SINGAPORE : The decision to host two integrated resorts is only
one part of the government's overall development plan for the
tourism industry.
Trade and Industry Minister Lim Hng Kiang stressed the move was not
an act of economic desperation.
Indeed, the minister said the Singapore economy was doing
well.
Mr Lim was speaking to reporters after witnessing the launch of a
double MBA programme by Nanyang Technological University and
Japan's Waseda University.
Well before a decision was taken for two integrated resorts, the
government had already spelt out ambitious targets for the tourism
industry.
It wanted to double the number of visitors, and triple the number
of tourism receipts.
Mr Lim said: "The two integrated resorts are not the only
components. We also have other plans to boost the tourism
sector."
The government hopes to increase the tourism sector's contribution
to the economy from the current 3 percent to between 5 and 6
percent.
Now that the resorts have the go-ahead, Mr Lim said Singaporeans
should work hard to ensure the concept works.
He said: "We must make sure Singaporeans take up the jobs. We must
make sure Singaporeans have the right service attitude when they
take up such jobs because tourists don't just come just because we
have a fancy mega-resort. They come for a happy experience, and
that comes with service."
Some 35,000 jobs are expected to be created in the services sector,
including 10,000 within the integrated resorts alone. - CNA /ch