SINGAPORE GEARS FOR ANOTHER YEAR OF GROWTH

Buoyed by record arrival figures in 2000, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is optimistic that performance this year will achieve between 6 and 8 percent increase over the bumper 10.5 per cent achieved last year.

This will mean that Singapore expects to end 2001 with more than 8 million overseas visitors on its records. The mood this year is optimistic, albeit cautiously so, in light of predictions of the US economic slowdown.

Said STB's Chief Executive, Mr Yeo Khee Leng: "While we are motivated by our achievements, we are also making a cautious projection based on the global forecast that predicts the US economy may be headed for a slowdown. Increases in oil prices and political situations in our key markets are some of our concerns as they affect travel patterns. However, we will continue our drive to maintain Singapore,s global position through intensive global marketing to ensure no let up in awareness for Singapore."

Indonesia and Japan dominate the top visitor generating market list, that also include United Kingdom, Malaysia, China, South Korea, India and Hong Kong.

These markets consistently registered steady double-digit growth figures last year. As such, STB will continue to strengthen the regional links through ongoing bilateral tourism pacts, as well as contribute to ASEAN tourism initiatives to ensure that the region is united in its destination marketing.

One of the key initiatives this year is a Singapore Tourism Specialist Programme, which aims to develop travel agency frontliners as Singapore specialists. The programme, launched at the ASEAN Tourism Forum, will take off across South-east Asia for the rest of the year. In this first phase, STB targets 300 travel agents, who will be invited to attend the special training programme to equip them with the latest destination information on Singapore.

Coming Attractions

Singapore, voted the World's Most Globalised City (survey by the Foreign Policy Magazine and consulting firm AT Kearney), is increasingly the choice destination of world-class events. This year, to maintain the momentum of staging mega-events, the STB has lined up several blockbuster productions in the arts, entertainment and sports scenes.

The world's stage is set in Singapore for big ticket draws such as Buddy ) The Musical, Slava's Snowshow, Carmen, Miss Saigon and the Flower Drum Song.

In addition, 2001 will also mark the launch of new events, one of which is Singapore,s inaugural Fashion Festival. The two-week extravaganza will see some of the fashion greats such as Kenzo and Christian Dior debut their Spring/Summer 2001 collections in Singapore.

In the sports arena, the major event is the inaugural Caltex Singapore Masters golf tournament, featuring prize money of US$850,000, and a celebrity line up including Colin Montgomerie and Vijay Singh.

Another high profile sports event which Singapore will host is the Manchester United Exhibition Soccer Match to take place in July. This will see the club's first-squad of 28 players including superstars David Beckham and Ryan Giggs indicating interest in coming for the event.

Said Mr Kevin Leong, Director Events Marketing: "The continued staging of these events will no doubt ensure Singapore has a year-round agenda of high profile happenings that will entrench our reputation as a world-class, eventful destination".

These events are encapsulated in STB's current marketing campaign, Live it Up ! which is a concerted worldwide effort to emphasise Singapore's big image transformation. It is all about bringing focus to Singapore's diverse products and lifestyles, the multi-ethnic tapestry and the successful ultra-modern commercial hub that give the Republic its unique New Asia - Singapore features.

From fine dining to shopping, indulgent spa treatments to horse racing, the possibilities for a remarkably unforgettable holiday are limited only by the imagination. Similarly, current attractions are constantly upgraded, and new ones like the Changi Chapel, Chinatown Heritage Centre, and Singapore Tyler Print Institute will be opened.