Transforming Singapore's Tourism and Leisure Landscape

Leisure and recreation developments have helped to transform Sentosa into a premier leisure destination, according to Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean

Speaking at the opening of the Sentosa Boardwalk, Deputy Prime Minister Hean stated that the development “marks yet another milestone for Sentosa in its plans to become a leading tourist destination in the region.

“Through careful planning, vision and passion, Sentosa has over the years evolved into a modern leisure and lifestyle destination, receiving more than 17 million visitors in 2010.

“To keep pace with its increasing popularity, its transport system has been steadily upgraded to ensure easy access for visitors.

“Visitors continue to come to Sentosa because it has constantly reinvented itself and refreshed its range of unique leisure and entertainment experiences.

“By locating retail shops and F&B outlets on the walkway, installing travellators and illuminating the boardwalk at night, walking down the boardwalk becomes a unique experience. It is no longer just another way to get to Sentosa, but an attraction in its own right.

“Today, Sentosa is home to over 200 leisure and entertainment attractions and F&B outlets. This includes Singapore’s first integrated resort and South East Asia’s first Universal Studios theme park. But Sentosa is more than just another destination boasting the latest leisure and entertainment options.

“It is also an island with history and natural landscape, which gives the resort its unique charm. Two years ago, I had the pleasure of opening Sentosa’s Nature Discovery Trail. At that time, Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) made the commitment to ensure that 60% of Sentosa would remain green.

“They continue to hold true to that commitment. The Sentosa we enjoy today is a result of continuous efforts to preserve the island’s heritage and nurture its lush environment, while ensuring that development plans complement the existing elements that give Sentosa its appeal.”

“Sentosa’s efforts to constantly refresh itself, reflect the broader strategy that the Government has adopted for Singapore’s tourism landscape - to continue to be a choice destination for tourists, we must continue to offer new and exciting experiences for visitors. This means developing key iconic attractions even as existing ones rejuvenate their offerings.

“Doing so will also help put our tourism sector in the best possible position to capitalise on the urge to travel among the growing middle class especially in Asia.

"Indeed, the outlook for Singapore’s tourism sector is promising. Most of Asia has made a strong rebound from the global financial crisis and our tourism sector has benefitted from this.

“Visitorship not only rebounded from the decline in 2009 but also set a new record. We expect to meet our target of 11.5 – 12.5 million visitors for the year 2010. If achieved, it will be our highest number.

“Equally important, this transformation helps bring us closer to our vision to become a global city with a vibrant lifestyle. The F1 night race, for example, has not only attracted new visitors to our shores, but also brought buzz to the city. Tourism developments such as the integrated resorts have also expanded leisure and entertainment options for Singaporeans.

“We will therefore continue to build on this momentum with more attractions, to complement Singapore’s existing ones.

“Last year, Singapore saw the opening of the integrated resorts and with them, South East Asia’s first Universal Studios. In the next few years, a number of key projects will come on line.

“These include the first phase of the Gardens by the Bay, the International Cruise Terminal at Marina South, as well as the River Safari Wildlife Park and the National Art Gallery.

“On the sporting front, development of the new Sports Hub is now underway, and with the modern new facilities there, including a stadium with a retractable roof, there will be opportunities to host many exciting events.

“These developments will be key in setting us apart from other regional tourism destinations, making it attractive for tourists to return to Singapore for more.”

The new 620-metre long Sentosa Boardwalk features five garden themes with lush landcapes, canopy-covered travellators and a mix of shops and F&B outlet. The $G$70 million themed walkway can accommodate up to 8,000 guests and hour travelling in each direction. 

Images: Plans for Universal Studios Singapore (top) and the city's floating stadium at Marina Bay (below).

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