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The
Straits Times, 1 Dec 04
Sentosa set to exceed target of 4.6m
visitors
By Serene Goh
Fort Siloso has a new look; more upgraded attractions and new food
outlets soon
IT HAS been a bumper year for Sentosa, as visitor figures look set
to exceed expectations despite ongoing renovation works. The Sentosa
Leisure Group targeted 4.6 million visitors for this year. But by
the end of October, 3.99 million had already been logged. Come the
end of the year, that figure should be up to 4.8 million. The island
has seen a steady rise in visitor numbers in the last two years, jumping
from 3.75 million in 2002 to 4.12 million last year, despite the outbreak
of Sars. 'We will surely surpass our target,' said Mr Ko Eng Wee,
general manager of the group, attributing the increase to a recovering
regional economy and the success of Sentosa's rebranding efforts among
Singaporeans and residents.
The island's revenue has also been healthy. In the financial year
ending March last year, Sentosa's revenue was $56.2 million. The following
year, visitor revenue was down, as tourism was hit by Sars and terrorism
fears, but the $167.5 million Sentosa Cove land sale saw the island's
takings shoot up to $221.1 million.
With equal numbers of residents and tourists visiting Sentosa, Mr
Ko expects visitor numbers to increase by 6 per cent next year as
long as the Singapore economy continues to heal. He also hopes 'revenues
will go in tandem with the visitorship'.
The group's latest effort to boost visitor numbers saw $5 million
being pumped into the redevelopment of Fort Siloso, which was reopened
fully to the public yesterday. The four-hectare area now features
refurbished bunkers, multimedia presentations and high-tech audio
booths. The island's old wax figures, which were part of the Surrender
Chambers at the Images Of Singapore attraction, are now within the
Fort Siloso area. The fort's new retail outlet, The Quartermaster,
also ties in with its military theme, with such items as tin cups
and collectible warplane models going at prices ranging from $3.90
to $399.
More upgraded attractions - as well as new food and beverage outlets
- should be completed within the next few months. Cooldeck, a self-service
watering hole along Siloso Beach, will be opened in the upcoming weeks.
And opening fully by the third quarter of next year is the revamped
Images Of Singapore attraction. Also, the new The Tourism Academy
and The Sentosa Luge, a 650m luge track with an aerial chair lift
cableway from the hilltop to the beach. The new Fort Siloso Tour,
which was launched with the fort's reopening, commemorates the 60th
anniversary of the end of World War II. The tour includes a tram ride
and costs $8 for adults and $5 for children under 12. |
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