SINGAPORE attracted 30,000 visitors from the Middle East in the first quarter of 2009. This represents a five per cent increase over 2008, with its key markets, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, witnessing stellar growth of 23 per cent and 10 per cent respectively.
“We are pleased to have begun 2009 on a strong note despite the economic downturn affecting the global tourism industry,” said Jason Ong, area director for Middle East and Africa, Singapore Tourism Board.
“With great value promotions on offer and new attractions coming on stream, Middle East travellers visiting Singapore will continue to be greeted with unique and exciting experiences throughout the year,” added Ong.
Known as a family friendly and cosmopolitan destination, Singapore has further enhanced its tourism offerings with the launch of the 2009 Reasons to Enjoy Singapore campaign, which positions Singapore as a vibrant, value for money destination.
Singapore was the highest ranked country in Asia, and rated 10th globally, for the attractiveness of its environment in developing the travel and tourism industry, according to the latest World Economic Forum Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report.
The travel and tourism report, which evaluated 133 countries, also highlighted the effectiveness of Singapore’s regulations and policies in the promotion and growth of the travel and tourism sector.
“Singapore improved by six places over last year’s report. This impressive ranking indicates the strength of our tourism and management infrastructure,” said Ong.
The city-state also ranked number one in its policy environment, demonstrating that its rules and regulations are conducive to the development and promotion of its travel and tourism industry. These effective policies include strategies that facilitate foreign ownership and foreign direct investment in conjunction with well protected property rights, few visa restrictions and transparency of policy making.
In terms of overall prioritisation of travel and tourism, Singapore ranked second, up three places from last year. The report cited gauges such as government expenditure on the sector, strong destination marketing campaigns and country level presence at key international tourism fairs.
As part of its long term approach, Singapore will continue to focus on transforming the tourism sector, and ensure that the environment remains attractive to the sector’s development.
The STB recently rolled out a $62 million initiative – Building On Opportunities to Strengthen Tourism (BOOST) – for the sector. BOOST includes measures such as 2009 Reasons to enjoy Singapore, as well as enhanced funding support for tourism businesses and training schemes to raise the skills and service excellence of tourism workers in Singapore.
Singapore’s new integrated upcoming resorts the Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa, will open at the end of this year and in early 2010 respectively. Luxury shopping, theme parks and award winning cuisine are just some of the highlights of these multi-billion dollar resorts.
“Singapore is a destination that is constantly transforming itself. From operating the world’s largest observation wheel to hosting the first Formula OneTM night race, change is the only constant in Singapore’s vibrant tourism scene. With the forthcoming launch of the integrated resorts, Singapore’s tourism evolution will reach even greater heights,” said Ong.