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SPEECH BY MR S ISWARAN, SENIOR MINISTER OF
STATE FOR TRADE & INDUSTRY AND EDUCATION, AT
THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF PARK HOTEL CLARKE QUAY
ON SATURDAY, 8 AUGUST 2009, 1925 HRS AT PARK
HOTEL CLARKE QUAY POOLSIDE
Mr Raymond Law, Chairman of Park Hotel Group
Mr Allen Law, Director of Park Hotel Group
Ladies and Gentlemen
A very good evening to all
Introduction
1
It is my pleasure to join you this evening for the opening of
the Park Hotel Clarke Quay.
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Singapore tourism today
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We started the year with uncertain tourism prospects
arising from the global economic downturn. Visitor arrivals to
Singapore were affected with most markets registering a
decline. Travel sentiment was further dampened by the
Influenza A H1N1 episode. Not surprisingly, we saw an overall
decline of 13.5 per cent in tourism receipts from January to
June this year compared to the same period last year.
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Moving forward, it is heartening that we are starting to see
some signs of recovery. We have seen growth in visitor arrivals
from Philippines, Malaysia and Germany, and even double-digit
growth from Vietnam from January to June this year.
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4
The STB’s year-long marketing campaign, “2009 Reasons
to Enjoy Singapore”, has gained traction in the key target
markets. STB will intensify its efforts under the campaign to
drum up interest among travellers to visit Singapore for the rest
of the year. To further enhance our proposition as a value-formoney destination and to reach beyond leisure travellers, the
“2009 Reasons to Meet in Singapore” marketing campaign was
launched in May this year to encourage business travel to
Singapore. These two campaigns are effective tools to promote
Singapore’s rich spectrum of business and leisure offerings.
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In the coming months Singapore can look forward to a
host of exciting events and festivities that will enhance
Singapore’s
existing
tourism
offerings.
In
September,
Singapore will host our second FORMULA 1 night race, along
with the first-ever F1 ROCKS™. Designed to complement the
FORMULA 1TM night race, F1 ROCKS™ will make its
international debut in Singapore as part of the Singapore GP
Season. It aims to be a mega-concert featuring the likes of
international pop stars such as Beyonce and the Black Eyed
Peas. The performances of these artistes, coupled with others
such as Chaka Khan and the band Travis, to name a few, will
certainly inject more buzz to the traditional F1 race. Towards
the end of the year, we can also look forward to favourites like
ZoukOut, Christmas in the Tropics and the Marina Bay
Countdown.
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With these efforts, STB is confident of meeting the
forecast of 9 to 9.5 million visitors and $12 to $12.5 billion in
tourism receipts.
4
Medium to long-term prospects remain positive
7
The medium to long-term outlook also remains positive.
Low cost carriers are expanding in the region.
The
liberalisation of air travel has led to a greater number of flights
to Singapore which, in turn, open new source markets. Tour
operators and airlines are also offering highly competitive
prices to attract visitors.
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More
importantly,
Singapore
augmenting its tourism appeal.
is
also
continually
Singapore will be in the
international spotlight when Marina Bay Sands and Resorts
World at Sentosa open. In addition, the completion of the new
International Cruise Terminal at Marina South by end 2011 will
enhance Singapore’s cruise passenger throughput capacity to
1.6 million by 2015.
These, together with other upcoming
tourism offerings such as Gardens by the Bay and the River
Safari, will offer a myriad of new experiences for visitors.
5
Confidence in Singapore’s tourism potential
9
It is no surprise therefore that Singapore is still viewed as
an attractive destination for tourism investments – we have a
rich
regional
and
international
source
market
to
tap,
complemented by a pro-business environment, excellent
connectivity and stability.
Indeed, according to the World
Economic Forum1, Singapore is the highest-ranked country in
Asia in terms of the attractiveness of its environment for
developing the travel and tourism industry.
1
World Economic Forum Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2009
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10
The Park Hotel Group’s decision to anchor its operations
here, while developing new assets such as Park Hotel Clarke
Quay also echoes this confidence. In addition to the Park Hotel
Clarke Quay, I understand that the Group, which moved its
headquarters to Singapore in 2005, has since acquired two
hotels in Singapore – the Grand Park Hotel Orchard which will
be opened next year, and Grand Park City Hall. There are also
ongoing
development
plans
by
the
Group
to
launch
Knightsbridge, a brand new retail concept encompassing over
80,000 sq ft of flagship retail stores of international brands, at
the rebranded Grand Park Orchard by next year.
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Hotel developers such as the Park Hotel Group have
recognised and are preparing themselves for the opportunities
that lie ahead. In addition, several other new hotels are being
added to our hospitality sector, such as the upcoming Fullerton
Bay Hotel at Collyer Quay, and the recently opened Capella
Singapore, Quincy, Ibis at Bencoolen, and klapsons The
Boutique Hotel.
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Diverse accommodation options
12
All these hotels will add to the diversity of accommodation
options in Singapore for the discerning traveller. The Park Hotel
Clarke Quay, situated in the heart of the city and just a stone’s
throw from attractions such as the museums, the Singapore
Flyer and the business district, will serve well the needs of both
leisure and business travellers. The hotel is also an excellent
complement to the Singapore River precinct which is one of the
city’s 24-hour entertainment zones.
Conclusion
13
By anchoring its HQ here and the opening of Park Hotel
Clarke Quay today, the Park Hotel Group has underscored its
commitment to Singapore. It is also a testament to Singapore’s
appeal as an investment location as well as a tourism
destination. In today’s competitive global environment where
success is all about identifying and seizing opportunities, it is
astute of the Park Hotel Group to recognise the business
potential in the tourism landscape of Singapore and the region.
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I would like to congratulate the Park Hotel Group and its
management on its latest development and look forward to a
long and close partnership between the Group and Singapore.
I now have great pleasure in declaring the Park Hotel Clarke
Quay officially open. Thank you.
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