COLORS OF SINGAPORE
One of the world’s most expensive countries, Singapore is a short-haul travel destination with an average length of stay about 9 nights, however visitor arrivals amounts to more than three times the total local population of 5.8 million (2019).
According to STB, the tourism sector in 2018 achieved record highs in International Visitor Arrivals (IVA) and Tourism Receipts (TR) for the third year consecutively.
From January to December 2018, IVA increased 6.2 per cent over the same period last year to reach 18.5 million visitors. Tourism Receipts (TR) reached S$26.9 billion, a marginal growth of 0.5 per cent compared to the same period last year. The increase in TR was due to growth in Sightseeing, Entertainment and Gaming, and Other TR Components. However, this was offset by declines in Shopping, Accommodation and Food & Beverage components.
As visitor arrival outpace room supply in Singapore, holidays in the country is more expensive than its neighboring countries. According to reviews that the work force in the hospitality industry has a robotic characteristic, this may be the result due to high occupancy and possibly a stressed out work force in the industry. However, the hotels I experienced during my recent visit, including the Outpost Hotel Sentosa and the Amara Sentosa, had all the elements of warm and friendly hospitality. Some of the more expensive and talk about abode like the Mandarin Oriental, first hand noting, disappointingly out dated and unfriendly, inhospitable PR attitude.
Efficient public transport comprising of MRT, LRT, busses, monorail allows economy travel at ease and comfort. The EZ Link Tourist Pass (www.ezlink.com.sg) further eases travel on the said mode of public transport. Among the top attractions: Street Art (murals and colorful windows) not to miss Haji Lane, Tikka Center Little India and China Town. Gardens by the Bay, the Merlion by the Marina Bay, Jurong Bird Park, the Night Safari and Sentosa Island.
Content – Photos: Saifuddin Ismailji
Founder: e-Travelers Club travel update
