Considering its small size, Singapore sure comes up with some big numbers. Nearly one in every six households has more than $1 million in assets, according to a 2011 report by the Boston Consulting Group, and more than 7,000 multinational companies have a presence in the island nation.
Singapore’s general tourism numbers also impress, with 13.5 million to 14.5 million international visitors projected for 2012, a 2 percent to 10 percent increase over 2011. Meanwhile, tourism receipts are expected to total about $18 billion to $19 billion in 2012, a 4 percent to 8 percent increase over 2011.
Business travel accolades are also adding up. Singapore has been named Best Business City in South East Asia 2011 (Business Travellers Asia Pacific), World’s Easiest Place to Do Business (Doing Business 2012 Report, World Bank), Top International Meeting City for the fourth consecutive year, Asia’s Top Country and City for Meetings for 27 consecutive years (Union of International Associations 2010) and Asia’s Top Convention City for the ninth consecutive year (ICCA Global Rankings 2010).
“Singapore’s recent tourism success is the result of a combination of many things,” says Jeannie Lim, executive director of meetings and conventions and exhibitions and conferences for the Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau. “The launch of the Integrated Resorts in 2010 drawing new visitors, the accelerated growth of travel in Asia, the increase in the number of established business events and world congresses anchored in Singapore and our iconic and growing dining scene and food culture are among many other reasons.”
Integrated Resorts refers to Marina Bay Sands, fronting Marina Bay, and Resorts World Sentosa on Sentosa Island, while there are a number of other new hotel and group facility developments being unveiled (see sidebar, page 37).
Cuisine Scene
“Singapore is also quickly emerging as one of the most highly regarded destinations in Southeast Asia for innovative and exciting food,” Lim says, noting that Singapore’s roots as a hub for hawker, or street food, fare. “At last count there are over 107 hawker centers and 16,000 hawker stalls across Singapore. However, beyond the street food culture, the country is also receiving recognition for its homegrown culinary masters.”
In 2011, Singapore was one of the few Southeast Asian countries to make it on the San Pellegrino World’s Best Restaurants list with Iggy’s, located at the Hilton Hotel, placing 27th on the top 50 list.
Singapore has also attracted some of the top chefs from around the world to open signature restaurants. In 2011, Michelin star chef Joel Robuchon opened L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon and Joel Robuchon Restaurant at Resorts World Sentosa. Other celebrity chefs with restaurants in Singapore include Mario Batali, Daniel Boulud and Susur Lee.
Business Minded
On the business front, Singapore continues to be a key destination for travelers who leverage its strategic location and regional connectivity to tap into the Asia Pacific markets and Asia’s growth, according to Lim.
Attendees have access to some 100 airlines serving Singapore’s Changi International Airport from more than 200 cities in 60 countries and territories worldwide. Lim notes that businesses also benefit from Singapore’s quality infrastructure and efficiency.
“Singapore is continuing efforts to anchor key events here, to enable businesses to take advantage of the opportunities in the region,” Lim says.
Corporate MICE bookings in 2012 remain steady, with established events returning to Singapore, including Food & Hotel Asia, Broadcast Asia and CommunicAsia 2012 and Singapore International Energy Week. TravelRave 2012, Singapore’s travel and tourism festival, will also return this October, and includes a number of events such as ITB Asia.
“Singapore’s pro-business environment and strong knowledge network provides an excellent platform for business growth and innovation,” Lim says.
According to Lim, venue operators have indicated an increase in American delegates attending MICE events, from associations to corporate to conventions.
