The Hindu Business Line : Singapore Tourism sees challenging year ahead

Bangalore, Jan. 16 The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) expects 2009 to be a challenging year for tourism in that country, given the continuing volatility of the global economic climate.

However, the mid to long-term potential for tourism, particularly in the Asian economies, remains bright, says an STB release issued at the ASEAN Tourism Forum, Hanoi, Vietnam.

In October 2008, the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) projected that global tourism growth would be flat or marginal at best in 2009, with travellers becoming more cost-conscious and preferring short-haul, value-for-money destinations that offer favourable exchange rates.

Working with the tourism industry, the STB is also developing a global marketing campaign to drive visitors to Singapore, with a particular emphasis on regional markets. To further help tourism-related businesses in Singapore, the STB will enhance its assistance schemes.

“We believe visitors will still need to and want to travel, whether for leisure or business. But no doubt they will be more cost-conscious and will want to get more out of every trip. So, STB has to work hand-in-hand with the industry to ensure Singapore remains a destination of choice, and one that both creates and delivers,” says Ms Aw Kah Peng, STB’s Chief Executive.

Developments

The tourism board is positive about the long-term potential of tourism and will continue to execute concrete plans to develop the sector, says the release. There is a line-up of developments including the integrated resorts — the opening of the Marina Bay Sands, the first of two integrated resorts planned; completion of upgrading works for Orchard Road, Singapore’s premium shopping street; and the opening of three new shopping malls — ION Orchard, 313 @ Somerset, and Orchard Central.

Events planned

Some of the events this year include the 2009 Formula One Singapore Grand Prix and other key BTMICE events such as BioMedical Asia, BroadcastAsia 2009, CommunicAsia 2009, Singapore International Water Week, FDI World Dental Congress, ITB Asia, and the Anime Festival Asia 2009.

Upcoming developments beyond 2009 include the opening of Resorts World at Sentosa, the second of Singapore’s two integrated resorts; the launch of the International Cruise Terminal; and Gardens by the Bay — a 101-hectare site that will help the National Parks Board enhance Singapore’s image as a tropical waterfront garden city, among others.