The New Nation - Internet Edition

2007 was a record year for Singapore tourism. Not only did they cross the milestone of over 10 million visitor arrivals for the first time, but also achieved S$13.8 billion in global tourism receipts. Visitor arrival growth from Bangladesh registered a robust 20.7% growth over 2006 with a record 77,042 Bangladeshis visiting the city state. More significantly, this registered 4 years of double digit growth from Bangladesh and saw the number of visitors grow by 85% since 2004.

Looking ahead into 2008, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has set itself an even higher target of S$11 billion in tourism receipts and 10.8 million visitor arrivals. To achieve its 2008 targets, Singapore has set its sights on an ambitious integrated tourism plan, which includes a packed calendar of high-profile events set to take place throughout the year and beyond that promises to attract an increasing number of Bangladeshi as well as global travellers.

Ms. Siew-Kheng Kang, Regional Director, South Asia, Middle East and Africa, Singapore Tourism Board, said, "2007 has been an exceptional year for us. Our tourism landscape is in transformation - with new attractions being added to existing world class ones, and a lineup of exciting events that will continue to make Singapore a must-visit for families and business people alike. Bangladeshi families will especially find the Orchard Road rejuvenation reason enough to visit, not to mention the incredible experience of riding the world's tallest observation wheel, the Singapore Flyer, with its breathtaking views of the Singapore skyline and the surrounding countries. Motoring aficionados can look forward to the first-ever street night race in FORMULA ONE history when it comes to Singapore in September, while the rest of the family and friends can enjoy festivities by the Singapore River."

Adding to this, Mr Kenneth Lim, Area Director Northern & Eastern India, Bangladesh, Pakistan & Nepal said, "Bangladesh will continue to be a key country in South Asia that the STB will focus its marketing efforts in. Apart from the growing number of Bangladeshi visitors, it is also heartening to note that Bangladeshis are also one of the highest spenders in Singapore, Might be better not to say in press release as it begs the question of how much.. suffice to talk about LOS and also, the longest staying at around 6.5 days."

Singapore's tourism sector has developed significantly in the past few years. Since 2004, visitor arrivals have increased by 25% to 10.3 million, while tourism receipts have grown by 45% to $9.7 billion in 2007. This growth can be attributed to the island-nation's emphasis to continue to reinvent itself to appeal to the senses of every traveler, including Bangladeshis. In the next 3 years, Singapore is set to astound first-time and repeat visitors with many new experiences. Forthcoming attractions set out to entice Bangladeshi travellers include:

* The Singapore Flyer, the world's largest observation wheel, launching in March, offers breathtaking views of Singapore. Each capsule of the Singapore Flyer can accommodate up to 28 individuals which also makes it an ideal spot for special occasions.

* The FORMULA 1TM SingTel Singapore Grand Prix will be held in Singapore September this year. This will be the first night race of its kind in the world and the first street race in Asia. The racing track will pass through the civic precinct of Singapore and includes a custom-built state-of-the-art lighting system that delivers optimal visibility for night race conditions.

* The Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort will boast a winning combination of large, state-of-the-art convention and exhibition facilities, and world-class dining, shopping and entertainment outlets under one roof that will add buzz and excitement to Singapore. The Marina Bay Sands is designed by the visionary Moshe Safdie and is set to launch in 2009.

* Resorts World at Sentosa, set on Singapore's tropical island resort of Sentosa, is slated to be one of the world's most exciting family destinations come 2010. This S$6 billion mega-resort will be home to Southeast Asia's first and only Universal Studios theme park, the world's largest oceanarium, Marine Life Park, and the region's only fully integrated destination spa, ESPA. There will also be world-class entertainment to engage visitors, not to mention an unparalleled array of retail and dining options at the Festive Walk with roving acts and street performances.

Mr Lim added, "With the great outbound potential seen from Bangladesh in the coming years, we will continue to undertake marketing efforts to reach out to the families, business community as well as healthcare seekers and also develop deeper ties with the travel trade and members of the media in Bangladesh".

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is an economic development agency for one of Singapore's key service sectors - tourism. The mission of the Board is to develop and champion tourism, so as to build the sector into a key driver of economic growth for Singapore. The STB aims to differentiate and market Singapore as a must-visit destination offering enriching experiences through the "Uniquely Singapore" brand. For more information, please visit the corporate website www.stb.com.sg and destination website www.visitsingapore.com/in