Strong growth in Middle East travellers to Singapore

In total, Singapore welcomed 4.9 million visitor arrivals from January to June 2007, achieving an estimated S$6.4 billion (US$ 4.3billlion) in tourism receipts.

The Middle East region was a major contributor to this trend, with total visitor arrivals growing 23 percent year-on-year. All GCC markets saw more visitors to Singapore compared to a year ago, with strong double digit growth from key markets like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait.

In addition, Iran has also emerged as a dynamic market for Singapore, showing significant growth in visitor numbers in 2007.

"Singapore is benefiting from increased interest across the Middle East, particularly as people come to appreciate its family-friendly, exciting offerings," said Ke-Wei Peh, Area Director for MEA Region, Singapore Tourism Board.

"We welcomed a higher volume of visitors in the first six months of the year from every country in the GCC, and look to see increased growth as more countries discover the unique attractions of Singapore," he added.

Special promotional offers have helped drive interest in Singapore's offering through 2007. A special promotional deal with Sri Lankan Holidays, which enabled travellers flying to Singapore to extend their flight to any point in South India for a limited amount has proved enormously successful.

In addition, until August 15th, tourists can also benefit from a special limited offer from STB and Star Cruises, who are currently offering a 50 percent discount for any accompanying guest on its signature 'Superstar Virgo' cruise ship.

"STB has offered a number of special promotional offers in 2007, which have proved extremely attractive, particularly those which have enabled visitors to make Singapore a key stop on their tours of Asia," said Peh.

The hotel sector also posted outstanding performance with hotel occupancy and room rates at an all time high. For the January to June 2007 period, the Average Room Rate (ARR) grew by 19.5%, while Average Occupancy Rate (AOR) reached 86 percent.