IT has been a strong year for Singapore as tourist arrival numbers from the UAE showed a strong growth of 17 per cent (62,734 arrivals), followed by Saudi Arabia (17,041 arrivals) showing a 35 per cent growth and Qatar recording a 18 per cent growth (7,691 arrivals).
Mohamed Hafez, the newly appointed STB area director for Middle East and Africa says, “Middle East-based travellers have made Singapore a premier destination brand over the last three years according to Singapore Tourism Board. There has been a realisation that Singapore is no longer a one or two day destination, which can be visited in combination to trips to our neighbouring countries. Since last year, we have notice that for the Middle East, the average length of stay in Singapore is about five nights.”
“This is largely due to the immense contribution by my predecessor in showcasing the best Singapore has to offer. Today holidaymakers and businessmen are drawn by the burgeoning range of premier attractions, hotels, and tourist amenities, among them Singapore’s iconic integrated resorts – Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa – and world-class events, such as the annual Formula 1 race, the Great Singapore Sale and Christmas in the tropics among others,” he adds.
Moving forward, Hafez in his new role would like to continue to focus on strengthening Singapore’s offerings to the Middle East as well as use this platform to tap into new segments like the country’s renowned education sector. “We are looking at a five per cent growth over last year, and are confident of achieving this.”
For the first six months in his new role, Hafez is keen to continue focussing on their two key source markets namely UAE and Saudi Arabia in the region. “Needless to say, we do plan to increase our marketing footprint into other markets in the region including Qatar, Kuwait and Oman,” he adds.
“Today, Singapore is a destination that has so much on offer for regional visitors – from arts and culture to sport, entertainment, and gaming, but also much for the Middle East’s growing businesses which can learn from Singapore’s many world-leading organisations and institutions of higher learning,” said Hafez.