SINGAPORE : More tourists are coming to Singapore and
staying longer since the opening of the country's two integrated
resorts (IRs).
Even though both attractions are only partially opened,
in-bound tour agencies said business has spiked by as much as 40
per cent.
Many tourists are also extending their stays here by another night
or two.
They are also giving other attractions a miss to check out Resorts
World Sentosa (RWS) and Marina Bay Sands (MBS).
One company described the IRs as "exciting properties" which
tourists would want to see "even if they are not complete".
Both IRs have had a slew of hiccups since its opening.
RWS' Universal Studios Singapore lost its main ride, the Battlestar
Galactica, to technical faults barely a week after the theme park
opened in March. The ride remains closed.
Tour East Singapore general manager Yvonne Wong said: "Tourists
just want to have a feel of the theme park first even if it's not
fully open or some rides aren't working, because it's the newest in
the region and has some unique rides."
She said the fact that they cannot try Battlestar Galactica now
doesn't bother them.
"If they like the place, they can come back. The desire is based on
the experience of the whole theme park, and not one or two rides,"
said Wong.
Marina Bay Sands also had problems with its conference facilities
and hotel rooms.
MBS drew flak when it hosted its first event, the Inter-Pacific Bar
Association's 20th annual conference last month. The conflict is
the subject of a legal suit now.
But glitches aside, demand continues to flourish.
Tour agents said most tourists accept that kinks are common when
mega-attractions open.
For now, the more family-friendly RWS appears to be ahead in the
race to woo tourists.
But agents said MBS will put up a tough fight once its SkyPark and
resident show The Lion King opens.
The only question is when. The show's debut is expected to be
delayed, as MBS' theatres will not be ready by
September.
- CNA /ls