Singapore Sees 23% Rise in Regional Visitors in First-Half of 2010
Stunning Integrated Resorts, rejuvenated world-renowned attractions and the launch of the 'YourSingapore' brand have all contributed to a significant increase in tourists to Singapore from the Middle East, according to new figures released by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) today.
Singapore welcomed over 66,000 visitors from the Middle East from January to June of this year, representing a growth of 23.2 percent year on year. The Middle East's growth corresponds with a 22.6 percent rise in the total number of visitors to Singapore, which reached over 5.5 million visitors in the first six months of 2010.
Kuwait was the fastest growing market to Singapore from the Middle East with a blistering 84.1 percent growth due to the launch of new direct flights by Singapore Airlines. The UAE - which is Singapore's largest and most mature market - provided solid growth of close to seven percent while key destinations such as Saudi Arabia provided solid growth of nine percent. These growth rates are set to accelerate as travellers flock to visit Singapore during the peak summer months and for the Eid celebrations.
The strong growth in visitor arrivals comes in the wake of the opening of two new multi-billion dollar Integrated Resorts which have been key drivers in Singapore's transformation. The resorts include South East Asia's first-ever Universal Studios, located on Resorts World Sentosa, featuring 24 exciting rides including the world's only Madagascar attraction.
The star studded grand opening of the Marina Bay Sands has helped boost Singapore's profile on the international stage. With a staggering 2,560 hotel rooms and suites, a luxurious shopping centre, a state-of-the-art convention centre and six celebrity chef restaurants, offering leisure and business travellers a wealth of luxury venues to enjoy 24/7.
Perched on top of Marina Bay Sands is the 340m long Sands SkyPark, which sits 60 storeys high and features the world's largest outdoor infinity swimming pool at 150m in length, offering a spectacular panoramic view of the Garden City.
Looking ahead to the next three months, Singapore will welcome Middle East travellers during Ramadan as hotels provide shuttle services to mosques as Iftars, night markets and street light-ups send a festive buzz through this multi-cultural city.
Singapore will play host to the world's top young athletes and their enthusiastic fans when the world's first Youth Olympics kicks off from August 14-26. A month later, the city-state will welcome racing fans from around the globe when the 2010 Formula One Singtel Singapore Grand Prix hits town from September 24-26.
"2010 is becoming a landmark year for Singapore's tourism sectors with our Integrated Resorts adding to an already compelling suite of tourism attractions. This year, I am confident that Singapore will attract its highest number of tourists yet from the Middle East as they continue to discover Singapore's array of enriching experiences," said Jason Ong, Area Director Middle East and Africa, Singapore Tourism Board.
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About Singapore Tourism Board:
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is an economic development agency for one of Singapore's key service sectors - tourism. The mission of the Board is to develop and champion tourism, so as to build the sector into a key driver of economic growth for Singapore. The STB aims to differentiate and market Singapore as a must-visit destination offering enriching experiences through the "YourSingapore" brand. For more information, please visit www.stb.com.sg.
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