Tourist arrivals expected to increase due to integrated resorts

SINGAPORE: Tourism in Singapore is expected to experience a boom this year thanks to the opening of the integrated resorts.

Industry players say there are now over 950 travel agents in Singapore - an increase of over 100 from the previous year.

Travel agents told MediaCorp that there are now more queries on visiting Universal Studios Singapore.

Some operators are also increasing investments to expand their businesses and gain a bigger share of the tourism dollar.

The two integrated resorts are expected to bring in more tourists to Singapore in the next one to two years.

However, what is important is to entice tourists to stay one more night, which can help the tourism industry to reap more profits.

Tourists currently stay for about three nights.

"Right now, we are only getting about 10 million tourist arrivals," said Robert Khoo, chief executive officer at NATAS.

"I'm sure we can cater to a lot more. And I believe the Tourism Board has a much higher target for 2015. So I think there is still a lot of room for growth."


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Accor Hotels in Singapore Extend Explore Singapore Promotion Due to Overwhelming Response

Take advantage of the extended period of 'Explore Singapore' promotion with free City Tour, Internet Access and Buffet Breakfast included at Grand Mercure Roxy Singapore, Novotel Singapore Clarke Quay and ibis Singapore on Bencoolen.

Singapore (PRWEB) January 14, 2010 -- Accor Hotels in Singapore - a European leader in hotels and tourism, extends the ongoing 'Explore Singapore' promotion to March, 31 2010 for stays until 30 April 2010. Starting from SGD143++ (USD105++), the promotion offers quality accommodations at great locations in Singapore and additional benefits including free buffet breakfast, 1-day unlimited open-top bus city tour, unlimited Internet access and much more.

Due to popular demand, Accor's Explore Singapore promotion has been extended. The campaign, which involves all Accor hotels in Singapore including Grand Mercure Roxy Singapore, Novotel Singapore Clarke Quay and ibis Singapore on Bencoolen, have generated significant interest among both leisure and corporate travelers visiting Singapore. Over 4,000 room nights have already been booked in less than a month promotion period and the bookings are still growing.

Visitors staying at Grand Mercure Roxy Singapore, Novotel Singapore Clarke Quay and ibis Singapore on Bencoolen under the Explore Singapore promotion will enjoy great benefits with room rate starting from SGD143++ (USD105++) a night, inclusive of free city tour, buffet breakfast and unlimited Internet access.

Incorporating a special complimentary one-day unlimited open-top bus city tour, guests taking advantage of the Explore Singapore promotion will have a chance to experience more than 20 tourist attractions at the leisure of your own pace. Visit popular places like Botanic Gardens, Chinatown, Chjimes, Merlion Park, Orchard Road, River Cruise, Singapore Flyer and etc. with accompanied tour guide who will ensure hopping on and off the bus is a delightful adventure.

EXPLORE SINGAPORE Promotion also includes:


* One night stay at your choice of hotels
* Daily buffet breakfast
* One-day unlimited city tour
* Free internet access
* Enjoy original authentic bumboat ride for only just S$8 (Usual Price: S$13)
* 10% discount for Singapore Flyer ticket
* Free drink at Hard Rock Café + discounted coupon
* Free drink at Manchester United Café Bar in Boat Quay


Select your choice of hotels:


* Grand Mercure Roxy Singapore from SGD148++ (USD109++), the hotel also provides complimentary airport transfer.
* Novotel Singapore Clarke Quay from SGD188++ (USD138++), the hotel is strategically located in the heart of the city.
* ibis Singapore on Bencoolen from SGD143++ (USD105++), the hotel is recently voted the ‘Best Budget Hotel 2009' by TTG.


This offer is valid for stays from now to 30 April 2010, perfect for both leisure and business travelers visiting Singapore for Asian Sports Hub & Tourism Conference, Singapore Air Show and experience Chinese New Year in Singapore. Take advantage of this offer and book online at "www.explore-singapore.com.sg" before 31 March 2010.

Terms and Conditions apply. Promotion offer is subject to room availability and may not be available during hotel's peak periods. Price shown may differ due to daily currency exchange rate.

About Grand Mercure Roxy Singapore
Grand Mercure Roxy is an ideal hotel for a business trip or holiday in Singapore. Amidst the heritage charms of historic Katong, the hotel enjoys easy access to the city centre, Singapore Expo, the Suntec Convention Centre and Orchard Road. Enjoy fantastic shopping at the nearby Parkway Parade or a great day out at East Coast Park with beaches, recreational facilities and renowned seafood restaurants. 15 minutes from Changi Airport with complimentary shuttle service.

About Novotel Singapore Clarke Quay
Located in the vibrant and dynamic Clarke Quay area, Novotel Clarke Quay is well known for its breath-taking view of the Singapore River. The hotel is minutes away from the Central Business District and shopping malls with easily accessible public transports reaching out to other parts of Singapore. Featuring 401 recently renovated rooms and modern amenities, this 4-star hotel is a perfect choice for both leisure and business travelers.

About ibis Singapore on Bencoolen
Easily reached by public transportation, ibis on Bencoolen is conveniently located within the cultural, shopping and business districts. Don't be misled by the price tag, the hotel is the premier choice among budget conscious travelers who still demand international service standards.

About Accor
Accor, a major global group and the European leader in hotels, as well as the global leader in services to corporate clients and public institutions, operates in nearly 100 countries with 150,000 employees. It offers to its clients over 40 years of expertise in two core businesses:

- Hotels, with the Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery, Novotel, Mercure, Suitehotel, ibis, all seasons, Etap Hotel, Formule 1 and Motel 6 brands, representing 4,000 hotels and nearly 500,000 rooms in 90 countries, as well as strategically related activities, such as Lenôtre;

- Services, with 30 million people in 40 countries benefiting from Accor Services products in employee and public benefits, rewards and loyalty, and expense management.


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Singapore to help boost eco-tourism in Johor

SINGAPORE, Jan 8 — Singapore is lending Malaysia its expertise in developing green reserves for eco-tourism.

The tourism agencies of both countries have started a joint feasibility study to look into how an attraction like Singapore's Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve in Kranji can be replicated across the Causeway.

The areas that Malaysia hopes to develop into tourism spots are all in Johor — Sungai Pulai, Tanjung Piai and Pulau Kukup.

All have been classified as Ramsar sites, a title granted by the Geneva-based Ramsar Convention Bureau to identify wetlands of international importance.

Johor's lush Sungai Pulai alone spans 9ha. Officially gazetted in 1923, it is the country's second-largest mangrove forest.

It sits at the mouth of a lowland tropical river basin, and is home to seagrass beds, intertidal mudflats and an inland freshwater riverine forest, which teem with animal life.

The joint feasibility study, expected to be completed this year, is the first such venture into the tourism sector.

It will identify appropriate activities for visitors and the kind of people likely to go there, as well as explore the adoption of a code of management practices.

The first mention of the collaboration between Singapore and Malaysia in this area came from Minister for National Development Mah Bow Tan last year, when he gave an update on Singapore's involvement in Iskandar Malaysia, a project to develop southern Johor's economic corridor.

Collaborations between the two countries in this economic zone come under a joint ministerial committee.

Mah added that the two sides' environment agencies are also sharing expertise in areas such as river cleaning.

Malaysia's senior regional government officials have been quoted in the media as having said that the move to develop Sungai Pulai is in line with the plan to build a viable tourist hot spot there.

Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman told the New Straits Times: “Together with the rapid development in Iskandar Malaysia, the state aims to preserve its natural beauty and carry out sustainable development.”

When contacted, John Conceicao, director of strategic planning and innovation at the Singapore Tourism Board, said it was working with its Malaysian counterpart on developing joint marketing campaigns for the nature sites “to potentially increase tourism flows into and between Iskandar Malaysia and Singapore”.

Professor Leo Tan, director of special projects at the National University of Singapore, said that if the findings of the study are followed through and adopted, the area's vital eco-system could be preserved.

Pointing to Sungei Buloh here, he said that it had, with proper management, “morphed out of what was nothing more than a dilapidated prawn pond”.

He added: “The key for any country lies in optimising its resources in a rational and educated manner... to develop an appreciation and understanding of why we need to protect our biodiversity.” — The Straits Times


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Seoul becoming more multi-lingual to entice tourists

SEOUL: The craze over Korean pop culture in recent years has turned Seoul into one of Asia's top travel spots.

With a better global economic outlook, the South Korean capital is expecting another bumper year in visitor numbers in 2010.

However, with competition coming from other cities, Seoul is not resting on its laurels. Instead, the city is going the extra mile to make foreigners feel at home.

The subway ticket vending machines in Seoul are mutli-lingual wonders that "speak" in four languages - English, Mandarin, Japanese and Korean.

"I find the subway is easy to get around," said a Canadian visitor. "Once you are up the subway, there're always signs pointing you to the right direction. It's really great."

Street signs with English translation are seen everywhere, while information centres in many parts of the city are manned by multi-lingual staff.

But while Seoul has come a long way in transforming itself into a global metropolis, many foreigners still find it a challenge to get around the city.

"If you go into a store and you want to ask for information, they don't really understand you, so they'll speak to you in Korean and you'll speak to them in English, so it's a bit of a problem because you don't really get what you want out of your shopping experience," said a tourist.

One of the biggest problems for foreign visitors travelling in Seoul is the language barrier. Hence, tackling this issue has become the top priority for the Seoul government.

With its hi-tech society and well-educated population, there is no surprise that officials are turning to new technology to better serve travellers in 2010.

"When (tourists) land in Incheon International Airport or Gimpo Airport, they can get a gadget free of charge," said Samuel Koo, chief executive officer of Seoul Tourism Organisation. "The device has several functions rolled into one. It's a walking navigation, so it'll show streets where ever you may go."

Beyond the official domain, many shops across the city are also doing their bit to keep up - by training their service personnel to speak in other languages.

"At Dongdaemum Market, there are a growing number of foreign customers, especially from Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, and Singapore," said An Myong Hun, a sales assistant at Nalgae and Gomangi.

"In order to cater to such customers, we have one employee who can speak English, and one who can speak Japanese at this very shop. Many employees at Dongdaemum Market are learning foreign languages for the same reason."

With many Asian cities competing for the tourism dollar, officials know that Seoul must constantly update itself to attract visitors.


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Singapore's economy likely to be buoyed by global recovery in 2010

SINGAPORE: Singapore's economy is expected to revert to positive growth next year, thanks to the global recovery.

According to some economists, growth could even surpass the government's estimates for 2010. They are looking at GDP growth of more than 5 per cent, compared to the government's current forecast of a 3 to 5 per cent growth.

This follows 2009's roller coaster ride, where the economy took a beating in the early part of the year before recovering in the second half.

Export-dependent Singapore was among the first in Asia to fall into recession towards the end of 2008. The economy contracted by 14.6 per cent on-quarter in the first quarter of 2009, following a decline of 16.4 per cent in the previous three months. Then it took a sharp turn upwards, catching the markets by surprise.

David Cohen, director of Asian economic forecasting, Action Economics, said: "The rebound has been better than expected. The strong growth in the second and third quarter GDP in Singapore was better, at a double-digit quarter-on-quarter annualised rate.

"It was a reflection of the turnaround. It was more or less in line with the pattern around the region where many of the Asian exporting economies, after the sharp fall-off in their production and exports in the beginning of the year, rebounded as global demand started to recover."

Song Seng Wun, CEO & regional economist, CIMB-GK Research, said: "After a fairly weak start to the year in the aftermath of the collapse of global demand, we saw things improving in subsequent quarters...

"Aggressive intervention by the Singapore government and others around the world stabilised an uncertain environment. When you have heavy government intervention in the economy, it gives confidence back to businesses and consumers as well."

While the outlook for 2010 appears to be brightening, some said much depends on the United States and when global central banks will cut liquidity.

"Which is why there is much debate on whether governments should withdraw liquidity, withdraw from the economy. It's probably a bit premature. The risk really is that the number one engine, the US, continues to see patchy recovery," said Mr Song.

Sector-wise, manufacturing was the worst hit by the downturn in 2009, but it is looking up.

The manufacturing sector, which accounts for about a quarter of the country's GDP, is expected to grow by about 8 per cent in the fourth quarter this year, after a surprise rebound in the third quarter. This performance is expected to continue into 2010.

Mr Cohen said: "Assuming the global economy remains on recovery trajectory, that should support continued recovery in manufacturing sector and this, including the electronics sector globally, should turn around.

"Perhaps Singapore will still be feeling some drag from the closing of some disk drive production sites, but that should be balanced by the continued uptrend in the pharmaceutical area, where Singapore continues to enjoy an expansion in the global industry that is expected to continue into next year."

Meanwhile, all eyes will also be on the much-anticipated opening of Singapore's two integrated resorts. They are expected to add about 0.5 per cent to GDP growth next year, through a boost to tourist arrivals and retail sales.


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Visitor Arrivals In Singapore Were Down By 11.5%, To Just 4.51mn In January To June 2009

Short-Term Outlook Negative… Singapore’s tourism industry experienced a difficult first half to 2009. Visitor arrivals were down by 11.5%, to just 4.51mn in January-June. The Singapore Tourist Board (STB) attributed the poor performance primarily to the global economic crisis, but with arrivals from China and Japan also reduced due to the effects of the H1N1 (swine flu) pandemic.

Over the first six months of 2009, Singapore’s top five visitor-generating markets were Indonesia (766,000), China (457,000), Australia (376,000), India (361,000) and Malaysia (317,000), accounting for over 50% of the total. Vietnam (up 13.4%), the Philippines (up 3%), Malaysia (up 1.8%) and Germany (up 1.3%) were the fastest growing source markets in H109, which the STB attributed to strong marketing campaigns and, in the case of Vietnam, aggressive airline promotions.

Given this disappointing start to the year, we have made downward revisions to our forecasts for arrivals data this year. From a previous forecast of 9.9mn visitors, we now believe that 9.12mn is more likely.

…But Longer-Term Prognosis Remains Positive Although 2009 will be difficult for Singapore’s tourism industry, there are reasons to remain positive for the medium-to-long term, as the global economy recovers. In particular, the opening of the two integrated resorts, at Marina Bay in 2009 and Sentosa in 2010, should help the island attract new tourists. Also, in 2011 Singapore will host the first Youth Olympics and open a new International Cruise Terminal.

Integrated Resorts Opening Soon In June, the first details surrounding some of the hotel rooms on offer at the new SGD6.59bn Sentosa integrated resort were unveiled. Showrooms for the Maxims Tower, Hotel Michael, Festive Hotel and the Hard Rock Hotel Singapore were opened for public viewing. The 120-room Maxims Tower and 470- room Hotel Michael are both pitched at the luxury end of the market. The 398-room Festive Hotel is pitched at the family market, with brightly coloured décor and loft sleeping areas in the bedrooms for children. The 364-room Hard Rock Hotel Singapore is pitched at the young adult market. The other two hotels at the resort are the Equarius Hotel and Spa Villas. Bookings for the hotels opened in H209. Other attractions at Sentosa will include a Universal Studios theme park, a casino and the world’s largest oceanarium. BMI believes this and other new resorts will do much to significantly boost Singapore’s tourism industry from 2010 onwards.

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In Singapore, novelty of F1 race begins to wear off (Feature)

Singapore - With just days to go before the roaring of Formula One car engines will fill the streets of Singapore again, race organizers and the city-state's tourism industry are banking on last-minute bookings to fill seats, hotel rooms and tourist attractions during the event.

After the inaugural night race in 2008, the novelty of a F1 Grand Prix in Singapore seems to have worn off a bit.

As the economic downturn also took its toll on tourism worldwide, ticket sales and room bookings in the weeks to this year's GP season have been sluggish compared to last year.

'Given this year's economic context, it is not surprising that bookings have been slower than last year's,' said Justin Chew, director of F1 projects at the Singapore Tourism Board.

'In 2008, the inaugural event drew huge interest from the beginning,' he added, noting that the buying pattern for the 2009 GP was much more typical of other F1 circuits with an increased momentum in ticket sales and hotel bookings closer to the race.

'Traditionally second year attendances at new Formula One circuits do see some drop from the inaugural race numbers,' said Michael Roche, executive director of race organizer Singapore GP Pte Ltd.

For 2008, he said, the company released a capacity of 80,000 tickets a day and increased it to 100,000 tickets, as the demand was overwhelming, eventually selling 300,000 tickets for the whole event.

This year, organizers expect nearly 250,000 people to enjoy the race, as they released 83,000 tickets per day for the three-day event, just under the optimal number, given the facilities at the Marina Bay Street Circuit, of 85,000.

With average prices unchanged from the 2008 Singapore night race, current sales were beating the initial forecasts for the second Grand Prix, said Roche.

'I'm confident we are going to ... get very close to 95 per cent,' he said, adding that only loose seats and single seats were left.

Singapore's hotels approach the GP season with much more realistic expectations compared to 2008.

After getting a lot of stick for demanding exorbitant room rates during the first Singapore GP, overall, hotels have lowered their rates this year by 30 to 50 per cent, according to the tourism board.

'Greed made us lose our focus last year,' said Patrick Fiat, General Manager of Royal Plaza on Scotts, in an interview with the board.

'We have definitely learnt our lesson,' he added.

So far, Singapore's tourism industry plummeted this year as travellers cut back on their spending because of the economic crisis.

In the first half of 2009, total room revenue of the city-state's hotels reached 721 million Singapore dollars (509 million US dollars), down 33.2 per cent year-on-year.

'The Formula One week is still a silver lining we can all look forward to before the year ends,' said Aiden McAuley, general manager of Swissotel The Stamford.

One of the tourist attractions, the world's largest giant observation wheel Singapore Flyer, hopes to cash in on its unique position at the scratch and finishing line of the race course and a view on 80 per cent of the circuit.

'The sales of our packages have been positive and encouraging and we are anticipating another surge of bookings as the race dates draw nearer,' said a Flyer spokesperson without giving numbers.

However, after launching package tickets costing 688 and 5,500 Singapore dollars in July, the company introduced a much cheaper package worth 288 Singapore dollars and individual day passes costing between 58 and 188 Singapore dollars, as sales had been sluggish, according to local media reports.

In Singapore's second GP season, excitement is building up slower compared to last year, although the race organizers lined up international bands like Travis, Backstreet Boys or Chaka Khan for trackside entertainment.

'In terms of buzz, I would say, of course, if the economic climate was more vibrant, there will clearly be a lot more buzz,' said Singapore Trade Minister S. Iswaran.

He was confident, that the recent 'Crashgate' scandal involving the Renault team has not sullied Singapore's reputation as a race venue.

'This is really more about a particular team's tactics, not a comment on the venue,' said the minister.

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Kedah In Drive To Tap More Singapore Tourists

SINGAPORE, July 28 (Bernama) -- Kedah became the third Malaysian state after Sabah and Sarawak to carry out tourism campaigns in Singapore this year to tap the abundant local and expatriate tourist markets.

Over 30 travel agents, hoteliers and tourism bodies from Langkawi and Alor Setar are now here meeting their local counterparts to introduce Kedah tourism products to Singaporeans who are currently Malaysia's top visitors.

Their three-day tourism promotion campaign here is jointly organised by Tourism Malaysia, Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), the Kedah chapter of Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents Association (Matta) and Kedah Tourism Action Council.

Malaysia's High Commissioner to Singapore Datuk Md Husin Nayan said he hoped other Malaysian states would follow suit to conduct their tourism campaigns here to tap the rich Singapore tourist market.

Tourism Malaysia's Singapore office director Zalizam Zakaria said Malaysia had recorded about 6.1 million tourist arrivals from Singapore in the first six months of this year, and was confident that its target of 11 million for 2009 could be achieved.

Kedah hopes to attract more than 100,000 tourists from the island republic, including expatriates and travellers who are transiting in Singapore, to Langkawi and mainland Kedah this year.

LADA figures showed that nearly 40,000 Singaporean tourists visited Langkawi alone last year compared to nearly 35,000 in 2007.

Singaporeans are expected to throng Kedah when new air services between Singapore and Alor Setar and Langkawi are introduced by budget carriers Firefly and Jetstar in the coming months.

Currently, Singapore's Silk Air, Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia operate more than 30 flights per week between Singapore and Langkawi.

-- BERNAMA

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