Top chefs of the world unite

It's that time of the year when gourmets and gourmands in Singapore, and around the world, have their eyes trained on the city state as it hosts the annual World Gourmet Summit (WGS).

And tour operators should not pass up on the opportunity to package special tours around this gastronomic affair, co-organised by Peter Knipp Holdings and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and presented by American Express.

In its 11th year, the event has gained a huge following at home and abroad. This year's three-week calendar boasts 70 activities, diverse and interesting enough to attract connoisseurs in Singapore, from the region and even further afield such as Europe and North America.

According to Dr Chan Tat Hon, Assistant Chief Executive (Leisure) with the STB, on average, one in five diners at last year's event was a foreign visitor, with the majority coming from Malaysia, France, Australia, Philippines, India and Indonesia.

"Aligned with our vision of attracting 17 million visitors and recording S$30 billion in tourism receipts annually by the year 2015, STB is focusing its efforts to strengthen Singapore's position as the leading destination for our various key customer segments, the premium visitor being one of them.

"The World Gourmet Summit profiles Singapore as an exclusive lifestyle destination, advancing our standing with the well-heeled seeking distinctive experiences."

Chefs, from classical to contemporary

Mr Peter Knipp, co-organiser of the summit, said this year's event boasts one of the strongest line-ups of chefs ever. "We have the classically trained chefs and the contemporary-experimental chefs. World Gourmet Summit could be said to be at the new peak of gastronomy!"

One Iconic Chef – these are iconic masters with three Michelin-stars – ten Masterchefs and seven Guest Chefs are expected. They span from America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

After a year's hiatus, the highly celebrated Le Cordon Bleu chefs return to create a dinner in the image of one of the culinary field's most respected chefs, Auguste Escoffier, dubbed The Chef of Kings and the King of Chefs.

A heady brew of wine and personalities

Beyond the chefs, the summit will also feature wine from no less than six internationally-renowned wineries and personalities such as Serena Sutcliffe, head of Sotheby's International Wine Department, Bobby Chinn, chef-restaurateur and host of new television series World Café Asia on Discovery Travel & Living (DTL), Kevin Brauch, the inebriated, albeit highly entertaining, host of The Thirsty Traveller on DTL and Keith Floyd, a presenter of 19 worldwide TV series on food and author of over 25 best-selling books.

Other noteworthy activities include a sensual reception that is presented by The Macallan, touted as the world's best single malt whisky. It will be held at the Shangri-La Hotel Singapore and the popular gourmet safaris at new locations with a twist – along the Singapore River and at the Night Safari!

"We've had overwhelming responses for our safaris. We will definitely be having more of them this year and they will be completely different from the past safaris. This is one event you don't want to miss!" Mr Knipp said.