Singapore's tourist numbers can support a second theme park, suggests expert

With theme parks sprouting all over Asia, is there potential for another one in Singapore, and does the Republic need to worry about competition?

Singapore need not fear as more theme parks are built in Asia, as tourists visit the island for its bundle of attractions - and not simply for any single one of them, said key representatives of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), as the Asian Attractions Expo kicked off yesterday.

In China alone, 15 theme parks are now being built concurrently. But "Singapore has nothing to fear as other places open in China, in Asia, because it's the package," said Mr Chip Cleary, IAAPA president and chief executive.He cited the Republic's multiple draws, including Orchard Road and the upcoming Gardens by the Bay. "Singapore has this unique situation, you can do an awful lot with a small piece of land," he said.

Should there be a second theme park here - coming on the heels of the movie-themed Universal Studios Singapore - IAAPA chairman Robert S Rippy believes tourism numbers are strong enough to support it. But given that land is expensive here, "you wouldn't see quite frankly three parks, four parks necessarily built in this area", said Mr Rippy

He said the growing number of theme parks in Asia offers potential for synergy, similar to the case in Orlando, Florida. Orlando has several parks sited within 30 kilometres of one another, with a new one, Legoland, to open by this year. For one, they steer clear of copying one another - Legoland caters mainly to visitors aged 13 and below, and the four Disney theme parks each offer different experiences, said Mr Cleary.

Theme park builders in Asia have also gleaned what works and what does not from the past. It would not necessarily be a good idea to build five theme parks in an area that has only 200 million people, said Mr Rippy, who added that players first off the mark and those with good designs would "probably ward off cannibalisation".Mr Rippy said he did not know of any plans for another theme park in Singapore, but felt tourist inflow would support it.

Held at Resorts World Sentosa until Friday, the Asian Attractions Expo features 236 exhibitors offering show production, rides and service expertise. Some who had a hand in shaping Universal Studios Singapore, such as Battlestar Galactica's maker Vekoma and Revenge of the Mummy's maker Premium Rides, Inc, are among exhibitors.

Source = todayonline