Singapore Tourism Board forecasts record numbers for 2010

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has announced its forecast for 2010: 11.5 – 12.5 million visitor arrivals and S$17.5 – S$18.5 billion in tourism receipts.

The forecast comes on the back of a record-breaking January for Singapore, when visitor arrivals grew by 17.6% year-on-year to 908,000 visitors, the highest ever recorded for the month. UK arrivals grew by an encouraging 7%.

At Singapore’s annual Tourism Industry Conference last week, the Singapore Tourism Board shared its plans for 2010 and beyond, as well as unveiling the evolution of its destination brand, “YourSingapore”.

This year sees the much-anticipated opening of two integrated resorts – Resorts World Sentosa and Marina Bay Sands - adding to the exceptional visitor experience in Singapore; with an exciting range of attractions, accommodation, dining, retail, MICE venues and gaming, including Universal Studios Singapore, the first in Asia, which opens to the public on 18th March 2010. These will complement an extensive year round calendar of events that includes new events such as the Youth Olympic Games and Asia Fashion Exchange, as well as returning signature events such as the Singtel Singapore Formula One Grand Prix and Great Singapore Sale.

Beyond 2010, Singapore’s transformation continues with other bold and original developments such as the International Cruise Terminal, Gardens by the Bay, National Art Gallery, River Safari and Changi Motor Sports Hub that will continue to add depth and breadth to the destination’s tourism offerings.

STB’s Area Director for Northern and Western Europe, Eunice Yeo said: “This is a milestone year for Singapore. With the launch of yet more new attractions and events, Singapore continues to offer an increasingly vibrant and diverse tourism landscape. It is only right that we should be launching our evolved brand – which reflects the concentration of experiences available in Singapore – at such an exciting time.” She added, “Our confidence is reflected in our forecast for the year, and the record-breaking visitor arrivals achieved in January.”

For more information on visiting Singapore, visit: yoursingapore.com