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Singapore becoming popular tradeshow destination

December 30, 2011

It’s no mystery that meeting planners and show organizers have started thinking globally. As more tradeshows are being held overseas, it’s important that industry professionals take into consideration the economic profile and available commodities that each location offers.

Singapore’s meetings industry, for example, has seen year-on-year growth with the first half of 2011 bringing in an estimated $11 billion, a 32 percent growth from 2010.

“Visitor arrivals, which grew 15 percent to reach about 6.4 million visitors, are drawn by our range of attractions, hotels and amenities,” said Jeannie Lim, executive director of exhibitions, conferences, conventions and meetings at the Singapore Tourism Board. “All components, including shopping, accommodation, food and beverage, sightseeing and entertainment, saw growth.”

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB), which handles all aspects of the country’s tourism marketing and development, has facilitated several new programs to position Singapore as a convention hub for conferences in Asia.

“Our efforts will be bolstered by new and upcoming tourism projects such as the International Cruise Terminal, the River Safari and Gardens by the bay, as well as the continued addition and renewal of existing and new facilities,” said Lim. “These developments diversify the range of event venues available for business and leisure visitors.”

Among the new opportunities and events is the TravelRave event, which features 10 co-located travel and tourism-related meetings. TravelRave included ITB Asia, Aviation Outlook Asia, Word savers Congress and the Asia Pacific Hotel and Tourism Investment Conference.

“We believe this clustering of complementary events creates more opportunities for delegates to conduct business, meet prospective customers or partners and expand their network,” said Lim.

The STB is also doing its best to cater to specific industries, such as the biomedical and healthcare fields. By doing this, the tourismboardgets a chance to work closely with the meeting planners and event organizers to develop events tailored to each industry.

And to help host the growing Meeting, Incentive, Convention and Exhibition (MICE) industries, Singapore has a wide range of meeting facilities to choose from. The Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Center and the Singapore Expo, for example, are suited to fit large-scale events and are conveniently located near hotels and dining. There are also smaller venues available for intimate gatherings, as well as a slew of unconventional facilities such as museums, theaters and gardens.

“The opening of two integrated resorts has added even more options,” said Lim. “Marina Bay Sands, with its dining options and theatres, are attractive options for planners who wish to host their events in the city. On the other hand, Resorts World Sentosa offers unique meetings and incentive facilities that are suitable for many different occasions.”

As the meetings industry in Singapore continues to expand, STB is staying on their toes with new ways to attract meeting and event planners to their destination.

“Looking ahead, Asia continues to be a significant tourism market and an important engine of growth,” said Lim. “By 2020, Asia is expected to account for 40 percent of global tourism.”

Some of the top tradeshows held in Singapore include: