Singapore Tourism Board appoints Markus Tan as Regional Director for India, Middle East, South Asia, and Africa

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is delighted to announce the appointment of Markus Tan as the Regional Director for India, the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa (IMESA), effective January 1, 2024. Based in Mumbai, Tan will lead STB’s initiatives to promote both Leisure and Business Travel and Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (BTMICE) in the IMESA region. His role encompasses overseeing travel promotions, public relations, marketing, and driving developmental efforts to elevate Singapore’s standing as a premier travel and business destination.

With 18 years of dedicated service to STB, Tan brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Previously serving as the Director for the World Expo, he spearheaded the conceptualization, development, and operation of the Singapore Pavilion at Osaka World Expo 2025. From 2015 to 2022, he held the position of Regional Director for North Asia, based in Tokyo, Japan, where he played a pivotal role in enhancing Singapore's appeal as a destination in Japan and the Republic of Korea.

Tan's international experience includes a significant role in Guangzhou, China, as Area Director, Southern China, and Hong Kong and Macau, where he made substantial contributions to the transformation of these regions into key pillars of Singapore’s global tourism success.

Having served in various BTMICE-related roles, including Deputy Director, BTMICE Planning & Marketing, Tan possesses a deep understanding of the market. His leadership will be crucial in advancing Singapore’s BTMICE industry and reinforcing its position as a global business and MICE destination.

Tan succeeded GB Srithar as Regional Director, who expressed confidence in Tan's ability to navigate Singapore’s tourism business across the growing IMESA region. GB Srithar speaking on the leadership handover, said, “I am thrilled to pass on the baton to Markus to lead Singapore’s tourism business across the IMESA region. Over the course of 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.”

Tan, expressing enthusiasm about his new role, stated, "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 its 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."