LOCATION REPORT


SINGAPORE E


conomic gloom may be clouding the New Year in many parts of the world but in Asia, the compact city-state of Singapore is on an


upward trend. Government forecasts for 2010 predicted a year-end economic growth rate of 15% with the tourism-related sector performing positively compared to the previous year. Another cause for optimism was that visitor arrivals into the country were expected to hit a record of 12 million, representing a 24% increase on 2009. Although tourism currently accounts for only 5-7% of the economy, some analysts believe this figure could rise to 12% by 2015. “As we move to realise our Tourism 2015 vision of achieving 17 million in arrivals and SGD30 billion in tourism receipts, we need to stay ahead of the game while remaining


UPSWING


relevant to our visitors,” Singapore Tourism Board (STB), Area Director Northern & Western Europe, Eunice Yeo tells Sleeper. “This has called for us to think of and execute bold, fresh ideas so Singapore represents a must-visit destination. We are in the process of repositioning Singapore as a global city in which to live, work and play.” In reality, this strategy has been in place for the past four years, with infrastructure steadily being improved and the tourism offer broadened. But 2010 proved a milestone year as it saw the launch of two integrated resorts with gaming components, both expected to raise the bar in terms of visitor experience. Alongside Marina Bay Sands, which has enhanced Singapore’s international reputation and reviewed extensively here, Genting Group’s SDG6.59bn Resorts World Sentosa


054 JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2011 WWW.SLEEPERMAGAZINE.COM


is one of the most extensive and expensive models of its kind, comprising a complex tapestry of attractions including Universal Studios, the world’s largest oceanarium, six themed hotels, entertainment, retail, MICE facilities and casino. While the integrated resorts have formed a component of the government’s initiative to boost tourism, the tourist board and Urban Redevelopment Authority, which is responsible for land use planning and conservation, are also supporting other hotel profiles from ground-up construction to conversions of heritage sites. Openings last year included Fullerton Bay Hotel, sister to The Fullerton; Studio M, a 360-room loft-style hotel designed by Piero Lissoni and Ong&Ong to be the first of a new brand launched by Millennium & Copthorne Hotels; and Grand Park


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