Tourism in Singapore 187222 219258658 2008-06-14T10:24:45Z Darwinek 107928 Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/Adam.J.W.C.|Adam.J.W.C.]] ([[User talk:Adam.J.W.C.|talk]]) to last version by Darwinek [[Image:Singapore botanic garden orchids.jpg|thumb|right|300px|[[Orchid]]s at the [[Singapore Botanic Gardens]].]] '''[[Tourism]] in [[Singapore]]''' is a major industry and attracts millions of tourists each year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://app.stb.com.sg/asp/tou/tou02.asp#VS|title=app.stb.com.sg/asp/tou/tou02.asp#VS<!--INSERT TITLE-->|accessdate=2007-05-19}}</ref> A lot of its cultural attraction can be attributed to its cultural diversity that reflects its [[History of Singapore|colonial history]] and [[Chinese Singaporean|Chinese]], [[Malay Singaporean|Malay]], [[Indian Singaporean|Indian]] and [[Arab Singaporean|Arab]] ethnicities. It is also [[environmentally friendly]], and maintains natural and heritage conservation programs. As [[English language|English]] is one of its numerous [[official language]]s, it is generally easier for tourists to understand when speaking to the local population of the country, for example, when [[shopping]]. [[Transport in Singapore]] exhaustively covers most, if not all public venues in Singapore, which increases convenience for tourists. This includes the well-known [[Mass Rapid Transit (Singapore)|Mass Rapid Transit]] (MRT) system. The [[Orchard Road]] district, which is dominated by multi-story shopping centres and hotels, can be considered the center of tourism in Singapore. Other popular tourist attractions include the [[Singapore Zoo]] and its [[Night Safari]], which allows people to explore Asian, African and American habitats at night without any visible barriers between guests and the wild animals. The Singapore Zoo has embraced the 'open zoo' concept whereby animals are kept in enclosures, separated from visitors by hidden dry or wet moats, instead of caging the animals. [[Jurong Bird Park]] is another zoological garden centred around [[bird]]s, which is dedicated towards exposing the public to as much species and varieties of birds from around the world as possible, including a flock of one thousand [[flamingo]]s. The tourist island of [[Sentosa]], which attracts more than 5 million visitors a year, is located in the south of Singapore, consists of about 20-30 landmarks, such as [[Fort Siloso]], which was built as a fortress to defend against the Japanese during [[World War II]]. Guns from the World War II era can be seen at [[Fort Siloso]], from a mini-sized to a 16 [[Avoirdupois|pound]] (7&nbsp;kg) gun. Recently, the island has built the [[Carlsberg Sky Tower]], which allows visitors to view the whole of Sentosa, as well as the [[Sentosa Luge]], a small one- or two-person sled on which one sleighs supine and feet-first. Steering is done by shifting the weight or pulling straps attached to the sled's runners. Singapore will have two [[Integrated Resort|integrated resorts]] with [[casino]]s in 2010, one at [[Marina Bay, Singapore|Marina Bay]] and the other at Sentosa which the government announced during a parliament session on [[April 18]], [[2005]]. ==Tourism statistics== [[Image:Singapore Ducktours, Jul 07.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Singapore Ducktours]] In 2006, the number of tourists visiting Singapore reached a record number of 9.7 million as compared to 8.9 million in 2005, beating expectations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://app.stb.com.sg/asp/tou/tou02.asp#VS|title=app.stb.com.sg/asp/tou/tou02.asp#VS<!--INSERT TITLE-->|accessdate=2007-05-19}}</ref> Visitors spent an estimated S$12.4 billion compared to 10.8 billion in Year 2005, resulting in a 14% increase last year compared to the 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://app.stb.com.sg/asp/tou/tou02.asp#VS|title=app.stb.com.sg/asp/tou/tou02.asp#VS<!--INSERT TITLE-->|accessdate=2007-05-19}}</ref> Visitors stayed for an average of 4.2 days in 2006, and [[Indonesia]] was the main source of tourists with more than 1.8 million visitors in 2006, followed by China with 1.0 million. [[Malaysia]]ns also made up 996,000 of the visitors.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://app.stb.com.sg/asp/tou/tou02.asp#VS|title=app.stb.com.sg/asp/tou/tou02.asp#VS<!--INSERT TITLE-->|accessdate=2007-05-19}}</ref> For hotels, the average occupancy rate between for the whole year was 86% compared to 84% in 2005, resulting in a 1.4% growth.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://app.stb.com.sg/asp/tou/tou02.asp#VS|title=app.stb.com.sg/asp/tou/tou02.asp#VS<!--INSERT TITLE-->|accessdate=2007-05-19}}</ref> Room rates broke 10 year records to reach a high of S$164 last year as compared to $137 in 2005, resulting in a 19.6% growth last year as compared to 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://app.stb.com.sg/asp/tou/tou02.asp#VS|title=app.stb.com.sg/asp/tou/tou02.asp#VS<!--INSERT TITLE-->|accessdate=2007-05-19}}</ref> In 2006, total room revenue, visitor day and revenue per available room was $1.5 billion, $32.9 million and $140 respectively. All three sectors had achieved substantial growth as compared to Year 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://app.stb.com.sg/asp/tou/tou02.asp#VS|title=app.stb.com.sg/asp/tou/tou02.asp#VS<!--INSERT TITLE-->|accessdate=2007-05-19}}</ref> In 2007, the state hopes to get 10.2 million visitor arrivals and $13.6 billion in tourism receipts.<br /> By 2015 the ambitious Tourism 2015 blueprint aims to increase visitors arrivals to 17 million and raise tourism receipts to S$30 billion. ===General trends=== {| class="wikitable" |- !Year!!Tourism Arrivals!!<ref>{{cite web|url=http://app.stb.com.sg/asp/tou/tou02.asp#VS|title=app.stb.com.sg/asp/tou/tou02.asp#VS|accessdate=2007-05-19}}</ref> Percentage change from previous period |- |1965||align="right"|99,000||&nbsp; |- |1970||align="right"|579,000||488.1% |- |1975||align="right"|1,324,000||128.6% |- |1980||align="right"|2,562,000||93.5% |- |1985||align="right"|3,031,000||18.3% |- |1990||align="right"|5,323,000||75.6% |- |1995||align="right"|7,137,000||34.1% |- |2000||align="right"|7,691,399||7.8% |- |2005||align="right"|<ref> {{cite news| title= Singapore visitor arrivals hit record 8.94&nbsp;m in 2005 | publisher= Channel NewsAsia | date= 18 January 2006 | url= http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporebusinessnews/view/188813/1/.html }} </ref>8,942,408||7.4% |- |} <br clear="all"/> ===Recent years=== {| class="wikitable" |- !Year!!Tourism Arrivals!!<ref>{{cite web|url=http://app.stb.com.sg/asp/tou/tou02.asp#VS|title=app.stb.com.sg/asp/tou/tou02.asp#VS|accessdate=2007-05-19}}</ref> Percentage change from previous year |- |1997||align="right"|7,197,871||-1.30 |- |1998||align="right"|6,242,152||-13.28% |- |1999||align="right"|6,958,201||11.47% |- |2000||align="right"|7,691,399||10.54% |- |2001||align="right"|7,522,163||-2.20% |- |2002||align="right"|7,567,110||0.60% |- |2003||align="right"|6,126,569||-19.04% |- |2004||align="right"|8,328,118||35.92% |- |2005||align="right"|<ref> {{cite news| title= Singapore visitor arrivals hit record 8.94&nbsp;m in 2005 | publisher= [[Channel NewsAsia]] | date= 18 January 2006 | url= http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporebusinessnews/view/188813/1/.html }} </ref>8,942,408||7.4% |- |2006||align="right"|9,748,207||9.0% |- |2007||align="right"|<ref> {{cite news| title= Singapore welcomed a record 10.3 million visitors in 2007 | publisher= [[Channel NewsAsia]] | date= 23 January 2008 | url= http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/324364/1/.html }} </ref>10,300,000||5.4% |- |} ===Bus fleet=== * 4x'''[[Scania L94UB]]''' (Open-Top) Low Floor, non-WAB, Hippy, Hurry, Purple and Pinkie. * 5x'''[[Scania K-series|Scania K230UB]]''' (Open-Top) {{access icon|15px}} Bingo, Kermee, Snow White , Cookie and Julius. * 4x'''[[Scania K-series|Scania K340IB]]''' [[Monster]] [[Rhino]], High Deck Blubee, Vader and Goldie. ===Boat fleet=== * Condiesel Larc V ==Shopping== [[Image:Ngee Ann City Orchard Road.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A shopping centre in Orchard Road]] There are various shopping belts in Singapore, [[Marina Bay, Singapore|Marina Bay]], [[Bugis Street]], [[Chinatown, Singapore|Chinatown]], [[Geylang Serai]], [[Kampong Gelam]] & [[Arab Street]], [[Little India, Singapore|Little India]], [[North Bridge Road]], [[Orchard Road]], [[Riverside, Singapore|Riverside]], [[Shenton Way]] & [[Raffles Place]] and The Suburbs. Singapore seeks to be the business hub of [[Southeast Asia]] and has an expansive shopping precinct located in the [[Orchard Road]] district. Many multistorey [[shopping centre]]s are located at Orchard Road; the area also has many [[hotel]]s, and it's the main tourism centre of Singapore, other than the [[Downtown Core]]. The local populace also use Orchard Road for shopping extensively. Other than Orchard Road, Singapore's largest shopping centre, [[VivoCity]], has also attracted millions of people since its opening in 2006.<ref name="vivocna"> Farah Abdul Rahim''"[http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/235628/1/.html Newly opened VivoCity mall attracts nearly a million shoppers]'', [[Channel NewsAsia]], [[2006]]-[[October 15|10-15]] </ref> To further encourage tourists to shop at Singapore, the [[Singapore Tourism Board]] and various organizers organize the [[Great Singapore Sale]] yearly. Shoppers can enjoy great discounts and bargains at participating outlets. The Singapore Tourism Board introduced "Late Night Shopping" in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.visitsingapore.com/publish/stbportal/en/home/what_to_do/shopping/latenightshopping.html|title=www.visitsingapore.com/publish/stbportal/en/home/what_to_do/shopping/latenightshopping.html<!--INSERT TITLE-->|accessdate=2007-05-19}}</ref> Tourists can catch "Late Night Shopping" on Orchard Road up till 11pm every Saturday and enjoy special deals or promotions by participating retailers. ==Arts and entertainment== [[Image:Singapore - Merlion Park-Esplanade-Marina Square.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay]], and [[Marina Centre]].]] Singapore is a haven for [[the arts]] all year round. Its dynamic arts scene is richly influenced by their indigenous [[Ethnic Malays|Malay]] culture, the heritage of [[China|Chinese]] and [[India]]n migrants, as well as the city’s international outlook. As new contemporary forms evolve, traditional art forms are simultaneously being preserved to create an arts culture that is uniquely Singapore. The Art Districts in Singapore include Central Arts Districts, [[Chinatown, Singapore|Chinatown]] Arts Belt, Dempsey and [[Tanglin]], [[Little India, Singapore|Little India]], and Riverside. There are also various art museums in Singapore like the [[Asian Civilisations Museum]]s at [[Empress Place]] and [[Old Tao Nan School]], [[Singapore Art Museum]], and [[NUS Museums]]. Many of Singapore's performing arts venues and institutions are more than just performance locations – they are architectural marvels in their own right. These venues include the [[Singapore Repertory Theatre]], [[Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay]], [[The Substation]] and the [[University Cultural Centre]]. ==Island resorts== [[Sentosa]] is a relatively large island of Singapore located to its south. Along with a beachfront resort, the island's tourist attractions include [[Fort Siloso]], its historical museum, the [[Underwater World, Singapore|Underwater World]] [[aquarium]] and the ''[[Carlsberg Sky Tower]]''. Singapore will also be building two casinos ([[integrated resort]]s), one on [[Marina Bay, Singapore|Marina Bay]] and one on Sentosa. The proposal of building [[Singapore Casino]]s in these resorts has been controversial. ==Nature sight-seeing== Singapore has a variety of parks and projects which often feature its natural tropical environment. The [[Singapore Zoo]] and [[Night Safari]], allows people to explore [[Asia]]n, [[Africa]]n and [[South America]]n habitats at night, without any visible barriers between guests and the wild animals. Singapore has its [[Singapore Botanical Gardens]] open to the public that is 52 hectares large, and includes the National Orchid collection with over 3000 types of [[Orchidaceae|orchids]] growing. [[Image:Raffles Hotel singapore.jpg|right|thumb|300px|The historic [[Raffles Hotel]] is now a [[National Monuments of Singapore|national monument]].]] Recently the government has also been promoting the [[Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve]] as a quiet [[getaway]] from the [[stress (medicine)|stress]] of modern life. The [[Bukit Timah Nature Reserve]] is an extensive [[nature reserve]] which covers much of the [[Bukit Timah Hill]], and is the only remaining place where primary rainforest still exists on the island. The [[Jurong BirdPark]] includes extensive specimens of exotic bird life from around the world, including a flock of one thousand [[flamingo]]s. [[Pulau Ubin]], an island offshore Singapore, is slowly becoming a popular tourist spot. The nature wildlife there is left undisturbed. ==Dining== {{main|Cuisine of Singapore}} The '''cuisine of Singapore''' is often viewed by her population as a prime example of the ethnic diversity of the [[culture of Singapore]]. In [[Singapore]]'s [[hawker centre]]s - a technical misnomer, to be precise - for example, traditionally Malay [[hawker centre|hawker]] stalls selling [[halal]] food may serve halal versions of traditionally Tamil or Chinese food. Chinese stalls may introduce Malay or Indian ingredients, cooking techniques or entire dishes into their range of catering. Some dishes introduce elements from all three cultures, while others incorporate influences from the rest of [[Asia]] and [[Western Hemisphere|the West]]. This phenomenon makes the cuisine of Singapore significantly rich and a cultural attraction. Most of the prepared food that is bought outside are eaten in the hawker centres or [[food court]]s rather than actual [[restaurant]]s, an example of which is [[Lau Pa Sat]], these centres are relatively [[supply and demand|abundant]] which often leads to low prices, and encourages a large consumer base. Food in itself has been heavily promoted as an attraction for [[tourist]]s, and is usually promoted by various initiatives undertaken by the [[Singapore Tourism Board]] or the associations it deals with as one of Singapore's best attractions alongside [[shopping]]. The government organises the [[Singapore Food Festival]] in July annually to celebrate Singapore's cuisine. The multiculturalism of local food, the ready availability of international cuisine, and their wide range in prices to fit all budgets at all times of the day and year helps create a "food paradise" to rival other contenders claiming the same [[moniker]]. The availability of variety of food is often aided by the fact [[port of Singapore|Singapore's port]] lies along strategic routes. There is also a proliferation of [[fast-food]] chains, such as [[McDonald's]], [[Pizza Hut]], [[KFC]], [[Burger King]], [[Subway (restaurant)|Subway]], [[Long John Silver's]], and [[Mos Burger]] without first mentioning a huge array of restaurants that run the cultural gamut. [[Halal]] and [[vegetarian]] food are also easily available. ==Night life== Singapore is among the top five countries in the world for nightlife, fine dining and shopping.<ref>[http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/318701/1/.html Channelnewsasia.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Some popular nightspots in Singapore include: ===Boat Quay=== [[Image:Boat Quay.jpg|right|thumb|300px|[[Boat Quay]] by the [[Singapore River]].]] {{main|Boat Quay}} Boat Quay is a historical [[quay]] in [[Singapore]] which is situated upstream from the mouth of the [[Singapore River]]. Shophouses on it have been carefully conserved and now house various [[bar (establishment)|bars]], [[public house|pubs]] and [[restaurant]]s. ===Clarke Quay=== {{main|Clarke Quay}} Clarke Quay is a historical riverside [[quay]] and a buzzing party central in [[Singapore]], and is situated even further upstream from the mouth of the [[Singapore River]] than [[Boat Quay]] is. Presently, five blocks of restored warehouses house various [[restaurant]]s and shops such as antique shops. There are also [[mooring|moored]] [[China|Chinese]] [[junk (sailing)|junks]] (''tongkangs'') that have been refurbished into floating pubs and restaurants. [[Crazy Horse Paris]] opened their third cabaret show worldwide in Clarke Quay in December 2005, but ended operations in February 2007 owing to poor business. The [[Ministry of Sound]] opened at Clarke Quay in December 2005 and is one of the most popular [[nightclub]]s in the city currently. Clarke Quay also boasts more than 50 eateries offering over 20 different types of cuisine, and more than 20 bars, clubs and pubs. Some of the world's best pubs are located in Clarke Quay. ==Tourist Events== Singapore Tourism Board promotes a variety of events all year round for tourists. Some of the anchor events are the [[Chingay Parade]], [[Singapore Arts Festival]] and [[Singapore Garden Festival]]. Singapore will host a round of the 2008 FIA [[Formula One]] World Championship ([[Singapore Grand Prix]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.formula1.com/news/6063.html|title=www.formula1.com/news/6063.html<!--INSERT TITLE-->|accessdate=2007-05-19}}</ref> The race, to be held on a new street circuit at [[Marina Bay, Singapore|Marina Bay]], will be the first night-time event in Formula One history. The event is expected to spice up the tourism arrivals and night-life in Singapore. Also in [[2010]], Singapore will host the inaugural [[2010 Summer Youth Olympics|Youth Olympic Games]], where the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), which say the Games is expected to generate a minimum of 180,000 visitor nights for Singapore.<ref> {{cite news| title = Inaugural Youth Olympic Games will boost Singapore's tourism industry| publisher = [[Channel NewsAsia]] | date = 23 February 2008 | url = http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/330661/1/.html}} </ref> ==Future developments== {{main|Future developments in Singapore}} ===Rejuvenation of the City=== [[Image:URA Gallery Marina Bay.jpg|thumb|right|250px|An overview of the future city]] <!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Future SG skyline.jpg|thumb|right|250px|An artist impression of a much better-looking future city skyline of the CBD at night, as compared to the current skyline (see picture below).]] --> [[Image:Singapore.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Current city skyline]] To compete with its many Asian rivals such as [[Hong Kong]], [[Tokyo]] and [[Shanghai]], the [[Urban Redevelopment Authority]] of Singapore has announced that the city would be transformed into a more vibrant and exciting place with more buzz by lighting up the city completely. The purpose of this is to attract more tourists. This would make Singapore more livelier and help to create a captivating night scene to increase Singapore's appeal and high ranking status in the world. The most prominent transformation of the city would be its city skyline in the [[Central Business District]] (CBD). By 2009, each and every skyscraper in the CBD would be lit up with bright and colourful neon lights that would change from time to time, festive occasions and events. Waterfront shows would also be held daily during the night.<ref> {{cite news| title = Let there be Light| publisher = Urban Redevelopment Authority | date = November 2006 | url = http://www.ura.gov.sg/skyline/skyline06/skyline06-02/text/pg4.html}} </ref> The many changes to the four main sections of the city at night includes: * '''[[Orchard Road]]''': Vibrant building facades that would jazz up shopping experiences, funky touches such as street seating that changes colours when someone sits down and trees that are brightly lit to promote Singapore as a Garden City. *'''[[Singapore River]]''': This includes Clarke Quay and Boat Quay. "Jellyfish" lights would float in the river at Boat Quay. Banks and walls of the river would be illuminated, adding to ambience, and brightly-lit up river-taxis. Underpass along the stretch of 3&nbsp;km would be lit up with various designs and murals. * '''Bras Basah and Bugis''': Highlighting gateways and focal entry points with innovative light-integrated sculptures and markers would increase the feeling that a person is in a fun and vibrant entertainment hub. There would be more luminous signboards, 3D "art-vertisements" and animations on walls. Well-designed neon advertisements would also be put up. * '''CBD and [[Marina Bay, Singapore|Marina Bay]]''': This area is the centre-piece of the whole project. There would be white street lights, instead of the current orange-yellow, to help make people feel that the place is more of an ultra-modern financial hub. There would be the lighting plan of the city skyline, Marina Bay Financial Centre and Integrated Resort. Lights on skyscrapers would also change time to time, with music in the streets and water shows by the bay to add more life and vibrancy. ===Marina Bay and Sentosa=== By 2009, there would be new developments in [[Marina Bay, Singapore|Marina Bay]] and [[Sentosa]]. The government hopes to receive 17 million visitors per year by 2015. The developments at Marina Bay include: * [[The Marina Bay Sands]] [[Integrated Resort]] * [[Marina Bay Financial Centre]] that includes [[One Raffles Quay]] and One Marina Boulevard. * Premium residential space such as [[The Sail @ Marina Bay]]. * [[Singapore Flyer]] * [[Gardens by the Bay]] * [[Marina Barrage]] * [[Clifford Pier]] and Former Customs and Harbour Branch * 280-metre [[Double Helix Bridge]] and Promenade * [[Downtown MRT Line]] * [[Common Services Tunnel]] * Pits and temporary routes of the [[Singapore Street Circuit]] of the [[Singapore Grand Prix]] (2008) Future developments at Sentosa include the Integrated Resort, [[Resorts World at Sentosa]]. [[Image:Sentosa and Cruise Bay, Singapore, panorama, Nov 06.jpg|thumb|center|600px|[[Sentosa]], with Cruise Bay in the foreground, as viewed from [[VivoCity]] at [[HarbourFront]].]] ==See also== {{portal|Singapore|Singapore coa.svg}} * [[Communications in Singapore]] * [[Culture of Singapore]] * [[History of Singapore]] * [[History of the Republic of Singapore]] * [[Media of Singapore]] * [[Singapore Tourism Board]] * [[Transport in Singapore]] ==References== {{reflist}} ==External links== * {{wikitravel|Singapore}} * [http://www.stb.com.sg Singapore Tourism Board] * [http://www.visitsingapore.com/ Visit Singapore] * [http://www.visitsingapore.com/publish/weekend/en/weekends/splash.html Uniquely Singapore Weekends] {{Tourism in Asia}} {{Southeast Asia topic|Tourism in}} <!--Categories--> [[Category:Tourism in Singapore| ]] <!--Other languages--> [[id:Pariwisata Singapura]]