The number of Indian tourist visitors to Singapore is likely to close in on the one-million-mark during 2013, according to G.B. Sithar, Area Director of the Singapore Tourism Board.
It registered 8.69 lakh visitors during 2011. The details of 2012 are awaited. Significantly, the spend by Indian tourists in hotels in Singapore is about 33 per cent as against the average of 29 per cent.
Interacting with newspersons here today Sithar said, “Tourism is a major focus area for Singapore and we expect it would contribute to 5-6 per cent of Singapore’s Gross Domestic Product by 2015.”
A number of new projects have been added for tourists and everytime they come they will find something new to enjoy. These include the Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by The Bay, the Marine Life Park (which is the world’s largest Oceanarium) and a River Safari symbolising seven rivers of the world.
Singapore has targeted to attract about 17 million people by 2015, contributing to about $30 billion (Singapore). In 2012, Singapore had 14.4 million visitors as against 13.2 million in 2011.
The Indian tourist spend in Singapore crossed the $1-billion mark in 2011. During the Singapore festival slated for May-July, there is a spike in tourist receipts as also spends, he said.
For those seeking to have a cruise holiday, Singapore has become a transit hub with plenty of choice, he said.