Indiantelevision.com Team

(21 February 2008 9:30 pm)

MUMBAI: The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is all set to rebrand Singapore's tourism industry. Singapore, Asia's number-1 family destination, has achieved S$13.8 billion in global tourism receipts and India had a major role to play in this. Last year, 749,000 Indians visited Singapore, making India the fourth largest source market for the island nation.

To further increase the visibility of Singapore to Indians, STB has kicked off the year with a high-energy "Uniquely Singapore" trade show in the top four cities in India. This integrated initiative is expected to increase the number of tourists visiting Singapore from approximately 10.3 million to 17 billion per annum. The highlights of the road show include Singapore Flyer, Formula One (world's first night street race), Marina Bay, Resorts World Sentosa (2010).

The F1 race, to be held on 28 September 2008, is expected to attract 80,000 spectators.

Singapore Grand Prix Deputy Chairman Colin Syn said, "The street circuit will ensure that the visitors are right in the heart of the racing action. Set against the spectacular Singapore Skyline, spectators will get a close-up view of the garden city as the circuit passes historic landmarks such as the City Hall and other modern buildings along the Marine Bay."

Likewise, the Singapore Flyer is a new waterfront attraction that will open to the public on 1 March 2008. It claims to become world's largest observation wheel holding 28 capsules which accommodates 28 visitors in each capsule.

"Every ride lasts for about 30 minutes in an air-conditioned and UV light-protected capsule. These are 28 such capsules that can be converted into a unique venue in the sky to host events such as weddings, product launches and business entertaining," stated Adval Brand Group manager of international sales Chia Yuen Teck David.

The Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort will combine large, state-of-the-art convention and exhibition facilities, and world-class dining, shopping and entertainment outlets under one roof that will add buzz and excitement to Singapore.

Resorts World at Sentosa, set on Singapore's tropical island resort of Sentosa, is slated to launch in 2010. There will be world-class entertainment to engage visitors, not to mention an unparalleled array of retail and dining options at the Festive Walk with roving acts and street performances.

"India is a growing and an important market for us. Through the four-city road show we aim to impress on our key stakeholders in India about the new tourism landscape of Singapore," said STB regional director South Asia, Middle East and Africa Siew-Kheng Kang.