Destination 2009
by ArabianBusiness.com staff writer on Thursday, 25 December 2008
Sightseeing in Singapore
With it's wealth of tourist attractions, as well as the beauty of the city itself, Singapore has a lot to offer the Middle East business traveller.
It's a known haven for tourists who want to indulge in a shopping spree and also has a plethora of museums, exhibitions and festivals throughout the year.
New events and attractions have also helped drive interest in Singapore's offerings as an incentive destination, including the opening of the Singapore Flyer, the world's largest observation wheel and the first ever FORMULA 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix night race.
There is no shortage of top-end hotels to recommend to clients and the region has the distinct advantage of knowing how to cater to the specific needs of Middle Eastern travellers.
The hotels serve Halal food, have Arabic speaking staff and offer spacious suites. According to Singapore tourism board there has been a 20% growth in visitors from this region, a number which is forecast to increase next year - putting it on the 2009 hot list.
Meetings in the making
Integrated resorts Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World at Sentosa are scheduled to open in 2009 and 2010, in line with Singapore's growing meetings industry.
The $5-billion Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort will feature two 2000-seat theatres, an ArtScience museum, luxury retail outlets, unique dining venues such as the floating pavilions in the Marina Bay, and leisure facilities, including a skating rink and indoor canals.
The next phase of the development includes Singapore's second botanic garden, known as Gardens by the Bay. Occupying an area of 101 hectares, it will focus on mass floral displays and creative plant-based edutainment.
A taste of Asia
Malaysia is set to host a range of international conferences and conventions in the New Year, a great excuse to pencil it in the diary and organise a meeting and incentive trip to remember.
Renowned for its culture, people, cuisine, rainforests and beaches, Malaysia provides a colourful destination for delegates, with plenty of activity options.
• Pacific & Asian Communication Association (PACA) Conference January 10 to 12 www.fbmk.upm.edu.my/paca2009/
• Public - Private Partnerships in Development International Conference January 15 to 16 www.feaconference.um.edu.my
• International Conference on Office Management and Technology 2009 (INCOMT) www.incomt09.com
• American Overseas Dietetic Association Conference 2009 (AODA 2009) April 23 to 25 www.eatrightOverseas.org
• The Sixth Malaysia International Conference on Languages, Literatures, and Cultures (MICOLLAC 2009) www.fbmk.upm.edu.my/micollac
• The Fourth International Conference of Languages, Linguistics and Literature May 5 to 6 www.fpbahasa.ukm.my/SoLLsINTEC09/
• International Conference Human Capital Development (IConHCD 2009) May 25 to 27 www.ump.edu.my/ump/iconhcd
• International Conference on Marine Ecosystem May 26 to 28 www.ekomar.ukm.my/incomes2009/
• Fifth Asian Mathematical Conference 2009 (AMC) June 22 to 26 www.math.usm.my/amc2009
• Fourteenth International Conference on Thinking (ICOT 2009) www.14thinkingconference.com
• World Airline Entertainment 2009 Annual Conference & Exhibition August 19 to 22 www.waea.org
Getting there
Emirates Airline: flies from Dubai, four times daily
Etihad Airways: flies from Abu Dhabi, three times weekly
Qatar Airways: flies from Doha, daily
Singapore Airlines: flies from Dubai twice daily, from Abu Dhabi three times weekly
Visa: GCC citizens do not require a visa
Where to stay
Amara Hotels: www.amarahotels.com
Banyan Tree Bintan, Bintan Resorts: www.bintan-resorts.com
Fullerton Hotel: www.fullertonhotel.com
Pan Pacific Hotel: www.panpacific.com/singapore
New Majestic Hotel and 1929: www.newmajestichotel.com or www.designhotels.com
READERS' COMMENTS
MORE FROM ARABIANBUSINESS.COM
TOP IN MIDDLE EAST TRAVEL & HOSPITALITY
TOP MIDDLE EAST BUSINESS STORIES
ALSO IN MIDDLE EAST TRAVEL & HOSPITALITY
SHARE PRICE CHECK
RELATED STORIES
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
- Getting the right mix
9 Jul '09 | Features - Seasonal service
29 May '09 | Interviews - A passion for people
9 May '09 | Features
Kempinski Hotels SA
- Kempinski Hotel MoE sees July occupancy hit 92%
13 Sep '09 | News - Walk the talk
9 Jun '09 | Interviews




