SINGAPORE, Asia’s number one destination in terms of travel and tourism industry competitiveness according to the World Economic Forum, welcomed 14.4 million foreign visitors in 2012, representing a new high in tourism receipts of S$23 billion ($18.6 billion), bringing its compound annual growth in tourism receipts to 10.4 per cent since 2008.
Tourism growth is expected to continue in 2013, according to S. Iswaran, the city-state’s Minister in Prime Minister’s Office, who said in a recent statement that 2013 tourism receipts should be between S$23.5 and $24.5 billion ($18.9 and $19.8 billion), representing an increase of 2.2 per cent to 6.5 per cent over 2012. Visitor arrivals are expected to rise 2.8 to 7.6 per cent to between 14.8 million to 15.5 million.
Singapore’s buoyant tourism statistics reflect its strategy to transform the country into a destination with unique assets and facilities to attract visitors from all over the world. The country has invested heavily in creating world-firsts for tourists, blazing a trail in global tourism. A host of new attractions launching in 2013, combined with excellent dining and shopping options, makes Singapore the obvious choice for visitors from Gulf countries seeking the ultimate vacation in 2013.
Middle East tourists beginning to plan their summer holidays can opt for Singapore, a country that is smaller than Bahrain, with all its entertaining and enchanting experiences located in a safe, luxury environment designed to cater for every tourist, young and old.
Launching in time for the GCC summer school holidays is one of Singapore’s newest and most ambitious attractions. River Safari, which will open by the end of June, is Asia’s first river-themed wildlife park. Boat tours will unveil the wonders of Africa’s Nile River, the mysteries of the Amazon, and the giant Pandas of the Yangtze River, with a large part of the park allocated to profiling these and many other famous rivers. More than 5,000 animals from 300 species and one of the world’s largest collections of aquatic animals have been relocated to the park to offer visitors an exhilarating and interactive view of the planet’s iconic waterways.
Singapore Zoo, one of the country’s most popular family destinations drawing over 1.7 million people every year, turns 40 in 2013 and has rolled out various activities to share the celebration with visitors.
This lush rainforest habitat includes nearly 3,000 mammals, birds and reptiles, offering visitors a chance to see giraffes, giant crocodiles, zebras, white rhinos, giant tortoises, cheetahs and lions and many more at close quarters. The Zoo brings out the intrepid explorer in everyone, with its Great Rift Valley Park showcasing the savannahs of Africa and the Australian OutbackPark kangaroos. These and thousands of exotic animals housed in Singapore Zoo make for an incredible learning experience and an unforgettable holiday.
Tourists after mystery and history can head over to the ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands for the Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb exhibition, which opened on April 27. The exhibition comprises mummies and artefacts from the world-famous Egyptian collection of the British Museum, with the star attraction being the mummy of Nesperennub, a temple priest who lived 3,000 years ago.
Visitors can also explore the newest ride at Universal Studios Singapore, the world’s first fully immersive Sesame Street indoor themed ride, which, and it can be enjoyed by the whole family, taking guests on an outer space adventure with Elmo and Friends.
Another major draw card for visitors to Singapore this year is the 20th Anniversary of the Great Singapore Sale. Running until July 28, Singapore will be host to eight weeks of fabulous shopping and great deals on fashion, watches, jewellery, electronics, toys and more.
Mohamed Hafez Marican, Singapore Tourism Board area director for the Middle East and Africa, says Singapore is a treasure trove of experiences for tourists from the Middle East. “World-class hotels provide luxurious and comfortable accommodation, while the variety of fine dining experiences is almost beyond description. And over and above special events, we offer numerous activities and destinations that keep visitors returning again and again.”
From the world’s largest oceanarium to Sentosa’s MegaZip 450 m flying fox and high rope course, there are a host of attractions for everyone.
“The Skyline Luge, a breathtaking 3D virtual whitewater rapids experience of CineBlast, and Songs of the Sea, a nightly multi-sensory extravaganza with pyrotechnics, water jets, lasers, stunning flame bursts – are just a taste of what makes Singapore one of the world’s leading tourism destinations, and the ideal holiday for visitors from the Middle East.”