The Singapore Tourism Board has announced the appointment of Markus Tan as the Regional Director for India, the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa (IMESA) regions. This appointment is effective from January 1, 2024.

Assuming his new role, Markus will be based in Mumbai headquarters, to oversee the tourism board’s initiatives in these regions. He will be overseeing travel promotions, public relations, and marketing, and driving developmental efforts to enhance Singapore’s position as a premier travel and business destination. 

Markus has served the tourism board for over 18 years in different leadership roles including Director for the World Expo, Regional Director for North Asia, Deputy Director for BT&MICE Marketing & Planning, Singapore, and Area Director for Southern China, Hongkong and Macao. He also worked at Altiris and IPACS Computers Systems Engineering (Shanghai) at the beginning of his career. 

Bringing over 20 years of industry expertise, Markus played a significant role in transforming China and North Asia markets into key pillars of Singapore’s global tourism success. He will be succeeding GB Srithar, who resigned from the position after 15 years of service. 

Announcing his exit, Srithar said, “I am thrilled to pass on the baton to Markus to lead Singapore’s tourism business across the IMESA region. Throughout my tenure in this role, we have witnessed India’s steady growth into a true global powerhouse, with an outbound tourism market that is brimming with opportunities. With his robust expertise in the industry and building on the strong affinity that Indian travellers have for Singapore, I am confident that he is in good stead to steer the organisation through this new era of travel and tourism.”

Markus added, "I am excited to take on the role of STB’s Regional Director in IMESA. India is a nation of rich culture, diversity, and, particularly in this historic moment of explosive global growth, incredible business opportunities. As STB strives to showcase the best of what Singapore has to offer, we remain committed to nurturing our existing relationships and cultivating new ones with the Indian travel industry. With the support of my team, I look forward to embarking on this journey with our partners and friends across India and together encouraging Indians to build even deeper connections with Singapore."