Our Target For 2005 Is Around Five Lakh Tourists: Edward Chew

Charmaine Fernz - Mumbai

The Indian outbound industry has witnessed a turning point in the year 2004 with increased growth. Most international tourism boards are gearing up for unparalleled success in tourism numbers. Taking a cue from this positive trend, Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has some well-strategised plans in place. Elaborates Edward Chew, area director - West India, STB, "With the remarkable outbound growth, Singapore as a destination definitely stands to gain. Our target for 2005 is approximately five lakh tourists, which is a 10 per cent increase over the previous year. As per our research an increasing percentage of travellers come from secondary markets due to more rising incomes as well as changing market scenarios. Considering these factors, our plans include tapping the existent strong corporate travel base coming from metros, targeting the suburbs of all major cities and also tapping the younger generation, as they are the segment to experiment and explore. We would concentrate on cities such as Pune, Ahmedabad and cities in the North as we want to give the right product to the right people."

With the growing middle-class and increased disposable income, the trend that is emerging is more of niche segments. "Taking this thought process further, we want to better understand our target groups. There would be increased emphasis on the business and MICE segments while we would also highlight the educational and healthcare segments. Singapore in the year 2004 saw approximately 4.6 lakh tourists, which was a 20 per cent increase over 2002, which had 3.75-lakh tourists. Taking these figures into account, there are a lot of changes taking place."

Adds Chew, "Where Singapore is concerned as a product a lot of development, are taking place. Sentosa Island will have a new cruise terminal amounting to six billion dollars that would also look at incorporating a casino. The Singapore Flyer is being conceptualized and would soon start development. This would be the world's biggest observatory wheel, even bigger than the current London Eye. Walking Trails is another new concept that would be introduced. With all these factors well in place, Singapore is certainly working towards achieving its brand - Uniquely Singapore - to the hilt."