Singapore achieves record growth
Singapore has announced that it welcomed a record high of 9.7 million visitors in 2006, equating to an increase of 9% over 2005 figures and exceeding the Singapore Tourism Board’s (STB) target of 9.4 million.
Australians also continued to flock to the Lion City last year, with 692,000 visiting in 2006 (up 11.5% on 2005 figures), making Australia Singapore’s 3rd largest visitor market for the second consecutive year behind Indonesia (1,921,000) and PR China (1,037,000).
“We are delighted with Singapore’s strong tourism performance in 2006 – and in particular the important contribution the Australian market made to our overall growth,” said Mr Kevin Leong, Regional Director (Oceania) for the Singapore Tourism Board.
Mr Leong added, “We are committed to keeping our product both fresh and competitive and with the continued support of our industry partners here in Australia and around the world, we are confident this strong performance will continue into 2007 and beyond”.
Visitor receipts were also up in 2006, with the S$12.4 billion generated setting a new record and representing double digit growth of 14.5% over 2005 figures. Total visitor days grew 9% to reach 32.9 million days in 2006.
The average occupancy rate for the hotel sector reached 85% during 2006, up 1.4% on 2005 figures. Hotel room revenue posted double-digit growth of 21.2%, to reach S$1.5 billion during 2006.
Mr Leong added, “While Singapore’s 2006 tourism results exceeded expectations, we remain focused on our long term objectives of welcoming 17 million visitors in 2015 and generating S$30billion in tourism receipts.”
“New initiatives and attractions such as VivoCity, St James Power Station, Marina Bay Sands, Resorts World at Sentosa and the Singapore Flyer will all help to achieve these goals,” added Mr Leong.
Report by The Mole
John Alwyn-Jones
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