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Singapore Tourism Board executives are anticipating a strong response to their national pavilion at the forthcoming Arabian Travel Market, looking to build upon an increasing number of travellers visiting Singapore from the Middle East.
With the largest number of participants of its pavilion to date – including major attractions, leading hotel chains and innovative travel agents, and a number of first-time exhibitors – organizers are confident that their participation will contribute to the ongoing rise in visitor numbers from the region to Singapore.
Tourism plays a major part in the Southeast Asian nation’s dynamic economy, generating an estimated S$10.8 billion in tourism receipts in 2005. Singapore also set a new high of 8.94 million visitor arrivals last year. Total visitor days achieved a double-digit growth of 14% to reach 30.6 million days in 2005.
In 2005, Singapore hotels recorded S$1.2 billion in room revenue, an increase of 16% over the same period in 2004.
“Singapore is proving to be an extremely popular destination for Middle East travellers, who are finding that the flavours, sights and excitements of the country provide a wide range of unique experiences,” said Alan Tan, area director, Middle East and Africa, Singapore Tourism Board.
“Our diverse family of attractions – including our world-class Zoo, Night Safari, Bird Park, and Sentosa Island – are combining with the upcoming events and festivals to drive visitors to Singapore, and we’re particularly pleased to see such strong numbers of travellers coming from the UAE and other parts of the GCC,” he added.
A major attraction for 2006 will be Sentosa Island Resort, one of the country’s premier attractions.
Sentosa is Singapore’s premier island resort getaway, offering a unique blend of leisure and recreational facilities including family attractions, sea sports, golf as well as hotel accommodation and retreats.
The Singapore Tourism Board will run a campaign throughout the ATM focusing on the memorable experiences for each discerning visitor. “Unique, Personal Experiences” will focus on what every consumer experiences during his visit to Singapore, with attractions like Sentosa Island featuring prominently.
Additionally, they are confident that travelers will be attracted by a series of major festivals scheduled to run over the summer. These include the famous Great Singapore Sale – one of Southeast Asia’s largest city-wide sales – and the Singapore Food Festival, both of which will be profiled during the ATM.
Among the attractions at the Singapore Pavilion this year will be Underwater World Singapore, one of Asia's most popular oceanariums, and Bintan Resorts.
In addition, some of Singapore’s legendary hotel groups will be represented on the stand, including the Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore, Singapore Marriott, The Oriental, Pan Pacific, Rendezvous Hotel and Conrad Centennial.
Major travel providers like Tour East Singapore, World Express, Siam Express and CTC Healthcare Travel will also feature prominently at the Pavilion.
“Singapore offers a wide range of travel experiences, whether you are looking for excitement, relaxation, healthcare support or something new and innovative. We’re confident that our participation at this year’s Arabian Travel Market will be our most exciting to date,” said Tan. | 
