Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) has invested S$400 million (US$298
million) this year on the initial construction works to expand its tourist offerings in
anticipation of Singapore’s tourism recovery in the post-pandemic world.
Travellers can anticipate the up-and-coming Minion-themed zone in
Universal Studios Singapore, and the inclusion of more zones and
exhibitions in the current S.E.A. Aquarium.
The extensive renovation works to its new tourist offerings are part
of the integrated resorts “RWS 2.0” project. With more borders reopening
across the world, RWS CEO Tan Hee Teck is confident that the new
entertainment and lifestyle products will set RWS on the track to “lead
the recovery of Singapore’s tourism as borders gradually reopen”.
Bigger and bolder attractions
Universal Studios Singapore will see the addition of Minion
Land by end-2024, inspired by Illumination’s Despicable Me, with themed
shops, restaurants and the Minion Mayhem, an immersive motion-simulator 3D ride exclusive only to the Singapore theme park.
Meanwhile, the current S.E.A. Aquarium will be rebranded and expanded
as the Singapore Oceanarium (SGO) by the end of 2024. The enhanced
attraction will be three times bigger than the existing S.E.A. Aquarium
and will feature new exhibitions that provide immersive, education
experiences about ocean life on a deeper level.
Evolution & Extinction zone at Singapore Oceanarium. Photo Credit: Resorts World Sentosa
In line with Sentosa’s plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, SGO
will be integrating sustainability into its expansion in the form of
its Research and Learning Centre that comes fully equipped with learning
labs, collaborative workspaces, seminar rooms and a rooftop event space
for event professionals looking for unique and sustainable meeting
venues.
The
Research and Learning Centre will further serve as a space for
scientists and researchers to conduct research work and drive marine
science outreach on-site. With the inclusion of its learning centre
along with the utilisation of interactive technology in new exhibits,
SGO has been described by Edward Chew, senior vice president of sales
& marketing for RWS, as “a first-class centre for marine
biodiversity education and research, conservation and restoration of
vulnerable marine organisms and habitats”.
In the lead up to the marine life attraction being transformed into
the larger Singapore Oceanarium, visitors will still be able to visit
S.E.A. Aquarium as it undergoes expansion works.
More accommodation options for different kinds of travellers
RWS’s expansion plans additionally extends to the refurbishment of
three of its hotels — the Hard Rock Hotel Singapore, Hotel Michael and
Festive Hotel — with a combined number of over 1,200 rooms. The hotels
will undergo renovation from Q2 2022 through 2023.
Festive Hotel will be reimagined as a bleisure and workation hotel,
with a range of mobile working spaces and lifestyle offerings to cater
to business travellers.
Resorts World Convention Centre will also receive a facility refurbishment and upgrade.