SINGAPORE: Singapore raked in S$18.8 billion in tourism receipts last year, the highest in ten years.
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said this is a 49 per cent increase from 2009, exceeding previous forecasts of between S$17.5-18.5 billion.
STB said the high
growth in tourism dollars is due to higher spending per person, and more
international visitors due to positive economic sentiment and the
opening of the two Integrated Resorts.
Sightseeing and
entertainment accounted for a fifth of the tourism receipts, some S$4
billion and a 1,800 per cent jump from 2009. For the first time,
spending and gambling at the two Integrated Resorts was also included
into this component.
However, the STB was quick to add that growth was seen across the sector.
Aw
Kah Peng, Chief Executive of STB, said: "The two Integrated Resorts
were highlights, but we saw growth across every part of the tourism
sector. Spending in F&B grew, spending at the hotels grew, spending
at various sightseeing and attractions grew."
Singapore welcomed
11.9 million overseas visitors last year, led by growth in the top five
markets - Indonesia, China, Australia, Malaysia and India.
This figure fell within STB's forecast of 11.5 to 12.5 million visitors for 2011.
Hotel revenue also saw a jump of 21.8 per cent to reach S$1.9 billion.
With
average room rates of S$212 a night, the Singapore Tourism Board said a
challenge for the industry is to raise service standards, and ensure
that customers get value for their money.
One segment which did not do well however, was the cruise industry.
Passenger numbers declined 11 per cent, largely due to two gaming ships ceasing operations.
Ms
Aw said: "Some of the cruises that were primarily focused on gaming
decided that it wasn't worth their while to do those cruises anymore.
"I
think as new entrants come into the market, existing ones will then
have to relook at what they are offering, and whether they would reshape
their business. Do something else, or introduce new products."
While
it declined to give projections for 2011, STB expects tourism to
continue growing this year, driven by the opening of new attractions in
the Integrated Resorts.
However, growth in the sector is not expected to match the pace set last year, which was described as "exceptional".
- CNA/fa/ac