SOURCE: CNA
SINGAPORE: Singapore raked in S$18.8 billion in tourism receipts last year, the highest in ten years.
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said this is a 49 per cent increase from 2009, exceeding previous forecasts of between S$17.5-18.5 billion.
STB said the high growth in tourism dollars is due to higher spending per person, and more international visitors due to positive economic sentiment and the opening of the two Integrated Resorts.
Sightseeing and entertainment accounted for a fifth of the tourism receipts, some S$4 billion and a 1,800 per cent jump from 2009. For the first time, spending and gambling at the two Integrated Resorts was also included into this component.
However, the STB was quick to add that growth was seen across the sector.
Aw Kah Peng, Chief Executive of STB, said: "The two Integrated Resorts were highlights, but we saw growth across every part of the tourism sector. Spending in F&B grew, spending at the hotels grew, spending at various sightseeing and attractions grew."
Singapore welcomed 11.9 million overseas visitors last year, led by growth in the top five markets - Indonesia, China, Australia, Malaysia and India.
This figure fell within STB's forecast of 11.5 to 12.5 million visitors for 2011.
Hotel revenue also saw a jump of 21.8 per cent to reach S$1.9 billion.
With average room rates of S$212 a night, the Singapore Tourism Board said a challenge for the industry is to raise service standards, and ensure that customers get value for their money.
One segment which did not do well however, was the cruise industry.
Passenger numbers declined 11 per cent, largely due to two gaming ships ceasing operations.
Ms Aw said: "Some of the cruises that were primarily focused on gaming decided that it wasn't worth their while to do those cruises anymore.
"I think as new entrants come into the market, existing ones will then have to relook at what they are offering, and whether they would reshape their business. Do something else, or introduce new products."
While it declined to give projections for 2011, STB expects tourism to continue growing this year, driven by the opening of new attractions in the Integrated Resorts.
However, growth in the sector is not expected to match the pace set last year, which was described as "exceptional".
STB said the high growth in tourism dollars is due to higher spending per person, and more international visitors due to positive economic sentiment and the opening of the two Integrated Resorts.
Sightseeing and entertainment accounted for a fifth of the tourism receipts, some S$4 billion and a 1,800 per cent jump from 2009. For the first time, spending and gambling at the two Integrated Resorts was also included into this component.
However, the STB was quick to add that growth was seen across the sector.
Aw Kah Peng, Chief Executive of STB, said: "The two Integrated Resorts were highlights, but we saw growth across every part of the tourism sector. Spending in F&B grew, spending at the hotels grew, spending at various sightseeing and attractions grew."
Singapore welcomed 11.9 million overseas visitors last year, led by growth in the top five markets - Indonesia, China, Australia, Malaysia and India.
This figure fell within STB's forecast of 11.5 to 12.5 million visitors for 2011.
Hotel revenue also saw a jump of 21.8 per cent to reach S$1.9 billion.
With average room rates of S$212 a night, the Singapore Tourism Board said a challenge for the industry is to raise service standards, and ensure that customers get value for their money.
One segment which did not do well however, was the cruise industry.
Passenger numbers declined 11 per cent, largely due to two gaming ships ceasing operations.
Ms Aw said: "Some of the cruises that were primarily focused on gaming decided that it wasn't worth their while to do those cruises anymore.
"I think as new entrants come into the market, existing ones will then have to relook at what they are offering, and whether they would reshape their business. Do something else, or introduce new products."
While it declined to give projections for 2011, STB expects tourism to continue growing this year, driven by the opening of new attractions in the Integrated Resorts.
However, growth in the sector is not expected to match the pace set last year, which was described as "exceptional".
