SINGAPORE : More tourists are coming to Singapore and staying longer since the opening of the country's two integrated resorts (IRs).
Even though both attractions are only partially opened, in-bound
tour agencies said business has spiked by as much as 40 per cent.
Many tourists are also extending their stays here by another night or
two.
They are also giving other attractions a miss to check out Resorts World
Sentosa (RWS) and Marina Bay Sands (MBS).
One company described the IRs as "exciting properties" which tourists
would want to see "even if they are not complete".
Both IRs have had a slew of hiccups since its opening.
RWS' Universal Studios Singapore lost its main ride, the Battlestar
Galactica, to technical faults barely a week after the theme park opened
in March. The ride remains closed.
Tour East Singapore general manager Yvonne Wong said: "Tourists just
want to have a feel of the theme park first even if it's not fully open
or some rides aren't working, because it's the newest in the region and
has some unique rides."
She said the fact that they cannot try Battlestar Galactica now doesn't
bother them.
"If they like the place, they can come back. The desire is based on the
experience of the whole theme park, and not one or two rides," said
Wong.
Marina Bay Sands also had problems with its conference facilities and
hotel rooms.
MBS drew flak when it hosted its first event, the Inter-Pacific Bar
Association's 20th annual conference last month. The conflict is the
subject of a legal suit now.
But glitches aside, demand continues to flourish.
Tour agents said most tourists accept that kinks are common when
mega-attractions open.
For now, the more family-friendly RWS appears to be ahead in the race to
woo tourists.
But agents said MBS will put up a tough fight once its SkyPark and
resident show The Lion King opens.
The only question is when. The show's debut is expected to be delayed,
as MBS' theatres will not be ready by September.
- CNA /ls
You're kidding me right? They stay longer because of the 2 IRs? If they stayed longer to find out how heartlanders live, i get a warmer fuzzier feeling.