PROMOTIONS and special events have been lined up for the year-end Christmas and New Year festive period as the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) tries to shore up tourism numbers.
Yesterday, it unveiled activities built around the Christmas light-up of the downtown shopping belt stretching from Orchard Road to Marina Bay.
The light-up starts tomorrow and lasts till Jan 2.
STB director of leisure marketing and events management Geraldine Yeo said November and December tend to see the most tourists. Last year, the two months accounted for 1.8 million or 17 per cent of the full year's 10.3 million tourist arrivals.
The board has conceded it would fall short of its tourist-arrival and spending targets this year as a result of the global downturn, but it is nonetheless mounting an additional 'push' for this period.
From January to September, Singapore saw 7.6 million visitors, about 3.2 million short of the goal.
And with the recent depressed economic climate, the last quarter of the year is not expected to do as well as last year.
But still, STB hopes the promotions and events can draw visitors, especially those from the region, into spending their Christmas here.
Mr Robert Khoo, the chief executive officer of the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore, said tropical Singapore does have a year-end appeal for tourists, especially to those looking for an escape from the European or Russian winters.
For visitors from the region, the extra events lined up will, it is hoped, be an attraction.
To position Singapore as a value-for-money destination, more than 20 attractions and restaurants have teamed up to offer a 'Kids Holiday Free' promotion, under which any two paying adults can bring in two children under the age of 12 for free.
Participating companies include the Singapore Flyer, Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, the National Heritage Board museums and Hard Rock Cafe.
The Orchard Road Business Association is taking part in a bigger way this year, with events held around this year's 'Sweet Family' theme.
Costumed mascots will saunter down Orchard Road to meet people; booths will sell candy and other items.
Mr Steven Goh, the spokesman for the association, said the aim is to get both tourists and Singaporeans to spend, despite the downturn.
For more information on the events, visit www.visitsingapore.com/publish/stbportal/en/home/apps/event.html
weichean@sph.com.sg
This article was first published in The Straits Times on Nov 14, 2008.
