UAE business travellers contribute to rising percentage of corporate
visitors to Singapore
UAE business travellers heading to Singapore are contributing to the rising
percentage of corporate visitors to Singapore, said Dubai-based tourism
board officials.
The number of business travellers overall has also continued to rise,
comprising 24% of the total visitors to Singapore. Nearly Dhs16bn in
expenditure from this sector contributed around 25% of total tourism
receipts. In 2011, Singapore welcomed record visitor numbers of more than
13.2 million visitors, exceeding its forecasted range of 12 - 13 million.
It was recently reported that Singapore's Meetings, Incentives, Conventions
and Exhibitions (MICE) industry saw a 46% year-on-year growth in the number
of key conventions, conferences and tradeshows in 2011, which conveyed
increased attendance and participation.
"Singapore has been increasingly evolving as the preferred destination for
business travellers in addition to families and students," said Mohamed
Hafez Marican, Area Director of the Middle East and Africa, Singapore
Tourism Board. There are a number of conferences happening in Singapore
which are very relevant to corporate and institutions here."
One of the upcoming conferences that is likely to attract Gulf business
visitors is the annual Singapore International Energy Week, a week-long
platform in October for energy professionals and policymakers to discuss and
share best practices and solutions within the global energy space.
Conferences that take place during this week include Downstream Asia, the
Gas Asia Summit, the Singapore Energy Summit and Asia Smart Grid.
In support of the industry's growth, Singapore's Marina Bay Sands recently
launched its Showtime Meeting Package, offering business delegates visiting
the city state all-inclusive hotel and meeting packages along with
incentives sure to create memorable corporate events.
In addition to world-class meeting facilities and service, Marina Bay Sands
offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes kitchen tour of renowned celebrity
chef restaurants that will be an eye-opener for guests with an interest in
gastronomy. For guests with a penchant for action, a ride on the Formula One
track in a Ferrari or Lamborghini will ensure a lasting impression
In the second half of this year, Marina Bay Sands has also lined up a range
of exciting activities for guests, including Andy Warhol: 15 Minutes Eternal
(until 12 August) and Harry Potter: The Exhibition (until 30 September) at
ArtScience Museum. Other highlights include Yoga classes with a panoramic
view of the Singapore city skyline.
Singapore was recently named Asia's Top Convention City for the tenth year
in a row by the International Congress and Convention Association, Marican
added.
Singapore has also maintained its position as the only Asian city in the Top
Five Convention Cities in the World, alongside Vienna, Barcelona, Paris and
Berlin, since 2006.
