Singapore expects 12.5M visitors by the end of year

Singapore predicted it will have 11.4 million – 12.5 million foreign tourists up to the end of 2010.

Singapore predicted it will have 11.4 million – 12.5 million foreign tourists up to the end of 2010.

Bey Soo Khiang, Senior Executive Vice President (Marketing & Corporate Services) of Singapore Airlines said at the opening of Natas Holiday Fair 2010 at Singapore Expo on Friday that the country`s tourism industry looks brighter and more prospective than last year`s.

Until July 2010, Singapore`s economic development continued increasing by 13-15 per cent of its Gross National Product (GNP), which is level than that of the United States.

“The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) estimates that the number of foreign tourists will increase 3-4 per cent in 2010, while that in in Singapore will grow to 12.5 million.”

“It is quite reasonable to have such optimism,” he said.

Moreover, Singapore`s tourism sector is also undergoing a transformation. This year saw the inauguration of Marina Bay Sands, integrated with the World Resort Sentosa.

It will also be supported with world class events like the Youth Olympic Games and Formula One. The two events may increase the number of foreign tourists to Singapore.

Changi International Airport reported that the number of passengers on transit increased by 17 per cent in the last six months.

SA is encouraging an increase in the number of foreign tourists by expanding overseas flights.

Now SA flies to 62 destinations in 34 countries.

“If we make a comparison with Indonesia`s tourism sector, the estimation has a very wide gap. Indonesia with is much larger than Singapore and has more destinations, may only have seven foreign tourists until the end of this year.”

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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