NUS Responds to Tourist Influx
The National University of Singapore (NUS), one of the world’s most prestigious universities, has announced a series of comprehensive measures aimed at addressing the growing concerns over large crowds of tourists on its campus. As reported by The Straits Times, the university’s management has decided that, starting January next year, all tour buses entering the campus will require prior registration and will be allotted a limited number of daily slots.
Priority for Registered Tours
Emphasizing the need for better crowd management, NUS has given priority to buses carrying groups for registered tours led by NUS student ambassadors. These student ambassadors are compensated for orchestrating guided tours, ensuring that visitors receive an informative and structured visit. Furthermore, the university has mandated that all student-led tours must be officially registered. Failure to comply with this directive could lead to disciplinary actions against unlicensed tour guides.
Enhanced Visitor Access Control
In addition to managing tour groups, the university has also introduced a visitor access system aimed at regulating traffic in high-activity areas such as food courts, canteens, and internal shuttle buses. Since August 14, NUS has reinstated controlled access at all its libraries and heightened surveillance and security measures to prevent unauthorized entries. These actions followed numerous complaints from students who experienced prolonged waits for food and shuttle bus services during peak tourist periods.
Balancing Tourism and Campus Life
Known for its modern architecture, enriching libraries, and vibrant student life, NUS has become a hotspot for foreign visitors. Unlike previous practices, the newly implemented measures strive to balance tourism without compromising the quality of student life. Earlier this year, Nanyang Technological University (NTU) announced similar plans to charge an entry fee for tour groups due to the disruptions caused by large numbers of tourists on their campus.