Singapore: Singapore Tourism Profile

As the health of the global economy is critical to travel and tourism flourishing, the economic recession inflicted an overall, multi-level decline in both volume and value terms. Generally, the business segment was hit harder than leisure, due to the sharp contraction of business activity. Consumers increasingly traded down, choosing value-for-money offers, and travelled on credit to preserve cash, while travel and tourism providers cut prices and introduced more discounted packages to stimulate demand.

As Singaporeans sought to survive the hard times and yet maintain their lifestyle, work was increasingly given a higher priority over leisure due a difficult job market. As a result, more embarked on multiple short holiday getaways in the year, using annual leave or long weekends due to public holidays falling on Fridays or Mondays instead of taking a few longer trips. This meant more intra-Asian travel over long haul trips to the US and Europe.

The STB played a major role in supporting travel and tourism in 2009, by implementing an S$90 million initiative known as BOOST, leveraged on the global trends of cost-consciousness and preference for short haul travel. In the first half of 2009, the “2009 Reasons to enjoy Singapore” campaign was launched through various channels including Facebook, offering visitors discounted packages and promotions, targeted at tourists in China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam.

While premium travel and tourism providers such as legacy airlines and luxury hotels suffered a drastic decline in business, the low-cost operators emerged as one of the biggest winners of the recession as consumers became increasingly more price-conscious. Zuji Travels Pte Ltd, AirAsia Sdn Bhd and Euroauto Leasing, a newly set-up budget car rental company, are examples of companies which bucked the trend and posted stronger retail sales performance.

The opening of the Integrated Resorts on Marina Bay and Sentosa in 2010 is geared to change the tourism landscape in Singapore and further entrench it as a lifestyle destination for tourists. Casinos will also begin operations for the first time in Singapore, following the legalisation on gambling. Growth will not only be observed in leisure arrivals but also in business arrivals as the Marina Bay Sands pitches itself and Singapore as a MICE destination. Sands Integrated Resorts at Sentosa opened its doors to the public in February 2010, amidst much anticipation, although industry sources remained ambivalent about its sustained strong performance. Universal Studios at Sentosa also debuted first with a soft launch where visitors were able to tour the park while rides were being tested. In March 2010, visitors to Universal Studios were able to experience the thrills and spills offered by the rides. Press coverage of not only Sands Integrated Resorts and Universal Studios but also accompanying food and beverage as well as retail outlets located in the vicinity was strong. There remains much hype over the upcoming opening of the Marina Bay Integrated Resort and industry sources overall maintain buoyant spirits about the positives that these developments would bring to Singapore’s travel and tourism industry.

 

24/11/2010  A bridge between the East and the West for centuries, Singapore embraces tradition and modernity. Colourful ethnic precincts amongst efficient business centres, and serene gardens set against sleek skyscrapers, Singapore is a fascinating destination for leisure and business travelers.

The Singapore Tourism Board aims to triple tourism receipts to $30 billion and double visitor arrivals to 17 million visitors by 2015. It is working closely with international investors to develop new world-class attractions, and attract strategic business and leisure events to Singapore. Some of the exciting plans include the remaking of Orchard Road into one of the best shopping streets in the world, the development of Singapore Flyer (the world's largest observation wheel), the rejuvenation of Sentosa Island as a tropical island resort, the enhancement of major precincts like Singapore River, Chinatown and Little India, as well as the development of iconic Integrated Resorts. These attractions will widen our range of entertainment choices and enhance the vibrancy of the tourism industry.

 

 

Unique is the word that best captures Singapore, a dynamic city rich in contrast and colour where you'll find a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture. A bridge between the East and the West for centuries, Singapore, located in the heart of fascinating Southeast Asia, continues to embrace tradition and modernity today. Brimming with unbridled energy and bursting with exciting events, the city offers countless unique, memorable experiences waiting to be discovered.

 

A single day's trails will take you from the past to the future, from a colourful ethnic enclave to an efficient business centre, from serene gardens to sleek skyscrapers.

 

Start your day with a unique breakfast in a long house set amidst lush vegetation and forest trees with Singapore's very own orang utans to keep you company. Then...

 

Take a step back in time as you enter a traditional Chinese temple, Muslim mosque, Hindu temple and Christian church-all in one neighbourhood..

Return to the present by strolling along the streets of Orchard Road, where local teens parade the latest fashion trends and pick up entertaining local catch phrases.

 

A simple meal is made memorable when drifting along the Singapore River on a traditional bumboat. Step off the boat and...

 

Indulge in Singapore's favourite pastime - shopping. From fascinating antiques to luxury labels. The latest gadgets to ethnic crafts, you'll find them all. You can even shop for basement bargains in the heart of Little India at four in the morning!

 

When you are done with shopping, retreat into the peaceful sanctuary of one of our acclaimed spas just a stone's throw away from the best business facilities in the world...

If thrills and spills are more your speed, then get catapulted 60 metres into the air on a reverse bungy ride. More laughter and fun is in store if you board an amphibious "duck" to explore the city, in the company of its wacky guides.

 

Don't be late for the show - give yourself at least an hour to enjoy a customary Chinese tea ceremony before you step into a world-class venue to catch a Broadway musical.

 

Singapore is truly a city like no other, a world of possibilities. With its friendly and welcoming people, state-of-the-art infrastructure and something new happening everyday, your stay will be a memorable mix-and-match of all the things you have always wanted to do. Come and enjoy countless fascinating experiences, and take away memories that are uniquely Singapore.