Newstrack

Singapore remains top outbound destination for Indians

Andrea Lopez - Mumbai

Having received an overwhelming response from the Indian outbound market in 2007, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has announced its upcoming products designed to woo the Indian leisure and corporate traveller. The country crossed the 10 million visitor arrival mark in 2007, with 749,000 Indians visiting the destination. Speaking to Express TravelWorld, Siew-Kheng Kang, regional director, Singapore Tourism Board for South Asia, Middle East and Africa said, "Singapore is India's number one outbound destination and the market has registered a growth of 59 per cent in the last five years. Mumbai remains the top market with over 96,000 visitors." While a chunk of visitor arrivals are registered from eight identified metro cities, Kang affirmed that the tier II cities had registered a growth of about 25 per cent, which was a significant achievement. In addition to positioning itself as a family destination, STB is also looking at selling the country as a weekend getaway destination. "We launched the 'Uniquely Singapore' weekend campaign in Chennai in 2007, and we plan to roll it out to the rest of India this year," said Kang. In addition, STB has embarked on its biggest ever roadshow in India, covering Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai, with 30 buyers, said Rebecca Lim, area director (Western India), Singapore Tourism Board. Major attractions being rolled out in 2008 include the Singapore Flyer, the world's largest observation wheel, which will be able to accommodate upto 28 persons in a single capsule at special introductory tariffs which will be valid upto September. The wheel will be officially launched in March. Another attraction to be launched in September is the Formula One SingTel Singapore Grand Prix, which will be the first of its kind night street race in Asia. In addition to the popular Singapore Zoo and the Singapore Night Safari, plans are on for a third animal attraction.