(MENAFN Press) UAE and KSA Residents Increasingly Travelling to Singapore;
Tourism Officials Expect 10% Increase in Visitor Numbers
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Q1 performance shows that more Gulf residents are visiting Singapore and the upcoming summer holidays are expected to bring a 10% increase in visitor numbers compared to the previous summer, say senior Singapore tourism officials.
First quarter figures from Singapore Tourism Board (STB) show that 14, 280 visitors arrived in Singapore from the United Arab Emirates, an increase of more than 18% over the first quarter of 2011. During this time, Singapore also saw a 36.3% increase in visitors from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, the Gulf region overall saw a general increase in visitors over the same period.
STB's Area Director for the Middle East and Africa, Mohamed Hafez Marican said that he expects 'at least a 10% jump' in the number of Gulf visitors to Singapore this summer season. "Thanks to recent investment in exciting new tourism infrastructure, 'new' Singapore offers a truly differentiated holiday experience to Gulf visitors," said Marican
The growth in regional visitors to Singapore comes as many new attractions are revealed and existing ones renewed. The island offers quality family-friendly atmosphere, a refined shopping experience, a sleepless nightlife, and luxurious hotel accommodations amidst lavish flora and fauna. The latest hotspots for 2012 are Gardens by the Bay, a botanical gardens in the heart of the bustling city centre, and the River Safari, along with the many hotel developments, like the Marina Bay Sands
Airlines have begun to meet this increased demand through the introduction of new flights or services. Emirates Airlines offers 29 flights a week to Singapore, while Qatar Airways offers 14 flights a week. Singapore Airlines also offers a greatly improved product across its three cabin configuration in its 13 weekly flights.
