The opening of two integrated resorts will see Singapore gain 4,000 additional beds – plus new MICE facilities, a theme park and two casinos – in the first quarter of 2010.
The £2.6 billion Resorts World Sentosa will offer the first Universal Resorts theme park in Southeast Asia.
Universal Studios Singapore will feature 24 rides, 18 of which are new or redesigned for the park, including Far Far Away Castle from Shrek; and Madagascar, based upon the epnymously named file. There will be six hotels, a casino, and the world’s largest oceanarium.
Marina Bay Sands, a £2.2 billion development, will see a one hectare Sky Park spread across the roof of three hotels, featuring gardens, restaurants, swimming pools, an ice rink and a shopping mall. There will also be a second casino, high-end shopping outlets and extensive MICE facilities.
By 2011, the International Cruise Terminal will be complete, doubling the city’s cruise capacity.
UK visitor arrivals to Singapore in September saw an increase of 1.4% year on year, due in part to the Formula One Grand Prix and the F1 Rocks music event, where Beyoncé and the Black Eyed Peas performed.
Average stay length has already increased from two to 3.5 days, and new Singapore Tourism board area director, Northern and Western Europe Eunice Yeo said she hopes to increase this to 4.5 days in the next two years. She said: “We also hope to hit the half million mark with UK visitor arrivals.”
Agents can now benefit from the Singapore Tourism Board Trade Partner Privilege Pass, which offers complimentary access to a wide range of attractions and tours.
The pass is non-transferable and agents will need to provide one business card at each attraction they visit.