New figures released by Singapore Tourism Board (STB) show an ongoing rise in the numbers of travellers to the South East Asian island in 2006, with high numbers from the Middle East making an…
New figures released by Singapore Tourism Board (STB) show an ongoing rise in the numbers of travellers to the South East Asian island in 2006, with high numbers from the Middle East making an impressive contribution.
The South East Asian island-state welcomed a total of more than 870,000 worldwide visitors in August 2006, a rise of 7.2 percent over the corresponding period in 2005 and a record high for visitors to the city during August.
In July, Singapore saw a record 913,000 visitor arrivals, with Average Occupancy Rate for hotels reaching a record high of 91 percent. The school holidays and the Great Singapore Sale helped increase the numbers of visitors during this period, according to senior officials from STB.
This follows a strong performance in the first six months of the year, as Singapore recorded 4.7 million visitors between January and June of this year – an 11.8 percent increase on the corresponding period in 2005.
Ke-Wei Peh, Area Director, Middle East and Africa, Singapore Tourism Board, said: “A significant number of new travellers visiting us are now coming from the Middle East region. We’re delighted with the latest figures and we certainly hope to increase on these numbers in the next four months of the year.”
From January to June 2006, Singapore’s hotels recorded S$691.4 million in room revenue, an increase of 20.2 percent over the corresponding period in 2005.
Ongoing growth is expected in October and November. Singapore is traditionally very popular with travellers from the Middle East during the Muslim festival of Hari Raya, which celebrates the end of Ramadan and subsequent celebrations of Eid.
Significant number of visitors from the UAE and other key markets including Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are expected to visit Singapore to enjoy the celebrations during this year’s three day Eid holidays.
These visitors to the Lion City are expected to help the Singapore Tourism Board meet their target of reaching 9.4 million tourists for the whole year. Singapore welcomed 8.9 million visitor arrivals in 2005 and 8.3 million in 2004.
