Singapore's tourism evolution gathers momentum in 2011

Singapore's impressive transformation continues apace with a pipeline of innovative tourism projects coming online in 2011 which will generate further tourism interest, and boost visitor arrivals and revenue, the country's tourism agency has revealed ahead of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) being held in Dubai from 2-5 May.

Overall, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is forecasting 12 to 13 million visitor arrivals for 2011 and $17.5 and $19.1bn (S$22 and S$24bn) in tourism receipts. A further increase on record highs of 11.6 million visitor arrivals and $14.9bn (S$18.8bn) receipts in 2010.

Underpinning this growth are a number of key projects that will come online in 2011 including the 101 hectare Gardens by the Bay, the completion of the much awaited new International Cruise Terminal and Asia's first River Safari.

New developments at the two Integrated Resorts will continue including the unveiling of the world's largest Louis Vuitton boutique and the kick off of two of the world's most celebrated nightspots Pangaea and Avalon at Marina Bay Sands.

Universal Studios Singapore at Resorts World Sentosa is slated for its Grand Opening in May with a host of international stars in attendance. Guests can also look forward to the commencement of two new movie-themed rides in the future, based on the animated film Madagascar and box-office hit movie Transformers.

"After a milestone year of transformation in 2010, we continue to be excited about the raft of novel projects that are coming online in 2011. We are confident that these will further attract visitors from the Middle East, who are already flocking to us to experience our warm, multicultural hospitality, in a lush and safe environment," said Jason Ong Area Director for Middle East and Africa, STB.

Phase one of the Gardens by the Bay is due to open to the public in November this year; once finished the development will offer plant-based edutainment, horticultural displays, garden craftsmanship and floral artistry. Gardens by the Bay will further strengthen Singapore's claim as a premier tropical garden city, which has earned it the title of the "City in a Garden".

Gardens by the Bay will be the latest addition to Singapore's new downtown - Marina Bay - and will complement the Marina Bay Sands. The attraction at Marina Bay Sands include the world's largest outdoor infinity swimming pool, 2,560 luxury hotel rooms and suites, a state-of-the-art convention centre, a luxurious shopping mall and six celebrity-chef restaurants. World-class entertainment can also be enjoyed with the Lion King musical which has begun an extended run and two new premium nightspots - Pangaea and Avalon - set to open in July.

Pangaea and Avalon are two of the hottest nightclub brands from New York and Los Angeles and will be located in a Crystal Pavilion that 'floats' on the water which can only be accessed through an underwater tunnel connected to The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. A second crystal floating pavilion will be home to the world's largest Louis Vuitton flagship store and will commence operations in the second half of 2011.

"Marina Bay is Singapore's new financial district and will be bolstered by landmark projects such as Gardens by the Bay, the International Cruise Terminal and the Marina Bay Sands. This precinct will enrich the lifestyles and recreational activities of Singaporeans and tourists alike," explained Ong.

The International Cruise Terminal, located next to the Gardens by the Bay, will bring visitors from the Gulf region directly into the centre of Singapore. Construction will complete end-2011 with the terminal fully-operational by Q2 2012; doubling the city's berthing capacity to help it deal with a rapidly growing number of cruise passengers and be a catalyst in Singapore's ambition to welcome 1.6 million cruise passengers by 2015.

"Asia's cruise industry is gradually maturing as new cruise itineraries are developed, coupled with increased knowledge of the warm hospitality and depth of attractions in Asia. Leveraging on our excellent air and sea connectivity and the development of innovative fly-cruise itineraries, we aim to make Singapore the cruise hub of Asia and welcome more travellers from the Middle East," added Ong.

A record number of travellers from the UAE visited Singapore last year with a 14 percent rise in visitor numbers arriving in the Asian dynamo from the United Arab Emirates totalling 56,474 travellers, according to year-end figures collated by STB.

Source = ameinfo