Singapore expanding its luxury travel offerings. Will it redefine the destination?

For luxury travel specialists, the future of Singapore as a luxury travel destination look bright.

Following the recent Tourism Industry Conference, attended by Keith Tan, Chief Executive of the Singapore Tourism Board, and Minister Alvin Tan, the announcements shed light on the country's competitive strengths, recovery from the pandemic, and upcoming launches in the tourism sector.

Quality tourism driving higher yield

The conference emphasized that the future of Singapore's tourism industry lies in quality tourism that drives higher yield. Surrounded by many low-cost destinations, the focus should be on redefining the city-state as a destination that offers unique and authentic experiences to travellers.

Six key competitive strengths of Singapore

To achieve this, Singapore can build on its six key competitive strengths. These include being the world's best MICE city, a top culinary destination, an ideal family-friendly destination, a vibrant city that maximizes fun experiences, a multicultural hub that is well-connected to the region, and a sustainable city and wellness haven.

The future of tourism?in Singapore

Since 2022, Singapore has seen a recovery in tourism. Airports are buzzing with activity, cruise ships are sailing to somewhere rather than nowhere, and tourism businesses are welcoming travellers once again. Looking ahead, international visitor arrivals to Singapore are expected to recover to about 12 to 14 million in 2023, and tourism receipts are projected to reach S$18B to S$21B.

Moreover, if all goes well, the tourism sector in Singapore is expected to recover to pre-pandemic levels by 2024. The country will build on key visitor segments like families and business travellers and offer a wide range of events to leisure and business travellers. Additionally, Singapore will position itself to capture emerging market segments like wellness and sustainability.

Upcoming launches

Singapore is launching new attractions, hotels, and concept hotels in the coming years to ensure a steady pipeline of world-class, quality tourism offerings. For instance, Trifecta, a new sports-themed attraction at the Somerset Belt, will be launched later this year. Furthermore, the Bird Paradise, home to 3,500 birds from over 400 avian species, housed in eight large walk-through aviaries, will be opened in May 2023. In addition, Disney's new cruise ship will exclusively be homeport in Singapore from 2025 for five years, representing Disney Cruise Line's debut in this part of the world and a game changer for the cruise industry of South East Asia.

Furthermore, Singapore will unveil new and refurbished hotels like the Pan Pacific Orchard and Grand Hyatt Singapore. The city-state will also open new concept hotels like Raffles Sentosa Resorts & Spa Singapore, the first all-villa hotel in Singapore, and Artyzen Singapore, which will embed the rich Peranakan culture and history into its building, interiors, and service philosophy.

Singapore is poised to offer luxury travellers more unique & authentic experiences, and I see exciting times ahead for this tiny luxury destination in Asia.

By: Vishal Jain, Editor-in-Chief,?@WorldTravelMagazine. 6 Apr 2023.

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