Vital tourism statistics and information on 17 Asian ... - TTG Asia

More documents

Recommendations

Info

36 ASIAN TOURISM GUIDE 2012/2013• UpRobertson Quay, 300 rooms• Patina Hotel, 200 rooms• Traders Orchard Gateway Singapore, 502 roomsNew attractions/<strong>tourism</strong> infrastructureGardens by the Bay’s largest garden Bay South openedin June. Featuring two cooled conservatories <strong>and</strong> a bevyof food <strong>and</strong> beverage outlets, the garden is easily accessedvia a footbridge that runs through Marina Bay S<strong>and</strong>s.www.gardensbythebay.org.sgSingapore Tourism BoardThe Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore doubledSingapore’s berth capacity when it opened in May. The28,000m 2 facility, which is operated by SATS-Creuers,has helped to ease the capacity crunch at the SingaporeCruise Centre HarbourFront terminal.www.mbccs.com.sgEspa at Resorts World Sentosa is the UK-based spaoperator’s Asian flagship. Featuring Singapore’s first authenticTurkish hammam, guests are treated to pamperingspa rituals within the spa’s 10,000m 2 luxurious, verdantsurroundings.www.rwsentosa.comRiver Safari, Asia’s first river-themed wildlife park, opensin 1Q2013. Built over 12 hectares, the attraction features5,000 animals across 500 species.www.riversafari.com.sgKey events <strong>and</strong> festivals 2013River Hong Bao (January 24 to February 1)www.riverhongbao.sgMosaic Music Festival (March)www.mosaicmusicfestival.comWorld Gourmet Summit (April 16 to 23)www.worldgourmetsummit.comSingapore Food Festival (July)www.singaporefoodfestival.com.sgF1 Singapore Gr<strong>and</strong> Prix (September 20 to 22)www.singaporegp.sgZoukOut (December)www.zoukout.comEssentials in the cityFood Singapore’s diversity is reflected in its culinary delights.Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, chilli crab, char kwayteow <strong>and</strong> rojak are must-tries.Quirky Singaporeans are not incapable of speaking theQueen’s English. They merely prefer to punctuate theirsentences with ‘lah’ or ‘loh’ for a Singaporean touch.Tipping policy Tipping is not a common practice in Singaporeas a 10 per cent service charge is usually includedin the bill.Shopping Explore Hai Lane for cutting-edge fashion orw<strong>and</strong>er down to Arab Street, Chinatown <strong>and</strong> Little Indiafor unique home décor, h<strong>and</strong>icrafts <strong>and</strong> accessories.How to maximise two hours of free time W<strong>and</strong>eraround Marina Bay S<strong>and</strong>s, stopping at TWG for a cupof tea <strong>and</strong> scones, before viewing eye-catching exhibitsat the ArtScience Museum. For a surreal experience, hoponto a gondola, <strong>and</strong> be whisked along the resort’s indoorwaterways past gilded storefronts.Insider’s tip for a half-day off Head to Changi Point<strong>and</strong> hop onto a rickety bumboat to Pulau Ubin, a rusticescape from the heady buzz of Singapore. Hire a bicycle<strong>and</strong> pedal past rubber plantations <strong>and</strong> secluded beaches,before tucking into a seafood lunch.Impressive lunch for clients For a sublime experience,head to Restaurant Andr in the conservation districtof Bukit Pasoh. Helmed by Taiwanese chef <strong>and</strong> ownerAndré Chiang, the 30-seater restaurant treats diners to aslick interpretation of Southern French nouvelle cuisine,peppered with Mediterranean touches.Lunch on your own Located within the Central BusinessDistrict, Forlino at One Fullerton provides lovers of allthings Italian with an unparalleled vantage view of Sin-Gardens by the Bay <strong>and</strong> Marina Bay S<strong>and</strong>s areamong the latest <strong>tourism</strong> stars in Singaporegapore’s Marina Bay. For cheaper eats <strong>and</strong> a wide selectionof local <strong>and</strong> Asian dishes, head to Lau Pa Sat FestivalMarket in the central business district.Late nights Visit Clarke Quay for its hedonistic danceclubs <strong>and</strong> bars that feature live music of various genres.Electricity Singapore’s voltage is 220-240 AC, 50 Hz.Most hotels can provide a transformer to convert it to110-120 AC, 60 Hz.Visa requirementsForeigners holding travel documents issued by thefollowing countries will require either a business orsocial visit visa to enter Singapore:• Assessment level one countries Commonwealth of IndependentStates (Armenia, Azerbaian, Belarus, Georgia,Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Taikistan,Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan), Georgia, India,Myanmar, Nigeria, China <strong>and</strong> holders of Hong KongDocument of Identity <strong>and</strong> Macao Special AdministrativeRegion (MSAR) Travel Permit.• Assessment level two countries Afghanistan, Algeria,Bangladesh, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya,Morocco, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria,Tunisia, Yemen, <strong>and</strong> holders of Palestinian AuthorityPassport, Temporary Passport issued by the UAE <strong>and</strong>Refugee Travel Document issued by Middle East countries.Important contactsNTOThe Singapore Tourism Board (STB) was first establishedas the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board in 1964.It now has an extensive network of 22 regional offices <strong>and</strong>two marketing representatives across eight regions.Apart from courting the leisure market, STB has aBusiness Travel & MICE Group to promote Singapore asa premier business events destination.Tel: (65) 6736-6622Fax: (65) 6736-9423www.yoursingapore.comSingapore Exhibition <strong>and</strong> Convention Bureauwww.yoursingapore.com/content/mice/en.htmlTravel trade associationsNational Association of Travel Agents Singaporewww.natas.org.sgSingapore Hotel Associationwww.sha.org.sgAssociation of Singapore Attractionswww.singapore-attractions.comPATA Singapore Chapterwww.patasingapore.org.sgASEAN Tourism Associationwww.aseanta.orgCompiled by Linda HadenAll <strong>information</strong> is correct at press timeDiethelm Trael roupDETHESHOT PICKJoget to a different beat incolourful KatongThe Peranakans are descendents of 17 th centuryChinese <strong>and</strong> Indian immigrants who marriednon-Muslim natives from the Malay Archipelago.Due to the assimilation of different cultures, mostPeranakans are fluent in two or more languages,such as Malay <strong>and</strong> a Chinese dialect, regularly includingMalay words in their daily life like joget, or todance.A former Peranakan enclave, Katong retains adistinct laidback vibe <strong>and</strong> Peranakan charm, reflectedin the malls <strong>and</strong> shophouses that line thestreets. A visit to Rumah Bebe is a must when in theKatong area. Housed in a Peranakan shophouse, thestore stocks beautiful h<strong>and</strong>-made artworks such asbeaded shoes <strong>and</strong> bags.Shoppers can tailormaketheir very ownbeaded products.Stop by the KatongAntique House to marvelat the various traditionalPeranakan costumes,crockery <strong>and</strong> furnitureon display at thisshophouse. Antique enthusiasts will definitely findrare <strong>and</strong> exquisite items to add to their collections.Making an advance appointment is recommended.
ASIAN TOURISM GUIDE 2012/2013 37Sri LankaGeneral overviewOfficial name Democratic SocialistRepublic of Sri LankaCapital ColomboLegislative capital Sri Jayewardenepura KottePopulation 20.6 millionTotal area 65,610km 2Currency Sri Lanka RupeeOfficial language Sinhala, Tamil <strong>and</strong> English• Ne DelhiINDIAANAR• umai angon •SRI LANKA• ColomoINDIASRI LANKA•Anuradhapura• <strong>and</strong>yColombo • Nuara Eliyaount•Lavinia • alledestination that hosts music concerts alongside conventions,exhibitions <strong>and</strong> incentives.A major boost for the destination’s MICE efforts is themeeting of the Commonwealth heads of state <strong>and</strong> governmentin November 2013. The high profile meeting isexpected to draw more than 2,000 delegates <strong>and</strong> generatemassive publicity.Hotel <strong>statistics</strong>Hotels in Colombo have been made to abide by a minimumroom rate structure since March 7, 2011. Based onthis structure, a five-star hotel charges US$180, four-starUS$140, three-star US$90 <strong>and</strong> two-star US$30-US$50(prices exclude taxes). However, city rates are negotiablefor group tours <strong>and</strong> packages.Star-class hotels outside the capital city are allowed tocharge any amount.Meanwhile, there is rapid growth in the country’s hotell<strong>and</strong>scape, as the industry prepares for the massive boomin arrivals expected in 2016. New properties are comingup across Sri Lanka, particularly in the western, southern<strong>and</strong> eastern regions.Sri Lanka is also hoping to attract more than US$3 billionworth of <strong>tourism</strong>-related investments over the nextthree years <strong>and</strong> increase room capacity to 45,000.Average occupancy rate of four-star hotels2010 74.7 per cent2011 78.1 per centVisitors to the Sri Lankan capital after a three-year hiatus will notice aremarkable <strong>and</strong> refreshing change in the environment <strong>and</strong> l<strong>and</strong>scape.Colombo is being rapidly transformed into one of the best garden citiesin Asia, with neat walkways <strong>and</strong> pavements, jogging tracks, fountains,shopping malls, sports complexes <strong>and</strong> green open spaces. The 96km Colombo-GalleSouthern Expressway opened last year, substantially easingaccess to the southern resorts in Sri Lanka.The development comes as the country targets 2.5 million tourists by2016, from a current count of more than 800,000 visitors.Hotels are being refurbished, new ones are opening <strong>and</strong> an onlinevisa system was introduced in January 2012. An expressway linking thecountry’s only international airport at Katunayake – about 30km fromthe capital – to the city will open in early 2013. It will cut travel time byhalf. Domestic airports are also being renovated.ClimateAverage temperature 27°C to 29°CAverage rainfall 1,500mm to 2,100mmAverage humidity 79 per centBest time to visitSri Lanka is a round-the-year destination. For those whoseek the sun <strong>and</strong> the sea in the south-western coastal area,the best time to visit is between November <strong>and</strong> April. Thecentral highl<strong>and</strong>s are pleasantly cool <strong>and</strong> relatively dryfrom January to April. Travel peaks from mid-Decemberto mid-January <strong>and</strong> from March to April. Sri Lanka alsogets a tad busy in July <strong>and</strong> August when festivals <strong>and</strong> pageantsare held in the country.Visitor arrivals <strong>statistics</strong>Sri Lanka welcomed 693,772 visitors between January<strong>and</strong> September 2012, up 16 per cent over the same periodin 2011.By region, East Europe registered the biggest growth,with arrivals leaping 52 per cent to 43,039, in the firstnine months of 2012. However, it was Western Europe, atraditionally high-performing market for the destination,that chalked up the highest number of arrivals – 269,169– with an 18.6 per cent increase from last year.South Asia came in second, with 169,927 arrivals, butyear-on-year growth was slower in 2012 at 3.1 per cent.By country, arrivals from India, Sri Lanka’s top sourcemarket, showed a marginal growth of 1.3 per cent to122,120.The UK, once Sri Lanka’s biggest source market,showed signs of recovery. It contributed 81,762 footfallsfrom January to September, a 3.5 per cent growth. In Septemberalone, there were 9.1 per cent more arrivals fromthe UK, compared to the same month a year ago.Meanwhile, <strong>tourism</strong> earnings grew 24.2 per cent toUS$560 million in the first seven months of 2012.Total <strong>tourism</strong> arrivals2010 654,476, +46.1 per cent2011 855,975, +30.8 per cent2012 (January-September) 693,772 , +16 per centSource: Sri Lanka Tourism Development AuthorityAverage length of stay in 201110 nightsTotal <strong>tourism</strong> receipts2010 US$576 million, +64.6 per cent2011 US$839 million, +45.7 per cent2012 (January-July) US$560 million, +24.2 per centSource: Sri Lanka Tourism Development AuthorityAverage expenditure in 2011US$98 per tourist per dayArrivals targetSri Lanka aims to achieve 950,000 in arrivals in 2012 <strong>and</strong>1.25 million in the following year. By 2016, the governmenthopes to welcome 2.5 million visitors <strong>and</strong> generateUS$2.75 billion in annual foreign exchange earnings.MICE <strong>tourism</strong> is also being actively promoted, withauthorities seeking to position Colombo as an excitingAverage occupancy rate of five-star hotels2010 76.8 per cent2011 78.7 per centSource: Sri Lanka Tourism Development AuthorityNew hotels 2013• Mvenpick Hotel Colombo, 224 rooms• The Taprobana, Balapitiya, 30 rooms• Club Waskaduwa Beach, Kalutara, 49 suite• Emerald Bay Hotel, Galle, 66 rooms (reopening afterfull closure for refurbishment)New attractions/<strong>tourism</strong> infrastructureColombo Racecourse is a new mall that opened on thesite of a former racecourse on October 20, 2012. It ishome to many shops <strong>and</strong> restaurants.The National Performing Arts Theatre, gifted by theChinese government <strong>and</strong> one of the largest facilities inSouth Asia, opened in early 2012 in Colombo. The theatreis equipped with ultra modern facilities such as an auditoriumwith 1,288 seats, a library <strong>and</strong> training facilities.18 Hairpin Bends on the picturesque K<strong>and</strong>y-Mahiyangamaroad has been redeveloped into a beautiful sixkilometredrive with smooth, spacious bends to negotiatea vehicle. With this redevelopment, 18 Hairpin Bends isrid of its former reputation as a treacherous stretch formotorists. Driving along this new stretch of road offersone spectacular views of the surrounding l<strong>and</strong>scape, withmany places to stop <strong>and</strong> relax. It was reopened for trafficin May 2012.Key events <strong>and</strong> festivals 2013Colombo Navam Perahera, Colombo (February 25)A gr<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> colourful Buddhist pageant held in Colomboevery February, the event reflects the country’s strongreligious <strong>and</strong> cultural traditions.SriLankan Airlines Pro Surf 2013, Arugam Bay (datesTBA)Organised by the flag carrier, this popular annual surfingcompetition sees the participation of more than 125world class surfing experts from Australia, the US, Germany,the UK, New Zeal<strong>and</strong> <strong>and</strong> Japan.Hikkaduwa Beach Festival, Hikkaduwa (dates TBA)More affectionally known as Hikka Fest, this annualbeach music festival is held in the southern coastal townof Hikkaduwa, once a popular retreat for hippies. Theevent draws local <strong>and</strong> foreign music artistes <strong>and</strong> DJs, <strong>and</strong>is usually held in July.Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting (November15-17)To be held for the first time in Sri Lanka, this prestigiousevent is attended by dozens of government chiefs fromthe Commonwealth nations.
Page 1 and 2: PPS 1789/06/2013(022997)2012/2013<s
Page 4: PPS 1789/06/2013(022997)2 ASIAN TOU
Page 7 and 8: ASIAN TOURISM GUIDE 2012/2013 5Bhut
Page 9 and 10: Wherever life takes you,Best Wester
Page 11 and 12: ASIAN TOURISM GUIDE 2012/2013 9Brun
Page 14 and 15: 12 ASIAN TOURISM GUIDE 2012/2013Cam
Page 16 and 17: 14 ASIAN TOURISM GUIDE 2012/2013Chi
Page 18 and 19: 16 ASIAN TOURISM GUIDE 2012/2013Hon
Page 20 and 21: 18 ASIAN TOURISM GUIDE 2012/2013Top
Page 22 and 23: 20 ASIAN TOURISM GUIDE 2012/2013Arr
Page 24 and 25: 22 ASIAN TOURISM GUIDE 2012/2013Con
Page 26 and 27: 24 ASIAN TOURISM GUIDE 2012/2013Top
Page 28 and 29: 26 ASIAN TOURISM GUIDE 2012/2013Mal
Page 30 and 31: 28 ASIAN TOURISM GUIDE 2012/2013The
Page 32 and 33: 30 ASIAN TOURISM GUIDE 2012/2013Mya
Page 34 and 35: 32 ASIAN TOURISM GUIDE 2012/2013Con
Page 36: 34 ASIAN TOURISM GUIDE 2012/2013Sin
Page 41 and 42: ASIAN TOURISM GUIDE 2012/2013 39Tha
Page 44 and 45: 42 ASIAN TOURISM GUIDE 2012/2013Vie
Page 46 and 47: 44 ASIAN TOURISM GUIDE 2012/2013Ins
Page 48: Award-winning journeysto over 100 d

Vital tourism statistics and information on 17 Asian ... - TTG Asia

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?