Travel Agent - December 24, 2007 - (Page 30)

DESTINATIONS PACIFIC/ASIA SINGAPORE SINGAPORE IS IN THE MIDST of two major developments that will have a big impact on tourism to the country. Construction is under way at Marina Bay, a downtown district with residential, business and entertainment facilities at the southern tip of the island. The centerpiece is the $3.3 billion Marina Bay Sands complex, which will have three hotel towers with about 2,500 rooms, including 2,300 five-star Luxury Gardens rooms and more than 100 five-starplus suites. The Marina Bay Sands, expected to be up and running by 2009, will have a combination of exhibition and meeting space roughly 2½ times the size of Singapore’s convention and exhibition center at Suntec City. As for shopping and nightlife, the Marina Bay Sands will contain two 2,000-seat theaters, luxury retail outlets and unique dining venues, like the floating pavilions in Marina Bay. There will also be restaurants helmed by such premier chefs as Charlie Trotter, Alfonso Iaccarino, Hiroyuki Hiramatsu, Pierre Gagnaire, Tetsuya Wakuda and Thomas Keller. The developer and operator of the Marina Bay Sands is the Las Vegas Sands Corporation. Singapore’s other big development, known as Resorts World at Sentosa, is taking place on the island resort of Sentosa, which has Large developments strengthen the island nation’s appeal for families, meetings and other travelers BY MARK ROGERS embarked on a 10-year plan to transform into a destination for families—a project that carries a hefty price tag of $3.4 billion. The familyfriendly spot will offer a variety of attractions, including Marine Life Park, Equarius Water Theme Park and the largest Universal Studios theme park in Asia. It will also have six hotels totaling 1,830 rooms, including Hotel Michael, designed by award-winning architect Michael Graves. Resorts World at Sentosa is slated to be operational by 2010. Singapore’s Iconic Hotels The historic Fullerton Building, built in 1928 and once home to Singapore’s General Post Office, Chamber of Commerce and the Singapore Club, transitioned into the Fullerton Hotel AGENTADVICE “Singapore, compared to many cities in Asia, is very clean and safe; it’s a good city to start with,” says Klaus Billep, president of Universal Travel Systems in Santa Monica, CA. “After Singapore, travelers can work up to Bangkok and other Asian cities that are a little more challenging.” He notes that the Singaporeans are very polite, and given the country’s heritage, almost all speak English. “The city is in a class by itself, served by an excellent airline [Singapore Airlines],” Billep says. “It also has a wonderful airport—what a delight—and a wide choice of luxury hotels offering good value for your money.” Billep observes that the only negative is Singapore’s drive to westernize. “Many of the historic structures were destroyed,” he says. “This has resulted in a city where everything runs smoothly, but, given all the concrete and metal construction, Singapore can sometimes make you feel as though you’re in New York.” RIGHT: A guest room at the Fullerton Hotel in Singapore’s business district BELOW: Resorts World at Sentosa, a family-friendly resort that will encompass several hotels and attractions, is scheduled to open by 2010 30 | TravelAgent December 24, 2007

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - December 24, 2007

Travel Agent - December 24, 2007 Online Now Contents From the Editor Letters to the Editor Contributors Europe: Lyon, the Center of France Two Iconic London Hotels Jazz Up their Top Suites Europe Briefs Mexico: Puerto Morelos on the Riviera Maya Mexico News & Notes Pacific/Asia: Large-Scale Developments Strengthen Singapore’s Appeal to Families, Meetings and Other Travelers Caribbean: Old San Juan’s New Hotel The Cervantes Ritz-Carlton Upgrades, La Concha Reopens in San Juan Peter Island Resort Hawaii: Maui Enhances its Allure for Active and Luxury Clients Las Vegas: Hoteliers and Wholesalers Go Beyond Gaming Las Vegas Briefs Tours: Pacific Northwest Briefs Hotels: News and Packages from All-Inclusives in Mexico and the Caribbean Cruises: Luxury Lines’ Shore Excursions Cover Story: Gerry Cahill Agent Profile: Nancy Nicol, Hawaii Specialist and Hyatt Award Winner Technology: Mailpound’s Customized Marketing Transportation: Boeing’s Anticipated Next Arrival: the 747-8 Intercontinental New York: The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Vegas Travel Week Sofitel’s Two New Brands Travelport Rolls Out Leisure Product Expedia CruiseShipCenters Debuts U.S. Tourism to Israel In the Spotlight Editorial Index Advertising Index Classified Marketplace Trendwatch Special Supplememt: 2008 Portugal Travel Guide

Travel Agent - December 24, 2007

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