SENTOSA is very much a family location - with the other
attractions already on the island being a mix of history, leisure
and entertainment. The integrated resort should maintain this
flavour - a mix of activities that can be enjoyed as a family, and
the emphasis on 'active' rather than 'passive' pursuits would be
ideal. In addition, attractions and facilities that are
youth-friendly so that groups of teenagers can go there alone - for
leisure activities that extend beyond hanging around a mall.
Further, I do very much believe that there needs to be a decent
grouping of free activities that can simply be enjoyed.
For long-term tourism and differentiation, a uniquely Singapore
attraction should form a part of the proposal. Finally, it would be
great to further develop Singapore's event potential with an
exhibition/concert hall that can host shows such as Cirque De
Soleil on an ongoing basis.
- Stephen Wong
Country Manager Singapore,
Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd
THE Sentosa integrated resort is an excellent opportunity for
Singapore to not only embark on establishing a casino on the
island-state for the first time - and in turn attracting greater
tourist revenues - but also to provide a diverse array of
activities that are family-oriented. Many of us would probably like
to see a good mix of entertainment options, including a casino, a
theme park, and restaurants, that cater to a wide array of visitors
- whether they are the rich and famous, business travellers, or
families with children. Whilst attracting foreign visitors will
bring in substantial amounts of tourist revenue for the Republic,
the integrated resort will also serve the local community well by
offering more fun-filled choices for leisure.
If I may place a bet, I would like to put my money on Genting
International, which has Universal Studios as its partner.
Universal Studios, which has its expertise in theme parks, would be
able to draw large crowds, in addition to attracting the ones who
are keen on exploring the casino-related activities offered by the
integrated resort.
- Pramod Ratwani
Vice-President - Asia Pacific and Middle East,
Aspect Software
I WOULDN'T put my money on any of the three bidders ... because I
am not thebetting kind. The three contenders are experienced and
world-class players in their own right. The differentiator will be
how well each contender understands the Asian market and the vision
of the Singapore government.
The Sentosa IR is to be a family-oriented resort. I look forward to
attractions that will appeal to the entire family, from the young
to the elderly. Even those who are less mobile or disabled should
be able to find things that will appeal and cater to them.
Wholesome activities or events where the entire family can
participate together will be ideal. Indeed I hope that the Sentosa
IR will be better known for its wholesome family attractions than
for its gaming halls, an IR Singapore and Singaporeans can be truly
proud of and can market as a wholesome tourist attraction for
families.
- Tan Sek Wah
General Manager,
Green Dot Internet Services
THE Sentosa IR presents a unique opportunity for Singapore on
several fronts. With the right bidder the resort will increase the
time and money visitors spend in Singapore, making it less of a
'stop-over' destination and more of a target holiday destination in
itself. This will create value and add another facet to the current
tourism spectrum. The IR will also contribute to the MICE segment,
attracting major international meetings and conventions and
increasing the number of business travellers.
The challenge for the three bidders will be to strike the right
balance between their target audiences: family, adult and business.
This means ensuring a balanced mix of hotel and convention
facilities, retail and tourism attractions. Above all, this is an
opportunity for Singapore to differentiate itself from the regional
gaming options, staking out its position with a world-class
facility attracting top-drawer tourists and conventioneers.
And in this era of high technology, the needs of the resort go far
beyond the built environment. The successful bidder will have to
give full consideration to creating a world-class communications
infrastructure to support the modern-day business and leisure
traveller, allowing visitors to stay connected with their world
while away from home or office.
- Charles Reed
CEO,
InterTouch Pte
AMONG the three bidders, I personally feel that Genting should be
selected. I would also invest in Genting and Star Cruises. I have
been a Gold Card Player in Star Cruises from the day they started
in Singapore. Genting, as a casino and a theme park in Malaysia has
been very successful. Without fail, every Chinese tourist coming to
Malaysia would visit Genting. Star Cruises' Virgo is a very
successful cruise for tourists and gamblers. Having run Genting and
Star Cruises for years, they understand the needs and wants of
Asians, and the database they have is phenomenal.
Working with Universal Studios, a very startling theme park,
Genting and Star Cruises will make Sentosa very attractive and
exciting. They have also invested in the UK. Many members of the UK
casinos will also come to Sentosa. Star Cruises and Genting also
own Norwegian Cruise Line, from which they will also attract many
customers. Currently, they have marketing offices in India and
China and many other Asian countries. Thus, they are way ahead of
the other two bidders. Genting and Star Cruises are an obvious
choice.
- Ng Kong Yeam
Group Executive Chairman,
Sino-America Tours Corporation Pte Ltd
GIVEN that Marina Sands seems more focused on the convention
business, it makes sense for Sentosa's IR to lean towards leisure
and entertainment. I think the bidder that can provide the most
complete and unique 'family entertainment' destination should come
out tops. Genting International/Star Cruises appear to have an
interesting proposal with a US$1 billion-plus Universal Studios
theme park as an offering. Although Kerzner/CapitaLand may possibly
tie-up with Disney, a fourth Disneyland in Asia does not feel like
an exciting concept.
Despite being an unaccomplished betting man, I would put my money
on Genting/Star Cruises. In addition to the Universal Studios
component, they are well teed-up to deliver a cruise-cum-resort
offering, using Singapore as a cruise base for SEA. We've already
seen a dark horse win the Marina bid, so anything could possibly
happen.
- Deb Dutta
Vice-President of Asia Pacific/Japan,
Brocade
ONE of the best things about being in Singapore is undoubtedly the
food. It is no secret that Singaporeans eat and drink with passion.
Many visitors are drawn to Singapore by the quality and variety of
food available here. It would be promising for Singapore to boost
its reputation as a food lover's paradise. Just like our tourists'
favourites Newton Hawker Centre and Lau Par Sat. The idea is to
house all the hawker-centre variety of food and drinks under one
roof in the integrated resort.
Going on holiday is usually a family affair. And our integrated
resort should be the perfect holiday destination where kids and
their parents can spend a fun-filled day. It should be an enjoyable
trip where kids and parents would always remember.
We want it to be family-oriented and this is good news for Genting,
which is a mass market player with 40 years in Asia. We want a
holiday concept that allows the visitor to enjoy world-class
cruising to Singapore. And onshore at Sentosa, visitors will have
the opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of the local
culture, cuisine and shopping. All these can be mixed and be very
interesting. The experience will differ from that elsewhere,
further enhancing our position of being Uniquely Singapore.
- Dora Hoan
Group CEO,
Best World International Ltd
