Singapore exceeds 2005 Targets with 8.94 million Visitor Arrivals and Sin$10.8 billion Tourism Receipts

The tourism sector in Singapore generated an estimated Sin$10.8 billion in tourism receipts (TR) in 2005, exceeding the target of Sin$10.4 billion and posting a growth of 10% over 2004. Singapore also set a new high of 8.94 million visitor arrivals (VA) last year, exceeding its target of 8.9 million VA and posting an increase of 7% over 2004. Total visitor days achieved a double-digit growth of 14% to reach 30.6 million days in 2005.

Indonesia (1.8 million visitors), P R China (858,000 visitors), Australia (620,000 visitors), Japan (588,000 visitors) and India (583,000 visitors) emerged as the top five markets in 2005, accounting for about 50% of total visitor arrivals. Asia (6.5 million visitors) continues to be an important source market for Singapore, contributing to over 73% of the total visitor arrivals, an increase of 7% over 2004. 2005’s robust performance was also driven by strong double-digit growths from markets such as Vietnam (42%), the Philippines (30%) and India (24%). This is also the first time that India ranks as one of Singapore’s top five markets.

Based on the latest figures, the average occupancy rate for the hotel sector reached 84% from January to November 2005, registering a growth of 4 percentage points over the same period in 2004. Hotel room revenue also posted a double-digit growth of 15% to reach Sin$1.1 billion during this period.

“The strong performance in 2005 is only possible because of the continued support of our local and international industry partners. Our efforts to focus on key markets and customer groups and actively build the Uniquely Singapore brand overseas have also paid off,” said STB's Mr Lim. “However, we will need to sustain the efforts if we are to achieve our 2015 targets. We will need to continue with our efforts to transform and remake Singapore into a vibrant and must-visit destination, through working with local and international tourism players to bring in or develop world class products – those in the likes of the lntegrated Resorts, Singapore Flyer, Crazy Horse Paris and London’s Ministry of Sound.”

Some exciting plans are already in the pipeline for 2006. The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is unveiling Phase Two of the Uniquely Singapore brand campaign through a global print and television campaign. Having established the “unique blend” of the best of the modern world and rich cultures in Phase One, the STB will now embark on delivering enriching and memorable experiences for each discerning visitor. “Unique, Personal Experiences” will focus on what every consumer should experience during his/her visit to Singapore.

A new MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) marketing campaign is also slated to be launched around the first quarter of 2006, while Singapore gears up to host the 2006 Annual Meetings of the Board of Governors of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group in September. The STB also expects to launch the Request For Proposals for the Integrated Resort (IR) at Sentosa by first quarter of 2006 and award the Marina Bay IR by middle of the year.

See also: Singapore Visitor Arrivals for November 2005 

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