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December 2005 | |
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A Word from the STB's Deputy Chairman & Chief Executive
Welcome to the last issue of P@SSPORT for 2005. The year has been a positive and exciting one for the tourism industry in Singapore. Despite the global threats of bird flu and terrorism, the desire to travel, explore places and do business among international visitors has remained strong. October visitor arrival figures showed an increase of 6.9% over the same month last year.
The threat of the bird flu is of course a real one. Singapore, widely recognised for its high standard of public health and hygiene, is taking no chances and has strengthened its defences against the bird flu. Our Ministry of Health has put in place a flu pandemic preparedness and response plan. Attractions such as the Jurong BirdPark and Singapore Zoo are also taking additional precautions, while authorities are undertaking surveillance programmes. Singapore, thus far, remains free from bird flu and all business and leisure activities continue as normal.
On the tourism development front, November marked an important milestone for Singapore. The Request for Proposals for the Integrated Resort (IR) at Marina Bay was launched on 15 November 05 and will close at the end of March 06. We can expect to draw exciting proposals from leading players to develop an iconic and Uniquely Singapore IR that will transform our tourism landscape and attract many visitors from the region.
The transformation of Singapore’s tourism landscape is not just restricted to hardware development. It also translates to new products and concepts for Singapore such as Crazy Horse Paris and the Ministry of Sound, just to name a few. These developments in Clarke Quay are set to turn the precinct into the region’s most happening waterfront entertainment belt. At the same time, the introduction of these "brand names" is also aligned to our objective of widening the range of product choices that we can offer to our visitors.
We see huge potential for the tourism sector and urge industry partners to continue to develop new ideas and projects to turn Singapore into a vibrant, must-see destination with plenty to offer to visitors.
Lastly, Christmas is just round the corner. Do take time out to enjoy one of the biggest and brightest Christmas in the Tropics at Orchard Road and Marina Bay.
Meanwhile, do continue to send us your feedback and suggestions.
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
Lim Neo Chian | |
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STB Veteran, Lee Loong Koon Retires
After 17 years with the STB, Mr Lee Loong Koon, Director, Emergency Planning, has retired on 29 November. Subsequent to his retirement, the STB will continue to draw on his expertise and experience by appointing him as a consultant to the STB’s emergency planning efforts.
The STB Opens Regional Office in Beijing
The STB has opened a regional office in Beijing on 14 November. This is its second regional office in P R China. The opening of the second office will enable the Board to maintain close ties with Chinese industry partners and have a better understanding of the needs of consumers in the market.
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Bird Flu Update
Singapore is free from bird flu. Business and social activities here continue as normal and Singapore remains a safe country to visit. With the recent incidences of bird flu in the region and warnings of an impending pandemic by experts, Singapore, like most countries world-wide, has strengthened its defences against the disease.
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Launch of Request for Proposals for the Integrated Resort at Marina Bay
The Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Integrated Resort (IR) at Marina Bay was launched on 15 November 2005 and will close on 29 March 2006. This marked another milestone in the development of IRs in Singapore.
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Singapore Bags Best BT MICE City Award
Singapore has won the Best BT MICE City at the TTG Asia Media’s 16th Travel Awards held in Phuket on 13 October. This year’s award ceremony was held to coincide with the Incentive Travel & Conventions, Meetings Asia (IT&CMA) and Corporate Travel World (CTW) Asia Pacific.
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Crazy Horse Paris Opens First Asia Cabaret in Singapore
From 5 December, Crazy Horse Paris will open its doors at Clarke Quay, Singapore’s 24-hour entertainment precinct. Singapore is the first city in Asia to stage this world-renowned cabaret show.
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Club 21 Opens Largest Authorised Apple Reseller in Asia
To the delight of avid consumer tech shoppers, Club 21 has opened iShop, the biggest authorised Apple reseller in Asia, right here at Orchard Road. Occupying 10,000 square feet, it houses the retail and training component of the business, as well as a service centre and coffee bar.
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Jewel Box to Transform Mount Faber
Singapore’s vibrant night scene further dazzles with the unveiling of the Jewel Box on Mount Faber by the Mount Faber Leisure Group on 14 November.
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Latest Additions to the Singapore Zoo
The Singapore Zoo has expanded its animal exhibits and programmes. From November, catch the African macaws and Babirusas as well as a new “Tropical Crops” exhibit and “Wonders of the Wild” show at Singapore’s very own animal kingdom.
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Unique2Me Photo Contest - Capture Images of Uniquely Singapore!
The STB launched its first national photo competition, named Unique2Me, on 15 November. The competition was launched to discover the unique facets of life in Singapore, through the eyes of Singaporeans, residents and visitors here.
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Krrish Completes Filming in Singapore
Krrish, the eagerly anticipated sequel to the Bollywood blockbuster film Koi Mil Gaya, wrapped up the filming of its Singapore scenes on 11 November. Krrish is the first mega Indian movie to be shot in Singapore under the Film in Singapore! Scheme. The scheme aims to facilitate international film-makers and broadcasters in the shooting, production and post-production of quality movies and television programmes in Singapore.
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Uniquely Singapore Crew Does Singapore Proud
The “Uniquely Singapore”, a magnificent 68-feet, state-of-the-art racing yacht came in second in the second leg of the Clipper 05-06 Round The World Yacht Race. The Uniquely Singapore Clipper crew held first and second positions at several points during the race from Salvador (Brazil) to Durban (RSA).
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Leisure Events
December in Singapore is filled with activities for all! Join in the Christmas celebrations every evening along Orchard Road and be entertained by stage performances and beautifully decorated floats from 16 – 25 December. Party revelers can enjoy an all night dance and music festival at ZoukOut on Sentosa, while sports enthusiasts can sweat it out at the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon. Come 31 December, herald in the new year at any of the five countdown parties across the island!
Business Events
Singapore is a premier destination for business events and December will see several conferences covering topics like Computational Intelligence, Robotics & Autonomous Systems, Biomedical Engineering, Electronics Packaging Technology, and Chemicals.
SingaporeMedicine Events
The STB’s Healthcare Services Division will be organising a SingaporeMedicine Industry Forum to update healthcare providers on the SingaporeMedicine’s upcoming initiatives.
In-market Activities
Singapore will be participating in MedExpo 2005 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. In addition, a one-day seminar with a healthcare focus aimed at providing insights on maximising business opportunities in the Gulf region will be held in Singapore.
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For information on more events, do visit the STB's other websites:
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The STB publishes research and statistics for the tourism industry.
For more research reports, please visit the Tourism Resource Centre.
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