SINGAPORE Tourism Board executives are anticipating a strong response to their national pavilion at the ATM, looking to build upon an increasing number of travellers visiting Singapore from the Middle East.
With the largest number of participants of its pavilion to date, including major attractions, leading hotel chains and innovative travel agents, and a number of first-time exhibitors, organisers are confident that their participation will contribute to the ongoing rise in visitor numbers from the region to Singapore.
Tourism plays a major part in the Southeast Asian nation’s dynamic economy, generating an estimated S$10.8 billion ($6.071 billion) in tourism receipts in 2005.
Singapore also set a new high of 8.94 million visitor arrivals last year. Total visitor days achieved a double-digit growth of 14 per cent to reach 30.6 million days in 2005.
In 2005, Singapore hotels recorded S$1.2 billion in room revenue, an increase of 16 per cent over the same period in 2004.
“Singapore is proving to be an extremely popular destination for Middle East travellers, who are finding that the flavours, sights and excitements of the country provide a wide range of unique experiences,” says Alan Tan, area director, Middle East and Africa, Singapore Tourism Board.
A major attraction for 2006 will be Sentosa Island Resort, one of the country’s premier attractions. Sentosa is Singapore’s premier island resort getaway, offering a unique blend of leisure and recreational facilities including family attractions, sea sports, golf as well as hotel accommodation and retreats.
Additionally, they are confident that travellers will be attracted by a series of major festivals scheduled to run over the summer. These include the famous Great Singapore Sale, one of Southeast Asia's largest citywide sales, and the Singapore Food Festival, both of which will be profiled during the ATM.