Singapore plans for the future

2008 has been a memorable year for Singapore, playing host to a number of world-class events and witnessing the launch of a plethora of new and exciting tourism products. But this marks just the beginning of a trend of even more spectacular events, more new development projects and more investment in major enhancements across the city that are all helping to position Singapore as Asia’s ‘must see’ destination.

Divya Panickar, Area Director for North and West Europe, Singapore Tourism Board, commented: “Singapore is continually re-inventing itself and enhancing its tourism facilities to become a major player in the global market for both leisure travellers and the MICE market. This year has seen Singapore successfully host the first ever Formula One™ Grand Prix night race, launch the world’s tallest observation wheel, the Singapore Flyer, and open a new terminal at Changi Airport.

“Over the next few years we will see the launch of two Integrated Resorts that will include an exciting range of leisure, retail, hotel and conference facilities, as well as Singapore’s first casinos and a Universal Studios theme park, a first for Southeast Asia. Other lifestyle attractions visitors can look forward to by the end of 2010 are a new International Cruise Terminal, and Gardens by the Bay across the mouth of the Singapore River. All these investments in the tourism sector will transform Singapore’s landscape and help Singapore achieve its ambitious target of attracting 17 million visitors by 2015.”

Singapore’s transformation has increased its destination appeal in Europe, where visitor arrival figures have remained encouraging despite the worldwide economic crisis. In fact, the widespread interest in new events such as Formula One and the continued draw of events such as the ZoukOut signature dance music festival has had a positive impact on arrivals from the UK. September alone witnessed an increase of 3.2% from the UK market.

The growth of the European markets to Singapore looks set to continue, especially in countries such as Russia, France, Switzerland, Spain and Italy. Hence, to highlight all the recent changes that have taken place in Singapore and to demonstrate its position as a ‘must-see’ on any Asian itinerary, there will be an increase in trade and media activities in these markets.

As Oliver Chong, Singapore Tourism Board’s Regional Director for Europe, observes: “Many Europeans who have not visited Singapore in the past five years are discovering that Singapore is now a much more vibrant destination with a lot more to experience and savour.

Although the worldwide economy is now highly uncertain, the outlook on European outbound travel is no different from other regions like Asia or the United States. With enough resilience in European markets and Asia remaining a region that provides European travellers with good value for money, there is cause to remain optimistic that travellers will continue heading out to Asia and Singapore.”

For more information on Singapore log on to Visitsingapore.com.