Visitors pour in from the Middle East

SINGAPORE celebrates 50 years of independence from Malaysia this year. New York Times and CNN Travel have voted the destination as one of the top picks of 2015, and Lonely Planet has ranked the South East nation the top country destination for 2015.

“Today both Singapore and Dubai are thriving tourism hubs,” Singapore Tourism Board’s Middle East and Africa area director, Mohamed Firhan Abdul Salam. “In this respect, we keep pace with one another with a healthy dose of competition in areas like retail, events and entertainment and dining. We certainly can collaborate and learn from each other’s development experiences.”

Singapore is also one of the more important airline and cruise hubs in South East Asia, and its visitor numbers go to prove its rising popularity in the Middle East.

VISITOR GROWTH

The year 2014 recorded 75,700 visitors from the UAE, a 4 per cent year-on-year increase. Visitor arrivals from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recorded a 23 per cent year-on-year growth at 25,750 in 2014.

Singapore Tourism Board’s Middle East and Africa area director, Mohamed Firhan Abdul Salam, shares the secret of this success with TTN in an exclusive interview.

“Singapore remains an attractive leisure destination for families from the Middle East. The suite of family-friendly attractions across the island appeals to them.

“The vibrant retail scene, with the latest collection of major fashion labels affirms its position as one of Asia’s premier shopping destination, which is a big draw for the Middle Eastern visitors.

“Visitors also take comfort in the wide range of halal culinary offerings in Singapore, from affordable local cuisines at street hawkers to fine dining at the many celebrity restaurants that have popped up in the city.

“The safe, clean and green city gives them a sense of security and comfort while travelling in South East Asia.” 

THE DESTINATION

Singapore has grown in appeal as a stand-alone leisure destination, while continuing to be a favourite stopover destination for many visitors from the region.

“This is, in no small part, due to new and constantly refreshed offerings such as Gardens by the Bay, River Safari, world-class events and a vibrant dining scene,” says Firhan. 

Leisure travellers can look forward to new attractions such as the famed private art museum Pinacothèque de Paris opening its first Asian outpost in 2015, and the National Gallery Singapore, while enjoying events such as the WTA Finals and the only Formula 1 night street race in the world.

Apart from the sports initiatives, Singapore also has a growing arts scene with more art fairs and quality exhibitions taking place. Bigger and more differentiated entertainment events are on the market now with home-grown dance music festival ZoukOut witnessing the largest turn-out in its 14-year history in December last year.

NEW ROOMS

“In 2014, we added about 57,172 rooms in Singapore across the various class ranges. This represents a 3.9 per cent year-on-year increase in room stock. Some of the hotels that have opened in 2014 include the Sofitel So, Hotel Jen Orchardgateway, One Farrer Hotel and Spa and Holiday Inn Express Clarke Quay Singapore.

The following hotels will be opening soon: The Patina, South Beach, Park Hotel Alexandra and Genting Hotel Jurong.

STB INITIATIVES

Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is diversifying and expanding resources beyond its traditional source markets (primarily of Indonesia, India and Malaysia) and recognises the potential in the Middle East and North Africa this year.

“The STB office in Dubai has plans to deepen our engagements with the families and expat markets in 2015 to increase the mindshare of Singapore as an attractive leisure destination,” says Firhan.

“In keeping with the market trends, a consumer campaign complemented by digital and social media activities will be launched soon,” he reveals. “There are also plans to engage the trade more consistently to familiarise and deepen their knowledge about Singapore and its wide-ranging products for all segments of the leisure and business travel market.”

Link to the Singapore in 2014:

By Rashi Sen