THE UAE and Iran make up Singapore’s top visitor markets for the Middle East in 2008, according to tourism statistics received from the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). During 2008 a total of 113,919 Middle East based travellers visited Singapore, which also saw a 33 per cent growth in visitors from Iran and a 23 per cent growth in visitors from The UAE.
To maintain year-on-year growth in visitor numbers from the Middle East and build stronger ties with the local travel industry, the STB, together with Singapore based inbound tour operators and hoteliers, recently took part in a series of trade visits to Iran and UAE.
“With Iran and the UAE showing high growth in visitor numbers from the Middle East, it is important to have our Singapore travel trade strengthen relationships with key agents in these countries,” said Jason Ong, area director for the Middle East and Africa, Singapore Tourism Board.
“Despite the economic downturn, the Middle East is a growing market for Singapore and we look to meet with key travel companies to further strengthen business relationships and highlight Singapore’s unique offerings for the years ahead,” added Ong.
Representatives from The Sentosa Resort and Spa, Millennium Tours and Travel, and National Healthcare Group are among the Singaporean contingent took part in the visits to Abu Dhabi followed by Tehran.
Singapore boasts a range of initiatives and offerings to suit all types of travellers from premium family and leisure holidays to business travel options and medical tourism.
