D est i n a t i o n Re p o r t S i n g a p o re i s a s p e c i a l e d i t i o n of M I M m a g a z i n e N o 1 03 - Fe b r u a r y 20 0 9 p u b l i s h e d by M e e t i n g M e d i a Co m p a ny ( Be l g i u m) - w w w. M I M m a g a z i n e.e e .e u
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SINGAPORE AN INCENTIVE CITY WITHIN THE CITY
Singapore An elegant Asian Incentive Tiger
The Marina Bay Sands
Singapore, the elegant Asian Tiger in the Asia Pacific Region has achieved something that only a few cities have done before. They turned a leading congress destination into a leading incentive destination, for many years now. The city is built and equipped to give its visitors a unique experience. This small city-state is not standing still and constantly keeps conjuring up new experiences. What can Singapore offer to incentive organizers in the year 2009? And more importantly, in the future? TEXT MARCEL A.M. VISSERS, EDITOR IN CHIEF
City with a vision When I received the 2007 UIA conference and congress stats in my mailbox last year, I thought: what are the reasons why Singapore suddenly took the lead in the meetings and incentive world? In an exclusive interview in mid 2008 with Aloysius Arlando, he explained all about the Singapore Master Plan. ‘Working with a long term vision - a masterplan for the city – that's the secret to
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our progress and success,' was the answer of this amiable man who's the Assistant Chief Executive of Business Travel and MICE at the Singapore Tourism Board. Hearing Aloysius Arlando speak about future projects for the city-state Singapore is like listening to a fairy tale. And aren't incentive trips a bit similar to fairy tales? Exceptional group experiences? There are presently many projects in Singapore that are worth mentioning.
Equinox
Gourmet SafariXpress
BOOST Funding – Increased funding support for businesses
They went before you
2009 will be the year that Singapore re-invents creatively and will emerge with stronger value proposition for meetings and incentive programmes. To help companies alleviate their business costs, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has
Mr Simon Yeo, Ernst & Young: 'We chose to host the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year World Summit 2005 in Singapore because our experience with the staging of our other events in Singapore has been an excellent one. The government's focus on fostering entrepreneurship is in line with the spirit of Ernst & Young. Our overseas attendees had ample opportunities to network with the local business community.' Dato Dr. Ronie Tan, Vice President and Managing Director of Herbalife Malaysia and Singapore: 'Herbalife chose Singapore for a variety of reasons. One is because of the success we’ve had with our past events. Singapore is also an ideal location because of its strong infrastructure and connectivity which allows us to run large-scale events such as these. Furthermore, the support from the Singapore Tourism Board and various other entities has been a key factor in our decision to hold our events here. Our distributors also love Singapore as it is an attractive destination with a myriad of tourist activities that brings out the best lifestyle experiences.' Sharon Ho, Event Manager, Sales and Operations Dept, Avon Products (China) Co. Ltd.: 'As a vibrant city with many options for team-building activities and gala dinners for great experiences, Singapore fulfills our corporate objectives of motivating and rewarding our employees. Our participants had a memorable time in Singapore and we appreciate the customized service provided by the suppliers and the Singapore Tourism Board.'
Existing BEiS support has now increased up to 50% across business events
enhanced its current assistance schemes and raised its funding support. Through the enhanced BE in Singapore (BEIS) scheme, MICE companies can gain more cost savings, as STB is now defraying a higher proportion of events’ project costs and providing a greater scope of funding support. STB has also provided a 50% reduction over last year’s participation fees for STB-led leisure and meetings industry tradeshows, and waived tourist guide and travel agent licence fees.
What's the largest venue for corporate activities? Corporates who want to organize large events in Singapore, can use two big and particularly multifuntional venues. First of all there's Suntec Singapore, a world-class award-winning facility located in the heart of the city, with access to 5,200 hotelrooms, 1,000 retail outlets, 300 restaurants and the region’s centre for the performing arts, Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay. In short, everything an event planner will ever want, and all within a 15-minute stroll. A second important event location is Singapore Expo, the largest venue in Singapore! This venue, located near Changi Airport, can play host to a maximum of 19,000 delegates in a single session with theatre-style seating. All its 10 multipurpose halls of 10,000 sqm each, totalling 100,000 sqm, are on ground level, with continuous fully linked column free space, high ceilings, heavy floor loading, and covered walkways. Contact: Adeline Keh, Assistant Director MICE Europe Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau (a Group of the Singapore Tourism Board) Singapore Centre, Grand Buildings, 1-3 Strand, London WC2N 5HR T: +44 (0) 207484 2710, F: +44 (0) 207839 6162 www.visitsingapore.com
The Marina Bay Sands - back view
What does an incentive organizer need to know about Singapore? Singapore has a range of dynamic and exciting new developments to offer an exhilarating mix of business and leisure activities for the incentive traveller. 1. A major attraction is still shopping: Orchard Road will see 1.6 billion Singapore dollars being invested over the next ten years to rejuvenate it into one of the world’s greatest shopping streets. 2. Constant entertainment: At the southern tip of Singapore, major construction is underway to expand the city’s new downtown and financial district-Marina Bay. 3. A leisure city: To round up the tourism attractions at Marina Bay, the government is also planning leisure attractions like water sports, and a giant observation wheel is now in function which is bigger and taller than the London Eye.
Incentive Programmes Many of Singapore's offerings centre on Singapore's multicultural heritage, for example visiting typical shops, trying out the local cuisine by tasting it or even preparing it, experiencing traditional massages, or sightseeing on a trishaw. Exciting experiences for larger groups include: + Champagne cocktail flights on Singapore Flyer, the world’s tallest and largest observation wheel + Lunch with the Lions at the Singapore Zoo + Champagne sunset cruise on board a private yacht sailing around the Southern islands + Dragon boat race team-building experience
Singapore Flyer
Singapore Zoo
The Premium Incentive Destination where great things happen: 2010
2010 is a magical year for Singapore. That's when great things are happening that won't leave the incentive traveller untouched. For example, major construction works will be going on then, although you can't call it a building frenzy. They talk about well thought-out developments. Events are created to let visitors enjoy completely new experiences. Singapore is not over-organized or over-disciplined, like some people say. On the contrary, the last few years you can feel a fresh, young vibe. In other words, Singapore has a range of dynamic and exciting new developments to
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offer, an exhilarating mix of business and leisure activities for the incentive traveler.
Great Shopping Orchard Road will see $40 million Singapore dollars being invested over three years to rejuvenate it into one of the world’s greatest shopping streets. A new focal point will be a 56-storeyed building, the tallest building in the vicinity.
A new live, WORK and play environment At the southern tip of Singapore, major construction is underway for the development
of the country’s new downtown financial districtMarina Bay. Marina Bay will be a 24/7 work, live and play environment that integrates residential, business and entertainment facilities. It will also
By 2010, Singapore will have a city-scape that exudes vitality, buzz and excitement be home of the city’s new financial hub, dubbed the Marina Bay Financial Center (MBFC). The MBFC will feature state-of-the-art architecture that will enhance the city’s skyline when completed in 2010.
New Integrated Resorts Also due in 2009 is the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort, while the other is Resorts World at Sentosa, expected to be opened in 2010. The Marina Bay Sands will have a combination of exhibition and meeting space amounting to 120,000m2 in gross floor area. But that's not where it ends. There are three other new and soon-to-be-open hotel and resort properties on Sentosa: Amara Sanctuary, Capella Singapore (opening in the first quarter of 2009), and Movenpick Treasure Resort Sentosa (opening in 2009).
River Safari Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) plans to build Asia's first river-themed animal attraction within the 89-hectare compound of the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari premises. Comprising boat rides, displays of freshwater habitats and other highlights, it will offer a close-up multi-sensory experience. The park is targeted for completion in 2011.
The latest news: Singapore’s Changing Incentive Landscape 1. Singapore’s tourism and incentive
Singapore. Given its size, the venue 3,500 athletes will compete in 26 is also able to accommodate mega sporting categories. With a projected landscape is undergoing a dynamic incentive groups such as those from influx of some 15,000 overseas partitransformation. By the year 2010, AMWAY and Herbalife. In recent cipants/visitors generating 180,000 or Singapore will have a city-scape years, the Singapore Expo has also more visitor nights for Singapore, the that exudes vitality with more buzz hosted a range of new exhibitions YOG presents exciting opportunities and excitement. The two integrated which have good potential for growth. for the tourism industry. resorts, Marina Bay SandsTM and These include The International ApResorts World at Sentosa would have parel Machinery Trade Show or JIAM 3. Currently, the Singapore Expo is commenced operations, along with 2008, and BikeAsia. Singapore's largest exhibition and the new Marina Bay Financial Centre (MBFC) – these developments will convention venue. and it plays a redefine Singapore’s downtown and critical role in accommodating many 4. To ensure that the Singapore Expo is well-positioned to support the growth central business district. of the flagship trade exhibitions, such as Food & Hotel Asia (FHA), Infocomm of the meetings industry and meet 2. The year 2010 also marks Singapore’s Media Business Exchange (IMBX), the future needs of business event hosting of the world’s first summer which forms part of CommunicAsia, organisers and delegates, STB has and International Furniture Fair embarked on plans to upgrade the Youth Olympic Games. An estimated
Gallery Facelift for Suntec Singapore
Convention lobby, Singapore Expo
facilities at the Singapore Expo. In particular, with the evolving format of business events to include more meetings, conferences and seminars alongside exhibitions, the venue is seeing an increased demand for meeting room facilities. To meet this demand, the plan is to add a suite of meeting rooms located over two floors in addition to improvements to the venue’s technical and audio-visual capabilities, as well as enhancements to its façade, landscaping and lighting.
The ArtScience Museum - Marina Bay Sands
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The newest in Singapore: A new world at Sentosa Do new worlds exist? The answer is yes, on the island of Sentosa in Singapore for example. Singapore is not only building for the future, it's also creating experience worlds for its visitors. So, what's the world we end up in then? There's Singapore Island Resort and there's the new project on the island which is called Resorts World at Sentosa. And don't forget the existing attractions that still draw thousands of visitors. Just a small introduction An exciting redevelopment plan to transform the island of Sentosa into Asia’s top family and incentive destination, has been in force since 2002. It has now entered its final phase.
Some highlights are: • Sentosa Express: a light rail system that links Sentosa Island with the North-East-Line at the Harbour Front Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station. • Integrated Family-themed 47 hectares
Another great incentive idea: Café del Mar on Sentosa Island
Resort which comprises hotels, a theme park, casino, retail, dining and recreational facilities (completion in 2010). • New attractions, a 4-D Theatre and Motion Thriller
Resorts World at Sentosa This resort can be summarized in a few words: Resorts World at Sentosa offers a wide array of unique entertainment, educational and leisure activities. They also call it a 'world of joy for everyone' or 'One Resort, Two Mega Attractions'. Spanning 49 hectares, the resort will be home to two major draw cards: Southeast Asia’s first and only Universal
Botanical gardens
Sentosa Express
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Botanic
Studios theme park and Marine Life Park, the world’s largest oceanarium. Actually you only need to know three things to fully enjoy Resorts World at Sentosa. First, there is Escape and Relax: Espa is a six-star destination Spa and wellness retreat with private pools in an tropical landscape. Equarius Water Park is an exciting water theme park. And there is a wide array of F&B locations. Second, Excite and Entertain: Universal Studios Singapore with 24 attractions. There is Marine Life Park, the world’s largest oceanarium, more than seven indoor incentive venues within Resorts World, such as Hollywood Theatre, Movie Studios, and WaterWorld Amphitheatre. There are also
Meeting and incentive venues at Sentosa: 1. Meeting facilities for up to 12,000 delegates, including a ballroom that can host some 7,300 guests - one of the largest in Asia 2. On its premises are also supporting amenities that include comfortable business and media centres, as well as luxurious VIP rooms. 3. A 1,600-seat showroom 4. Compelling programmes that combine the best in entertainment, resort living and business. More than 20 indoor and outdoor incentive venues are available for launching the latest products, or simply hosting the town’s hottest party (groups from 10 to 10,000).
Botanical gardens
Aerial View of Resorts World at Sentosa
Sentosa: Singapore’s Singapore’s Premium Island top starters 1. Resort Sentosa Island is like a destination in a destination. Sentosa-HarbourFront is primed to be a worldclass leisure and lifestyle destination boasting of a multi-concept entertainment hub at St James Power Station, great shopping and dining experiences at VivoCity, Singapore’s largest shopping mall. Let’s make a tour and have a stop at the main attractions. There is Siloso Beach, a long golden stretch of beach for all kind of beach activities. There is Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom. Cable car riding and CineBlast. You can discover a nature paradise (nature walk and dragon trail). And there are dream accommodations. The new ones are: Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa and Siloso Beach Resort. Sentosa Resort & Spa offers award-winning spa treatments at Spa Botanica, a Golf Club and a wide range of dining facilities and bars. Future developments are Capella Singapore (a super luxury resort) to be completed in 2009 and Mövenpick Treasure Resort Sentosa. Discover more about this miraculous world on: www.sentosa.com.sg
more than 10 outdoor incentive venues, which include The ShowPlace, The Bull Ring and FestiveWalk. Accommodation is not bad either, with 6 hotels with 1800 rooms and a Casino. And third: Enrich and Learn is an important part for the organizer. Marine Xperiential Museum, a celebration of Asia’s maritime heritage (the centerpiece is a 360-degree multimedia theatre). And finally there is a range of meeting facilities: with 26 meeting rooms, a plenary hall, a ballroom
Botanical Gardens: a 52-hectare garden serves as both a leisure park and a botanical garden. An idea for the organizer: have your exclusive brunch in an orchid draped restaurant! 2. Zoological Gardens: a multi-award winning zoo. An open concept, learning zoo where 3,200 animals are kept in spacious, landscaped enclosures. 3. Chinese Garden: Imperial gardens with courtyards, inner gardens, a summer palace, a stone boat and bridges… An idea for the organizer: an event with dragon dance and an elegant tea appreciation. 4. Far East Square: an enclosure of old shophouses, now occupied by modern day restaurants, wine bars and pubs. An idea for the organizer: an evening cocktail between the old and new, East and West 5. The Singapore Flyer: towering 165 metres, the Singapore Flyer is higher than the famed London Eye and has 28 fully air-conditioned capsules. Idea for the organizer: a lot of hospitality options range from conference packages, networking nights to VIP or champagne flights.
and the ability to host more than 12,000 delegates concurrently. Contact: Adeline Keh Assistant Director MICE Europe Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau (a Group of the Singapore Tourism Board) Singapore Centre, Grand Buildings, 1-3 Strand, London WC2N 5HR T: +44 (0) 207484 2710 F: +44 (0) 207839 6162 www.visitsingapore.com
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Hotels: Singapore’s Top names An incentive city in a city should be able to present the best of what's available on the hotel market. And there's no shortage of quality hotels in Singapore. On the contrary, making a choice isn't easy, but maybe this will help. 5 Hotels in the area of Suntec Singapore Five partner hotels can be found within a very reasonable walking distance, all of which boast 5-stars and more than 5000 hotel rooms. They provide an additional 101 meeting rooms and 11 ballrooms. Other major attractions in the vicinity include The Esplanade, dining and clubbing at the Riverside, as well as new and upcoming developments, such as the Singapore Flyer, Artscience Museum and the rest of Marina Bay Sands, and Gardens by the Bay.
lar luxury hotel in the city. This hotel is one of the perfect accommodation options for both business and leisure tourists visiting Singapore. The hotel offers 527 rooms and suites to the guests, embedded with immaculate beauty and luxury and offering spectacular views of the harbor and ocean. As grand in size as it is in style, The Oriental Ballroom has a graceful fan-shaped design that echoes the architecture of the hotel itself. Up to 600 guests can gather beneath its beautiful chandeliers. www.mandarinoriental.com
Riverside
Conrad Centennial: 507 rooms The Conrad Centennial Singapore, an award-winning luxury business hotel, is strategically located in the heart of Singapore’s liveliest and largest business, historical, cultural and shopping districts of Marina Bay, Millenia Walk and Suntec Singapore. The hotel is a 31-storey hotel offering 507 exquisitely furnished guest rooms, including 25 suites. The hotel’s meeting and banquet facilities include a wide choice of versatile function rooms and a resplendent grand Ballroom, which can accommodate up to 500 guests theatre style. www.ConradMeetings.com www.ConradHotels.com
Marina Mandarin: 575 rooms Marina Mandarin Singapore is a 5 star business hotel with 575 well appointed rooms. Nestled in the Marina Bay, Marina Mandarin Singapore is surrounded by shopping malls, Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre and the Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay. Hotel Chain: Meritus. The Mandarin Ballroom is grand and pillar-free and can accommodate up to 700 people. In addition to the ballrooms, a series of 12 meeting rooms located on levels 1 and 6 can accommodate smaller business-style gatherings.
The Pan Pacific: 778 rooms Located in Marina Bay, the Pan Pacific Singapore Hotel is adjacent to three shopping malls including Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre and has 778 well-appointed rooms and suites offer magnificent views of the city and harbour while 26 meeting venues are available for events of any occasion. Pan Pacific Singapore Hotel is known for its soaring atrium and renowned for its award-winning restaurants that include Hai Tien Lo for exquisite Cantonese, Keyaki Japanese restaurant for authentic Japanese and Global Kitchen for global gourmet presentations. www.singapore.panpacific.com
The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia: 608 rooms This stunning architectural building is located at Marina Centre, and just diagonally from Singapore’s premier performing arts venue, Esplanade-Theatres on the
The Esplanade
Bay. The hotel has 608 guest rooms and suites featuring views of the bay front and city. The hotel is a popular meeting place offering more than 35,000 sf of space. This includes indoor spaces of a grand, 11,700 sf ballroom, a Grand Gallery, a Frank Stella Gallery and 11 meeting rooms and outdoor spaces of a poolside bar and garden. The building is a Pritzker-prize winning architecture. www.ritzcarlton.com/hotels/ singapore
DMC and PCOs Pacific World Singapore is part of a network of specialist travel companies which operate throughout Southeast Asia. The company was set up in 1989 by Rob and Gillian Guy, together with the network’s founder, Jacques Arnoud. Today, the company is one of Singapore’s leading destination, event and conference management companies. www.pacificworld.com
The Mandarin Oriental: 527 rooms Oriental Hotel Singapore, renamed as Mandarin Oriental Hotel Singapore, is a popu-
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Two other trustworthy names in this department are Tour East, and East West Executive Travellers. www.toureast.net/singapore, www.eastwestplanners.com