Singapore is in a strong position to lead a predicted growth in international tourism to Asia in 2011, with affluent visitors topping the list of target travellers, according to Mr S. Iswaran, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Education.
Overall, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is forecasting 12 to 13 million visitor arrivals for 2011 and US$ 17.5 and US$ 19.1 billion (S$22 and S$24 billion) in tourism receipts. This is an increase from record highs of 11.6 million visitor arrivals and US$ 14.9 billion (S$18.8 billion) in 2010.
Singapore aims to attract more discerning visitors from around the globe including the Middle East, with a pipeline of exciting tourism projects, such as a new 101 hectare Gardens by the Bay, Asia’s first River Safari, a new International Cruise Terminal and a new National Art Gallery.
“From a macro perspective, Asia is set to become a strong growth engine for global tourism. According to the UNWTO (1), Asia was the strongest growing region in 2010. For 2011, the number of international tourist arrivals in Asia and the Pacific region is expected to grow by seven to nine percent. Singapore is well-placed to tap this growth,” said Iswaran in a recent speech at the Tourism Industry Conference 2011, held at Singapore’s Suntec City Convention Centre.
“We need to continually push for product and process innovation to meet the rising expectations of sophisticated and affluent travellers,” he added.
Singapore has already innovated to set up services for high net-worth individuals, with schemes that include concierge and personalised shopping services at ION Orchard and the Mandarin Gallery situated on the main shopping avenue of Orchard Road.
The Jewel Cable Car Ride has also undergone an S$36 million upgrade resulting in larger cars with panoramic views and enhanced accessibility. For those seeking something more there is even a seven-star VIP jewelled cabin adorned with Swarovski crystals.
Integration of tourism services and increased productivity within the industry were also highlighted by Iswaran as key to meeting STB’s visitor arrival and tourism revenue forecasts for 2011.
Good examples of such schemes include: The ‘See Singapore Attractions Pass’, launched in December last year, which offers unlimited visits to 20 attractions including the Singapore Flyer, Night Safari and Singapore River Cruise. And a hotel productivity plan created by STB and the Singapore Hotel Association, due to be launched later in the year, which will see hotels work harder to increase customer satisfaction, operational efficiency and productivity. |