Singapore Tourist Board Predicts Tourism Boom in 2010

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is forecasting its tourism industry for 2010, predicting that between 11.5 million to 12.5 million visitors will arrive, with S$12.6 billion ($9 billion) to S$13.3 billion ($9.52 billion) in tourism receipts. The optimistic forecast can be attributed to Singapore’s dramatic transformation as a result of multibillion-dollar investments in new tourism infrastructure.

This year will see many grand openings in Singapore, from two integrated resorts to Gardens by the Bay to three major waterfront gardens. The island nation’s new International Cruise Terminal, a $320 million to $350 million facility which is expected to be unveiled in 2011, will double the city’s cruise-handling capacity and will 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 built in a record time of less than three years, opened ahead of schedule on Jan. 20. Phase One opening of the integrated resort included four hotels: Festive Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel Singapore, Crockfords Tower and Hotel Michael, offering a combined inventory of 1,350 rooms and 10 restaurants.

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 which will be a new visual arts institution contributing to establishing Singapore as a regional and international hub for visual arts.

New developments include the $5.5 billion Marina Bay Sands, located along the waterfront area of Singapore, which will feature three cascading hotel towers topped by a Sky Park, floating crystal pavilions located on water, a lotus-inspired museum, retail stores featuring cutting-edge labels and international luxury brands, celebrity chef restaurants, world-class theaters, the hottest night clubs and a Las Vegas-style casino.

Business visitors will also have access to extensive Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) facilities featuring technology, highly flexible exhibition halls, and a convention centre that can host over 45,000 delegates. Marina Bay Sands is scheduled to have its preview opening on April 27 and its grand opening celebration on June 23.

By the end of 2012, the International Cruise Terminal (ICT) will double Singapore’s berth capacity and enable more cruise ships to homeport and call on Singapore and Asia. With the ICT’s deep waters, a large turning basin and lack of height restrictions, the world’s largest ships, such as the Oasis-class ships being built now, will be able to dock in Singapore and enjoy dedicated cruise terminal facilities. The terminal will also complement the existing Singapore Cruise Centre at the Southern Waterfront precinct.