MACAU BUSINESS
first six days. Some observers were surprised that Singapore
authorities granted the casino license before completion of the Universal Studios theme park, the IR’s centrepiece. As a fig leaf, the theme park grounds opened
without any rides or shows operating, charging S$10 charge just to walk through. Travel agents complained that uncertainty about available attractions made it difficult to sell tour packages. Universal Studios launched full operations on
March 18. But on March 26, the showpiece Battlestar Galactica ride closed with problems, and was still down at our deadline. Insult to injury came the same night when
legendary singer Tom Jones left the RWS stage after two songs with severe laryngitis. Another sour note was hit in May: Saint James
Holdings, Singapore’s top nightspot developer, abandoned its plans for a club there.
Soft and loud The impact of these early incidents on RWS
remains difficult to measure. The company has been tight-lipped with information, including visitor and revenue numbers. RWS refused to comment for this article, saying the development is still in its “soft opening stage”. Construction will go on through next year on the 49-hectare (121 acre) site.
22 JULY/AUGUST 2010
Some believe the situation will improve when the
rollercoaster reopens and the resort’s first phase is complete. Voyage de Vie, a resident modern circus show, opens this month and more shops open weekly. These additions, plus shaking out the early bugs
and better adapting outdoor areas for the relentless tropical heat, could broaden the resort’s appeal. But some issues suggest a lasting struggle for RWS,
located on Sentosa island just off Singapore’s southern coast. The early glitches have reminded Singaporeans of Sentosa’s reputation for failed leisure attractions and island’s physical and psychological distance.
Disneyland Redux Universal Studios’ problems recall the travails of
Hong Kong Disneyland, which has struggled to recover from early public relations nightmares. But visitors to Universal Studios Singapore report
enjoying themselves, even without the idled rollercoaster. The park hasn’t cut ticket prices – S$66 for adults, S$72 on weekends and holidays, well below other Universal parks – but has included a S$15 restaurant credit. It is already attracting international tourists, a key
goal for RWS and Singapore authorities. “We have many clients interested in Singapore now, really different from before,” Junko Cheung of JC Travel in Hong Kong sayd. “Before they always dismissed Singapore as boring,
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