Singapore guns for double-digit growth in 2010

Backed a new brand and its two integrated resorts, Singapore has set high arrivals and revenue targets for this year.

Singapore Tourism Board (STB) chief executive Aw Kah Peng is aiming for a 19 to 29 per cent hike in visitor arrivals, translating to 11.5 million to 12.5 million, and a staggering 41 to 49 per cent boost in tourism receipts to S$17.5 to S$18.5 billion (US$13.2 billion).

?We are optimistic about this year. The 2010 targets are higher than 2008, which was a record year for our industry. Now, confidence levels are returning, we have something new to offer gaming, and we have new attractions. Universal Studios is opening on March 18 and we will be tracking all these closely,? said Aw.

The 2010 targets are some 14 to 25 per cent higher than Singapore?s results in 2008. That year, Singapore welcomed more than 10 million visitors and S$15.2 billion in tourism receipts. In 2009, arrivals dipped 4.3 per cent to 9,681,259.

According to Aw, while the forecasts appear to be ambitious, trade feedback showed it was achievable, particularly in a year when Singapore unveils a host of new attractions.

Sourced = The TTG TravelHub