Singapore Hails Record UK Tourist Spend

Britons spent more in the Asian city-state than ever before in the first half of this year, the Singapore Tourism Board has revealed.

The Singapore Tourism Board revealed today that British visitors have spent record sums on their holidays in the Asian city-state in the first six months of 2011.

The tourism authority said that UK holidaymakers spent a total of £139 million on their hotels, food and shopping while in Singapore – a situation assisted by the opening this year of a series of new tourist attractions, such as Resorts World Sentosa, with its combination of hotels, spa treatments, and a casino and the spectacular Marina Bay Sands complex.

It went on to point out that the total number of tourists arriving on cheap holidays in Singapore have risen by 15 per cent in the first six months of the year, and next year should be even better, with a host of new attractions set to open.

The Singapore Tourism Board’s director for northern and western Europe Eunice Yeo commented: “It is fantastic that the ever-changing skyline has seen Singapore remaining hugely attractive to UK visitors.”

“New hotel options to suit all budgets, including ‘Flashpacker hostels’, have added to the city’s sophisticated infrastructure, with well over 100 hotel offerings, many celebrity chef restaurants, world-class entertainment venues and a plethora of retail outlets.”

Here’s the low-down on three of the new developments which will be opening in Singapore next year:

  • Gardens By The Bay: A set of three waterfront gardens – Bay South, Bay East and Bay Central – all with different horticultural themes.
  • International Cruise Terminal: To be located at Marina South next to the Marina South Pier, this terminal will help Singapore become a regional centre for cruise holidays.
  • The River Safari: This river-themed zoo is to be the first of its kind in Asia, consisting of mostly freshwater attractions viewed from an exciting river boat ride.