapore?
Singapore’s tourism and hospitality sector is a cornerstone of its service economy, contributing significantly to GDP and employment. From luxury hotels and travel agencies to attractions and F&B outlets catering to visitors, the sector is a key pillar of Singapore’s international appeal. In recognition of the sector’s importance and the impact of global disruptions such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Singapore government has rolled out various grants to help businesses innovate, digitalise, upskill workers, and attract tourists.
In this article, we explore the key government grants available to tourism and hospitality businesses in Singapore.
1. Enterprise Development Grant (EDG)
The Enterprise Development Grant (EDG) helps tourism and hospitality businesses upgrade operations, innovate guest experiences, and expand globally.
Supports Projects In:
- Core Capabilities: Service excellence strategy, brand development, HR transformation
- Innovation and Productivity: Contactless check-in systems, smart concierge solutions, digital service flows
- Market Access: Opening international marketing offices or cross-border partnerships
Funding Support: Up to 50% of project costs for SMEs
Example: A boutique hotel may apply for EDG to revamp its booking system and integrate AI-powered customer service chatbots.
2. Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG)
The PSG supports the adoption of IT solutions and equipment to boost productivity.
Tourism & Hospitality Use Cases Include:
- Point-of-sale (POS) systems for restaurants and gift shops
- Reservation and CRM software for travel agencies and hotels
- Inventory management tools for F&B operations
Funding Support: Up to 50% of eligible costs
Example: A travel agency can use PSG to implement an online booking engine integrated with digital marketing tools.
3. Tourism Development Fund (TDF)
Administered by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), the TDF supports tourism companies in creating innovative experiences, strengthening enterprise capabilities, and attracting visitors.
Focus Areas:
- Experience development and placemaking
- Business transformation
- Capability development and training
- Technology adoption for tourism businesses
Example: A cultural tour operator developing a heritage AR app can get support under TDF to co-fund development and deployment.
4. Business Improvement Fund (BIF)
Also administered by STB, the BIF is targeted specifically at tourism sector businesses looking to improve productivity and competitiveness.
Supports Projects Like:
- Customer journey redesign
- Digitalisation of guest services
- Robotic housekeeping solutions
Funding Support: Co-funding up to 70% for qualifying costs
Example: A hotel may apply for BIF to implement self-check-in kiosks and mobile key access.
5. Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant
The MRA Grant helps tourism businesses expand into new international markets.
Covers:
- Market entry advisory
- International branding and marketing
- Overseas business development
Funding Support: Up to 50% of eligible costs, capped at S$100,000 per new market
Example: A Singapore tour operator may use MRA to set up a representative office in Japan and promote local experiences to Japanese tourists.
6. SkillsFuture Enterprise Credit (SFEC)
The SFEC supports training and transformation projects in the tourism and hospitality sector.
Support: Additional 90% of qualifying costs on top of existing subsidies, capped at S$10,000 per company
Use Cases Include:
- Training in guest engagement, languages, service innovation
- Courses on tourism tech and experience design
- Internal process transformation
Example: A chain of restaurants catering to tourists could use SFEC to train frontline staff in customer experience and digital ordering systems.
7. Jobs Growth Incentive (JGI)
To support hiring in tourism and hospitality, which were among the hardest-hit sectors during COVID-19, the JGI provides wage subsidies for hiring local employees.
Eligibility:
- Hiring of local employees
- Incremental headcount compared to baseline
Support: Co-funding a portion of salary for up to 6–12 months depending on hiring profile
Example: A hotel group expanding its team as tourism rebounds may receive JGI support for hiring service and operations staff.
8. Advanced Digital Solutions (ADS)
The ADS initiative helps companies scale up digital solutions for long-term growth.
Supports:
- IoT-enabled room controls
- AI for guest preferences and service personalisation
- AR/VR experiences for attractions
Funding Support: Up to 80% of qualifying project costs
Example: A museum may use ADS funding to introduce an AR-guided tour for visitors, linked to an app for multilingual narration.
9. Energy Efficiency Grants (EEG)
Tourism businesses operating hotels, attractions, or F&B outlets can also apply for EEG to support the adoption of energy-efficient appliances.
Covers:
- Air-conditioners
- Refrigerators
- LED lighting
- Cooking equipment
Funding Support: Up to 70% for pre-approved energy-efficient equipment
Example: A restaurant in a tourist zone can use EEG to replace its kitchen equipment with energy-efficient models to cut electricity bills.
Final Thoughts: Revitalising Tourism Through Grants
Singapore’s tourism and hospitality sector is undergoing a transformation to adapt to post-pandemic realities, digital-savvy consumers, and sustainable business practices. Government grants offer timely and targeted support for businesses ready to upgrade, innovate, and attract new customers.
The key to success is knowing which grants align with your business goals and ensuring that applications are well-documented and strategically presented.
Need Help Applying for Tourism and Hospitality Grants? Connect with GrantConsultant.sg
At GrantConsultant.sg, we specialise in helping tourism and hospitality businesses in Singapore tap into the right grants. From funding hotel tech upgrades to supporting your overseas expansion, we handle the entire grant application process.
Reach out today to see how we can help revitalise your business with strategic government support.