7 major attractions to boost Singapore tourism in 2013-2014

Four of which are just about to open.

Universal Studios continues to offer an ideal holiday destination for families and thrillseekers. The park has announced aggressive expansion plans to bring the total number of rides to 24 in 2013, out of which 18 are unique to Singapore. Resorts World Sentosa, where Universal Studios Singapore is located, saw close to a record 19m visitors in 2011 and targets that the theme park will ultimately pull in 4.5 to 5m visitors annually, with the expansion plans designed to help meet this target.

But here are just some of the major attractions for visitors this year and beyond with comments from DBS Vickers:

Marine Life Park

The completion of the construction of the West Zone (Marine Life Park, which features a 620m long Adventure River, water slides, S.E.A. Aquarium - the world’s largest) marks the end of the final phase of the integrated development in Sentosa. The new attraction will be a catalyst for visitor arrivals in 2013.

Mandai – the new “green” tourism hub?

The opening of the new Giant Panda enclosure at the River Safari, together with the remaining 12 ha park in 1Q13 will raise the profile of Mandai to tourists/visitors. The area already has a strong suite of nature-related offerings and has the potential to develop into a complete tourism location for nature-related offerings for visitors and Singaporeans.

Freshly mooted plans are to leverage Singapore's awardwinning attractions - The Singapore Zoo and Night Safari - and develop a "green lung”, according to Mr Iswaran, the Second Minister for Home Affairs and Trade and Industry. Such plans could include hotels, dining and other leisure facilities.

International Cruise Center – yet to fulfill its full potential

Leveraging on its strategic location between major international maritime routes, Singapore is already home to several of the world’s top cruise lines such as Star Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Silversea Cruises and P&O Princess. The International Cruise Terminal is able to handle over 6,000 passengers at any one time and accommodate the largest cruise ships in the world, enabling Singapore to leverage on the
anticipated increase in demand for cruising in the region. While 2013 will see incremental cruise passengers into Singapore, the target by STB is to attract 1.6m cruise passengers annually.

Cruise Passenger Movements to hit targeted 1.6m by 2015

Johor’s development as a tourism hub could be another catalyst for Singapore.

The development of Iskandar Malaysia and the opening of Johor Premium Outlets and Legoland, located within a couple of hours drive away from Singapore CBD has deepened the offerings available for tourist and visitors. Tour operators and agents that we spoke to seem keen
or already include visiting these destinations as part of a more “comprehensive” tour itinerary for some of its regional tour packages for visitors.
While we are not able to quantify the impact at this juncture, we believe that the development of Johor as a tourist hub will likely have a positive impact for Singapore as tourists stay on an additional day or two in order to fully enjoy the full spectrum of attractions available to them.

Other major attractions in the list include Gardens by the Bay which just opened for public  end June last year; Kallang Sports Club and National Art Gallery which are set to open next year.