FEWER tourists may be coming but Singapore’s outgoing tourism chief is confident that things can turn around by 2010.
From Mr Lim Neo Chian’s point of view, the opening then of the two integrated resorts (IRs) in Marina Bay and Sentosa, as well as the Gardens by the Bay in Marina South, will be a fillip for the industry.
Tourist arrivals for the first six months of this year were lower than the figure for the same period last year {SEE CORRECTION ABOVE}, putting into doubt whether this year’s target of 10.8 million visitors can be met.
There was also a 0.2 per cent drop in spending by visitors in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year.
“I think what is important is to ask if the slowdown is the result of us losing our competitiveness or our destination appeal,” said Mr Lim, 56, of the industry which employs some 150,000 people.
His own assessment is that the drop in numbers is a result of the current global slowdown.
He added: “All our key markets are facing economic problems, high inflation, slowdown in growth and financial uncertainties in the outlook going forward.”
He is “not too worried” as it is a “short-term” problem.
While the impact will be felt this year and may spill over to next year, he said the goal to draw 17 million visitors to spend $30 billion by 2015 – first announced in 2005 – is still attainable.
Mr Lim, who said last week that he was stepping down, also spoke about his six-year tenure at the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).
Three occasions stood out as most memorable for him:
May 31, 2003, when the World Health Organisation declared Singapore free of severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars);
May 26, 2006, when the Marina Bay integrated resort was awarded to Las Vegas Sands after a “robust and transparent” process {SEE CORRECTION ABOVE}; and
May 11 last year, when Singapore won the rights to host a Formula One race.
There were challenges, of course, such as Sars, which saw tourism grinding to a halt. Still, he viewed that as a blessing in disguise as it allowed him, as the new STB chief then, to rally industry players to focus on longer-term plans.
He noted that it also made the Government realise how important tourism is. “It was very clear during the Sars period when tourists stopped coming and people stopped spending. The city, in many areas, came to a standstill.”
That, to some extent, helped him secure the support to work out a road map to take the industry to the next level.
Successes along the way included the International Monetary Fund and World Bank meetings here in 2006.
But he said that it is time to make way for new blood after spending six years at the helm.
“This is the longest appointment I have ever held,” he noted, adding that his previous stints as Chief of Army, chief of JTC and head of Suzhou Industrial Park were three years each.
Ms Aw Kah Peng, assistant managing director of industry at the Economic Development Board, will succeed him.
He is looking for another job that will give him time to spend with his family, play golf and travel for leisure.
He and his homemaker wife have three children.
“If something interesting comes along, I will be prepared to take on new challenges. I am a little too young to retire,” he said.
weichean@sph.com.sg
SUPPORT FOR MICE INDUSTRY
“Mr Lim Neo Chian’s support of the development of the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibition (Mice) industry has been significant to its growth and progress.
Through the many high-profile events that Suntec Singapore has hosted, I have had the pleasure of working with Neo Chian. His unassuming manner and knowledge of the industry, coupled with his tenacious drive to bring stakeholders together in continuous dialogues, have resulted in Singapore being elevated to a global platform in the Mice industry.
Mr Pieter Idenburg, chief executive of Suntec Singapore
SPIRIT TO OVERCOME CHALLENGES
“He has shown the spirit, sharp decision-making and perseverance as chief of the STB to grow Singapore tourism while facing many challenges. STB plays a role of national importance and is a major economic driver for the country.”
Ms Susan Teh, chief executive of Mount Faber Leisure Group
IMPRINT ON TOURISM LANDSCAPE
“As the tourism board’s deputy chairman and chief executive, he has provided vision to the travel industry and spearheaded many projects that will continue to leave an imprint on the tourism landscape today and in the foreseeable future.
Resorts World at Sentosa has worked closely with Neo Chian in the development of the region’s largest family destination. We have valued his views throughout our journey.”
Mr Tan Hee Teck, chief executive of Resorts World at Sentosa
This article was first published in The Straits Times on September 03, 2008.
