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Singapore’s upcoming integrated resort, Resorts World at Sentosa, is expanding its international sales network to tap emerging and regional markets such as China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.
The high-profile development owned by the Genting Group expects to take Asia Pacific tourism by storm when it opens in early 2010, with mega attractions Universal Studios Singapore, Mark Burnett Productions Asia, Hard Rock Hotel, ESPA Spa and the world’s largest oceanarium Marine Life Park – all in one development.
Besides these, the Resort’s myriad of exciting offerings for the entire family include a maritime museum, a water theme park, accommodation options spanning 6 hotels and 1,800 rooms, world-class entertainment and an unparalleled array of dining and shopping outlets.
Located on Sentosa island in Singapore, Resorts World at Sentosa expects to welcome 15 million visitors in its first year of operations, with international visitors making up 60 per cent of total visitorship.
Deputy Vice President of Resort Sales, Ms Shirly Chen said: “This year marks RWS’ inaugural participation at PATA Travel Mart and we hope to excite trade partners with our myriad offerings. Global tourism is being impacted by the fuel crisis, but we are optimistic about Asia Pacific. The region has not seen any tourism product of this scale for a very long time. We are confident that Resorts World at Sentosa will make a splash when it opens”.
Resorts World at Sentosa’s sales network – the most extensive of any casino resort today- currently spans 18 cities throughout Asia such as Shanghai, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Bangkok. It opened a new office in Tokyo in July 2008, and has plans for two more in China by the end of this year.
Besides resort sales, RWS’ overseas offices forge partnerships with the industry in marketing and promotion activities, and promote the resort as a MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) destination.
The 49-hectare Resort can host up to 35,000 event delegates at any one time, with a variety of venues to cater to groups of all sizes. These include the Grand Ballroom which seats 7,300 guests; a Plenary Hall that hosts 1,600 delegates; as well as 20 different outdoor and indoor incentive venues such as the WaterWorld Amphitheatre and Hollywood Boulevard in Universal Studios Singapore, the ocean exhibit in Marine Life Park and the Typhoon Theatre in the Maritime Xperiential Museum. The Resort also has an experienced MICE team that will work with partners and clients to ensure a fully customized experience.
Said Ms Chen: “Our one-of-a-kind settings make a good backdrop for incentives and events. Events planners can choose from theme parties on the streets of New York and Hollywood in Universal Studios Singapore, to product launches and sit-down dinners at the Marine Life Park, where they are surrounded by thousands of marine creatures. Event organizers could even call in actors, pyrotechnics and stuntmen to make their events the talk of corporate town.”
With its positioning as Asia’s leading family destination, and partnership with sister company Star Cruises – a success with Indian visitors – Resorts World at Sentosa expects India to be one of its top three markets.
Ms Chen said, “Singapore is already India’s top outbound destination and we hope to welcome many more Indian visitors to the Resort when we open. We guarantee Indian visitors that even if you have “been there, done that’ in Singapore, you will find Resorts World at Sentosa a fresh, new compelling destination that offers great value-for-money.
“We have a lot of support from the trade in India, and we look forward to working even more closely with them. Besides, Mumbai and New Delhi, we will leave our mark in more Indian cities next year.’’
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales. She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
