Singapore saw23% increase in visitor arrivals from Saudi Arabia last year compared to 2013

Riyadh, March 01, 2015: Singapore Tourism Board in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Saudi Arabia, the Four Seasons Hotel and Singapore Airlines today announced the start of the much-awaited Singapore Food Festival that will run until March 14th at the Four Seasons Hotel, Riyadh. The announcement was made at a press conference held in Riyadh in the presence of His Excellency Lawrence Anderson, Singapore's Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, andLeong YueKheong, Assistant Chief Executive of the Singapore Tourism Board.

The Food Festival is being held at a time when Singapore is seeing a steady increase in the number of tourists arriving from across the Middle East, especially Saudi Arabia, from where 25,750 visitors arrived last year, marking a 23 per cent increase compared to 2013.

"Saudi Arabia and Singapore enjoy a warm and friendly relationship which encompasses close cooperation in trade and business as well as in cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Singapore is celebrating 50 years of independence in 2015 and it is an important year for us and as a nation, we have come a long way and we are well-positioned and ready for the future. Singapore is one of the most popular holiday destinations for citizens and residents of the Middle East, and this is not surprising given the breadth and depth of leisure offerings the city has to offer to visitors. It is undoubtedly among the most vibrant cities in the world, offering tourists from around the world an authentic and unforgettable experience," said His Excellency Anderson.

"When it comes to food, very few cities can boast the kind of diversity that Singapore offers, which is why it is rightly known as the 'Food capital of Asia'. I believe that the Singapore Food Festival in Saudi Arabia will prove to be an overwhelming success and this event will give another opportunity for the people of the Kingdom to experience and relish the culinary specialties of Singapore" he added.        

Echoing similar sentiments, Leong YueKheong said, "The Singapore Food Festival celebrates the gastronomy and cultural diversity of Singapore. With its rich flavors and multi-ethnic heritage, Singaporean food will certainly appeal to the taste buds of Saudi Arabia's food lovers. Saudis make up a significant percentage of the Arab visitors to Singapore each year, which is a clear indicator that Singapore ranks very high as a holiday destination among Saudi residents."

Visitors from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE are amongst the city's highest tourist spenders.

Antoine Chahwan, Regional Vice President and General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, said, "The incredible ethnic diversity of our garden city lends rich variety to our delectable Singaporean cuisine, which has indigenous roots in Malay, Chinese and Indian culture.Consistently receiving accolades for the masterful expertise of our chefs - including the talented Chef Loke, we look forward to bringing an unforgettable and authentic Singaporean culinary experience to all."

"Singapore Airlines is glad to be able to support the Singapore Food Festival in Riyadh so that residents in Saudi Arabia can enjoy the various popular Singapore dishes. Through this festival, we hope to promote Singapore as an attractive destination for travelers, via our four weekly flights from Jeddah to Singapore," said Mr Paul Dorai Raj, Singapore Airlines' General Manager Middle East.

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is diversifying and expanding resources beyond its traditional source markets and recognises the immense potential of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) market. The STB office in Dubai has plans to deepen its engagements with the families and expat markets to increase the mindshare of Singapore as an attractive leisure destination. In keeping with the market trends, a leisure campaign complemented by digital and social media activities will be launched in 2015. There are also plans to engage the travel trade more consistently to familiarize and deepen their knowledge about Singapore and its wide ranging products for all segments of the leisure and business travel market.

-Ends-

About the Singapore Tourism Board
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is a leading economic development agency in tourism, one of Singapore's key service sectors. Known for partnership, innovation and excellence, STB champions tourism, making it a key economic driver for Singapore. We aim to differentiate and market Singapore as a must-visit destination offering a concentration of user-centric and enriching experiences through the "YourSingapore" brand. For more information, please visit www.stb.gov.sgor www.yoursingapore.com

About Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines is committed to operating a modern aircraft fleet, offering world-class cabin products and top quality service provided by the iconic and elegant Singapore Girl. With Singapore as its main hub, the Airline operates services to 60 destinations in 33 countries. Singapore Airlines has more than 100 modern aircraft in its fleet, and created aviation history in October 2007 by becoming the world's first airline to fly the largest commercial plane in the world, the Airbus A380. In July 2013, Singapore Airlines launched its next-generation cabin products in all three classes as well as the world's most advanced in-flight entertainment system.

About Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
As the world's leading operator of luxury hotels, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts currently manages 93 properties in 38 countries. Open since 1994, Four Seasons Hotel Singapore provides a preferred address for both business and leisure travelers, and the highly personalized, anticipatory service that Four Seasons guests expect and value around the world. Recent awards and honours include Travel & Leisure's World's Best Awards, Condé Nast Traveler's Reader's Choice Awards, and Trip Advisor's Traveler Awards. For more information on Four Seasons Hotel Singapore, visit press.fourseasons.com/Singapore or check us out on www.facebook.com/FourSeasonsHotel Singapore. 

For media queries, please contact:
Bassam Takieddine
Manager, Middle East and Africa
Singapore Tourism Board
+971 4 302 0112
bassam_takieddine@stb.gov.sg

Mrad Georges
Projects Manager - MENA
News Monitors
+971 4 363 1804
mrad@news-monitors.com

© Press Release 2015