Singapore - Singapore achieved a new record for its tourism sector when it received its 10 millionth visitor last week. Mr Sanjeev Bhandari 36, landed at Singapore‘s Changi Airport early this morning to a surprise welcome from the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).
Mr Bhandari, who is in Singapore for holiday, was accompanied by his wife, Mrs Geeta Bhandari 34, son Karan 7 and daughter Hiya 4. They were warmly received at the airport by STB‘s Deputy Chief Executive (International), Mr Quek Swee Kuan and an entourage of performers showcasing Singapore‘s unique blend of the modern world and rich cultures. The momentous occasion was shared with spectators and other visitors at a colorful ceremony held at Changi Airport‘s Terminal 2 Arrival Hall.
Mr Bhandari has won for himself over S$50,000 worth of exciting prizes showcasing some of Singapore‘s unique and exciting tourism offerings. These include return Business Class air tickets via Singapore Airlines, complimentary stays at The Shangri-La Singapore, The Amara Sanctuary Resort, and a luxury cruise onboard the SuperStar Gemini, as well as dining and shopping vouchers, a ride atop the HiPPO bus to view the spectacular Christmas Light-up along Orchard Road, and personalised guided tours customised to suit his interests.
He can also look forward to a health screening package from the Parkway Health Group, dining vouchers from the Restaurant Association of Singapore, and shopping vouchers from Central, VivoCity, Massimo Dutti and Zara. Mr Bhandari will also have a personal guide and vehicle at his disposal throughout his four-day stay here. At the end of his stay, he and his family members will depart in style through the exclusive JetQuay Terminal. All prizes for the 10 millionth visitor can be consumed anytime in 2008.
On being Singapore‘s 10 millionth visitor, Mr Bhandari said: “This is very exciting as this is my first time here and I am now Singapore‘s ten millionth visitor. My kids had wanted to celebrate Christmas here as we had heard a lot about Singapore from the things to see and do, especially the shopping. That is why we decided to come to Singapore.”
This year‘s achievement of ten million visitors surpasses last year‘s record arrivals of 9.7 million visitors and continues the upward trend from 2004 when Singapore crossed the eight million mark, which took a decade for Singapore to reach since achieving seven million visitors in 1995. Since 2004 however, it took only two years for Singapore to cross the nine million mark, and now only one year to reach the ten million mark.
Observing this strong growth momentum that Singapore‘s tourism sector is experiencing, Mr Quek noted: "This year has seen record high visitor arrivals for each month this year compared to the same month in previous years. In July, we also had the highest ever visitor arrivals recorded in a single month with 951, 000 visitors. Similarly, the hotel sector has had an exceptional year, with hotel occupancy and room rates at an all-time high. This is good news for Singapore and the industry, as it is a testament to our growing appeal as a vibrant, must-visit destination. Credit also goes to our industry partners for their continued support in developing new tourism product offerings and aggressively promoting Singapore overseas.”
He added: “Looking at the growth momentum that we have been enjoying, we are on track to achieve our 2007 tourism receipts target of $13.6 billion, setting another record and ensuring that we remain on track to achieve our Tourism 2015 targets.”
Compared to the same period in 2006, the first nine months of 2007 showed a strong 7.1% growth in visitor arrivals with 766,000 visitors. During this period, the Average Room Rate (ARR) grew by 19.5% to S$192, while Average Occupany Rate (AOR) reached 86%. Revenue per available room (RevPar) hit S$165.9 and gazetted hotels in Singapore generated a total room revenue of S$854.4 million.
The Uniquely Singapore brand continues to raise destination awareness and draw visitors to Singapore. This year, Singapore was ranked as Asia‘s top country and city for meetings, and among the world‘s top three cities for meetings, by the Union of International Associations. Singapore was also ranked among the top five countries for Nightlife and Fine Dining, Shopping, as well as the city people would want to live in other than their own, according to this year‘s Country Brand Index by FutureBrand.
The sponsors for the prizes for the 10 millionth visitor include The Shangri-La Singapore, Amara Sanctuary Resort, Star Cruises, Restaurant Association of Singapore, Palate Vine Holdings, Central, VivoCity, Massimo Dutti, Zara and Parkway Health Group.
Source: www.etravelblackboardasia.com (24 Desember 2007)
