Singapore upbeat on more tourist arrivals from India

Updated - January 11, 2018 at 03:35 PM.

Eyes tourists from millennials, tier I & II cities

People wait for fireworks during a Golden Jubilee National Day Parade rehearsal along the Marina Bay overlooking the skyline of the central business district in Singapore July 25, 2015. Singapore holds a Jubilee weekend from 7 to 10 August to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its independence. Fifty years ago, hundreds of small boats lined the Singapore river in the city centre. Today, most small boats are gone, except a handful of neon-lit tourist ferries. Maritime trade is still the backbone of the city-state but after decades of rapid growth Singapore, which at less than half the size of London is among the worldâs most densely populated nations, is also a popular tourist destination and a thriving global financial hub. REUTERS/Edgar Su

With more than 1.1 million tourists from India thronging the Island State of Singapore in 2016, the Tourism Board authorities have lined up a slew of new projects and promotions to woo more tourist from tier II and II cities and millennials.

With a growth of over 8 per cent during 2016, and during January-April quarter of 2017, more than 3,50,000 Indian tourists visiting Singapore for either business holidays, the number continues to grow, GB Srithar, Regional Director, South Asia, Middle East & Africa, Singapore Tourism Board, said.

New additions
Significantly, Indian travellers account for biggest chunk of cruise travellers from Singapore with more than 1,00,000 tourists using the cruise facility from Singapore, he said. Singapore too will launch its own cruise facility later this year. Promising more fun with new initiatives like the new Changi Airport addition of Jewel Changi, Rain Forest and other theme parks, including AJ Hackett bungee jumping, Srithar said in terms of tourism spend India ranks third largest after China and Indonesia.

“While four metros account for about 60 per cent of the tourist flow, our focus is now on attracting people from other locations. Already some 230 flights connect Singapore across 15 destinations, providing quick and convenient access to visitors,” he explained.

Efforts For the Tourism Board, India has significant potential to grow with young families and millennials looking for holiday options in a place like Singapore. In order to tap the potential, the Board in partnership with Singapore Airlines has organised a 10-day, six city interactive meetings across India and plans to follow this up with a meeting on Colombo in Sri Lanka.

Attractions Mentioning about some major events that attract Indian visitors, Adrian Kong, Area Director, India, said, “Singapore Grand Prix, the only night race, BNP Paribas Women Tennis Tourney and Ethnic touch festivals and Shopping are major attractions apart from enjoyable liesure stay.”

Adrain Kong said Jewel Changi airport project spread over 14,000 sq.mt will be ready by early 2019 and serve as a major attraction apart from the liesure and eco theme park in Mandari.

Published on July 19, 2017 13:28