Singapore Tourism Board targets Cebuano travelers

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu’s upbeat economy, which has in fact outpaced the national economic growth, prompted the Singapore Tourism Board to focus their efforts in marketing the “New Singapore” among Cebuanos.

“Cebu holds tremendous potential. We like to grow the number of Cebuano travelers going to Singapore. We believe that what we offer will be relevant to the Cebauno market may it art, shopping, sight seeing, entertainment, urban-adventure, and others,” said Lynelle Seow, STB area director for Philippines and Brunei.

Seow said while the arrivals of Cebuano travelers to Singapore declined last year, due to the worldwide global financial crunch, she believes that this time, while the economy is starting to recover, Filipino travel enthusiasts, specifically Cebuanos will also start to plan for leisure or vacation escapade in the Asian neighbors.

With its vision to become the world’s “Global City” Seow bared the changes of Singapore, which now has numerous attractions being added to maximize the experience of every tourist visiting the small-country.

“There’s so much to experience in the small little space we have. We don’t just offer diverse attraction and ‘memorable’ experiences to tourists in food, shopping arts, but we offer experiences that fit every tourist’s interest,” she said.

Because Singapore is a small country, Seow said it has to strive to be competitive in terms of attracting tourism. “We are pushing our boundaries further. We have to constantly offer changes, fresh attractions to visitors all over the world.”

Seow, together with Singapore Tourism Board regional director Chooi, Yee-Choong was here in Cebu to officially introduce the “Imong Singapore” promotion in partnership with Ayala Center Cebu.

“We want Cebuanos to re-discover Singapore, and know the country better,” she stressed.

This promo will give Ayala Center Cebu shoppers the chance to win a trip for two to Singapore to enjoy any of the Lion’s City’s special attractions and most-awaited events this year.

From June 12 to July 12, Ayala Center shoppers who spend a minimum of P2,000 worth of single purchase from any outlet in the mall are entitled to one raffle ticket that offers round-trip ticket for two with accommodation, and other attractive prices.

Apart from the Great Singapore Sale 2010 which offers up to 70 percent off on all shopaholic must-haves like luxury brands Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, Tiffany & Co., Hermes, Prada among others, Singapore has also lined up a series of exciting events, activities and attractions each type of traveler who wants to discover his own kind of fun.

Singapore also gives visitors world-class experiences at the newly opened Resorts World Sentosa, with its four first-class hotels, spa, and casino complex, and the world-renowned Universal Studio Singapore.

The iconic Marina Bay Sands will also be a must-see, especially for those who want some taste of Michelin chefs like Wolfgang Puck, among other attractions like diverse culinary choices.