The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) says that since it took the decision to absorb the GST last November, participating shops at Singapore Changi Airport have enjoyed a boost in retail sales.

As a result of its success, CAAS says that participating retail outlets located at T3's public area on Levels 2, 3 and Basement 2 will continue to absorb the GST for therest of this year.

Entitled: 'Free Yourself From GST Shopping Promotion ? You Shop, We Absorb', the campaign will now include an interactive 'Stamp and Win' game for all passengers and visitors to T3's public area. From February 26 to April 30, 2009, passengers and airport visitors can participate in this game to obtain five stamps from any of the participating outlets at the different levels to qualify.

No purchases are required. Game participants can redeem free T3 premiums and stand chances to win S$500 of Changi Shopping Vouchers weekly.

Lim Kim Choon, CAAS Director-General and CEO said: ‘Consumers' purse-strings have tightened considerably in view of the current global economic downturn. To help our retail concessionaires attract more shoppers – and at the same time offer greater savings for shoppers – CAAS introduced the concept of GST absorbed purchase atparticipating outlets at T3 in November 2008.

‘Since the soft launch, shopper response to this new shopping concept has been encouraging, and the participating retailers have seen an average sales increase of more than 40%. We would like to encourage passengers as well as visitors to Changi Airport to make use of the exclusive offers that have been rolled out to enjoy extra savings on their part.’

In addition to the interactive game, CAAS is also giving out free S$5 discount coupons. Shoppers can make use of these coupons when they spend $30 and above by any means at any of the participating retail outlets at T3's public area. In addition, shoppers stand to win attractive instant prizes when they spend a minimum of S$30 by VISA or S$60 by other means.

Prizes range from $50 vouchers to exclusive Disney premiums. Shoppers who drive get to enjoy free first hour parking with a minimum spend of $30 at any outlets at T3's public area.