One of Singapore’s longest-standing DMCs, World Express, has unveiled a brand refresh as it celebrates 55 years in the business. It now sports a modernised logo – a geometric sequence of five rectangles forming an abstract W – and positioning as The Local Insider to reflect its commitment to offering guests authentic and immersive experiences curated by local experts.
Aligned with the brand refresh, the company’s website has also taken on a new look and streamlined navigation across its core leisure, cruise and business events services.
The rebranding exercise is a culmination of efforts to review its business focus following the pandemic disruption, which included consolidating internal processes and the closure of two companies within the group – Sita World Travel and Singapore Sightseeing.
Darren Tan, managing director of World Express, told TTGmice that coming out of the pandemic, the management had asked themselves several “soul-searching” questions, like “what is it we really do, what our focus is, and how we can crystallise our focus”.
“Moving ahead, we want to focus on our DMC services forte,” he said.
He shared that the brand refresh campaign was initiated by his eldest daughter, Tara Tan, who curated and led the communications efforts. With Tara’s involvement, the DMC now has third-generation hands on deck.
World Express was founded in 1969 by Darren’s father, Tan Chee Chye, who now holds the chairman position.
Darren pointed out that World Express is going from strength to strength, having boosted its team post-lockdown with “new people who are true veterans in the business”.
Kathryn Loh, who previously held leadership positions at Safe2Travel, SingExpress Travel, and Tour East Singapore, is now director of MICE and corporate development at World Express; Valencia Ang, who has more than 20 years of experience in tourism, is now director of cruise; and Eunice Chua, previously regional director of MICE at Tour East Singapore, is now an advisor at World Express.
“We also enjoyed incredibly busy years after the pandemic, and soon we will be bringing into Singapore a 3,500-pax incentive travel event,” said Darren.
Looking ahead, World Express will step up its commitment to sustainability through deeper understanding of clients’ expectations and identifying and working with suppliers that offer sustainable products.
