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Singapore achieved a new record for its
tourism sector when it received its 10 millionth visitor today. Mr
Sanjeev Bhandari 36, landed at Singapore’s Changi Airport early this
morning (22 Dec 2007) on flight SQ 439 at 0616 hours, to a surprise
welcome from the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). |
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Mr Bhandari, an Indian national from
Hyderabad who is in Singapore for holiday, was accompanied by his wife,
Mrs Geeta Bhandari 34, son Karan 7 and daughter Hiya 4. |
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They were warmly received at the airport by
STB’s Deputy Chief Executive (International), Mr Quek Swee Kuan and an
entourage of performers showcasing Singapore's unique blend of the
modern world and rich cultures. The momentous occasion was shared with
spectators and other visitors at a colorful ceremony held at Changi
Airport's Terminal 2 Arrival Hall. |
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Mr Bhandari has won for himself over
S$50,000 worth of exciting prizes showcasing some of Singapore’s unique
and exciting tourism offerings. |
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These include return Business Class air
tickets via Singapore Airlines, complimentary stays at The Shangri-La
Singapore, The Amara Sanctuary Resort, and a luxury cruise onboard the
SuperStar Gemini, as well as dining and shopping vouchers, a ride atop
the HiPPO bus to view the spectacular Christmas Light-up along Orchard
Road, and personalised guided tours customised to suit his interests. |
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He can also look forward to a health
screening package from the Parkway Health Group, dining vouchers from
the Restaurant Association of Singapore, and shopping vouchers from
Central, VivoCity, Massimo Dutti and Zara. |
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Mr Bhandari will also have a personal guide
and vehicle at his disposal throughout his four-day stay here. At the
end of his stay, he and his family members will depart in style through
the exclusive JetQuay Terminal. All prizes for the 10 millionth visitor
can be consumed anytime in 2008. |
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On being Singapore’s 10 millionth visitor,
Mr Bhandari said: “This is very exciting as this is my first time here
and I am now Singapore’s ten millionth visitor. My kids had wanted to
celebrate Christmas here as we had heard a lot about Singapore from the
things to see and do, especially the shopping. That is why we decided to
come to Singapore.” |
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This year’s achievement of ten million
visitors surpasses last year’s record arrivals of 9.7 million visitors
and continues the upward trend from 2004 when Singapore crossed the
eight million mark, which took a decade for Singapore to reach since
achieving seven million visitors in 1995. |
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Since 2004 however, it took only two
years for Singapore to cross the nine million mark, and now only one
year to reach the ten million mark. |
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Observing this strong growth momentum
that Singapore’s tourism sector is experiencing, Mr Quek noted:
"This year has seen record high visitor arrivals for each month this
year compared to the same month in previous years. In July, we also
had the highest ever visitor arrivals recorded in a single month
with 951, 000 visitors. Similarly, the hotel sector has had an
exceptional year, with hotel occupancy and room rates at an all-time
high. This is good news for Singapore and the industry, as it is a
testament to our growing appeal as a vibrant, must-visit
destination. Credit also goes to our industry partners for their
continued support in developing new tourism product offerings and
aggressively promoting Singapore overseas.” |
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He added: “Looking at the growth
momentum that we have been enjoying, we are on track to achieve our
2007 tourism receipts target of $13.6 billion, setting another
record and ensuring that we remain on track to achieve our Tourism
2015 targets.” |
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Compared to the same period in 2006, the
first nine months of 2007 showed a strong 5.25% growth in visitor
arrivals, with close to 7.6 million visitors recorded. During this
period, the Average Room Rate (ARR) grew by 19.5% to S$192, while
Average Occupany Rate (AOR) reached 86%. Revenue per available room
(RevPar) hit S$165.9 and gazetted hotels in Singapore generated a
total room revenue of S$854.4 million. |
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The Uniquely Singapore brand continues
to raise destination awareness and draw visitors to Singapore. This
year, Singapore was ranked as Asia’s top country and city for
meetings, and among the world’s top three cities for meetings, by
the Union of International Associations. Singapore was also ranked
among the top five countries for Nightlife and Fine Dining,
Shopping, as well as the city people would want to live in other
than their own, according to this year’s Country Brand Index by
FutureBrand. |
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The sponsors for the prizes for the 10
millionth visitor include The Shangri-La Singapore, Amara Sanctuary
Resort, Star Cruises, Restaurant Association of Singapore, Palate
Vine Holdings, Central, VivoCity, Massimo Dutti, Zara and Parkway
Health Group. |
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Profile of Singapore’s 10 Millionth
Visitor |
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Singapore achieved a new record for its
tourism sector when it received its 10 millionth visitor today. Mr
Sanjeev Bhandari 36, landed at Singapore’s Changi Airport early this
morning on flight SQ 439 at 0616 hours to a surprise welcome from
the Singapore Tourism Board (STB). Mr Bhandari, an Indian national
from Hyderabad who is in Singapore for holiday, was accompanied by
his wife, Mrs Geeta Bhandari 34, son Karan 7 and daughter Hiya 4. |
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Source:
www.stb.gov.sg Media Release 22
Dec 2007 |
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Related Article: |
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Singapore welcomes 8 millionth visitor |
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FrontPage Edition: Mon 24 December 2007
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