Meeting News - November 10, 2008 - (Page 26)

singapore Named the top international meetings city in the world for the first time lthough it’s the smallest country in Southeast Asia, Singapore is proof that size isn't everything. This small city state is making a big impact on the international business scene. In 2007, Singapore was named the top international meetings city in the world by the Union of International Associations (UIA), as well as the world’s fourth international convention country. The International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA) has rated Singapore as Asia's top convention city nine times in a row and as the third-best convention city in the world for the past two years running. “As far as the meetings went, I think Suntec worked very well,” says Pat Davis, head of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Joint Secretariat. “The facilities, IT, and phones worked well. It was a nice compact venue. We like the under-one-roof concept. It’s a great bonus to be in walking distance of the hotels and the delegates really appreciated that. There is great shopping and eating places nearby as well as great tours for the spouses and people who came with the delegates. All in all, it was a very good experience. The delegates left with a very positive impression of Singapore.” A third year running, Singapore has maintained its ranking by the World Bank Report as the easiest place in the world to do business, edging out the United States, New Zealand, and 172 other destinations. Such accolades are not given lightly. This is perhaps in recognition of the country’s economic dynamism and business ethos. Singapore is home to more than 7,000 multinational corporations, 60 percent of which have their Asian headquarters there. Its economic growth rate in 2007 was an impressive 7.7 percent, and this is projected to grow by around 3 percent this year despite the current economic climate. Singapore is also a leading aviation hub and one of the most well-connected cities in the world, with around 4,300 flights every week from its Changi International Airport to over 60 countries. Singapore is also the world's busiest port, with around 400 shipping lines going to about 700 ports worldwide. Conference. Singapore also made history when it hosted the Formula OneTM Singtel Singapore Grand Prix, which was the world's first night race. Partnering for success Singapore's successes and accolades are largely due to the Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau (SECB)—a group of the Singapore Tourism Board—which offers customized support to business event organizers, corporations, and associations under the BE in Singapore incentive scheme either by incorporating added value to an event program or providing financial grants based on the nature and scale of the event. Launched in 2006, this incentive strategy has attracted some 450 events to Singapore since then. And with exciting new meetings facilities set to open in the next few years such as two brand new Integrated Resorts featuring state-of-the-art convention facilities, luxury hotel space, word-class shopping and dining, and Singapore’s very first casinos, Singapore is poised to keep the buzz going and set the stage for more innovative meetings and exciting opportunities. The perfect host The increasing buzz about Singapore has not gone unnoticed. Its successful track record in hosting international meetings, along with its reputation for efficiency has enabled it to stage a series of high-profile international conferences. One such event is the inaugural Youth Olympics, set to take in Singapore in 2010. Another event that just made its debut in Singapore was ITB Asia, a travel trade show that welcomed some 30 national tourism organizations and over 5,000 delegates. In June 2008, the first ever Singapore International Water Week drew more than 5,000 participants from international organizations and government offices. Other high-profile successes include the Singapore Airshow, the World Economic Forum, Herbalife Asia Pacific, and the Forbes Global CEO Ahead of the curve Singapore's popularity as a MICE destination can be attributed to its East-meets-West culture, world-class meeting and convention facilities, excellent infrastructure and its cosmopolitan setting. At the recent Business Traveler Asia Pacific Awards, Singapore picked up top honors as the best business city in Southeast Asia . And for the For more information Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau (212) 302-4861 E-mail: newyork@stb.gov.sg; losangeles@stb.gov.sg www.visitsingapore-usa/mice http://www.visitsingapore-usa/mice http://www.visitsingapore-usa.com/mice

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Meeting News - November 10, 2008

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