Despite the headwind generated by the global economic downturn and the H1N1 virus, Singapore recorded its fifth consecutive year of increase in tourist arrivals from the Middle East in 2009.
Singapore welcomed 117,000 visitors from the region in 2009, a 2.7 per cent growth over 2008, while total visitor arrivals to Singapore reached 9.7 million – underscoring strong performance in the final quarter of 2009, and exceeding the year’s forecast of 9 to 9.5 million visitor arrivals.
Tourism receipts from January to December 2009 were estimated at S$12.4 billion, reaching the upper band of the forecast of S$12billion to S$12.5 billion.
In December 2009, Singapore received 971,000 visitors, which is the highest visitor arrivals ever achieved in one month.
“With the global travel industry expected to recover this year and with Singapore offering an even more compelling suite of tourism experiences, including the two integrated resorts which open this year, and global events such as the Singapore Airshow and the Youth Olympic Games, we are confident of achieving record results for the tourism sector this year,” said Jason Ong, area director Middle East and Africa, Singapore Tourism Board.
The rebound in tourism arrivals in the last quarter of 2009, and the continued increase in visitors from the Middle East, reaffirms Singapore’s position as a top global destination for family vacations and business trips, with its ever-changing offering of top tourist attractions, bustling retail, delectable dining, world-class business events facilities and wide selection of quality accommodation.
Last year saw Singapore host a slew of successful events such as the APEC Economic Leaders Summit, the first F1 Rocks concert series and the launch of new products including The Capella Hotel Singapore – a luxurious hotel resort – and Singapore’s latest shopping icon, ION Orchard.
In 2010, tourism is expected to rebound strongly with the recently scheduled opening of Singapore’s two new multi-billion dollar integrated resorts Resorts World Sentosa’s Universal Studios Theme Park and Marina Bay Sands, which includes high-end hotels, a casino, theatre showing West-end productions, a state-of the-art exhibition and conference centre and six celebrity chef restaurants offering world-class dining.
The second phase, which includes the Sands SkyPark, the Event Plaza along Marina Bay, more shops from the world’s leading retailers, additional dining options and exciting nightlife offerings, will open on June 23.