SINGAPORE: The view off Singapore's Harbour Front is going
to change as the cable cars stop moving for a S$36m overhaul later
this year.
Mount Faber Leisure Group is investing in a whole new cable car
system which will see 67 new cable car cabins, as well as a
Swarovski-encrusted VIP cabin.
As part of the changes, the cable car rides will be rebranded as
jewel rides. The project will start in the third quarter of 2009
and is scheduled for completion by the second quarter of
2010.
The company hopes to increase annual ridership by 10 to 15 per cent
to 1.7 million visitors when it opens around the same time as other
new attractions in the integrated resort nearby.
It has not set a price for a ride on the new cable car yet - except
to say current prices are about S$20 round-trip, and it wants to
stay competitive.
Alstib Manik, Operations, Mount Faber Leisure Group, said: "We are
confident that there will be a rebound in the economy and also an
increase in visitorship due to the anticipated opening of the
integrated resorts next year."
Speaking at the event to announce the cable car ride revamp, Senior
Minister of State for Trade and Industry S Iswaran urged companies
to continue investing in tourism infrastructure, despite the slump
in visitor arrivals.
He said: "If you wait until the recovery comes before you start
investing, it'll probably be too late. And you'll probably not be
able to catch the surge when it comes again."
From now until August 15, you can catch a nostalgic ride on the old
cable cars, while children under 12 go for free.
During the upgrading works, business at the Jewel Box will not be
affected. Guests will also be able to make use of a free shuttle
service that travels between Sentosa and the Jewel Box.
- CNA/yt
