Singapore banks on Indian tourists to triple revenue

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) expects the visitor arrivals from India, particularly from Chennai, to contribute a major chunk to its revenue this calendar year.

Addressing a press conference, Bridget Goh, area director, Southern India, STB, said that the number of visitors from Chennai to Singapore has increased to 74, 447 in 2005, from 62,758 in 2004. "We expect a 20 per cent growth in the number of tourists from Chennai in 2006," she added.

Accordingly, the STB has chalked out an investment plan to increase its focus on leisure, trade and educational fairs.

Among its major projects are two integrated resorts that are expected to be opened by 2009, besides setting up of one of the largest 2D and 3D screens, the Singapore Discovery Centre, an edutainment centre, and new facilities at the Singapore Zoo.

About $8 billion is being invested in Singapore's famous resort island, Sentosa, which would have a wide range of beach bars and a boutique hotel.

"This year will see a host of new and regular annual events, including the Great Singapore Sale 2006, a transit programme to give travellers in transit access to key shopping areas for six hours. Under this programme, no visa will be required to come out of the airport and free shuttle services will be provided for the travellers," she added.

With these new projects in the pipeline, STB expects to double its tourist arrivals to 17 million and triple its tourism revenue to $30 billion by the end of 2015.