Singapore Tourism Board Optimistic about 2010 Visitors

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) forecasted its tourism industry prospects for 2010 at 11.5 million to 12.5 million in visitor arrivals and S$12.6 ($9.18 billion) to S$13.3 billion ($9.69 billion) in tourism receipts. The STB attributes its optimistic forecast to Singapore’s “dramatic transformation” as a result of multi-billion-dollar investments in new tourism infrastructure.

In 2010 Singapore will have several grand openings including two integrated resorts and Gardens by the Bay (three major waterfront gardens). A new International Cruise Terminal, a $320 million to $350 million facility will be unveiled in 2011 and will double the city’s cruise-handling capacity and be able to accommodate the world’s largest cruise ships, such as the Oasis class ships which are currently being built by Royal Caribbean Cruises.

The $4.4 billion Resorts World Sentosa, one of the world’s most extensive integrated resorts, opened ahead of schedule on Jan. 20. The Phase One opening of the integrated resort included four signature hotels: Festive Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel Singapore, Crockfords Tower and Hotel Michael, offering a combined inventory of 1,350 rooms and 10 restaurants. Other facilities include the resort’s Compass Ballroom, 26 function rooms, a 1,600-seat Festive Grand theatre, a casino and the Southeast Asia’s only Universal Studios theme park.

Supporting the attractions are a 3,500-lot car-park facility, restaurants, retail stores, entertainment and public attractions that include Jeremy Railton’s Lake of Dreams and Chamber of Treasures. Resorts World Sentosa will open the world’s largest Marine Life Park, a Maritime Experiential Museum, a destination spa and two remaining hotels, Equarius Hotel and Spa Villas, with a total of 500 rooms in Phase Two later in 2010.

The $5.5 billion Marina Bay Sands (MBS) integrated resort has also announced its “preview opening” on April 27. Following MBS’ opening is the unveiling of the Fullerton Heritage, a historic wharf project featuring dining and retail and Fullerton Bay Hotel (both slated for 2010); the futuristic Gardens by the Bay in 2011; the all-new International Cruise Terminal in 2012; a River Safari, which will be Asia’s first river-themed animal park, opening in 2011; and the National Art Gallery.