Singapore tourism making long-term plans and goals

Tuesday, October 26, 2021

Before Covid-19, leisure activities rarely featured on the radar of many tourists, many of whom stopped by Singapore on a swift two-to-three day tour en route to Australia or other parts of South-east Asia.

However, tourism players believe that the past 18 months spent developing new tours, hotel packages and promotions for a perceptive local market have strengthened Singapore’s value proposition as the country prepares to welcome more international visitors under the Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) scheme.

The VTL scheme, launched in September and expanded this month, would permit quarantine-free travel for visitors from 11 countries, including Britain and the United States.

The first wave of VTL travelers came last week comprising mostly long-term residents in Singapore or those visiting family and friends. Industry players are optimisticabout the arrival of moreleisure travelers in the coming months, and have plans for attracting them.

Singapore is planning to invest in tourism infrastructure like accommodation, attractions, recreational sites and entertainment precincts, said Professor AbhishekBhati, campus dean at James Cook University in Singapore, who specializes in tourism research.

TheimpendingMandai Wildlife Reserve, which will house a total of five wildlife parks including the Singapore Zoo and River Wonders – as the River Safari has been renamed. It will also include a new bird park known as Bird Paradise and a new Rainforest Wild park.

Although visitor numbers have beenreduced considerably by the pandemic, existing attractions like Gardens by the Bay have continued to roll out new displays like the current Tulipmania, which also showcases the culture and architecture of Central Asia.

Director of business development OngKian Ann said, “Even when overseas travel was at a standstill, Gardens by the Bay continued with a series of signature events and popular floral displays to serve the local community. We believe our approach of making the Gardens an attractive destination for all will now serve us well when it comes to VTL travelers.”
Hotel groups are also making plans for the long-haul with new brands expected to open next year.

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