APIs for Businesses

What are APIs

APIs let applications 'talk' to each other.

Digital applications store large amounts of information in servers. The API is the part of the server that shares and receives information from other servers.

For example, you can view this Help Centre page because of APIs that share information between your browser and TIH's server.

Why use APIs

APIs allow your digital application to provide information and services from other servers to your customers.

Faster information and services

APIs share information almost instantly.

It probably only took seconds from the moment you clicked 'APIs for Businesses' to load this page. During that short amount of time, your browser requested for the information, received it from TIH's server and displayed it in a readable format on this page.

Updated in real-time

APIs can be programmed to share information automatically whenever a request is made. Information is always extracted 'fresh' from its original server and presented to your customer.

More information

Your digital application can use any number of APIs from multiple sources to provide the best experience for your customer. Examples of companies that offer APIs as products:

• TIH APIs
• OneMap APIs
• Google APIs
• Expedia APIs

Faster loading speed

The information is stored in other servers, not on your digital application. This means your application isn't slowed down by the need to maintain a large information database.

Access TIH APIs

To use TIH APIs, you must use an API key or OAuth token, depending on the nature of the API. The API key is linked to your TIH account. You can create API key here and apply for OAuth token here. 

API Key

After registering for a TIH account, go to Get API key to learn how to generate your unique API key, which is linked to your TIH account. 

Guidelines when using TIH API key:

• Do not share your unique API key with anyone outside your company as your API key is unique to your account.
  
• TIH tracks companies' and developers' use of TIH APIs via their API keys. If you represent a company, you are encouraged to create a TIH Business account instead of a TIH developer account and use the Business Account API key. 
  

Your API key grants access to most of the TIH APIs such as:

• Content User API
• Media User API
• Deals User API
• Enhanced Navigation Services API

With access to these APIs, your application can retrieve rich content and images of points-of-interest in Singapore across various content categories (accommodation, attractions, bars and clubs, cruises, events-leisure, events-business, food and beverages, precincts, malls and shops, tours, venues, and walking trails).

Visit the developer portal for more information about TIH APIs.

OAuth Token (To Perform Specific Operations)

An OAuth Token is needed to access the following additional features and to perform specific operations such as:

• Contribute information via the Content Provider APIs and Media Provider APIs
• Access the Visit Singapore Account APIs to create a seamless log in for your customers
• Access the Recommendation Engine APIs to provide recommendation services for your customers
• Access the Itinerary Planner APIs, which empowers your visitors to create their own Singapore itinerary.

If your company is interested in the additional services, please visit Get OAuth Token and request for an OAuth key credentials.