Resorts World Sentosa continues to thrill
Since opening in 2010, Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) has welcomed over 45 million visitors. Last year, the attractions (Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium and Adventure Cove Waterpark) welcomed 6.7 million visitors.
In the first half of 2014, RWS’ non-gaming businesses continued to do well, generating a revenue of S$310 million. In the second quarter, the attractions registered a daily average visitation of about 17,000 while occupancy rates at RWS’ hotels were 94% with an average room rate of S$390.
RWS attractions remain the benchmark for the region and a magnet for visitors from all around the world. Universal Studios Singapore recently edged out other regional heavyweights to clinch TripAdvisor’s Best Theme Park in Asia award. The opening of the Trickeye Museum at the RWS Waterfront in June has proven to be a major crowd-puller.
In October, Universal Studios will stage the fourth instalment of Halloween Horror Nights. It will also have a new attraction, Puss In Boots’ Giant Journey slated for completion by end 2014. The world’s first roller coaster, based on the Puss In Boots popular franchise, will thrill guests with an original storyline.
Visitors and shoppers continue to flock to Marina Bay Sands
Marina Bay Sands received 40.3 million visitors in 2013. Its top five foreign source markets for the hotel in 2013 were Japan, China, Indonesia, Korea and Australia.
The Shoppes continues to expand in its offerings of luxury premium brands. Mike Lee, VP of Sales, Marina Bay Sands, said, “Many of these brands, such as Bulgari, Cartier, Dior, Miu Miu, Saint Laurent and Versace, will have their largest stores in Singapore at The Shoppes upon completion. The mall will also feature expanded options for luxury children’s wear including the newly opened first Baby Dior in South-east Asia.”
On the entertainment front, it launched Sands Live - a series that brings world-class entertainment to guests in the most unique settings. The Rolling Stones were the first headlining act as part of Sands Live in March this year. Other past performances held on property included PSY, Elton John and Korean super star Rain. Come November, the well-loved Broadway musical Mamma Mia will also show at the MasterCard Theatres.
“Marina Bay Sands’ business strategy is shaped by constantly assessing the demands of our customers and the needs of the market, so that we can make adjustments to deliver an even stronger product and experience,” said Lee.
Grand Prix rolls in again in 2015
The Grand Prix Season Singapore (GPSS), highlight of the sporting and entertainment calendar, will return in 2015. This year, as usual, the event was packed with entertainment and boasted of more than 70 events, activities and promotions.
The Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix is unique as the only night street race in the global Formula One Circuit. In 2014, in-circuit concert headliners included Mayday, Robbie Williams and Jennifer Lopez as well as Pet Shop Boys, John Legend and Ziggy Marley. Beyond the circuit, stakeholders in various precincts such as Civic District, Chinatown, Bras Basah-Bugis and Marina Bay, also team up to offer high-octane experiences for both locals and visitors.
Women’s Tennis Association serves up extra in Singapore
The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) is the latest sporting body to select Singapore as a venue for its events. Its year-end crown jewel event, the WTA Championships, takes place in Singapore on Oct 17-26. It’s the first time in the 44-year history of the Championships that a city in Asia/Pacific is hosting the prestigious event.
For its debut in Singapore, the WTA Championships was be expanded into a 10-day sports entertainment event of competition, exhibitions and activities. There will be seven days of competition in 2014, versus six in previous years, with eight days of competition in 2015. Additionally, the doubles competition will be expanded to eight teams.
“Asia continues to grow as a destination for global sports properties, with Singapore an important hub given its world class infrastructure and ability to host and execute to the highest level,” said Andrew Georgiou, CEO of World Sport Group.
“The investment in the Singapore Sports Hub creates an opportunity not only to host global events such as this, but to do so in a way that offers an engaging experience for corporates, but also visitors as well as Singaporeans of all backgrounds. The WTA Championships Singapore will have something for everyone.”
Singapore Art Week draws art enthusiasts globally
The annual Singapore Art Week conceived by the Singapore Tourism Board takes place in January 2015. In its fifth year, Art Stage Singapore leads the Singapore Art Week as its pillar event and will take place from 22 to 25 January 2015.
In 2014, over 70 visual art activities were independently organised around Art Stage Singapore, proving the fair’s mettle in the region’s visual arts sector. Plans for visual arts events and activities for Singapore Art Week 2015 are currently underway.
To date, over 80% of exhibitors that have signed up to show at Art Stage Singapore 2015 will be returning to galleries. A majority of these are based in Asia and will be showcasing a top line-up of artists, underscoring the fair’s Asian identity.
Past participating artists include Chinese artist Zhang Huan, British sculptor Antony Gromley, Japanese artist Yayoi Kusuma, Indonesian artists Jumaldi Alfi, Thai artist and Singapore-based artists Han Sai Por.
“We continue to be committed to Singapore and to strengthen its position as the region’s art capital. As the leading event of the Singapore Art Week, we set the tone for the visual arts scene in Singapore and Southeast Asia. The fifth edition of Art Stage Singapore has much in store for visitors and it promises to be yet another milestone event for Singapore,” says Lorenzo Rudolf, Founder and Fair Director, Art Stage Singapore.